Heather & Nigel S.
Charlottesville, VA
Dependable animal care 🐾
Pet care experience
We love dogs! Big dogs, small dogs, puppies, senior dogs, lazy dogs, playful dogs! Heather started volunteering at an animal shelter when she was seven and participated in 4-H dog training/showing for most of her youth years. When she was 10, she trained her Newfoundland to pull her in a cart and they would disappear together for hours of trail rides. Heather is an occupational therapist and has experience in animal-assisted therapy. When she went back to school to get my doctorate, her emphasis was in animal-assisted therapy. However, Heather loves dogs so much that in 2020, her dog boarding business progressed from a side gig to Heather's primary occupation. Heather currently works a couple hours a week as an occupational therapist, but most of her time is spent caring for dogs. Nigel has always been involved with the dog boarding business but, in 2023, he decided to officially become a partner in the business. When you board your dog with us, you will primarily be interacting with Heather to make all the booking arrangements, but Nigel will be working alongside Heather to supervise playtime and provide belly rubs.
Reviews
Excellent experience
Always takes great care of our labradors. They come home tired and happy :)
My dog loves staying here, he always has a blast! They do a great job of keeping me updated with pictures and texts. Highly recommend!
Wonderful...again! We know Milo will be happy and well cared for with Heather and Nigel.
About Heather & Nigel S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We have a one acre fenced dog-yard so your dog can enjoy off-leash playtime. We always separate dogs for mealtimes but have several communal water bowls. We have experience administering medication (including injections). If your dog has any special needs or activity restrictions, please reach out, and we will let you know if we can safely accommodate. We accept unspayed females as long as they are not I heat. We are unable to accommodate unneutered male dogs. Please be aware that we accept multiple boarders in our home at a time but limit how many new clients we take at a time. This helps us ensure that all dogs will get along and have an enjoyable stay.
Home
Information Heather & Nigel S. would like to know about your pet
Prior to booking, you must confirm that your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations and on a monthly flea/tick preventative. Unfortunately, we cannot accept any dogs with a history of aggression or biting. If staying overnight, your dog must be able to hold his/her bladder through the night (10 PM to 7 AM). Most importantly, please be honest about your dog. If your dog still has occasional accidents, please tell us and we'll know to keep a closer eye on him/her and take your dog out more often. If you have a dog that does not fit our preferences please feel free to ask if we'd consider accepting. If you live locally I encourage a meet and greet prior to booking. Meet and greets are done outside (usually in my fenced yard). Unfortunately, I do not permit two-legged guests in my house at this time. I don’t mind last minute requests!
A typical day
We live on an 80 acre farm with a huge fenced yard and miles of private hiking trails. We have two boys so we are an active household. Dogs are generally outside for play/potty breaks at least every two hours. We also accommodate lots of doggy snuggles and lap sitting when your doggy needs some down time.
Services
Heather & Nigel can host
Heather & Nigel can watch in your home
Availability
We are your dog’s home-away-from-home and we strive to make their stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible. If your dog is allowed on the couch and bed at home, they can enjoy those same privileges here! We occasionally take dogs on outings to Lowe’s, or other dog friendly stores, if you provide permission. Someone is home most of the time but there are some occasions when we are both out of the house at the same time.
About Heather & Nigel S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
We have a one acre fenced dog-yard so your dog can enjoy off-leash playtime. We always separate dogs for mealtimes but have several communal water bowls. We have experience administering medication (including injections). If your dog has any special needs or activity restrictions, please reach out, and we will let you know if we can safely accommodate. We accept unspayed females as long as they are not I heat. We are unable to accommodate unneutered male dogs. Please be aware that we accept multiple boarders in our home at a time but limit how many new clients we take at a time. This helps us ensure that all dogs will get along and have an enjoyable stay.
Home
Information Heather & Nigel S. would like to know about your pet
Prior to booking, you must confirm that your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations and on a monthly flea/tick preventative. Unfortunately, we cannot accept any dogs with a history of aggression or biting. If staying overnight, your dog must be able to hold his/her bladder through the night (10 PM to 7 AM). Most importantly, please be honest about your dog. If your dog still has occasional accidents, please tell us and we'll know to keep a closer eye on him/her and take your dog out more often. If you have a dog that does not fit our preferences please feel free to ask if we'd consider accepting. If you live locally I encourage a meet and greet prior to booking. Meet and greets are done outside (usually in my fenced yard). Unfortunately, I do not permit two-legged guests in my house at this time. I don’t mind last minute requests!
A typical day
We live on an 80 acre farm with a huge fenced yard and miles of private hiking trails. We have two boys so we are an active household. Dogs are generally outside for play/potty breaks at least every two hours. We also accommodate lots of doggy snuggles and lap sitting when your doggy needs some down time.
Location
Charlottesville, VA
Pets
Heather & Nigel S.
Charlottesville, VA