10/25/2025
Let's talk and ponder a bit about the benefits and drawbacks of boarding with Willow Haven.
1) The top benefit is it's just ME! You and your dog will ALWAYS deal with just one person.
I get to learn your dog and your dog bonds with just one single person while you are away. I learn and remember everything about your dog.
1) Top drawback, it's just ME! I do not have multiple people to do the work, I am the one to answer phones, emails, clean, play, schedule, and all that comes along with this business.
2) Next benefit. Our hours. 6:30am drop off, we got you. 8pm pick up got that too! But we do have very specific hours.
2) Next drawback. Our hours. No we are not open all day every day. You can not drop off at 10am or pick up at 4pm. Sundays...nope. I just need one day to not "human" yes, I am still caring for the dogs 😉 so kindly do not say "oh your day off"
3) Next benefit. Cost/pricing. I feel our pricing is on the low side of boarding facilities. Can you find cheaper? Maybe, BUT are you doing a proper comparison? Size of kennel? Outside times, one on one attention for your dog? Let's talk about ENDLESS quality treats 😆 after you add up all the "extra/upcharges" at other locations, let's just say this... We are a bargain
3) No drawback here. You get Bang for your buck with us, hands down.
4) Next benefit, I truly and honestly care about your dog AND you! If I feel there is something off or not right with your dog, I will let you know. A limp, weird poo (yes I have sent photos of strange poo) stress with your dog, all of it.
Human side, I have shortened vacation to take in dogs because there was a family emergency for customers. I have made meals and baked good for customers; we are all family!
4) Next drawback, I truly care! Sometimes owners just do not want to hear my concerns or suggestions about what would be best for their dog. Example, I will not watch and care for a dog if they are stressing out so much and an owner is not willing to help them with some sort of medication for stress relief during boarding.
I am not one to suggest medicating your dog unless it is REALLY needed.
5) Will wrap it up with this last benefit. Small facility. We have 17 spots (Deluxe and Suites only)
I will limit the number of dogs and factor in which dogs we have here at any given time. Just because we can house 17 or more dogs doesn't mean we do.
There is a science to exactly what dogs I have here and where they get to stay. Some dogs do not need to be next to others, some need a more chilled out environment, there honestly is a method to my madness 😆
5) Wrapping up the drawback to a small facility. We book up FAST and far in advance. Want to contact me in November for a Thanksgiving stay, Chances are a 99.9% NO.
Also being to only one working this amazing small business, that means 7 days a week. I have to take vacations. Have to! And yes, I reserve MY time, MY vacation. Sorry but not sorry my vacation comes before yours 😉
Lastly sometimes life happens. You cancel and I understand. The flip side, on the very rare occasion that life happens to me, I expect the same understanding.
I know it is a major inconvenience for you, but a death in my family and my family comes first.
If that is not acceptable, I do not need a customer who can't or doesn't understand that.
Storm comes through, takes down a fence or power? I am looking out for the wellbeing of YOUR dog! Inconvenient, yes I know, trust me I know all too well how inconvenient storms can be.
To sum up this HUGE post.
There are benefit and drawbacks to everything.
Weigh them out and make the best choices for you and your dog.
If Willow Haven is it? GREAT! Welcome 🥰
If Willow Haven isn't it? No harm, no foul ✌️👋
Thanks for reading my book 😆 feel free to comment your thoughts on the benefits/drawbacks of Willow Haven and heck even me personally...I can take it 😉
