Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Hill.
Hi Lisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always been a huge pet lover. Growing up, we always had dogs and cats. In 2017, a friend of mine mentioned that Pinewood Kennels was up for sale.
I immediately knew I had to have it. I spoke with my husband, Dustin, and he agreed. We sold our house in Wahpeton, ND, and opened in December 2017, having our first boarding customer on 12/20/17. He was an adorable little dog named Bogi. Since 2017, we have grown consistently every year. We have made several improvements to the kennels, including a new heating and air system and brand-new kennels.
I could not do all of this without a huge support system – my brother and sister-in-law live next door and help manage the kennel. My husband and daughter, Cadence, are also invaluable to keeping life and the kennel running smoothly. We have an amazing staff and Pinewood Kennels and are a small family.
We have the best customers and treat every dog that comes to us like our own pet.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been some struggles! When we first bought the property, the large dog building didn’t have water! We spent a year hauling water in buckets and running hoses before finally having it plumbed in. Winter is always an adventure, having battled frozen pipes, doors that are frozen shut, and gigantic snow drifts! I THINK we have it figured out now, though.
COVID was quite the struggle – no one needs their dog watched when they can’t travel or work! Things happen, but we are truly blessed with some amazing friends, family, and the absolute best customers, and have always been able to make it through.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Pinewood Kennels, we specialize in providing a safe, comfortable environment for your dogs while you are away. We also offer daycare for dogs. We are most known for our ability to bond with the dogs and make them love coming here. We have customers who tell us their dogs’ tails start wagging as soon as they realize where they are going!
What sets us apart, is that we are a family-owned and run business. We know all of our customers and treat their dogs like our own. If a dog needs vet care while at our facility, we provide that at no additional cost. We strive to make your time away as stress-free as we can, knowing your pet is in great hands.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
My biggest advice would be to set strict business hours.
At first, I was very flexible on office hours, but with living on the property and having the kennel on the property, I had to set a time so I could get things done at the house. Also, find like-minded people who love pets as much as you do. Those people are EVERYTHING! (Thank you Jenny, Sarah & Angela!).
Pricing:
- Overnight Boarding: $30/night/kennel
- Daycare: $20, up to 12 hours, $10 for each additional dog
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pinewoodkennelsbreck.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/pinewoodkennelsbreck
Image Credits
Vicky Lynn Photography and Lisa Hill
