Where do we begin with providing a proper client review of such a WONDERFUL and WELCOMING…read morehome-away-from-home for your beloved furry family members, and where you will be a returning client? Is it with the: 1) CARING and KNOWLEDGEABLE client/pet-oriented family Team; or, 2) WELCOMING and INDIVIDUAL luxury boarding suites and adjacent fenced exercise areas; or 3) CALMING and RELAXING clean air environment and walking trails set in the Blue Ridge Mountain region????? As "parents" of two shelter-rescue Rottweilers [Cola (f) and Moose (m)], in early 2024 we were in need of the "purrfect" boarding team and environment as we prepared for an March/April trip to Europe. Significant considerations included the facts that neither pet was very social, nor had ever been apart from us or away from home. To say we had anxiety about this issue is an understatement; but then, we found Miriam and her family-based team at Shady Mountain Pet Retreat in Amherst, VA. Our initial engagement was so successful we returned recently for 2 weeks in October when we attended a family wedding. Below is our attempt to inform accordingly so you may also experience such joy...... Firstly, the TEAM: No business can operate to its highest degree of precision absent having the highest caliber TEAM to execute flawlessly and achieve such performance. Factor into the pet-boarding business equation is the fact that our pets are beloved family members and we strive to entrust their training and care to the most qualified and caring professionals of integrity in the safest environment. Have no concerns on this front, as Miriam and her family are the highest caliber cohesive TEAM who exceed client (and furry guest) expectations. From the moment we engaged with Miriam, we knew we made the purrfect choice. Miriam listened to us and understood our concerns, and suggested an initial meet and greet with Cola and Moose. We eagerly made the 2-hour drive from Mineral, VA to meet Miriam, who is a well-accomplished author and expert in the field of animal behavior, training and care; and her clients and their pets are the direct beneficiaries. I stress the fact Miriam listened to our concerns and provided insightful information facilitating our collective best-informed decision to entrust Cola and Moose with her for a 1-month board and train period during our upcoming trip. I assure you that we did not have any guilt-based regrets as we departed on drop-off day of either of our two visits to date (March/April and then October). You can trust that Miriam sincerely wants you and your pet(s) to be happy, comfortable and free of any stress, emphasizing her positive reinforcement approach which serves as the corner stone of Shady Mountain Pet Retreat. You can even follow your pet's daily adventures through various updates Miriam posts thoughtfully on social media and her website: https://www.shadymountainpetretreat.net/ Secondly (but equally), the BOARDING SUITES/EXERCISE AREAS: Discard any concerns you may have that you will find institutional-style stress creating chain link fence-type boarding "cages" or rooms at Shady Mountain Pet Retreat. Rather, at Shady Mountain your family member will reside in a very comfortable, climate-controlled individualized roomy suite, separated by solid walls from neighboring guests. A raised off-the-floor style pet bed is a plus to afford more comfort while resting. The suite doors have a full length glass window (with drop blind as needed) so residents can watch the daily "office" activities, and a rear-exit pet door leading out to the fenced in exercise area. Each guest enjoys their own supply storage cubby which facilitates the management of feedings, etc. External fenced in exercise areas are divided into separate sections which permits greater staff flexibility for training, etc. See website for all the other possibilities for your pet's stay: https://www.shadymountainpetretreat.net/ Lastly (but equally), the clean air mountain ENVIRONMENT and WALKING TRAILS: As you ascend Shady Mountain to reach the Retreat, you will be filled with a calming and serene sense, taking in the peaceful natural Amherst, VA environment. Cola and Moose love taking in all the smells of nature as we drive up the mountain. Peaceful and calming are the words we would use to describe this environment. If pet appropriate, Miriam's team can take your loved-one on nature walks through trails in the surrounding landscape, with the potential to see deer and other varieties of wildlife. Cola and Moose told us they so enjoyed these nature walks on their most recent visit. We conclude our review by recommending, with the highest regards, the Shady Mountain Pet Retreat, Miriam and her team. At the Shady Mountain Pet Retreat all three elements of knowledgeable and caring people, well-apportioned boarding/training facilities and a serene environment combine to provide the most wonderful and trusting of experiences. Thank you!!

As someone who's worked in canine behavior and training for years, finding a place I will entrust…read morewith my dogs is no easy feat. Now that I've found Shady Mountain I may never leave Virginia. Miriam is the real deal. Besides l the numerous books she's published on dog behavior and training the facility is perfect. It's set up impeccably, has appropriately strict health screening for entry and the services on site are too notch. I left my dogs for their first stay and walked away with ease and comfort knowing they are in the best of hands. It's worth every penny and then some.

leslie is the best!! Camp Happy Tails will treat your pup with the same love and compassion that d!read more

Jethro loves Camp Happy Tails! He gets so excited when we turn onto their road. Great for the…read moreprices. Very reasonable. They also groom them by availability.

