In 1994 I boarded my newly adopted Doberman, Payton, for a day in a kennel, which was really a glorified dog pound. He was so stressed by the experience that he vomited for days after. At the time I was just getting my training business off the ground, and vowed to never board my dogs again. Each passing year, my customer base grew, and with it, demands for more services. I had learned to groom by now, and had added dog daycare in the back yard of my home, where I was still running the business from. Still, if I went away, I had someone stay at my house to watch the dogs. By now I had hired staff to help with the growing number of dogs we saw each day. We had then begun offering pet fencing, but requests to build a kennel were becoming more frequent and persistent. This was in 2001.

Initially I was reluctant, as all of our services are of great benefit to our furry friends. But boarding them overnight like Payton had? I would not offer a service that was convenient for people, but detrimental to their dogs (our real clients). So that became the mission. How do we build a kennel that Payton would not only be ok in, but actually enjoy? Sending a dog home from his stay not stressed was not enough. We needed to create something that dogs would love to come to, and we needed to make it safe. Safe & fun. Those were the goals. So the research began. Central air was a no brainer. Done.  Proper ventilation to prevent airborne illness such as kennel cough was essential, but how to keep the dogs warm in a well ventilated building? Plus we needed high ceilings to minimize noise from barking which would stress the dogs, but would also limit how warm the dogs would be on the floor, as all the heat was sucked out the exhaust fans, or floating around by the 80 degree ceiling while they lay on the 50 degree floor. So we kept our high ceilings, installed commercial exhaust fans throughout the building, and added radiant heat in the floors! It's great to see the dogs in the winter months lying next to their beds instead of on them, because the floor is so warm! The most cost effective way to construct a kennel is the "galley" design, where there are hallways with kennels on both sides. Profitable, yes. Calming, no. Having a dog across from you, seeing every move you make, is frustrating at best, stressful at worst because dogs cue so much into body language. If I have to be concious of my body language 24/7 so as not to offend the dominant dog across from me, or not to let the subordinate dog think I'm not dominant, that's exhausting. So all rooms were designed for complete privacy, which limits social stress, as well as barking. We ended up with less rooms per square foot, but the benefit to the dogs was worth it. In addition, solid dividers were placed between each sleeping area, rather than less expensive aluminum which is much louder when banged on. I had visions of Chihuahuas thinking the world was ending as the Great Dane in the room next door bumped into an aluminum divider. No thanks, ABS composite please! Also, some kennels are designed so that the dog must be walked outside by a person. This maximizes space, but increases frustration for the dogs. All of our rooms allow your pet to be inside, or out, at their own discretion.

Now the outside. This is what truly sets us apart. Four fenced exercise yards, which every dog can access from the outside portion of his room, without having to walk down the main interior hall past all the other dogs. This would  set off a barking frenzy, which can be intimidating to some to say the least. All dogs must get a MINIMUM of one hour off leash free play, every day, included in their stay. Exercise is essential to alleviating stress, and I don't feel it's an option.  Most of our clients spoil their dogs anyway, as they should, and would pay extra for exercise like they charge in other kennels. But it's not right for the occasional person who won't pay extra, and their dog is confined for his entire stay. 

For safety,  dogs are classified by one of three categories. General exercise, semi private, and private. Generals make up 80% of the dogs we care for, they are spayed/neutered, get along with all dogs, and just love to romp and run. Semi private is for dogs who are social, but may be too small or shy to be with the rowdy bunch. Many seniors also do well in this group as well, and all of these dogs are spayed/neutered. Finally our private exercise dogs, for either dog aggressive dogs, or dogs older than six months who are not yet spayed/neutered. These dogs are out playing ball with a staff member, or just walking around and checking things out, depending on their personality. Some just like to sit in the sand with a staff member and get pet. All playtimes are supervised.  It usually only takes a day for new dogs to figure out the routine, and they then relax in their room, knowing another play session is coming! And for the really fortunate, discounted dog daycare while they stay! These dogs wake up, have breakfast, wait an hour to digest, then off to Tom, Jim, & Brandon in the main play yard to run and play all day! In the evening it's back to their room, some dinner, and much needed sleep for the rest of the night!

