Our pets deserve nothing less than the best.

by Grayling Holmes / portrait and photos by John Lore

If this article caught your eye, it’s probably because you’re a pet parent. Doggies and kitties are the world’s most popular pets with a combined 844 million of them globally. There are 68 million dog owners in the U.S. and 560,000 of them live in the St. Louis metro area. One in four people own a dog, followed closely by cats. We love our dogs and cats. We treat them as we would want to be treated –- we try to give them the best. Jessica Cooke, owner of Yuppy Puppy, has elevated that care to a whole new level. They are fast becoming the gold standard in pet care –- overtaking other luxury pet care establishments in St. Louis.

Jessica has created an elegant spa and resort for pampered pooches…and fine felines. Yes, Yuppy Puppy is one of the few places that cater to every need of both dogs AND cats. Most establishments do not. Her upscale pet resort has wings for both canine and feline fur babies. Every inch of Yuppy Puppy is designed to envelope one’s precious in luxury.

A guest gets the royal treatment in the Yuppy Puppy grooming salon.

“Twenty-two years ago, I was watching an episode of ‘Will & Grace,’ and Jack had to take his cherished dog to the groomer. He took her to Yuppy Puppies and the name stuck with me,” Jessica said. “I researched it and was delighted to find out that it was a fictitious name, so I trademarked it.” She envisioned a place where pets could go for the ultimate care, whether it be for grooming, day care or a staycation while their mommies and daddies were away.

“I’ve been grooming dogs since I was 15,” she said. Because of that, the 31-year veteran was able to breathe life into the Yuppy Puppy vision. She created a luxurious, state-of-the-art boarding, grooming, training and playcamp facility.

Custom designed, Yuppy Puppy has created an environment that permeates the souls of their four-legged guests. It treats pets like they are super humans with heightened senses who can take in every sight, sound, smell and touch in a way that mere mortals cannot. Yuppy Puppy maximizes everything for them, creating a holistic, comfortable and safe setting for all four-legged friends.

Yuppy Puppy treat cart has nothing but the best for pampered pooches.

From the time you enter, you and your compadre will notice a difference. Total luxury awaits. Awash in pink, the spa’s signature color, one is immediately greeted with brightness by humans and the soothing color for fur babies. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not see the world exclusively in black and white. They see some colors. In a dog’s eyes, pink is translated into a soothing beige or brown. Because of its muted, neutral tone, it evokes feel of calm, relaxation, comfort and tranquility –- everything one could want when embarking (pun intended) on visit to a resort.

“Pink makes humans smile and pets feel at home. It is my signature color here at Yuppy Puppy,” Jessica said.

Pet parents are greeted by Yuppy Puppy concierge staff who at once make them feel welcome and at ease. “I hire only unicorns here,” remarked Jessica. “I seek out people who are equally as good with people as they are with pets. They must be as fluid in human as in dog and cat language. After all, it is the parents who are entrusting their precious bundles with us, and they must know that we will coddle them with care. That must be communicated from the get-go and carried through throughout the pet’s stay with us.”

Jessica greets pet parents alongside her concierge staff.

Posh elegance greets you everywhere. From the waiting room with lush velvet fuchsia settees to the old-fashioned treat cart filled with goodies, to the veritable cornucopia of collars and sundry supplies and toys, every need of the pampered pet has been anticipated. Yuppy Puppy has even has a boutique section with frou-frou dresses to fill the closet and tickle the fancy of the most discriminating canine girl.

Whether sitting in the vestibule with your pooch or puss on your lap or at your fee or browsing the boutique area, you will at once embrace the Yuppy Puppy difference. When guided back to the salon area your eyes at once see a striking floor-to-ceiling image of a fabulously groomed dog who looks like royalty. “Every canine or feline guest here is treated like the king or queen that he or she is and that image conveys it,” Jessica said of the striking wallpaper that looks like a framed museum painting.

Each fur child on a grooming table is treated with kid gloves by expert groomers. From the long-haired show dog to the curly Doodle or Standard Poodle, to short-haired Chihuahuas, a pricey Pug or a rescue, licensed groomers shampoo, brush, comb and clip to perfection.

“Yuppy Puppy is fully certified by the Pet Care Services Association, which used to be called the American Boarding Kennel Association, the ABKA,” Jessica said. “That means that in addition to just being expert at boarding, we adhere to a wider range of pet care including dog daycare, training, and grooming.” She went on to explain that she is a licensed groomer, much like human hair stylists are licensed. “You would never consider going to an unlicensed beautician, why would you take your fur baby to one? Unfortunately, in Missouri, there are no certification laws, but like the rest of the resort we take every facet of your pet’s care seriously.”

And it shows. Walking back further, you are surrounded by soothing music. You and your companion again get the feeling that you are in a fancy resort ready for a dream vacation. To your left another Yuppy Puppy “unicorn” is carefully preparing meals in a spacious room. Patrons can bring meals from home or entrust that guests will receive only the most nutritious foods. “I’m a firm believer that kibble, even the best brands, are nothing more than expensive cereal. We provide the freshest, most nutrient rich foods for our guests,” Jessica said.

Yuppy Puppy provides the freshest, most nutrient rich foods for their guests.

In the west wing of Yuppy Puppy, kitties are boarded in private rooms. In the east wing, doggies are kept. They provide 24/7 surveillance to ensure round-the-clock care, safety and security. For your peace of mind, they have installed a security system and surveillance cameras throughout the premises of the pet hotel. As always relaxing, tranquil music is played across the entirety of Yuppy Puppy so all guests can feel at ease while enjoying the luxury amenities of their home-away-from home.

Some guests come for what Yuppy Puppy calls playcamp during the day when mommy or daddy are at work. There’s always something to do. “Whether in one of their three play yards or enjoying a fun time in our doggy dance area it’s always a doggone good time here,” said Jessica.

“I have built something special here. I have designed a canine paradise that even my five pampered pooches Tiffany, Blueberry, Cherry, Plum, Maddox, and Banner love. And so will your precious doggies or kitties.”

Yuppy Puppy currently has two locations, one in O’Fallon, Missouri, the newest in Cottleville, Missouri, yuppypuppyspa.com.

Getting the Royal Treatment