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Best of Bay 2024 Winner · 4.8 Stars · 600+ Google Reviews
What to Look for in Pet Care
Not every pet care facility is created equal. Here are 16 things that separate the good from the great — and how Animal Friends stacks up.
The Comparison
Click any row to learn more about why each feature matters for your pet's safety and comfort.
| Feature | Animal Friends | Average Pet Care |
|---|---|---|
|
24/7 Live Camera Access
Watch your pet anytime from your phone. Our live camera system covers play areas and boarding suites, so you always know your pet is safe and happy — even at 2 AM.
|
✓ | Rare |
|
$106K Solar + Battery Backup
Our $106,000 solar power system with three battery banks keeps the entire facility running for 48 hours with zero sunlight and zero grid power. Lights, climate control, water pumps — everything stays on. No generator fumes, no fuel dependency.
|
✓ | ✗ |
|
Private Deep Well
We never depend on city water. Our private deep well with water purification ensures clean, fresh water for every pet — even if the municipal system fails for months, like it did after Hurricane Michael in 2018.
|
✓ | ✗ |
|
Daily Photo Updates
Every pet gets premium filtered photos sent directly to their owner. Our photo system applies professional color grading, watermarks, and even detects coat color for the perfect look. You'll never wonder how your pet's day is going.
|
✓ | Rare |
|
FurPlan Membership
Monthly plans starting at $47/mo for small dogs and $40/mo for cats. Members get 2 baths per month, the Best Friend Package, 50% off one haircut a month, 10% off one boarding stay or daycare visit a month for your FurPlan pet(s), and more. $29.99 enrollment. Over 30 active members and growing.
|
✓ | ✗ |
|
Photographed Every Visit
Before, during, and after grooming photos with premium watermarks. Every visit is documented so you can see the transformation and share the results with friends and family.
|
✓ | Rare |
|
Commercial Agility Park
Real commercial agility equipment — not a patch of grass with a plastic tunnel. Ramps, jumps, weave poles, and A-frames where dogs can exercise, build confidence, and have the time of their lives.
|
✓ | ✗ |
|
Text Message Updates
Real-time SMS updates during your pet's stay. Know when they eat, play, and sleep. No calling to check in — we come to you with proactive updates throughout the day.
|
✓ | Rare |
|
4.8 Stars / 600+ Google Reviews
The highest-rated pet care facility in Bay County. 600+ real Google reviews from real clients with a 4.8-star average. Our reputation isn't built on advertising — it's built on results.
|
✓ | Varies |
|
Founded 2013 — 13+ Years
Over 13 years of continuous operation in Panama City. We're not a startup or a franchise — we're an established, locally owned business that has survived and thrived through everything Bay County has thrown at us, including a Category 5 hurricane.
|
✓ | Varies |
|
Hurricane Proof
We survived Hurricane Michael (Cat 5, 2018) with 73 pets in our care — every one safe. Then we invested $120,000 in solar, battery, and water infrastructure to be ready for the next one. Read the full story →
|
✓ | ✗ |
|
Background-Checked Staff
Every employee is background verified before they ever touch an animal. Your pet is in trusted hands — always.
|
✓ | Varies |
|
Pet First Aid Certified
Our staff is trained in pet first aid and emergency response. If anything happens, we know exactly what to do while we get your pet to a vet.
|
✓ | Rare |
|
Separated Play Areas
Dogs are grouped by size and temperament in separate play areas. Small dogs aren't mixed with large dogs. High-energy pups aren't paired with shy seniors. Every dog gets the right environment for their personality.
|
✓ | Varies |
|
Climate Controlled
Every boarding suite and play area is climate controlled year-round. Florida heat in summer, cold snaps in winter — your pet is always comfortable.
|
✓ | Varies |
📹 24/7 Live Camera Access
AFPC ✓Others: Rare
Watch your pet anytime from your phone. Our live camera system covers play areas and boarding suites, so you always know your pet is safe and happy.
☀️ $106K Solar + Battery Backup
AFPC ✓Others ✗
Our $106,000 solar power system with three battery banks keeps the entire facility running for 48 hours with zero sunlight and zero grid power.
💧 Private Deep Well
AFPC ✓Others ✗
We never depend on city water. Our private deep well with water purification ensures clean, fresh water even if the municipal system fails for months.
📸 Daily Photo Updates
AFPC ✓Others: Rare
Every pet gets premium filtered photos sent directly to their owner with professional color grading and watermarks.
💎 FurPlan Membership
AFPC ✓Others ✗
Monthly plans starting at $47/mo for small dogs and $40/mo for cats. 2 baths/month, Best Friend Package, 50% off one haircut a month, 10% off one boarding stay or daycare visit a month for your FurPlan pet(s). $29.99 enrollment.
📷 Photographed Every Visit
AFPC ✓Others: Rare
Before, during, and after grooming photos with premium watermarks. Every visit is documented.
🏆 Commercial Agility Park
AFPC ✓Others ✗
Real commercial agility equipment — ramps, jumps, weave poles, and A-frames where dogs can exercise and build confidence.
💬 Text Message Updates
AFPC ✓Others: Rare
Real-time SMS updates during your pet's stay. Know when they eat, play, and sleep without calling to check in.
⭐ 4.8 Stars / 600+ Google Reviews
AFPC ✓Others: Varies
The highest-rated pet care facility in Bay County. 600+ real Google reviews from real clients with a 4.8-star average.
🏛️ Founded 2013 — 13+ Years
AFPC ✓Others: Varies
Over 13 years in Panama City. Locally owned, not a franchise. Survived everything Bay County has thrown at us.
🛡️ Hurricane Proof
AFPC ✓Others ✗
Survived Cat 5 Hurricane Michael with 73 pets safe. $120K invested in solar, battery, and water infrastructure. Read the full story →
🔍 Background-Checked Staff
AFPC ✓Others: Varies
Every employee is background verified before they ever touch an animal.
🩹 Pet First Aid Certified
AFPC ✓Others: Rare
Staff trained in pet first aid and emergency response.
🐕 Separated Play Areas
AFPC ✓Others: Varies
Dogs grouped by size and temperament. Small dogs aren't mixed with large dogs.
❄️ Climate Controlled
AFPC ✓Others: Varies
Every boarding suite and play area is climate controlled year-round.
16 for 16. Every Box Checked.
We didn't build this list to make ourselves look good. We built it because these are the things that actually matter when someone else is caring for your pet.
Book Now →What Our Clients Say
“Cinnamon is in love with her groomer, Ms. Vivian. she immediately identifies the Animal Friends parking lot as soon as we pull in and starts squealing for Miss Vivian. Makes me happy to see my dog happy.”
“I highly recommend Animal Friends for cat grooming. Our rescue cat was groomed for the first time. She is long haired and her fur was very matted. We were not sure how she would do because ahe can be feisty when she is done being brushed…”
“Keiko is a 14 year old Morkie that we inherited when her elderly humans died. To say she was spoiled rotten is an understatement. When I pick her up from her grooming she is normally sleeping. She’s very comfortable there and she always…”
Based on 600+ Google reviews · 4.8 star average · Read them on Google
The Hurricane That Changed Everything
In 2018, Hurricane Michael devastated Panama City with 73 pets in our care. Every one was safe. Then we spent $120,000 to make sure we'd be ready for the next one. Read Chase's founder letter to understand why this place exists.
Read Our Story →Ready to See the Difference?
Your pet deserves care from people who've invested everything — time, money, and heart — into doing this right.
Book Now →