Forestview Kennel and Spa offers pet owners much needed services
FOX TOWNSHIP A new vacation destination for family pets has recently opened at Forestview Kennel and Spa in Kersey.
After two years of planning, Shannon Shannon opened her new business on January 16. Located in the Shelvey Summit area of Kersey, the 16-kennels and spa are nestled in a quaint wooded area complete with an outside play area.
The kennel area is insulated, air conditioned and well ventilated with continuous fresh air. Each 4 ft. x 5 ft. kennel includes a raised bed and a guillotine door leading to a 5 ft. x 6 ft. covered outside area, which allows them access to fresh air. The adjoining outside fenced and gated play yard provides oneon-one time, a social gathering space and exercise area. Shannon said the playground fencing is specifically designed for pets because it moves with them and prevents them from climbing it.
Shannon is currently accepting new clients for both grooming and kenneling. Grooming is also available to those opting to kennel their pets. Discounts are offered for multiple day stays as well as for those kenneling their pets who would also like them groomed during their stay.
Among the spa treatments offered are bathing, brushing and blow drying, pedicures including a special balm applied to their paws to help soften them as well as teeth brushing and ear cleaning. Shannon said her grooming style is more of a maintenance pet groom style rather than an intricate show dog style.
Upon entering the custom built building is a small retail area featuring homemade, all-natural organic products such as yack chews, antlers, and other treats including Bowser beer and cigars treats made from pet-friendly beef. Also available are several cat items such as catnip, cat grass, cat ice cream, cat wine, pet toys and small collars and leashes. Shannon said all of her retail items are U.S. based businesses.
“I keep everything small business based,” Shannon said of the products she offers.
In addition to kenneling dogs, Forest
view also offers catteries which is a large cage with multiple levels and perches for cat boarding.
“I decided to go with kenneling and grooming because it is definitely needed in the area,” Shannon said.
As a pet lover and pet owner her whole life, Shannon obtained her grooming certificate and extensively researched how to open and operate a kennel. She reached out to the Clarion Small Business Development Center which played an integral role in the opening of her business by helping her review data, some of which pertained to what type of businesses were needed in the area, and assisted in creating a business plan. Shannon said she had many ideas, which they helped her implement.
Shannon added her favorite aspect of her new business is interacting with all the different breed of animals and seeing their personalities come out as she cares for them. Since opening she has kenneled not only dogs and cats, but pigs and rabbits.
Kennel stays are available from a single day to weeks. By state law animals must have their rabies vaccine along with proof of upto-date vaccinations and kennel cough. She also suggests canines have their dog license.
Over the past two years, Shannon has been working on drawing up plans for the business. They started clearing the land last year and attempted to obtain quotes on the cost of constructing a building which proved challenging. Shannon explained because it was just after the COVID-19 pandemic, quotes were very high and many contractors and suppliers could not provide a quote for more than a week out due to supply and manpower issues. These quotes were needed in order to proceed with banking and other financial matters.
At this point Shannon said they decided to order a building from the Lancaster area that arrived in October. The building is completely waterproofed and can be hosed down inside.
Prior to opening her kennel and spa business, Shannon spent 15 years in the education system having worked 10 years as a substitute teacher and the last five years as a facilitator at St. Marys Area High School. Shannon believes the business is a good retirement option for her and her husband as well as allowing her a flexible work schedule as she cares for her aging parents.
In the future, Shannon hopes to add day stays to her list of services.