Perched on the floor, a dog cocks his head, listening intently to his owner's voice, which is filtering through the telephone a worker holds patiently next to his ear. Though it's not clear whether the pup understood, when the staff member returns to the call, the owner seems more at ease. According to hospital manager Nicole Pierre, putting four-legged friends on the phone is just one way the crew at Homestead Animal Hospital comforts guests and patients—and their owners.

The kennel staff escorts overnight guests to the boarding area, which was recently expanded and renovated to look like a cartoon town. Each private dog condo has its own mailbox and welcome mat, letting pooches continue to feel at home. Cat condos are two levels tall, with window perches that allow felines to observe one another as they lounge. As staff members supervise, all guests romp in species-specific play areas with obstacles that challenge all four legs, soft areas to wrestle upon, and perches to perfect pouncing postures.

Veterinarians employ technologically advanced tools to foster good health among furry companions. Digital x-rays impart almost immediate images, and laser-assisted surgeries minimize discomfort and healing times. Techs walk from an in-house lab, which shortens the waiting time for test results, past an x-ray machine for analyzing pups’ internal health and a high-tech bandanna for analyzing external cuteness.