Areas served: Charlottesville, VA and surrounding Albemarle County
Charlottesville's pet boarding and daycare landscape includes both dedicated pet care facilities and veterinary practices offering extended stay services. Key differentiators include staff-to-animal ratios, play group sizes, climate-controlled indoor areas, outdoor exercise space, and specialized care for medical needs or behavioral considerations. This directory provides structured information on local providers to support informed comparison of boarding environments, daily routines, and care qualifications.
Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville is a professional dog training facility specializing in personalized obedience training, behavior modification, and board-and-train programs. Led by trainers with over 15 years of experience, they use positive reinforcement and balanced training methods to address pulling, barking, aggression, and reactivity issues. Their comprehensive approach trains both dog and owner, providing hands-on education and lifetime support to ensure lasting results.
“Our puppy has been completely transformed by her training with Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville. Prior to training it was difficult to walk with her and my children because she would constantly try to jump and nip them to play. My kids were quickly growing disenchanted with our new addition to the family and I knew we needed more training than I could provide on my own. I was nervous to send our pup away for boarding and training because I thought she might not have the same sweet personality when she returned. When she came home we immediately knew we had made the right decision, because our sweet puppy was more confident as a result of us having the tools and training to help her be successful in our home. My children can now run, play, and leash walk our big pup without worrying about being knocked over or nipped. Every part of this process with Ridgeside K9 was wonderful. The communication was excellent and we received detailed updates throughout the training. We had a thorough turnover lesson with a clear plan for responding to unwanted behaviors from our dog and how to use the tools and resources we were given effectively. It’s been an incredible experience and worthy investment for our family! Thank you to our trainer Trent for helping us love our family pet even more!”
— Jacqueline Simounet, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 127 Ridgeside K9 reviewsCanine Country Inc is a family-owned dog boarding, daycare, and grooming facility in Barboursville, VA, run by Amy Peloquin since 1990. Located just north of Charlottesville, they specialize in personalized care with spacious fenced yards for exercise and socialization, all-inclusive and a-la-carte boarding options, and breed-standard grooming. With over 30 years of experience and a perfect 5-star rating from 42 Google reviews, Canine Country treats every pet like family.
“I boarded my energetic 1-year-old puppy at Canine Country for a week, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. Amy and her team provided exceptional care and service throughout. They kept me updated with regular photos and updates, which I greatly appreciated. The staff is always welcoming, and my little guy loves spending time there for daycare as well. Highly recommend Canine Country for anyone looking for quality pet care!”
— alexandra sloane, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 42 reviewsAutumn Trails Veterinary Center is Charlottesville's first animal urgent care center, open 8am-8pm seven days a week for dogs, cats, and small animals. Founded by Dr. Jennifer Cardoza and Emily Gordon, LVT, they offer comprehensive services including routine wellness checkups, dental care with cleanings and extractions, boarding, and emergency urgent care—without charging extra for emergency visits. Their experienced team prioritizes patient comfort and exceptional customer service, making them a trusted choice for both routine preventive care and urgent medical needs.
“I recently adopted a senior cat whose previous owner had passed away. When I got him, his eyes were in very bad shape. A friend recommended Autumn Trails as my veterinary service and specifically spoke very highly of Dr. Young. From the moment I arrived, the entire staff was friendly, professional, and welcoming. Dr. Young was fantastic! With the medication he administered, my cat Zac’s eyes were noticeably better by that same evening. Dr. Young is not only skilled but also such a kind and witty individual. I wish I could remember the technician’s name—she was so caring, gentle, and sweet with Zac. I also really appreciate that this office is open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. That’s a huge plus for me since, somehow, my pets always seem to need care on weekends! I highly recommend Autumn Trails. I was extremely impressed with the entire experience!”
— Leah Leffler, Google Review · 4.6 ★ avg from 627 reviewsOff Leash K9 Training of Roanoke is a locally-owned dog training business specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy training across the Roanoke and Blacksburg areas. Led by experienced trainers including former veterinary technicians and shelter volunteers, they offer private lessons, board & train programs, and aggression specialist services using proven methods designed to work with dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. They're part of the highest-rated dog training franchise in the United States and focus on creating strong owner-dog bonds through off-leash obedience.
