As the owner of Playful Pups Retreat, I recently had the opportunity to escape the chill of early spring and head to sunny Arizona with our amazing General Manager, Nykole. We attended a high-level Business Retreat focused on growth, leadership, and innovation in the pet care industry. Surrounded by some of the most passionate and driven pet professionals in the country, I found myself reflecting deeply on what it means to truly offer exceptional pet care.
At the heart of it all? A growth mindset and a commitment to continuing education.
Why Growth Mindset and Continuing Education Matter in Pet Care—And Why It Matters for Your Dog’s Boarding Experience
In many industries, professional development and certification requirements are clearly laid out. But in the pet care world, there are surprisingly few official requirements for training or credentials. That means that the difference between an average facility and a truly exceptional one often comes down to a company’s own standards—and how much they choose to invest in learning, evolving, and growing.
At Playful Pups Retreat, we hold ourselves to the highest standards not because we have to, but because your dog deserves it. We’re not just here to supervise your dog—we’re here to provide enrichment, structure, safety, and love in an environment that’s designed with your dog’s well-being in mind.
Our leadership team takes part in ongoing professional development throughout the year. That includes attending national boarding and daycare and dog training conferences, participating in mastermind groups, completing online courses, and engaging in webinars on topics ranging from dog behavior to customer service to facility operations. All of this continuing education ensures that we’re not only staying current—but staying ahead.
Why Does This Matter to You?
Because when you choose Playful Pups Retreat, you’re not just choosing a place for your dog to stay. You’re choosing a team that’s committed to providing a premium, purpose-driven experience for your pup—whether they’re with us for dog daycare, dog training, or overnight lodging.
Overnight Boarding and Training go hand-in-hand at Playful Pups
Speaking of lodging, our busiest season is almost here! Summer is just around the corner, and our phones are already ringing off the hook with families planning vacations and weekend getaways. If you’re heading out of town this summer, now is the time to reserve your dog’s spot at Playful Pups Retreat. Space—especially in our popular luxury suites—fills up quickly.
And if your pup could benefit from some structured learning while you’re away, we offer several dog training programs that can be added onto their overnight stay, including our Stay & Train programs designed to help your dog become a more confident, well-mannered companion.
For those who are new dog parents or still in the process of finding a trusted care provider, we’ve created a special resource just for you. Our Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Pet Care Provider for Your Dog is packed with valuable insights to help you make the best decision for your furry family member. It covers everything from what to look for on a tour, to red flags to watch out for, to the right questions to ask—because choosing the right facility is about more than just convenience or price. It’s about peace of mind.
At Playful Pups Retreat, we know how much you love your dog. We feel that same love for every pup that walks through our doors, and we take seriously the trust you place in us. That’s why we’re always learning, always improving, and always striving to offer the very best in every service we provide.
So whether you’re planning a big summer adventure, looking to enhance your dog’s behavior through training, or simply want to learn more about what sets premium pet care apart, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Download our guide, give us a call, and let us help you create the best possible experience for your dog when you can’t be by their side. Because they’re not “just a dog” to you—and they’re not to us either.
Written by Laurie Yost, owner of Playful Pups Retreat
Laurie is the owner of Playful Pups Retreat, which celebrates 15 Years of Excellence in Pet Care this year! She holds the highest level of certification through PACCC (Professional Animal Care Certification Council) with a CPACO certification (Certified Professional Animal Care Operator). In addition, she is certified in Pet First Aid and is also certified through Fear Free Pets. Laurie is also the founder of a non-profit rescue organization, Pitties Love Peace.