Webster spa caters to pets

WEBSTER, TX (KTRK) -- It's just another day at the Pet Palace, as the limo pulls up to drop off some four-legged friends, and while Owner Angela Bivens admits, this vehicle has become a moving billboard, it certainly won't break the doggy bank.

"We do the Clear Lake area for $25, which is pretty reasonable, since we drive to pick up your babies in a five-mile radius and drop them back for $25. Outside of the five-mile area, then it's a $55 charge," says Bivens.

She and her husband Darrell Bivens co-own the business.

"Luxury is the bottom line, and we came up with the slogan that 'your pet deserves the best,'" Darrell says Bivens.

After years of a successful pet-sitting business, the couple decided on building a facility. It would be either the Pet Ponderosa or Palace, and they decided on the latter, even though it's challenging to keep everything polished and shiny like a palace.

"Chandeliers come to mind, and crown molding, and granite counter top. We got online and started looking up pictures of Buckingham Palace," says Bivens, and the dcor went from there.

As over-the-top as the Pet Palace sounds, the Bivens say, it's for all dogs, from all walks of life, and convenience is key.

"They offer everything I need for my pet. It's a one-stop shop," says customer Lisa Ramsey.

At one location, clients can find boarding, grooming, training, daycare, and pet supply services.

What makes the Palace really special is after 11 years, they still keep it in the family. The Bevins' daughter Stephenie Schneider is a mom and nurse and still finds time to help out.

"It's hard to leave. We have such a great time as a family, and we love what we do," says Schneider.

Even their teenager, Rachel participates.

"Most of the time after school, I come here. I help out. I train the dogs with my dad," she says.

Bivens adds, "Darrell and I feel very strongly about family businesses. We both worked for corporations for many years. We're in it because we love dogs, we care about what happens to dogs,and we want them to have a great experience. And being in a family business, you can make sure those things happen."

They say they don't want loyal customers. They want raving fans, and that's exactly what they've found in Denise Barberis.

"They really love your animals, and they make you feel like you're the only customer they have, but when you talk to the other customers, they feel the same way," Barberis says.

And that's something even for the pets to bark about.