Wakefield Kennel is a family-owned dog boarding and grooming facility in rural Earlysville that has served the Charlottesville area for over 35 years. Set on 15 private acres with walking trails and grass exercise areas, they offer both indoor and outdoor boarding experiences along with professional grooming services ranging from baths and nail trims to full body clips. Their country setting allows dogs to enjoy fresh air and outdoor time while maintaining individual temperature-controlled indoor spaces for comfort and safety.
Lake Forest Animal Hospital is a trusted veterinary clinic serving Forest, Lynchburg, and Bedford, VA since 1998. Led by experienced veterinarians Dr. Angela Holley, Dr. Julie Van Scoik, and Dr. Cathy Connelly, they provide comprehensive medical care, dental services, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, laser therapy, exotic pet care, boarding, and grooming—all in a family-oriented practice where many clients have been returning for decades.
Creatures Great & Small is an established pet care center in Charlottesville specializing in grooming and boarding for dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. They offer comprehensive services including daycare, boarding, puppy preschool, basic obedience training, and specialized care for high-anxiety, aggressive, geriatric, and rehabilitation pets. Their grooming team uses no toxins, hand-strips terrier coats, and avoids cage drying for pet safety, while their boarding philosophy prioritizes individual pet needs over standardized weight-based pricing.
Crate & Marrow is a locally-owned pet supply store specializing in all-natural, organic foods for dogs and cats, with over 100 vendors offering high-quality nutrition and trusted supplies. Beyond retail, they partner with Pawssibilities, a relationship-based dog training service led by experienced trainer Karen Quillen, providing private behavioral consultations, puppy courses, group classes, and enrichment programs like scent-work training. Their mission is to enrich pets' lives through personalized care rooted in well-being, helping families choose the best products and training methods for their individual animals.
Pet Paradise is a comprehensive pet care resort in Harrisonburg offering dog and cat boarding, day camp, grooming, dog training, and veterinary care through their partner NewDay Veterinary Care. Their professional groomers provide full-service grooming including baths, nail trimmings, and stylish coat work as part of a larger resort-style facility featuring air-conditioned suites, synthetic turf play areas, and live webcams so owners can monitor their pets. The business is known for personalized attention, report cards after stays, and a commitment to pet wellness through monthly health plans and evidence-based training methods.
Dogtopia of Charlottesville is a full-service dog care facility offering daycare, overnight and long-term boarding, and spa services in a climate-controlled, state-of-the-art facility. Dogs are placed in supervised playrooms by size, temperament, and play style with certified Canine Coaches trained in canine behavior and body language. The facility features webcam access so owners can check in on their dogs, deep cleaning protocols multiple times daily, and has earned Heroes for Healthy Pets certification for disease prevention and infectious disease management.
The Dogg House is a family-owned and operated pet boarding and grooming facility in Charlottesville serving dogs and cats since 1998. They offer overnight boarding with daily playtime and individual attention, professional grooming services with over 85 years of combined staff experience, and pet food & supplies. The facility uses ProVet Logic professional cleaning systems and is conveniently located on Berkmar Drive near downtown Charlottesville and the regional airport.
Doolittle's Country Kennel offers dog boarding and daycare services in a camp-like atmosphere nestled in rural Nelson County on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They provide ample space for dogs to play with others or relax independently, with options for both overnight boarding and DayPlay daycare services. Their peaceful setting near Wintergreen Mountain Resort makes them ideal for dogs needing a vacation-style experience with proper supervision and socialization.
DogWoods Pet Lodge is a comprehensive pet care facility in Elkton operated by Brenda Jolly, who has over 35 years of experience in pet grooming (previously running the Country Poodle since 1987). The 8,300-square-foot facility offers boarding, daycare, and grooming services for dogs, cats, and small animals in an environment with heated and air-conditioned indoor and outdoor runs, designed with careful attention to ventilation and pet comfort. Conveniently located near Massanutten Resort and Shenandoah National Park, they focus on keeping pet care affordable while maintaining high standards of care.
