Hartville Dog Haven celebrates ribbon cutting with chamber event

The Lake Township Chamber of Commerce held a MorningCONNECTIONS Road Trip and ribbon cutting May 20 at Hartville Dog Haven, 2887 Smith Kramer St. NE, Hartville.

Owners Janet and Jim Fairhurst hosted the chamber and remained open for most of the day for an open house. Refreshments were served, and visitors had opportunities to win free dog daycare or a pet bath. Family members, neighbors and pet owners attended to support the Fairhursts and their business.

The business opened Nov. 1, 2025, with the official grand opening planned for this spring. Janet and Jim Fairhurst have lived at the property since 2007, and after Jim’s retirement from maintenance work, they decided to open the business. Janet continues working outside the home while gradually reducing those hours.

The Fairhursts hired Jim Ringer of J. and J. Ringer to modify the barn for the operation. The facility now includes individual kennels that allow pets access to outdoor areas, four indoor-outdoor runs, an open play area with a table and ramp, a welcome area and a pet bathing station.

When asked about the business startup, Janet Fairhurst said the most encouraging part has been the number of calls and strong community interest.

“The best thing about our business startup was the numerous calls we have received indicating a need and interest,” she said. “The worst thing we struggle with is that pet parents sometimes misrepresent their pet’s temperament.”

The Fairhursts said they tailor their services to dog owners and hope to offer training services in the future. Dogs ranging from 1 pound to 130 pounds have already stayed at the facility.

Before a first stay, pet owners are asked to arrange a free meet-and-greet and temperament evaluation. Owners may stay during the evaluation or leave their dog for a free two- to four-hour visit. Afterward, services may be booked online or by phone.

A typical temperament evaluation assesses a dog’s reactions to other dogs, noises, distractions, handling and group settings to help ensure the safety of all animals at the facility.

Daycare costs $45 per day, while overnight boarding costs $45 per night plus $15 for daycare activities. Bathing services range from $15-$30 depending on the size of the dog and include blow drying. Multiple dogs from the same household are charged separately at $45 per dog, whether or not they can stay together.

Required vaccinations include rabies, DHLPP and Bordetella administered at least seven days before arrival. Extended stays longer than one week receive a 10% discount.

Drop-off hours are Monday-Friday from 6:30-9 a.m. and Saturday from 6:30-9 a.m. Pickup hours are Monday-Friday from 4-6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 4-6 p.m., or Monday morning for weekend stays. The business is closed for check-in and pickup on Sundays and major holidays.

Sheila Eves of Get Branded Apparel said Hartville Dog Haven offers “a safe, clean and comfortable environment where every dog is treated like family, receiving plenty of love and attention.”

For information, call 234-322-6507 or email hartvilledoghaven@gmail.com.