Emerson Hughes and his family opened Pet Resorts in Glen Allen in 1972. A few years later, they opened a second location south of the James River at 900 Southlake Boulevard. Their goal has always been to provide a safe, healthy and FUN vacation for Richmond area pets so that you can go on your well-deserved vacation without worrying about your pet. In addition to owning Pet Resorts, Emerson is a long-time volunteer for the Richmond SPCA and is Chairman Emeritus of the Board.

Emerson is currently a Board member at the Better Business Bureau and Bank of Essex. He also is a design and operations consultant to many other boarding facilities and animal shelters and for many years has served as a Choral Director and tenor soloist around the Richmond area. Emerson has owned many dogs and cats through the years and is now the proud owner of a Boykin Spaniel named Sunshine.

Through the years many amenities have been added so that Holiday Barn is truly a premier resort for pets. Today, guests can enjoy a busy activity schedule filled with play time, walks, swimming (Glen Allen only), Frosty Paw Frozen Treats, delicious room service and spa treatments (baths and trims). In fact, customers frequently comment that their pet is going to have a fancier vacation than they are!

In 2004, Emerson turned the day-to-day operations over to his son, Michael. Prior to becoming Holiday Barn's "Head of the Pack", Michael owned and operated a successful Invisible Fencing dealership.

(RIGHT) Emerson Hughes grilling fresh turkeys seasoned with herbs de provence for his canine Thanksgiving guests.

Emerson and Michael Hughes believe that it takes a very high quality staff to provide a loving and secure vacation for pets. Each Holiday Barn Resort is manned with a well-trained, highly professional Full-Time staff and many Part-Time animal lovers are employed during peak vacation seasons. Our staff goes through an in depth training program and may become a "certified pet care technician" through the American Boarding Kennel Association.

You can rest assured that your pet's health and happiness will be closely monitored while he or she is vacationing at Holiday Barn. Your pet will get a lot of attention and don't be surprised if you find your pet spoiled upon your return!

Meet some of the people who will make sure your pet has a great vacation!