Animal Health Care Center is a full-service veterinary facility serving Waynesboro and surrounding areas since 1992, offering comprehensive care for companion and exotic animals. Their services include wellness visits, dental care, surgical care, boarding and grooming, digital radiology, ultrasound, laser therapy, microchipping, pharmacy services, and emergency care during business hours. The clinic emphasizes preventive health care and client education to help pets live longer, healthier lives while fostering the human-animal bond.
City Dogs Boarding & Playcare in Roanoke offers comprehensive dog care services including overnight boarding in climate-controlled spaces with luxury suite options, drop-in doggy daycare with indoor and outdoor play areas, and a newly added pool with group and private swim sessions. Their spa services include professional grooming, bathing, nail trims, and de-matting using all-natural products. The facility is staffed by Pet Tech first aid and CPR certified professionals who are members of the International Boarding and Pet Services Association, ensuring expert, compassionate care for every dog.
Fox Hollow Kennel offers comprehensive boarding, dog training, and behavior modification services led by Amy Lamb, who brings over 30 years of experience and multiple titled competition dogs to her work. The facility provides three-to-five-week intensive board-and-train programs for puppies and dogs with behavioral issues, weekday boarding with weekly lessons, private lessons, group obedience classes, and vacation boarding for past clients. Amy specializes in understanding canine behavior through proven training techniques and has successfully competed in Schutzhund, Dock Diving, and Nosework competitions.
Pet Nanny Services offers professional in-home pet care for dogs and cats in Charlottesville, providing personalized attention while owners are away. Founded on the belief that pets thrive best in their own familiar environment, they provide dog walking, pet sitting, and overnight care services tailored to each animal's needs. Their in-home approach reduces stress for pets and gives owners peace of mind knowing their companions are cared for by trained, trustworthy professionals.
Happy Hounds Doggie Day Care is Harrisonburg's premier doggy daycare facility offering full-day and half-day supervised play programs for socialized, vaccinated dogs. Located at 220 Waterman Drive, they provide a safe, affordable environment where dogs play throughout the day while owners are at work, plus overnight boarding is available for daycare clients. The facility is run by Marcie and requires a brief evaluation appointment before enrollment to ensure dogs are people and dog-friendly.
Paws of Hope offers trusted pet boarding and sitting services in Harrisonburg, providing a safe, nurturing environment where pets are treated as part of the family while their owners are away. Their caring team focuses on making each pet feel loved and secure during their stay, positioning themselves as a home away from home for dogs and other pets. They operate with extended hours (6:30 AM – 6:00 PM) to accommodate busy schedules.
Lisa's Bed & Biscuit is a family-owned dog boarding facility in Fredericksburg, VA with 17 years of experience providing personalized care for pets. They offer spacious, heated indoor kennels in a safe and comfortable environment, along with a variety of treats and food options to keep dogs happy and healthy during their stay.
Pet Motel and Salon is a locally-owned, family-operated boarding and grooming business serving Charlottesville since 1975. They provide comprehensive pet care for both dogs and cats, including dog boarding with three daily outdoor yard visits, cat boarding with multi-level condos, doggy daycare designed for dogs that prefer individual attention, and breed-specific grooming services. Operating year-round with staff dedicated to each pet's health, well-being, and exercise needs, they combine decades of experience with personalized, non-corporate care.
Pawsville is a pet care facility in Charlottesville offering dog grooming and boarding services. The business provides professional grooming and a safe, comfortable environment for pets while their owners are away. With years of experience in pet care, Pawsville focuses on keeping animals clean, healthy, and happy during their stay.
Londeree Kennels is a pet boarding facility in Scottsville, VA specializing in safe, comfortable overnight care for dogs and cats. Located at 1063 Ruritan Lake Rd, they provide a trusted boarding option for pet owners needing reliable care while traveling or away from home.
