The first fully licensed, cage-free dog boarding facility in the nation, Paradise Pet Ranch Resort pioneered the idea of offering a “home environment” for dogs, complete with sheepskin pads for dozing and constant human companionship in a sprawling, stylish property. But the 17-year-old business, owned by husband-and-wife team Kristyn Goddard and Brian Kneier, is further set apart by the popular swimming lessons it offers to dogs of any shape or size. After outfitting the Sun Valley–based boarding facility with wading pools, waterfalls and over-the-water cabanas at “Bora Bora Beach,” offering doggie swimming lessons seemed only natural. After being fitted with life preserver jackets, your pooch can learn how to dock-dive and boogie-board, which you can watch on the property's webcams through its website. “Big Pool” playtime for an extra charge also is available. “So many people say they never traveled until they found us,” says aesthetics manager Penny Whisler. Now Fido can hardly wait for you to pack your bags and leave town already. 10268 La Tuna Canyon Road, Sun Valley. (818) 768-8708, paradiseranch.net. —Liana Aghajanian

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