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.

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.

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.

Amazing is all I can think of after boarding my 2 dogs here. The owner was so nice and flexible i…read more100% recommend coming here. Our flight got canceled last min and she was so understanding and stayed in touch the whole time. I will bring my dogs back for sure. The place is so clean and open for the dogs to enough space to play. They had so much fun and i didnt have to worry at all.

From the owner: Applewood Boarding Kennels is a small family owned dog daycare that takes pride in providing clean…read moreday and night dog boarding with 18 climate controlled boarding rooms, all day access to outdoor runs, fenced in yard for outdoor play; all in a quiet country setting for your pets. Located just 15 minutes south of Culpeper, then only 3 miles off route 29 James Madison Hwy on Leon Rd to Waylands Mill Rd. Call today to learn more about our dog kennels and services!

I don't have enough words to thank Blue Ridge Animal Clinic, particularly Dr. Lindsey Fenster and…read moreDr. Keagan Clevenger, for their immediate, expert and compassionate help in an equine emergency. I wasn't even a current client, but Dr. Fenster showed up at my farm 45 minutes after my desperate before-hours phone call. A few days later, Dr. Clevenger responded to another after-hours emergency call that ended sadly for me and my horse. I was incredibly impressed with Dr. Clevenger's knowledge, networking and diligent efforts in this situation; but mostly, I am so thankful for his kindness and compassion. Blue Ridge Animal Clinic has 100 stars from me, not just 5.

They are very conscientious in the office very helpful. The veterinarians was so kind to me when I…read morehad to put down my Goat as well as my old donkey. Would recommend taking your pet there or have them come out to your farm?

I had such a great experience bringing my puppy here! She took amazing care of him during his…read morehaircut and made sure he was comfortable the whole time. He smells so good, and she cut his hair exactly how I asked. You can tell she really cares about the dogs/ pets she works with. I'll definitely be coming back and highly recommend her to anyone looking for someone reliable and gentle with their pets!

Christina was so wonderful with our dogs. She came to our home and groomed both our dogs with…read morepatience and care. Our older dog is 14 and has gotten more anxious about grooming as he has aged. Christina was wonderful with him. Highly recommend!

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.

I worried about leaving my older cat because she doesn't ever see other people at home but I had…read moreused Sunny Ridge 20 years ago for my dog so went to check it out. cats are away from dog noise and she was given a window cage :) They took excellent care of her! We will definitely use them I. the future!

One of the very few places that board cats. I love that they are boarded in the office away from…read morethe dogs. Mike has always been great with setting up reservations and communication. We've had 5 different cats through the years boarded with him. The crates are big enough for their carriers.and Mike is such a nice guy. Definitely recommend.

How lucky am I to have found Camp Merricks! Denise & The Camp Crew went out of their way to…read moreaccommodate my older pup while I hit the slopes at Wintergreen over the Presidents Day long weekend. She even opened her doggy daycare doors to us on a Sunday when they would normally be closed. Communication was always prompt and crystal clear. The online registration system was a breeze -- as was the online invoicing, which was super convenient. But honestly, the best part was how comfortable and safe they made me feel knowing my dog was in safe and caring hands. Thank you!

Camp Merricks is a wonderful place to board a loved dog. Our dog is treated like family and enjoys…read moreher time there. She is well cared for and loved. Denise and her team treat each dog like they are family. The place is immaculate. She is on top of all health related matters. I trust Camp Merricks completely.

A friend recommended Brickwood when I was in a pinch. They…read morecame through with flying colors!!! Needed them again in a pinch. Came through again. They really love dogs and take care of them.

I was thrilled to find this place, not too far from the Virginia Safari. We wanted to visit but…read morehad our dog with us. They have doggie daycare with no fuss! (They also have regular boarding, too) We were able to drop our dog at noon and pick her up at 530, and the quoted cost was only $12 (although they ended up charging us less just because they felt like it). It's not fancy but it is adequate and reasonably clean.... I only wanted a private kennel (my dog is old and doesn't need a bunch of play time and such). It looked like they offered other things... there are a bunch of fenced in areas that I imagine are for play time and socializing. It's a home based business, so someone is right there pretty much all day and night in case of emergency.