Where do we begin with providing a proper client review of such a WONDERFUL and WELCOMING…read morehome-away-from-home for your beloved furry family members, and where you will be a returning client? Is it with the: 1) CARING and KNOWLEDGEABLE client/pet-oriented family Team; or, 2) WELCOMING and INDIVIDUAL luxury boarding suites and adjacent fenced exercise areas; or 3) CALMING and RELAXING clean air environment and walking trails set in the Blue Ridge Mountain region????? As "parents" of two shelter-rescue Rottweilers [Cola (f) and Moose (m)], in early 2024 we were in need of the "purrfect" boarding team and environment as we prepared for an March/April trip to Europe. Significant considerations included the facts that neither pet was very social, nor had ever been apart from us or away from home. To say we had anxiety about this issue is an understatement; but then, we found Miriam and her family-based team at Shady Mountain Pet Retreat in Amherst, VA. Our initial engagement was so successful we returned recently for 2 weeks in October when we attended a family wedding. Below is our attempt to inform accordingly so you may also experience such joy...... Firstly, the TEAM: No business can operate to its highest degree of precision absent having the highest caliber TEAM to execute flawlessly and achieve such performance. Factor into the pet-boarding business equation is the fact that our pets are beloved family members and we strive to entrust their training and care to the most qualified and caring professionals of integrity in the safest environment. Have no concerns on this front, as Miriam and her family are the highest caliber cohesive TEAM who exceed client (and furry guest) expectations. From the moment we engaged with Miriam, we knew we made the purrfect choice. Miriam listened to us and understood our concerns, and suggested an initial meet and greet with Cola and Moose. We eagerly made the 2-hour drive from Mineral, VA to meet Miriam, who is a well-accomplished author and expert in the field of animal behavior, training and care; and her clients and their pets are the direct beneficiaries. I stress the fact Miriam listened to our concerns and provided insightful information facilitating our collective best-informed decision to entrust Cola and Moose with her for a 1-month board and train period during our upcoming trip. I assure you that we did not have any guilt-based regrets as we departed on drop-off day of either of our two visits to date (March/April and then October). You can trust that Miriam sincerely wants you and your pet(s) to be happy, comfortable and free of any stress, emphasizing her positive reinforcement approach which serves as the corner stone of Shady Mountain Pet Retreat. You can even follow your pet's daily adventures through various updates Miriam posts thoughtfully on social media and her website: https://www.shadymountainpetretreat.net/ Secondly (but equally), the BOARDING SUITES/EXERCISE AREAS: Discard any concerns you may have that you will find institutional-style stress creating chain link fence-type boarding "cages" or rooms at Shady Mountain Pet Retreat. Rather, at Shady Mountain your family member will reside in a very comfortable, climate-controlled individualized roomy suite, separated by solid walls from neighboring guests. A raised off-the-floor style pet bed is a plus to afford more comfort while resting. The suite doors have a full length glass window (with drop blind as needed) so residents can watch the daily "office" activities, and a rear-exit pet door leading out to the fenced in exercise area. Each guest enjoys their own supply storage cubby which facilitates the management of feedings, etc. External fenced in exercise areas are divided into separate sections which permits greater staff flexibility for training, etc. See website for all the other possibilities for your pet's stay: https://www.shadymountainpetretreat.net/ Lastly (but equally), the clean air mountain ENVIRONMENT and WALKING TRAILS: As you ascend Shady Mountain to reach the Retreat, you will be filled with a calming and serene sense, taking in the peaceful natural Amherst, VA environment. Cola and Moose love taking in all the smells of nature as we drive up the mountain. Peaceful and calming are the words we would use to describe this environment. If pet appropriate, Miriam's team can take your loved-one on nature walks through trails in the surrounding landscape, with the potential to see deer and other varieties of wildlife. Cola and Moose told us they so enjoyed these nature walks on their most recent visit. We conclude our review by recommending, with the highest regards, the Shady Mountain Pet Retreat, Miriam and her team. At the Shady Mountain Pet Retreat all three elements of knowledgeable and caring people, well-apportioned boarding/training facilities and a serene environment combine to provide the most wonderful and trusting of experiences. Thank you!!

