The Shagbark Inn

The Shagbark Inn is a dog boarding, daycare, and grooming facility set on 23 wooded acres at 215 Litchfield Rd in Harwinton, CT. It takes dogs of every size, from small to giant, for overnight stays and full days of play. The owners live on the property and bring more than 20 years of animal-care experience to it.

Services and amenities

• Overnight boarding in private runs with bedding and access to a private patio
• Daycare with group play sorted by age, size, temperament, and energy level
• One-on-one play sessions for dogs who would rather skip the group
• Guided hikes and leash walks on the property's trails
• Grooming, medication administration, and special diets on request

What sets it apart

The acreage here is woods and trails, so exercise is not limited to a fenced yard. Dogs who don't do well with other dogs aren't turned away; they get staff time instead of group play. Indoor play space and climate control keep things steady when the weather turns.

Staff are certified in Pet CPR and First Aid, and supervision runs around the clock, helped by the fact that the owners live on site. The mix of group time, solo sessions, and trail walks means a stay can be built around one dog instead of one schedule.

Practical details

Boarding is listed at $52 to $55 per night on the kennel's website. Proof of current vaccinations is required before a dog boards. Reservations and questions go through (203) 627-0421, TheShagBarkInn@yahoo.com, or theshagbarkinn.com.