Pet Paradise Charlottesville is a newly remodeled pet boarding and daycare facility offering overnight boarding for dogs and cats in climate-controlled suites, plus doggy daycare with outdoor play areas. The facility features multiple suite options including spacious Indoor Suites, Grand Suites for large dogs, Tiny Town accommodations for small dogs under 30 pounds with dedicated play areas, and private Cat Condos. Pets receive daily playtimes in shaded yards with a bone-shaped swimming pool, supervised play groups by size and activity level, routine potty breaks, and personal attention from their pet-obsessed staff. They also offer grooming services, add-on amenities like baths and brushes, and live webcam access to monitor your pet during their stay.
All Things Pawssible is Charlottesville's award-winning pet care facility offering dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and a full-service pet retail store. The team provides open-play daycare and boarding in a calm, enriching environment with around-the-clock care, plus professional grooming services and a curated selection of natural pet food and supplies from trusted brands. Voted Best of C-VILLE in 2023 and 2024, they're known for personalized attention and matching dogs to appropriate play groups based on their individual styles.
Walnut Grove Pet Resort, run by the Powers family, offers overnight boarding in 16 climate-controlled suites with raised beds and individual outdoor runs, plus doggy daycare (full or half-day), adventure trail walks, and grooming services including baths, nail clipping, and ear cleaning. Located on beautiful countryside property with spacious fenced yards for exercise and play, the resort provides daily photo updates and prioritizes your pet's comfort and happiness with owners residing on-site.
Joyful Animal Care is a pet care provider located at Washington Park in Charlottesville, VA. They offer compassionate care services for pets, with a focus on ensuring animal wellbeing and customer satisfaction. Based in the heart of Charlottesville, they serve the local community with dedicated pet care solutions.
Gilbert Station Farm is a pet care facility in Barboursville offering boarding and daycare services for dogs and cats. This family-run farm provides a spacious, countryside setting where pets can experience outdoor play and personalized care in a home-like environment away from typical kennel facilities.
Keswick School is an independent college preparatory day school serving students in grades 6-12 in Keswick, Virginia. The school provides a rigorous academic curriculum with a focus on developing critical thinking, leadership skills, and character development through small class sizes and individualized attention. Keswick School emphasizes both traditional academics and experiential learning opportunities to prepare students for success in college and beyond.
Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville is the top-ranked provider with a Lantern Score of 95.41/100 and a perfect 5-star rating across 127 reviews. They specialize in dog training, behavior modification, and board-and-train programs, and are open weekends (Saturday and Sunday) for those needing weekend boarding.
Yes, only 3 out of 30 facilities offer weekend hours. Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville (Lantern Score: 95.41) is open all day Saturday and Sunday, while Canine Country Inc (Lantern Score: 91.81) offers limited weekend hours on Saturday and Sunday mornings (8:30–9:30 AM). Autumn Trails Veterinary Center (Lantern Score: 89.25) is also open 8am–8pm both weekend days.
Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville (Lantern Score: 95.41) specializes in behavior modification for reactive and aggressive dogs with a 5-star rating from 127 reviews. Creatures Great & Small Inc (Lantern Score: 81.18, 4.8 stars) is also recommended for anxious or aggressive pets, and Fox Hollow Kennel (Lantern Score: 76.15, 4.6 stars) offers board-and-train programs specifically for dogs with behavioral issues.
Wakefield Kennel (Lantern Score: 82.49, 4.9 stars, 69 reviews) is set on 15 private acres with walking trails and is ideal for dogs seeking extended boarding with outdoor time. Doolittle's Country Kennel (Lantern Score: 79.61, 4.9 stars) offers a camp-like atmosphere in rural Nelson County on the Blue Ridge Mountains slopes with ample outdoor space.
Canine Country Inc (Lantern Score: 91.81, 5 stars, 42 reviews) offers boarding, daycare, and grooming all in one family-owned facility. The Dogg House (Lantern Score: 79.65, 4.7 stars, 100 reviews) is another long-established option in Charlottesville since 1998, providing both boarding and professional grooming for dogs and cats.
Autumn Trails Veterinary Center (Lantern Score: 89.25, 4.6 stars, 627 reviews) specializes in cat care with emergency and urgent care services open 8am–8pm seven days a week. Creatures Great & Small Inc (Lantern Score: 81.18, 4.8 stars, 88 reviews) also boards cats of all breeds and sizes alongside dogs at their Charlottesville location.