Five star accommodations aren’t just for humans!
Happy Tails Pet Hotel and Daycare will offer resort-ish style services that will leave your dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, birds, and exotic pets feeling posh and pampered.
Madelyn Duncan, the facilities owner, has fur fabulous plans for the hotel. Paws have been her passion for as long as she can remember.
“I grew up with many pets and around various types of farms,” she said. “I always wanted to work with animals, but I didn’t know in what capacity that would be. I am glad I have figured this dream out and have put both my love for animals and business together.”
Duncan has some precious pets of her own including Finley Grace (Dog- 4 years), Charlie (Cat – 18 years), and Samuel (Cat – 10 years).
Duncan grew up in Ellwood City and with her family and credits her business opening to her parents Wayne and Beth Duncan and her sisters and brothers-in-law Joe and Amanda Sipes (niece, Isabella; and nephew Alton) and Matt and Julia Mascharka.
“I really wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of my family,” she said. “Everyone has contributed in different ways that helped me grow my in-home pet care business to a full-service pet care facility.”
Before opening the full-scale facility, Duncan did in-home pet care (daily walks and overnight care), waste removal and transportation services.
“This was a success and I wanted to expand my business,” she said. “I worked with the Small Business Association for a year and a half and planned my next steps.”
She decided her hometown was the perfect place to start a new business.
“I wanted to contribute to the town with a unique offering that will bring business to Ellwood,” she said.
Other than her obvious love for them, Duncan had another reason for her focus on pets.
“Most people my age are putting off having children and getting pets instead,” she said. “I wanted a business that would make Ellwood more desirable for middle aged families.”
Her services include: Boarding and daycare (with medical boarding and add-on services); food services; self-service pet wash; in-home care; waste removal; and a pet taxi service.
“Happy Tails will be a one-stop shop for your pets needs–making it E-Z Peasey!,” Duncan said. “There is nowhere in the area that provides daycare and self-service grooming stations.”
The facility will also offer local products made by residents such as wreaths, jewelry and home décor. Of course, these are all pet inspired pieces.
The Facility
Happy Tails will have two large indoor play areas, 20 private kennel runs (19 – 4’x7′ and 1 – 6’x7′), a large cat room, a small room for small and furry creatures, and exotic pets (bearded dragons, etc). The outdoor exercise area is secured with a 10′ chain link fence with 600 square feet of pet turf and 200 square feet of pea gravel.
“I am excited about the two large indoor play areas that daycare and boarding dogs will be able to use,” Duncan said. “Our goal is that no pet sits in a kennel all day, but is able to socialize and exercise with other pets all day.”
A day in the life of a pet at the hotel
Madelyn said a day at the pet hotel will be pretty routine.
“At 6:00 am the dogs will be fed,” she said. “After breakfast they will be let out individually into the walkyard at which time their room will be cleaned and bedding/water bowls will be changed. Throughout the day dogs will received their elected services as well as group/individual play times. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m.”
Upon drop off, staff will discuss in detail the individual needs of their pet. This would include any health issues, their feeding amounts, medication or anything else. We will discuss with the owner how we can best accommodate their pet.
Requirements for boarding
Dogs will be required to have an updated Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella vaccination. Duncan suggest dogs receive the Canine Influenza vaccination but it is not required. Cats will be required to have the Rabies and the Feline Distemper vaccinations. Both dogs and cats will need to have proof of a negative fecal within the past year. If a fecal is positive and there is no proof of a negative fecal there will be an additional boarding fee.
Plans for expansion
Duncan has plans to continue to add to her services.
“I plan to open a dog park as well,” Duncan said.
There is ample room in the back of the facility. It will have a key fob entrance and owners will need proof of their vaccinations to ensure the safety of all pets. There will be a small fee for maintenance. There will be two sections to the park: small/medium dogs and medium/large dogs.
“I am excited to meet all the different pets we have here in Ellwood City,” Duncan said. “I am excited to see how the business grows!”
Duncan has filled all her employment needs, but she said she is always looking for volunteers.
Happy Tails is open 7 days a week from 6:00am to 8:00pm. For more information call Call (724) 944-8720 or stop in and check out the facility at 212 Portersville Road, Ellwood City, PA 16117.
Every Wednesday is Puppy Play and Social Day – Bring your puppy & by puppy we mean every dog of every age (they always stay a puppy right?) for a day of fun!
Keep ‘em Waggin’
You can find Happy Tails on Facebook.com
The site for the business that you have linked under the word “website” is not correct. It redirects to a chinese gambling website! 🙁
Thank you for the comment and bringing this to our attention. We have updated their Facebook.com link and removed the malicious web link. Thank you for your interest in our website!