Hartville Dog Haven to open new boarding and daycare facility Nov. 1, 2025

There is a new kennel in town called Hartville Dog Haven, opening on Nov. 1, 2025. Owners Janet and Jim Fairhurst say they are dedicated to “providing a home away from home for beloved furry family members.”

Their new boarding and doggy day care facility is at 2887 Smith Kramer St. NE in Hartville.

“It offers a comfortable and secure environment for your pet during your time away, whether for a day, overnight, or an extended vacation,” said Janet. “As an intentionally small kennel, we focus on delivering one-on-one human interaction and playtime with other dogs of similar breeds, ensuring every dog feels valued and engaged.

“We are going to treat every pup as part of our own family. From playtime and snuggles to belly rubs, each dog receives the personalized love and attention they deserve. Our facility maintains safety and security on-site, around the clock, so you can have peace of mind while your pet is in our care.”

While part of the long-term goal is to offer dog training along with other services, with the fall opening clients can expect boarding for overnight or longer stays and day care for daily stays. Bathing is available for an additional fee, either as scheduled or as needed during your pet’s stay.

Along with the personal care from Janet and Jim, pet owners can be assured of the facility itself. Janet said the facility will offer fur baby parents a safe, clean and climate-controlled environment in newly renovated spaces, with 24/7 security, supervised outdoor play areas with separate sections based on size and breed, indoor/outdoor kennels that allow fresh air and exercise, and two spacious outdoor areas for fun in the sun, weather permitting.

There are a few requirements, including a minimum age of 16 weeks; puppies under 6 months must have completed all puppy boosters and received the rabies vaccine; dogs older than 7 months must be spayed or neutered; proof of up-to-date rabies, DHLPP and Bordetella vaccines is mandatory; all vaccines must be administered at least seven days before arrival; and veterinary records are required for verification during the assessment day.

“Before your dog’s first boarding experience, we require a complimentary four-hour evaluation. This orientation helps us determine whether our environment is the most suitable placement for your dog. During this time, we meet your dog and observe their interaction with other dogs to ensure they fit comfortably within our pack,” said Janet.

The Fairhursts are starting this new venture because Jim is retired and Janet is about to retire, and they both want to do something meaningful with their time and to also supplement their retirement income.

“I have wanted to do this for many years. I want to give people an alternative to boarding their dog by providing a facility and the care that people would want for their dogs while they are away. We are only going to board four to eight dogs at a time so that we can give them the personal care they need. Our facility is clean and comfortable and we can offer playtime and enrichment time for the dogs.

“Our mission at Hartville Dog Haven is to provide a safe and enriching environment for every pet entrusted to us. We treat each animal like family, offering personalized attention, compassionate handling, and a clean, comfortable space where your dog feels at home. Whether your dog is staying for a short visit or an extended period, we strive to build trust with pet owners and bring joy to their companions through exceptional service and genuine care. Your peace of mind is our priority—relax and enjoy your time away, knowing your pet is in good hands,” Janet said.

For play and enrichment time, dogs are matched for individual or small-group play based on temperament; solo play sessions are available to avoid overstimulation if your dog prefers solitude; daily schedules include feeding, walking, training and enrichment activities; and play groups are controlled and supervised for safety.

All staff will have to meet several requirements, such as being trained in canine behavior and using positive reinforcement to maintain calm and order, being certified in pet CPR and first aid, and being experienced dog lovers who have been actively caring for dogs for many years.

Hartville Dog Haven will have an open house in the near future and plans to have a grand opening event in spring 2026. Find out more by emailing hartvilledoghaven@gmail.com.