We have been dropping off our family dog for puppy daycare on and off for several years. It is…read moregreat that he knows the staff there and they know him. Our dog loves going and is always so excited to see everyone. I love that he gets some exercise, socialization and I know he is well cared for. This is also our go to for grooming, nail clipping and boarding. All of their services are wonderful and I completely trust them with our fur baby.

I use their Grooming for my long haired cat. Lila, is their cat groomer and is fabulous. She is…read moreSOOOO good with our cat and wonderful to work with. Very inexpensive too.

What a great kennel! We boarded our dog for a few days and she was having some health issues. The…read moreowner, Jo was fantastic! The kennel is bright, airy and very clean. Jo is well organized and obviously loves dogs. We highly recommend this kennel.

We moved to Lexington about 6 months ago and were looking for a place to board our 10 year-old…read morerescue Sheltie, Rigby. Jo and Anything is PAWSable is the perfect solution. Recommended by our neighbors, it's close to where we live, very clean, offers grooming (by appointment), provides personalized care and is reasonably priced. Jo is wonderful with her guests and knows them all by name. We know we can leave Rigby in her care and that he will be safely and lovingly looked after.

We love Dr Pasternak, she has helped our little Tessa so much! We had also carried our other dog…read moreChloe there since we moved to Lynchburg about four and a half years ago. We lost our Chloe in January, she was 16 years old. We have also seen other vets there thru the years and have always had a positive experience.

I had an extremely frustrating and disappointing experience with this vet and will never return…read more I brought in my 11-year-old husky after he started having trouble with his leg. I was told he had a completely torn ACL and needed a very expensive surgery. This was alarming enough, but things quickly went downhill from there. I wanted a second opinion, which any responsible pet owner should be able to get without resistance, yet the clinic refused to send over his bloodwork and scans when requested. After a lot of back and forth, they finally sent the records--but unbelievably, they had scanned the wrong leg. This kind of error is completely unacceptable, especially when it leads to such a serious (and costly) diagnosis. It makes me question the accuracy of everything they told me. To make matters worse, they refused to offer any refund or even a credit despite their mistake and the stress they caused. Between the misdiagnosis, poor communication, and lack of accountability, I have zero confidence in their care. I strongly recommend others seek veterinary services elsewhere. *Go to Diamond Hill where they have empathy and compassion. *

Quote from K-9 Cloud 9 contract: "will use reasonable care to ensure that no injuries result."…read more If you dog/pet is attacked and injured as mine was, you will bear full financial responsibility for some other dog biting you dog while under said "reasonable care". They have carte blanc on what this outcome will cost you. Ask yourself this question; What other business takes no responsibility for any negative outcome. The business owner would not return my repeated enquires to dispute the rather large charges that their own affiliated veterinary clinic charged. So, if you want to turn your pet over to a provider that will take no responsibility other than what their definition of "reasonable care" is, go ahead and sign that open contract.

Convenient location, clean and bright areas for dogs to play in, cheerful and kind staff and very…read morereasonable day rate are great reasons to bring your pet here. My pup loves the company of the staff and other dogs here. I am highly pleased with K9 Cloud 9!

My 2 dogs were boarded here for 2 weeks. The crew are fantastic and loving. When I picked them up,…read morethey were happy and showed no signs of distress. Just lots of kisses because they missed me. They even had fresh baths. We've been to Countryside one other time and will be back again.

We are picky pet owners and have left our 2 dogs here several times. Everytime they are happy to go…read morein and have received excellent care. They also do great baths.

Dealing with my quirky dog, JAXXON, is always tricky at a vets office. But our visits there have…read morebeen wonderful! I really appreciate how the staff goes above and beyond to make sure that my dog aggressive, drama queen has as good of an experience as he can. During Jaxxon's surgery this week, Mary kept us informed every step of the way. I really appreciate that. My husband and I were both so worried about him during all of this. Friendly and informative customer service

Great first time visit there :)!! Very nice staff and I like to the point vet services that my pug…read moreactually needs :) Everyone we came in contact with was super nice and helpful :) Very accommodating and to the point , not trying to upsell , very personable

Amazing atmosphere for pets. The employees take excellent care of your furry family! When you match…read moretheir customer service with their fair boarding prices, it's a NO BRAINER that you should consider them to watch your pets while you stay at The Homestead or in the area.

From the owner: At The Tails Inn dog boarding for the vacationing pup is what we do best. A living room atmosphere…read morewith private bedrooms offer the home away from home with a vacation twist for your family dogs.

Great place to take my dogs for some play and interaction. All dogs are vetted and placed with…read moredogs of their size and activity level. Having a Pug and a Black lab is like having 2 kids. They both have their own "friends" and "crowds" they hang out and run with. . All reservations can be made online and you can add a treat, a walk, some private time or a bath to daycare. If your dog prefers people, they also have a daycare for that too. The staff is great, so your dog(or cat) is in good hands. Attached are some of the pictures I received, as they send emails to let you know how they are doing.