La Guauderia Dog Hotel & Park – your dog is never alone.
By Sheila Madsen, February 2025
La Guauderia, in Spanish, means nursery or day care, and that’s exactly what the owner Paulina Elias promises. Your dog will have the very best care and will never be alone.
Paulina Elias and Taylor.
Paulina has two dogs and really never felt comfortable dropping them off with a dog sitting service. She had this vision of a space where dogs could play, could sleep, be bathed, and were never alone. She started with a blank slate and has built from an empty lot a wonderful, happy environment for dogs. In addition to her six employees, Paulina hired three veterinarians: Andrea Bernal, Marcos Lopez, and Alexa Tamayo.
I was there for two hours and never heard a dog bark. It sounds unbelievable but it’s true- that’s the way Paulina and Veterinarian/dog trainer Andrea Bernal have designed this dog haven – and it is indeed a haven, all is calm. Truly a happy place.
Veterinarian and trainer, Andrea Bernal, with her three-legged rescue dog, Tara.
Here’s how the hotel and dog park work: it’s a lot like a visit to a new doctor – it’s a one-time only examine and questionnaire. The staff inputs all the owner’s contact information and details of the dog – age, weight, and the dog’s medical history. Your dog must have all required vaccinations [ for a least 4 months] any injuries disclosed and the staff will want a description of his/her personality. Once that is complete, the dog is ushered into a secure area where a vet will do a “psych” analysis – it’s really a socializing evaluation – friendly, “likes to share”, “plays well with others”, very active or very calm and enjoys a siesta. Think kindergarten. Based on this evaluation, the staff then knows where your dog belongs – in a playful active area, or it’s best to be with other dogs who are maybe calmer and not up to shenanigans. If the owner is satisfied with all of these first steps, then the owner leaves. Owners are not permitted to visit their dogs; it’s one of the main reasons all the dogs remain tranquil and are not barking with excitement. They have each other and probably two supervisors.
Veterinarian, Marcos Lopez giving Fluffy a lovely warm bath.
The night-time quarters are deluxe. Each dog has its own cozy sleeping cubicle with a gate, of course. And to complete the luxury experience there is air conditioning, music and a tv! Nothing is too good for ‘Luna”. Never alone – there is a vet and a supervisor on staff all night.
At this point, you are wondering how much does all this cost? A day pass at La Guauderia is $250 for a small dog [depending on the weight] and $350 for medium to large sized dogs. If you want “Lola” to have a bath, that’s another $100. Sleep -overs are $400 for a small dog and $500 for medium to large dogs – and a free bath is included! Pick-up and delivery are included in this price. The hotel for seven nights, is seven times the cost of the day pass plus you get an extra night for free. You are invited to bring your dog food or La Guauderia will supply it – owner’s choice.
Veterinarian Alexa Tamayo and Oggie – your dog is never alone.
This delightful day-care can accept up to 40 dogs – again depending on size. It really felt like kindergarten – the freedom to run, romp and play with “no bad dogs”- just generous and loving teachers wanting to give you a marvelous day or night.
[La Guauderia Hotel & Dog Park is located on Ave. Tiburón #1602, between Sunny Buns and Oxxo. It’s best to contact the owner Paulina Elias via WA, 669 473 6076, Paulina is bilingual. Pick-ups for your dog are from 8 am – 9 am, and drop-offs are from 3:30 pm. – 4:30 pm. Monday to Friday; Saturdays 9 am to 3 pm., closed Sundays. There are a few caveats: La Guauderia will not accept bitches in heat, dogs with fleas or super-aggressive dogs. Please note La Guauderia is not a rescue/refuge shelter. Follow on Insta – @laguaurderia.mzt]