Play With Des

My 18-​month-​old pup Sasha is everything. One of the most important things I had to figure out before moving to Hong Kong from the States was finding a trustworthy pet sitter, when traveling for business or on holiday. I spent more than a few hours Googling dog boarding facilities and as soon as I landed upon the Play with Des page, I was reasonably sure I had found ‘the one’.
Play with Des offers kennel-​free boarding at a family home in the New Territories, where it is incredibly green and peaceful and leafy. Unlike 99% of the boarding facilities in HK — Sasha gets to breathe in fresh air in the countryside, get taken on legitimate nature hikes, go outside 5 – 6 times per day, and romp around in a safe, fenced-​in environment. While inside the house, he can make himself at home — and he often does, as sometimes I’ll spy a photo of him relaxing on the sofa. Like a boss!
Sasha LOVES being around other dogs, and he can count on there always being several furry friends to play with and socialize. And I love Sasha staying at Play with Des, because no matter where I am in the world, I can wake up and see my dog happy and thriving via Play With Des’ prolific Twitter stream. How awesome is that?
The couple that runs Play with Des — April and Robin — aren’t just savvy business owners; they’ve become real-​life friends whom I’ve shared a meal with and enjoy seeing when they pick-​up and drop-​off Sasha. They’re warm, big-​hearted, fun to chat up, and their love of animals is obvious to anyone they meet. Their business’ name — Play with Des — is named after April’s rescue dog, a sweet and gentle boy named Desmond. I completely trust Sasha in their care, and I’ve never seen Sasha more sad to leave a boarding facility. And when they pick him up? He’s jumping up all over them, ecstatic to know he’ll soon be spending a few days (or weeks) in doggy paradise! Now that’s one hell of a terrific testimonial, coming directly from Sasha.
Here’s what you need to know:
+ Get acquainted with Play with Des rates and info via their detailed website (
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+ Email April with dates of care needed and vaccination records (the site specifies which ones are required)
+ Prepare your dog’s food and also pack a bed or favorite toy, if desired
+ Someone from the Play with Des family will pick up your pup at your home
+ Stay off the internet during your holiday except to check out the photos of your dog looking blissfully content
+ Settle back in at home after your trip, and wait for your dog to be dropped off!
Play with Des is such a life-​changer. And for the record, their rates are completely reasonable for the comprehensive care and unlimited love your furry friend is receiving. So happy I’ve found Sasha’s home away from home!