About
Huckleberry Hills Dog Boarding and Training is nestled in a serene farm setting, providing a home environment for your beloved pets. Our facility offers ample play time, personalized training sessions, and more. Whether it's a day rate or an extended stay, we ensure a comfortable and engaging experience for your furry friends. Additionally, we provide convenient pick-up and drop-off services in town, and our owner has extensive experience in caring for a variety of animals.
Where do we meet? Do I drop off or pick up my dog? We will meet in a location convenient to both of us. Times must be within our operating hours, between 7:45am to 6:30pm. Anywhere within 45 min from the farm will be free. Arranging pickups with other boarders so make for less travel time will be prioritized. You may drop off or pick up your dog at the farm during agreed upon times, just know the driveway is a country road with bumps, hills, and rocks.
What does my dog eat? You will provide your dog’s normal diet to have during their stay. We have a frig/freezer for all types of diets. You are welcome to send any treats, bones, or toys. Please indicate any food allergies. Try to send an extra day of two of food with them, in case we need it.
Where will my dog stay? Your dog stays in our home. We have a dog room that stays nice and cool in the summer and nice and warm in the winter. We have music playing plus a camera on the dogs to keep an eye on them. Each dog has their own crate with their own bowls and blanket during their stay.
What is a typical boarding day like? We start morning potty breaks around 7:00am followed by breakfast. Multiple potty and play breaks throughout the day either with their buddies or solo if they prefer to play with people only. Dinner around 6:30. All dogs each inside their crate/kennel. Then last potty break around 9:00.
What if there is an emergency? We have a vet on call to answer our questions. We have an emergency vet 15 miles away in Culpeper and 34 miles away in Charlottesville. With many more vets closer. You will provide contact information for someone else who will be available if you are out of town. We are also insured for potential pet issues while the dogs are in our care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer daycare as well as overnight stays? We are available to provide daycare for local families that can drop off and pick up their pet here at the farm. We are looking to expand additional pick up and drop off times in town as well in the future
Do you provide updates while my dog is staying with you? Yes! We will take photos and/or videos of your pet and send at least once throughout the day.
What vaccines are required for my dog? Your dog need to be up to date on rabies, bordatella, and distemper. Flea and tick treatment are encouraged. We cannot accommodate female dogs that are in heat, and play groups may be based on fixed/unfixed status.
Do you take aggressive dogs? We do not accept people aggressive dogs since the dogs are staying in our home and around other people including children. We can accommodate dogs that do not enjoy playing with other dogs. If you are unsure please let us know to see if we can accommodate.
About Me
My love for animals, nurtured since a young age, has profoundly shaped both my career and life, guiding me toward a path of understanding and connecting with creatures great and small. My academic journey led me to Old Dominion University, where I earned a degree Biology and Psychology, equipping me with a solid foundation in understanding animal behavior.
My hands-on experience began at the Norfolk Zoo, where I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with elephants and giraffes. Next leg of my training journey started at Marineland in Florida. There, I had the privilege of working with dolphins and various other marine animals. One of the highlights of my time at Marineland was contributing to a innovative program that explored the similarities between dog and dolphin training techniques. My Great Dane, Atlas, played an integral role in this innovative initiative.
After gaining valuable insights and skills, I decided to focus on canine training. I spent four rewarding years as a Level 3 Trainer at a prominent pet store, honing my skills and developing a deep understanding of dog behavior. I wanted the challenge of managing my own facility and became a manager of a swim school for children back in Virginia, where I grew the school to a leader within the company over 6 years. While teaching kids in the community to swim and building a strong connection with the families we added our son, Remy, to our own family. We also welcomed a new puppy, Huckleberry, into our family.
Driven by our family's love for animals and desire for an opportunity to be closer to the land, we relocated to the Culpeper area. For over four years, I have been dedicated to training dogs in the local community, helping pet owners build harmonious relationships with their canine companions.
My approach to training is centered around patience, persistance, and praise. My journey with animals continues to be a fulfilling and ever-evolving adventure, and I am eager to bring my expertise and passion to new families, fostering connections between humans and animals.
Sarah Snyder