Animal Resorts

Animal Resorts is a family-run kennel offering dog boarding and daycare in Downingtown, PA, plus training and grooming. It sits on a 25-acre historical farm dating to around 1750, part of a property covering more than 28 acres at 301 Jefferis Road in Chester County. The facility was established in 1970, and the owners operate and live on site.

What the property offers

More than six acres of fenced real grass are set aside for individual and group play. Another ten fenced acres hold wooded and open nature trails with streams and a pond. Owners can add activities to a stay, including guided hikes, pond swims, and Play Pals group play.

• Adjoining indoor/outdoor private suites
• Over 6 acres of fenced grass play areas
• 10 fenced acres of hiking trails, streams, and a pond
• Daycare fields with toys and agility equipment
• Grooming, training, and medication administration

What makes it different

The kennel is one of the few in its area still offering adjoining indoor/outdoor private suites, which the owners say lets them board shy, fearful, or aggressive dogs that group settings don't suit. Their site also notes they were the first in Pennsylvania to formally offer daycare, starting in 1996. Owner Drew McElya is a Certified Pet Trainer who completed the Master Trainer Course at National K-9 Learning Center, works as an AKC Canine Good Citizen test evaluator, and is certified by the American Red Cross in canine first aid and CPR. Full-time employees have attended dog behavior schools or pet seminars.

Practical details

Office hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Weekend hours are split into two windows: 10am to noon and 4pm to 6pm. A single full day of daycare is $35 during normal business hours, and monthly and yearly ticket packages are available. Reservations run through an online client portal, where owners can also upload vaccine records and read report cards. Proof of vaccination is required.