Boarding for dogs who do better without other dogs.
In our home, on five acres in Lake Stevens, where no two families' dogs ever meet.
Most dogs aren't actually having fun in a playgroup. Some are managing it. Some are hiding from it. And a lot of owners find that out the hard way, from a bite report or a dog who comes home exhausted and jumpy.
We do it the other way around. Every dog here is boarded as though they're the only one, because from their side of it, they are. Their own room. Their own turn on the property. Their own routine. The difference from a kennel is that they're not alone while they have it, they're with us.
This is a house with two adults working from home, two kids, and five acres. Your dog gets folded into that, minus the part where they have to negotiate with a stranger's dog.
Our standards
These are the rules we run the house by, and we hold to them even when it's inconvenient.
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Own space
Each family of dogs gets a space of their own: a room in the house, or one of the separate runs in our heated garage. Either way they rest undisturbed and out of sight of any other dog.
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No mixing
Dogs from different families are never boarded together, never introduced, and never share the yard at the same time. We don't make exceptions, including for dogs both owners describe as friendly.
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Fed separately
Every dog eats in their own space, on their own schedule, with their own food from home.
What every dog needs
Required
- Current rabies vaccination
- Current distemper and parvovirus (DHPP)
- Current bordetella
- Current flea and tick prevention
- Comfortable around adults and children
Not a fit
We can't take dogs who are reactive or aggressive toward people, dogs with a bite history toward a person, or dogs formally designated dangerous. We have young children at home.
Reactivity toward other dogs is different, and it's welcome here. That's the whole point of how we board.
If your dog needs the first category, tell us anyway. There's a place in Arlington that specializes in exactly that and we'll point you to them.
Questions we get a lot
Will my dog be around other dogs at all?
No. Not in the house, not in the yard, not at drop-off. We schedule arrivals and departures so dogs don't cross paths, and outdoor time runs in rotation. The only dogs your dog will be near are ones they already live with.
My dog is friendly. Can't they play with the others?
We'd rather not, and we don't make exceptions. Most dogs are friendly most of the time, and the stays that go wrong are almost always between two dogs everybody described as friendly. Keeping the rule absolute is what lets us take the dogs who really need it.
So is my dog alone all day?
The opposite. Separate from other dogs isn't separate from people. Jason is home full time running Bear Creek, so your dog is with someone for most of the day: underfoot in the kitchen, along for chores, out on the property, on the couch in the evening.
Does my dog get playtime and exercise?
As much as they want. Five acres, a creek, and a steady supply of tennis balls and soccer balls, with someone to throw them. Because dogs go out one family at a time, they get the whole property rather than a corner of it.
Do you provide photos and updates?
Yes, daily photos and updates sent straight to your phone. You'll see your dog mid-zoomies, mid-nap, mid-creek-splash, and everything in between. If anything concerns us you hear about it immediately, not in the next day's update.
Where will my dog sleep?
In their own space, either a room in the house or one of the separate runs in our heated garage, with us close by. Bring their bed or blanket if it helps them settle.
Is my dog shut away during the day?
No. Their own space is for sleeping and for the midday nap, plus short breaks while another dog has their turn outside. The rest of the day they're with us, in the house or out on the property.
What if my dog has medication or special needs?
Tell us everything when you book and we'll follow it exactly, at no extra charge. We're comfortable with pills, injections, mobility support, prescription diets, and dogs who need help getting up and down. Bring written instructions and we'll keep a log.
What should I bring?
Their food, measured out with feeding instructions, medications in the original packaging, a leash and collar with tags, and their bed or blanket. Toys are welcome.
Can I board more than one dog from my family?
Yes, and they stay together in the same room. There's a reduced rate for each additional dog from the same household.
Do we have to come for a meet-and-greet first?
No. We offer one, free, and plenty of people like having it before a first stay, but it isn't required. If you'd rather just book, tell us about your dog over text and we'll go from there.
Can you handle puppies or senior dogs?
Both. Puppies get frequent potty breaks and supervision instead of long stretches alone. Seniors get a slower pace, softer surfaces, and help with stairs or the car if they need it.
What happens in an emergency?
We contact you first, then your emergency contact if we can't reach you. We ask for your vet's name and number at intake and use them when possible. For anything urgent we go to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Owners are responsible for veterinary costs.
What are your drop-off and pick-up hours?
We'll agree on a window when you book. Arrivals and departures are scheduled deliberately so no two families' dogs are here at the same moment.
Do you take last-minute bookings?
Sometimes, if we have room and we've met your dog before. Text us and we'll tell you honestly.
Let's talk about your dog.
Text us the dates and a bit about them. If you'd like a free meet-and-greet before you commit we're glad to set one up, with no other dogs here, but we don't make anyone do it.