Pawsome Reviews!

“We were thrilled to hear Island Dog Lodge was opening, and within our own community after the unexpected closure of our previous dog daycare! Cooper has been a happy, and regular lodger since its opened. We absolutely love the structure and guidance Tracie, and the staff provide. Cooper recently had his first three night boarding experience this summer after four years of not being away from us a single night! Island Dog Lodge is Cooper approved.”

Owner: Ian & Tracy Townsend

Dog: Cooper Townsend

“Living in Ben Eoin made socializing Ian-Mackenzie difficult. There were very few local opportunities that would lend to adequate play time or exercise without exhausting my older girl, Kimora. Having Island Dog Lodge open their business just minutes away from my home was a dream come true. He has been attending regularly since opening day and loves it. He does a happy dance every time we come within 500 metres of the building. In addition to playing with his favourite people and fur buddies, he is also learning to control his negative reactions to larger dogs, improve his manners and reinforce basic obedience skills. Having him somewhere safe and well cared for allows me to spend special time with his much older sister to take her on mini walks and give her cuddles without guilt. He comes home fun-fatigued and his older sister gets relief from his silliness a few days a week. It’s a win-win situation. Thank you to Tracie and staff for loving our little fella as much as we do and taking amazing care of him.”

Owners: Jeannie & Chris Fraser

Dog: Ian-Mackenzie Fraser

“We would like to share our journey with what seems to have developed in to part of our extended family, the team at Island Dog Lodge. As first time dog owners and living in rural Cape Breton we felt it was important for our now two year old boy, Gus, to have some socialization with other dogs. After reading an article about a new business venture, Island Dog Lodge, in the Cape Breton Post we decided to reach out to them about having Gus spend some time with them in their Doggy Daycare service. In short, it was the best thing we have done for our boy since becoming new dog owners. We were invited to the Lodge for a meet and greet to determine if it was the right fit for everyone. After only ten minutes in to the meet and greet we knew this was the place for Gus and for us.
The approach that the team at Island Dog Lodge takes with the care of the pets known as structured care is certainly effective and reassuring. The reaction that Gus has when we arrive for the day in the parking lot at the Lodge says all we need to know about the wonderful day he is about to have. To put it in plain language, the team at Island Dog Lodge is doing it the way it is supposed to be done. The entire staff are excellent at recognizing and understanding the personality of each dog and managing their care based on this. The way they combine structure, fun, reliability, safety for the pets, affordability, understanding, customer service and interaction, and creative offerings all the while showing genuine love for the pets and sprinkling in subtle spoiling is just fantastic. We often say Gus is living like a Rock Star for the day while he is at the Lodge.
Gus has spent several short and long term stays overnight at the Lodge while we were out of town and the stays have always gone smoothly and without issue. We are grateful for the peace of mind in knowing that we have a place that Gus loves to be when we need it and the trust we have in the team at Island Dog Lodge to take care of him as if he is one of their own cannot be measured.”

Owner: The de Vries Family

Dog: Gus

"We moved to Cape Breton Island in April '22 & have 3 dogs. 2 of them don't get along well & life can be rather challenging. Discovering Island Dog Lodge half-way between home & work was JUST WHAT WE NEEDED!
The level of expertise, knowledge, attention to detail & compassion for the dogs is top notch. Structured & supervised play time, mixed with rest & awesome nutrition are highlights for my dogs. (They offer SO much more!)
We use day lodging every work day. Our dogs LOVE to go there & thoroughly enjoy their yummy treats. We have also participated in training at the Lodge which has brought a balance at home with our dogs because of that service offering.
We cannot say enough about this facility & all the staff - we SO appreciate all that you do.”

