Business Details
29 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Premier Pet Boarding & Daycare in Maryland
Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat has been a family-owned and operated business for over 20 years, founded by Kurt and Audrey Reichardt in 1997. Our mission is to provide a safe, engaging, and comfortable environment for pets while their owners are away. With two state-of-the-art facilities in Davidsonville and Kent Island, Maryland, we offer a wide range of services including boarding, daycare, training, and grooming. Our team of 40+ dedicated professionals is trained in the latest pet care techniques and committed to individualized attention for every guest. We prioritize trust, transparency, and communication, offering open tours, daily updates, and post-visit report cards.Our philosophy centers on enriching pets' lives through physical activity, mental stimulation, and compassionate care. We maintain rigorous safety protocols, including secure fencing, 24/7 veterinary support, and strict vaccination requirements. As industry leaders, we receive referrals from veterinarians and clients alike, reflecting our reputation for excellence. Our facilities feature climate-controlled accommodations, outdoor play areas, and specialized care for pets with unique needs. We continuously invest in staff education and facility improvements to uphold our promise of premium pet care and peace of mind.
Services
Dog Boarding
Dog Daycare
Dog Training
Cat Boarding
Pet Grooming
Wedding Pet Services
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Family-owned for 25+ years with 40+ trained pet care professionals
- Customized care plans for pets with special medical or behavioral needs
- 24/7 veterinary support and rigorous safety protocols
- Industry-leading client and veterinarian referral rates
- State-of-the-art facilities with climate-controlled accommodations and outdoor play areas
What people say
Top notch facility
Caring staff
Spotless environment
Excited to return
Best of the Best
Services
Dog Boarding
Our spacious dog accommodations feature climate-controlled rooms with soft bedding, private patios, and daily housekeeping. Guests enjoy personalized meal plans, soothing music, and multiple outdoor play sessions. Specialized care options include medication administration and private attendants for pets with specific needs. The facilities maintain strict safety protocols with secure fencing and 24/7 veterinary support.
Dog Daycare
Dogs participate in supervised group play, pool activities, and structured training sessions. Programs include Classic Daycare for social dogs and Ultimate Daycare with personalized enrichment activities. All pets receive behavioral assessments to ensure appropriate group placement. The facilities feature indoor/outdoor play areas and trained staff specializing in canine behavior and first aid.
Dog Training
Positive reinforcement training focuses on basic commands, leash walking, and socialization. Programs combine overnight boarding with daily one-on-one sessions or daytime training packages. Certified trainers develop customized plans based on each dog's pace and prior skills. Graduates receive progress reports and access to refresher sessions through our Clever Canines daycare program.
Cat Boarding
Cats stay in ventilated condos with separate litter areas and cozy resting spaces. The facility maintains a low-stress environment away from canine guests, featuring natural lighting and enrichment activities. Specialized care options include medication management and personalized meal preparation. Deluxe suites offer scenic views of wooded grounds with bird feeders for feline entertainment.
Pet Grooming
Professional grooming includes baths with natural shampoos, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression. Additional services feature medicated baths, teeth cleaning, and fur styling. The salon uses stress-free techniques with gentle handling to ensure pet comfort during all procedures. Grooming packages can be customized with fragrance spritzes and decorative bandanas.
People
Kurt Reichardt
Co-Owner
Co-founder with architectural expertise, Kurt combines his childhood veterinary clinic experience with innovative design to create pet-friendly facilities that prioritize comfort and safety for all guests.
Audrey Reichardt
Co-Owner
Co-founder Audrey applies her background in human resources and organizational development to staff training, ensuring high service standards while maintaining the company's community-focused values.
Jill Schellenschlager
General Manager
With 20+ years at Dogwood Acres, Jill oversees operations at both locations. Certified in pet care management, she ensures quality standards while balancing her family life with two children and two dogs.
Emily Beall
Kent Island Pet Care Manager
Leading Kent Island pet operations since 2013, Emily combines hands-on pet care experience with management expertise, balancing facility responsibilities with outdoor activities with her family and three dogs.
Jeremy Corwin
Davidsonville Pet Care Manager
Bringing 30 years of hospitality leadership, Jeremy manages the Davidsonville location while sharing his classical music background and passion for landscaping with staff and clients.
Questions
What vaccination records are required for pet boarding?
Dogs need current Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza. Cats require Rabies and FVCRP vaccinations for boarding.
Can I tour the facility before boarding my pet?
Yes, we offer self-guided tours during lobby hours (8 AM-6 PM weekdays, 8 AM-4 PM weekends) with no appointment needed.
How do you handle pets with special medical needs?
We provide medication administration, special diets, and customized care packages with dedicated attendants for pets requiring extra attention.
What are your daycare safety protocols?
All dogs undergo behavioral evaluations, with trained staff monitoring playgroups. Facilities feature secure fencing and staff certified in canine first aid and CPR.
Do you offer overnight pet grooming services?
While we provide grooming as a daytime service, it's not available as an overnight option. Bathing is included in select boarding packages.
Can pets with separation anxiety stay at your facility?
We recommend our customized care packages with dedicated attendants for pets requiring extra attention, though severe cases may need specialized behavioral programs.
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