From Private Chefs to Pet Spas: How the Ultra-Wealthy Spoil Their Pets
The average pet owner might splurge on a pricier treat a few times a year, a new collar, or a fancy toy. But if you’ve got the big bucks, no expense is spared. From custom-built dog mansions to personal chefs for their furry companions, luxury pet care has become a booming industry, offering services that go beyond what most people could imagine. Here’s a look at how the rich and famous treat their pets to the high life.
1. Personal Chefs
Forget kibble: For the ultra-wealthy, pets dine on gourmet meals prepared by personal chefs. The late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld famously pampered his beloved cat, Choupette, who reportedly had her own personal chef who prepared meals including pâtés and specialized kibble mixtures. Here’s what we really want to know: Did she eat at the dining room table?
2. Luxury Pet Hotels
Luxury pet hotels actually exist, offering services such as private suites, spa treatments, and even flat-screen TVs. At the D Pet Hotel, which has locations in Arizona, California, and Texas, pets enjoy chauffeur services in luxury cars like Lamborghinis and Bentley SUVs, along with in-room meals and pampering sessions that include massages and — get this — paw-dicures. How cute.
3. Custom Pet Mansions
Some wealthy pet owners go to extreme lengths to create comfortable living spaces for their pets. Model and actress Rachel Hunter reportedly built a $30,000 dog house complete with air conditioning, hardwood floors, and a chandelier. Talk about being pampered!
4. Private Jets for Pet Travel
Many wealthy pet owners fly their companions on private jets, ensuring their pets have a comfortable and stress-free journey. These private flights offer luxury seating, personalized in-flight meals, and attentive care — which sounds a lot better than being in a crate shoved in cargo.
5. Designer Pet Fashion
Dressing pets in designer outfits is another way the wealthy pamper their four-legged friends. Brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Hermès offer pet accessories and clothing that can cost thousands of dollars. In August 2024, Dolce & Gabbana released a $104 dog perfume that comes with a dog collar and tag. So chic.
6. Pet Spas and Wellness Treatments
Wellness isn’t just for humans. Pets of the rich enjoy regular visits to luxury pet spas, where they receive treatments like facials, mud baths, and aromatherapy. Some spas even offer acupuncture and massage therapy for pets, ensuring they live stress-free and comfortable lives. Celebrities like Mariah Carey are known to treat their pets to weekly spa days that rival human wellness retreats.
7. Pet Birthday Parties
Throwing elaborate birthday parties for pets has become a trend among the rich. In 2021, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas threw a party for their German Shepherd Gino, complete with a custom cake made from dog treats. Other pet parties have featured pet-friendly buffets, entertainment, and custom outfits.
8. Luxury Pet Health Care
In a country where health care for actual humans can be abysmal, luxury pet health care is pretty mind-boggling. And yet, it exists: The rich often have personal veterinarians who make house calls to provide check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments. Some even hire specialists to oversee their pets’ health full-time, ensuring they receive the best possible care. Luxury health services like pet stem cell therapy or rehabilitative hydrotherapy are becoming popular among those who can afford cutting-edge treatments for their pets. Imagine that.
9. Estate Planning for Pets
Some ultra-wealthy individuals go as far as leaving a significant portion of their wealth to their pets in their wills. Leona Helmsley, a billionaire real estate mogul, famously left $12 million to her dog, Trouble, ensuring the dog would live in luxury for the rest of its life. Estate planning for pets has become more common among the rich, with some setting up trusts to provide lifelong care for their beloved companions.
10. Private Pet Trainers
Wealthy pet owners often hire private trainers to ensure their pets are well-behaved and in top physical shape. These trainers offer one-on-one sessions, teaching pets everything from basic obedience to advanced tricks.