Renovated Lafayette dog boarder gets new name, ShowBiz Dog Resort

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — New ownership means a fresh coat of paint and updated services at the dog boarding center previously known as Pooch Palace – now called ShowBiz Dog Resort.

Mike Switzer recently purchased Pooch Palace with plans to renovate the building along with expanding the dog-care services offered. When it was Pooch Palace, the offered services included day-camp, over-night boarding and grooming. ShowBiz Dog Resort will have all of that as well as dog-training classes.

"My dad has always been very passionate about taking care of dogs," Ella Switzer, Mike's daughter, said, "and they've been a huge part of his life...We've always really enjoyed caring for dogs and it's always kind of something we thought we'd want to do.

"And especially because there's just such a big need in Lafayette for places (for dogs) because everyone else around here is so full that people can't get their dogs in. So, we'd like to provide another safe, happy, healthy place for them to come stay."

There was only about one day where ShowBiz Dog Resort was closed while the transfer of ownership took place. Despite renovations, such as new coats of paint, replaced floors and more dog toys and accessories being added, ShowBiz Dog Resort is open for business.

While it is currently open for business, a grand opening celebration will be held once all renovations for ShowBiz Dog Resort are completed.

"We'll do that here in the near future," Mike said. "Once we get (renovations) all established like we want to do it."

Renovations will extend to the outdoor-backyard area of the facility as well. While the dogs are in the play room, the backdoor is open, which leads to a fenced-in back-yard outdoor play area. This space in particular will see changes in regards to entertainment for the dogs as well the structure of the space.

Dogs who like to pull will soon have some pull-ropes to enjoy outside. The renovation of the outdoor flooring will also make play easier and safer for everyone.

"There's a wooden fence out back, listen, that's coming down," Mike said. "We'll put in vinyl. We're gonna pour concrete out back with the turf over it (so it's not) on dirt."

Vaccinated dogs are welcome at ShowBiz Dog Resort; however, in order for them to interact with dogs during group-play time, they must pass an assessment to ensure everyone's safety.

"As long as they're fully vaccinated for what they need (and) if they pass their assessment, they can be (in group-play,)" Ella said. "We'll just kind of bring (the dog) in and see what their style of play, what they enjoy doing is. We'll see how well they work with different kinds of dogs. And if they pass, which is basically like there's no fighting, they're nice to other dogs, they're not causing problems, we'll find that group that they enjoy being with."

Additionally, spayed and neutered dogs are not required, but preferred, in order to participate in group-play. All dogs, no matter their spay/neuter status, are welcome to board overnight at the facility.

A total of 14 rooms are within ShowBiz Dog Resort that can hold up to around 28 dogs. There are no kennels in the facility, but instead rooms with doors that include bed(s), a camera and TV.

Michael previously worked in the autobody shop industry, but his passion for dogs inspired him to commit to ShowBiz Dog Resort.

"We could have the greatest facility in all that stuff in the world but it really just comes down to service," Mike said, "and people bring their dogs in there, (they) want the safety and security of the service that we're gonna provide...We hope to have the best facility and the best service."

Future plans for ShowBiz Dog Resort include potential adoption events, especially at the grand opening aimed for September this year.

Participation in full day-camp is $26; half day-camp is $18; boarding is $60 per day plus an additional $30 per day per additional dogs being boarded. Training and grooming costs will vary depending on the dog's needs.

While ShowBiz Dog Resort's website is not currently up, dog owners can make reservations and find out more information about the services offered at 765-250-4049 or by visiting the facility at 35 Beck Lane in Lafayette.

Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Renovated Lafayette dog boarder gets new name, ShowBiz Dog Resort