 I have little tolerance for people who don't love dogs in my personal life, so it goes without saying that in my professional life, I have no tolerance. It's not that I have a problem with someone who is "Not a dog person". I just have no interest in getting to know them. I think it indicates a character flaw. Anyway, you'll notice quickly upon arrival that every staff member loves all dogs. It's not something I need to teach, it is inherant in the people that we hire. I expect all of us to be as passionate about your pet's care as you are at home. Our goal is this: We make it so much fun for him while he's here, that the next time you come, he's pulling you INTO the building! Does he do that at your current kennel? Even people who thought their pet enjoyed their last kennel, were amazed at how much more relaxed their pets were upon leaving here, and how much more excited they are upon return, in comparison to other "pet resorts".

So that's what you get from us.

A building floor plan designed for your dog's safety, and social, as well as physical comfort.
Policies that allow your dog to...well, be a dog. Be relaxed. Have fun. And look forward to his day ahead, rather than waiting anxiously for your return.
A committed staff that feels that while your pet is with us, they're our pet too.
Does YOUR kennel offer ALL of that?

For your pets protection, we require proof of current Rabies, Distemper, Bordatella, & the Canine Influenza vaccines when your pet is with us for any of our services.

John Gagnon's Pet Resort is setting the standards for others to follow.

*Your pet is fed twice per day unless otherwise instructed by you.

*Dishes are cleaned and disinfected twice daily.

*Fresh water is available to your pet at all times.

*All medications are administered and signed off by a senior staff member.

*Dogs are exercised outdoors and off leash for at least one hour each day.

*Commercial exhaust fans circulate fresh air 24 hours per day.

*Central air conditioning, vented heat, and radiant floor heat are provided at appropriate temperatures.

*Rooms are cleaned twice per day, and every room is power washed with disinfectant at 2,500 p.s.i. upon checkout, ensuring that your pet’s room is clean and bacteria free when he checks in.

*A report card will be provided to you at checkout so that you know how your pet fared while in our care.

John Gagnon's Pet Resort Boarding Prices:

RECESSION BUSTERS NOTE! Weekend & holidays will be charged our low out of season rates all year again!

Standard (4' x 14')- $30.00 Sunday - Thursday, $35.00 Friday & Saturday nights ($15 for 2nd dog, $8 for 3rd)

Luxury (6' x 14')- $37.00 Sunday - Thursday, $42.00 Friday & Saturday nights ($18 for 2nd dog, $9 for 3rd)

Master (8' x 14')- $45.00 Sunday - Thursday, $50.00 Friday & Saturday nights  ($22 for second dog, $11 for 3rd)

Multiple pet discounts!

 Out of season our Sunday - Thursday rates apply even on the weekends!

$2.00 per day, per dog for NON-PRESCRIPTION FOOD
 

Cats:

$14.00 first cat, $9.00 second cat, $3.00 third cat

Listen to what some of our happy customers are saying !!!

"I knew I had found a great place when while I was waiting to check my dogs in-I saw people bringing their dogs in, and every dog was so excited to be there. They couldn't wait to have their leashes off to run to the staff. You have a very competent and caring staff! I will highly recommend your services to everyone I know who has dogs! Thank you for taking such good care of our pets!" 
MaryAnn Conte, East Haddam

"You folks are the best- I am reassured everytime I use your resort that my pups are given much love & attention & play socialization. They fall asleep before we leave your parking lot. Keep up the great job- your facility is immaculate, your staff go far beyond their job descriptions." 
Julie Stoddard, Uncasville 

"My dogs can't wait to go & are always happy when I pick them up, although they don't want to leave. If I were a dog I'd stay at John Gagnon's Pet Resort." 
Kris Roberts, Griswold 

Copyright © 2008.