Bluewater Boarding

Bluewater Boarding is a dog boarding kennel in Lowell, MI, sitting on 16 acres of nature trails that its guests walk every day. The boarding space is attached to the owners' home, so a person is on the property with the dogs overnight.

The approach leans on exercise and personal attention instead of volume. Group sizes stay small, which means more one-on-one time and easier supervision during play. Dogs spend much of the day out of their crates, either walking the trails or playing with the group.

What a stay includes

• Daily long nature walks across the 16-acre property
• Small group play, indoors and out
• A play yard fenced to 8 feet
• Climate-controlled indoor space with 24/7 supervision
• Bed mats, blankets, and toys in every crate

What sets it apart

The trails are the main draw. Sixteen acres gives dogs real distance to cover, and the walks are long ones rather than a quick loop around a yard, which tires most dogs out mentally as well as physically. Staff walk dogs on slip leads rather than a collar and clip. Indoors, the boarding and play room is climate controlled, and because the kennel adjoins the owners' home, supervision does not stop at closing time.

Practical details

Rates listed on the kennel's website run $35 to $40 per day. Vaccinations are required for every dog, so owners should have records ready when they book. Bluewater Boarding sends regular text updates during a stay, which helps if the dog is a first-time boarder. The kennel is at 10809 Bluewater Hwy, Lowell, MI 49331, and reservations go through (616) 425-2221 or bluewaterboarding.com.