Who we are...
Founded in the early 1990s, the staff at Just Like Home Kennels has worked to bring the goals and ideals of the kennel back into focus–to create a positive boarding experience for animals, in a safe, sanitary and loving environment, all while taking full advantage of the land on which the kennel was created.
"We have created a very special place for dogs, cats, birds and even exotics. And we have something very few, if any, kennels have, and that is ten acres of property on which to create the most positive and stress-free boarding environment possible," says Heidi Cole, managing partner, who oversees the growth and ongoing improvements to the kennel.
Cole has been involved in dogs since childhood when her mother imported one of the very first Old English Sheepdogs into the U.S. from England. She has also raised numerous champion AKC-registered show dogs, including many Best In Show winners. Some reside at Just Like Home Kennels.“I have had a love of animals since I was very young; I grew up in a farm environment although my father drove an hour each way into the city to work. My parents believed in raising us in a rural environment, away from the stresses of the city, surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, sheep and chickens."
Just as her parents believed in creating a stress-free environment for their children,
Heidi and her staff believe in creating the same for each and every animal that comes to Just Like Home Kennels. "We recognize that being separated from their family can be traumatic for pets, which is why each animal is treated as the individual it is, and given special attention, love and all things needed to make the boarding experience positive and stress–free."
Just Like Home Kennels has large private air–conditioned runs with large outdoor runs for each dog that boards with us. We also offer suites for families of multiple dogs. Dogs have access to their outside run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Off of the outside run is a large yard for your dog's exercise and potty needs. We take the dogs out into the yards up to six times through out the day plus an additional potty break before bed. "We are currently creating a secure half–acre paddock for the more active dogs to run. We also take special care of our smaller less active dogs who are carefully brought together in indoor play groups." We look forward to the completion of our "nature walk" so dogs can further explore the expansive property. "Within the past year we have created a "swimming pond" for your dog to enjoy which includes a natural limestone bottom and a flowing waterfall. In the "pond yard" the dogs can enjoy the view and lounge out under the large shade tree." (Don't worry, there are no alligators or unwanted visitors in our pond.)
Just Like Home Kennels provides two kennel buildings with more than sixty runs, and two residences which house 24–hour–a–day management. "It is important to have management on site," continues Heidi.
Just Like Home Kennels offers grooming, pick-up and delivery service and early and/or late drop off or pick up. Pets are also
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transported for veterinary care if necessary. While we are open seven days a week–8:00–6:00 Monday through Friday, Saturday 8:00–4:00 and noon until 4:00 on Sunday–this doesn′t always meet the needs of our clients. And this is the beauty of having managers on site: someone is always available to meet the needs of our clients and their pets.
Another goal of Just Like Home Kennels is to become one of the first "green" or eco-friendly kennels in the country. "This is important not only for our animals, but also for the environment" says Heidi. "We are exploring ways to disinfect without harsh chemicals, use all-natural shampoos, conditioners, and detergents, and feed only organic dog foods and supplements. We are also looking into using solar power as a source of energy for the property wherever possible."
"Maybe this goes back to my roots," concludes Heidi. "All of our animals were loved and individually treated and cared for in a nature–filled environment. This is our motivation here...to take the treatment of animals back to the basics–love, kindness, healthy care and treatment and sensitivity to their individual needs. That is the goal we strive to meet every day of the week."