Owners: Heather & Tony

Dogs: Rafter, Edberg & Guga

“Our Tinkerbell just turned 1 last month and we’ve had her involved with Island Dog Lodge since she was a puppy! The Management and Staff have been extremely helpful and knowledgeable right from the start especially with training questions and guidance. The socialization with other dogs for Tinkerbell was a definite asset as well as enjoying some playtime and pupsicles in the hot weather! Also, at Island Dog Lodge it’s all encompassing: she not only gets to play with other dogs but also get to know how to interact with other people (the awesome staff) as well and the way they interact with them. She also gets her nails trimmed from time to time and we purchase her food on site. Saves a lot of running around! Thanks Tracie, and staff at Island Dog Lodge for being so well organized and professional. We really like the up-to-date posts on Instagram and Facebook to see how’s she’s doing…Well Done!”

Owners: Rob & Karla Tuck

Dog: Tinkerbell

I am so grateful to have discovered Island Dog Lodge. Brina was new to me from a shelter and I was insecure about introducing her to other dogs. She’s huge and strong! Staff assessed her and quickly introduced her to the other dogs. Being able to see her thriving with other dogs in a calm and structured environment gave me the confidence I needed.
Brina is clearly loved at the lodge and as result she adores her time there. Not only does she get valuable socialization with other dogs at the Lodge but I now get to enjoy my vacations guilt free.

Owner: Carrie Chilsolm

Dogs: Brina

Island dog lodge is wonderful place. My dogs love going there. They learn to interact with the other dogs and also, they get good training. They have an amazing team. Very accommodating and friendly. Thanks to Tracie and their team for having such a nice Lodging house.

Owners: Tharanee & Siva Rajanayagam

Dogs: Kora & Kashi

We are very grateful for the wonderful care our dogs receive at Island Dog Lodge. Orca and Torridon are always so excited to go and come home exhausted from all the fun!
Here’s a photo of Orca and Torridon fast asleep on the couch after daycare.

Owners: Rebecca Korven

Dogs: Orca & Torridon

Remy was brought to the Island Dog Lodge in October of 2021. She met with Tracie regarding a partially torn CCL. An injury she sustained that summer. When Remy started her therapy, her leg was extremely weak, she suffered a great deal of muscle loss and consistently displayed a significant limp in her gait often times lifting the paw completely off the ground. My biggest fear for Remy is that she would need surgery in order to repair it. For 5 months Remy worked an extensive therapy regiment with Tracie which incorporated Massage, Hydrotherapy, Balance and treadmill techniques. I witnessed Remys leg getting stronger every week she went. The muscle was building back up and then days were starting to happen where I noticed she didn't limp at all or favour it in any way. She was truly starting to place all of her weight on it and utilize it the way it should be, naturally. 5 months of successful therapy sessions and Remy is now 95% back to the dog she is meant to be. She no longer requires actual Therapy sessions. Remy turned into a regular daycare attendee. She has attended the lodge for a year now and started her E-Collar training in August. Remy is a very high energy dog often times she has issue with the acceptable ways of releasing that energy and is challenged with how to regulate it. An energy that if not properly harnessed creates the possibility for reinjury and exhibits itself through unwanted behaviours such as jumping, pulling and raw over the top excitement. Training has also taught me so much about myself. How to understand a high energy dog and how such a high energy is very different from a low to medium energy one. How their needs are different and the patience and consistency required to effectively communicate with that type of energy.
Every day Remy and I continue to learn from each other and progress. Tracie gave us a very clear vision, work and the importance of effort required for Remy and I to get to where we want to be. A bond I'm most proud of!

Forever grateful Terri ❤️

The staff are knowledgeable and attentive to the dogs needs. I feel 100% comfortable leaving my puppy in their care. I love the half day or full day options and they have grooming along with training, walking and a fenced in play area. I'm glad we found them!! Great staff!! You won't be disappointed if you bring your pooch there.

Karla J

Maverick has been going to Island Dog Lodge daycare 3 days a week for about a month & we see so much improvement in him. We are so thankful for all the work they have done with him. From being scared of everything including dogs but now he is so playful & just loves everyone.

Owner: Megan Pearcey