Applewood Kennels in Cottonwood, Arizona is a premier dog daycare and boarding facility that has become a trusted destination for families throughout the Verde Valley region. Located on East Cottonwood Street, this family-owned business provides comprehensive pet care services with a focus on creating a fun, social environment where dogs can play, exercise, and form lasting friendships. The facility’s reputation for exceptional care and genuine love for animals has made it a go-to choice for both local families and travelers visiting the Sedona and Cottonwood area.
Dog Care Services
Applewood Kennels offers a comprehensive range of services including daycare, boarding, and professional grooming. Their daycare program allows dogs to play freely together under careful supervision, creating an ideal environment for socialization and exercise. For families needing boarding services, dogs enjoy the same social play experience rather than being confined to kennels during the day. The facility provides flexible scheduling and accommodates last-minute reservations, understanding that pet care needs don’t always follow a schedule. Their grooming services include full spa treatments, nail trims, and departure baths, with many families choosing to have their dogs groomed before pickup for a complete pampering experience. The staff provides thoughtful touches like cleaning tree sap from paws and ensuring nails are properly rounded to prevent scratching. They also share updates and photos through social media, allowing families to see their dogs enjoying playtime while they’re away.
The Facility and Play Spaces
The facility maintains exceptional cleanliness standards with a welcoming lobby and well-maintained indoor and outdoor play areas. Dogs have access to spacious yards where they can run freely and engage in supervised group play throughout the day. The environment feels more like a pet resort than a traditional kennel, with dogs able to move between indoor and outdoor spaces as they choose. The facility’s layout includes separate areas that allow for grouping dogs by age, size, and energy levels, ensuring compatible playmates and comfortable experiences for all temperaments. Visitors consistently note the clean, fresh atmosphere and the absence of typical kennel odors, creating a pleasant environment for both pets and their families.
Staff Expertise and Care Approach
The team at Applewood Kennels demonstrates genuine passion and expertise in dog care, with staff members like Adriana, Amanda, and Tiara providing personalized attention to each dog. The owners are hands-on in daily operations and know their regular clients by name, building meaningful relationships with both pets and families. Staff members excel at reading dog behavior and adapting their approach to each individual animal’s needs, whether working with shy dogs, high-energy breeds, or traumatized rescues. They show exceptional patience and compassion when helping dogs adjust to new environments, taking time to ensure even the most anxious pets feel comfortable and secure. The team’s knowledge extends to proper care protocols, medication administration, and handling special situations with professionalism and genuine concern for each dog’s wellbeing.
What Dogs and Families Experience
Dogs consistently show excitement when arriving at Applewood Kennels, with many pulling their owners toward the entrance or running directly to the outdoor play areas. After full days of social play and exercise, dogs return home thoroughly exhausted, often sleeping soundly through the night and into the next day. Many dogs become reluctant to leave at pickup time, indicating their enjoyment of the experience and comfort with the staff. Families appreciate the peace of mind that comes from seeing their dogs genuinely happy and well-cared for, with many noting that their pets remember the facility fondly on return visits. The drop-off and pickup process is efficient and accommodating, with staff willing to adjust hours for special circumstances like train excursions or travel schedules. Long-term clients develop deep trust in the facility, with some using the service regularly for years and others confidently leaving their dogs for extended periods including multi-week international travel.
Why Families Choose Applewood Kennels
Applewood Kennels stands out for its genuine love of animals and commitment to creating positive experiences rather than simply providing a service. The facility’s ability to accommodate diverse needs—from last-minute bookings to special care for rescue dogs—combined with reasonable pricing makes it accessible for various situations. Families particularly value the socialization benefits their dogs receive, with many seeing improvements in their pets’ confidence and social skills. The combination of professional grooming services, flexible scheduling, and the assurance that dogs will be truly happy during their stay makes Applewood Kennels the preferred choice for pet care in the Cottonwood and Sedona area.