As someone who's worked in canine behavior and training for years, finding a place I will entrust…read morewith my dogs is no easy feat. Now that I've found Shady Mountain I may never leave Virginia. Miriam is the real deal. Besides l the numerous books she's published on dog behavior and training the facility is perfect. It's set up impeccably, has appropriately strict health screening for entry and the services on site are too notch. I left my dogs for their first stay and walked away with ease and comfort knowing they are in the best of hands. It's worth every penny and then some.

leslie is the best!! Camp Happy Tails will treat your pup with the same love and compassion that d!read more

we brought our puppies here for their first grooming and they looked awesome!! will definitely be…read moreusing Camp happy tails from now on

I don't have enough words to thank Blue Ridge Animal Clinic, particularly Dr. Lindsey Fenster and…read moreDr. Keagan Clevenger, for their immediate, expert and compassionate help in an equine emergency. I wasn't even a current client, but Dr. Fenster showed up at my farm 45 minutes after my desperate before-hours phone call. A few days later, Dr. Clevenger responded to another after-hours emergency call that ended sadly for me and my horse. I was incredibly impressed with Dr. Clevenger's knowledge, networking and diligent efforts in this situation; but mostly, I am so thankful for his kindness and compassion. Blue Ridge Animal Clinic has 100 stars from me, not just 5.

From the owner: Caring For Your Animals, Small and Large…read more Blue Ridge Animal Clinic is a full service animal hospital committed to providing the best possible care for your pets and farm animals alike.We are a highly functioning team with state-of-the-art equipment in a friendly environment.Our doctors are experienced in diagnosis of all types of medical, surgical and dental problems. We emphasize preventative medicine to keep your pet healthy and happy.At Blue Ridge Animal Clinic, we treat your pets like the valued family members they are.

A friend recommended Brickwood when I was in a pinch. They…read morecame through with flying colors!!! Needed them again in a pinch. Came through again. They really love dogs and take care of them.

Best Kennel in Lexington, VA area! Highly recommend! Reasonable price and very flexible service!read more

Amazing atmosphere for pets. The employees take excellent care of your furry family! When you match…read moretheir customer service with their fair boarding prices, it's a NO BRAINER that you should consider them to watch your pets while you stay at The Homestead or in the area.

From the owner: At The Tails Inn dog boarding for the vacationing pup is what we do best. A living room atmosphere…read morewith private bedrooms offer the home away from home with a vacation twist for your family dogs.

How lucky am I to have found Camp Merricks! Denise & The Camp Crew went out of their way to…read moreaccommodate my older pup while I hit the slopes at Wintergreen over the Presidents Day long weekend. She even opened her doggy daycare doors to us on a Sunday when they would normally be closed. Communication was always prompt and crystal clear. The online registration system was a breeze -- as was the online invoicing, which was super convenient. But honestly, the best part was how comfortable and safe they made me feel knowing my dog was in safe and caring hands. Thank you!

Camp Merricks is a wonderful place to board a loved dog. Our dog is treated like family and enjoys…read moreher time there. She is well cared for and loved. Denise and her team treat each dog like they are family. The place is immaculate. She is on top of all health related matters. I trust Camp Merricks completely.

I worried about leaving my older cat because she doesn't ever see other people at home but I had…read moreused Sunny Ridge 20 years ago for my dog so went to check it out. cats are away from dog noise and she was given a window cage :) They took excellent care of her! We will definitely use them I. the future!

One of the very few places that board cats. I love that they are boarded in the office away from…read morethe dogs. Mike has always been great with setting up reservations and communication. We've had 5 different cats through the years boarded with him. The crates are big enough for their carriers.and Mike is such a nice guy. Definitely recommend.

I would give Country Place 10 stars if i could! Owner took very good care of my cat and I know that…read moreI can count on Country Place for quality, care and satisfaction!!

From the owner: Your babies will have full roam of the fenced in backyard , and enjoy the open space layout of the…read morehome. Extra rooms are available for pets with special needs.

Someone had recommended I go into Lexington Pet Place for a cat toy. I opened the door and…read moreimmediately I was disappointed. The usual boutique pet shops I frequent do not sell pets, even the amphibian varieties. Trying to remain open minded, I began walking up and down the aisles. The bearded dragon caught my attention when it kept tapping on the glass as if it were trying to catch my attention. As soon as I walked over to it, it stopped tapping on the glass. I turned to see what other creatures were for sale, and I will be darned it started doing it again. I do not know anything about this species but this one sure appeared social. But I digress. The square footage of the store is on the small side when compared to the average pet chains. Despite the size limitations, they attempt to carry items for all categories of pets, which is a negative. In their attempt to stock items for dogs, cats, fish, small mammals, etc., they have to make tough choices on which items and brands to carry. Sadly, this meant that the brands of food and and toys my pets enjoy did not make the cut. I hope Lexington Pet Place meets the needs of others. The employee I met seemed like she really likes all breeds of animals and is eager to assist any customers entering the door.

We have used this store many times over the years and we have always been satisfied with the…read moreservice. Folks there have always been very cordial and quite helpful whether we made a purchase or not. We are very grateful to have this pet store as an asset of Lexington.