About Us
Damian Hopley and Charlotte McNair have themselves experienced the current market of dog daycare and boarding facilities with their dog, Peppa. After Peppa began coming home from daycare overly exhausted and showing a decline in behaviour, they went looking for something more personal and more in tune with the needs and nature of their individual dog. When they discovered there was nothing suitable to be found, they decided to take matters into their own hands and created Howlin’ Hive, a place where they would feel good sending their own dog. Howlin’ Hive is more than just a business to us. It is a place that builds comfort, trust and real connections. It is a business built out of a love for dogs and peace of mind for their human companions.
Our dogs - a day in the life
When you check in, we’ll ask if your dog needs breakfast and discuss your dog’s schedule in regards to playtimes, meals & rests. Your dog’s moods and body language will be monitored throughout the day to ensure that we are accommodating its individual needs and energy levels. Your planned activities after you pick your dog up will determine how the day ends at Howlin’ Hive for your companion. Whether you want your dog ready to go out and play at a park, or enjoy a quiet & relaxing evening at home after their stay with us, you need only let us know in the morning and we will strive to create a day for your dog that will fit with your plans.
our kennels
Each dog has a fully private 20 sq. ft. enclosed kennel space that will allow them to have a proper rest during break time and will ensure that other dogs do not have access to your dog’s personal belongings. These quiet, secure and private spaces are cleaned daily, and your dog will be assigned their own for the day upon arrival.
Benefits of boarding
Quality boarding is not just a place for your dog to go. It is part of your dog’s life and therefore should bring as much benefit and enjoyment to your dog as possible. Quality boarding contributes to your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing and helps develop high quality social skills that will benefit you and your dog in all areas of life. Quality boarding provides adequate daily exercise, meaningful socialization through small play groups and activities, and sufficient periods of meaningful rest, all of which are based on the needs of the individual dog.
Our facility
Our 7,000 sqft. newly renovated barn with ample fenced in outdoor play area features large private kennels for breaks and naps, outdoor play equipment, lounging beds for break time indoors, a shaded area with a pool for hot days, and a rinse off station.
Limited capacity
At Howlin’ Hive we have a limited capacity of up to 40 dogs, while some daycares take upward of 200 dogs per day. Our model is one of making a quality connection with each dog. Our goal is to make sure that every dog has an enjoyable stay. Each dog is assigned a kennel for the day to keep their belongings in and to go relax in when they feel like it. While some kennels have up to 40 dogs per human companion, we limit this number to 10, to ensure a high quality and attentive stay.
Outdoor run
We have a large fenced and supervised outdoor run at the back of the barn, with lots of play equipment, a shaded area with a pool and a sprinkler for hot days.
Peace of Mind
When you drop your companion off with us, you can go about your business with peace of mind knowing that our love and kindness towards animals is deep and genuine. Your dog will be treated as an individual with a unique personality and nature. It is our mission to offer unwavering patience, courtesy and respect to all of the dogs in our care.
