When Janet and Al Domrase, owners of Alden’s Kennels in Ringwood, shifted from dog breeding to other services, they talked with customers and studied their competition.

“With the economy in a downturn, we had to be different. We saw places doing day camps, and downtown there were spas. So we remodeled, and decided to do the ‘ultimate vacation,’” Janet Domrase said.

This year, about a quarter of Domrase’s boarding customers added the ultimate vacation option, up from just a few last year. For an additional $15 a day, on top of the standard boarding fee, the ultimate vacation package offers day trips to groomers, pet spas and resorts like Gypsy Glen K-9 Kastle Pet Resort or Camp Bow Wow. Domrase also creates a video on Facebook for customers to share.