Paws and Tails Hotel

Sherri Whitlock

2023-12

My healthy yorkie was boarded at this place on May 13, 2023. She left there in May 19 dead. You can believe the lies and the owners complete lack of accountability for her actions but the truth is the truth. She was given strict instructions regarding Charli’s diet and she failed to keep her safe from foods that caused her to get sick and ultimately die. She downplayed her condition and did not notify me when her condition became life threatening. She proceeded to lie and cover up evidence immediately afterwards. She bathed our dead dog to remove evidence she was left to die alone in her own vomit and diarrhea. She said she had video evidence she was fine all night but failed to produce it. Our dog died in her care. Multiple people shared horror stories AFTER Charli died. I’m not willing to be quiet and let it happen to someone else. At least people can make an informed decision.I got ONE phone call saying she had thrown up and had diarrhea. Based on the answers I got to my multiple questions, it was decided we’d wait a little bit and see if it continued. I was told she’d be there with her for SIX MORE HOURS and also that she’d be monitored via camera all night. I asked for her to please call me back if it didn’t stop or if her condition worsened. She assured me she would. Next call I got was at 9:45 the next morning saying she was dead. It absolutely says everything anyone would need to know about this owner’s character for her to act as if she offered multiple times to take Charli to the vet. She said twice..”I can take her to the vet if you want me to”… but when I asked how she was acting…you know…basically tell me what you’re seeing because some diarrhea and vomiting wasn’t unusual when she ate something she wasn’t supposed to…and she assured me she was fine and up walking around. The truth is…Gods honest truth…if she’d have said “she needs to go to the vet” I’d have said “take her immediately”. For reasons only known to her and God, she made me feel Charli was just experiencing a little tummy upset and the next thing I knew she was gone. When I said “you let her die” she said “I did everything I needed to do”. What that meant to me was … she called me and fulfilled her legal obligation even though she never expressed any sense of urgency AT ALL and assured me she’d call if Charli got worse. Charli did get worse and she never called me back. Again, the lies further solidify my feelings about her lack of integrity and morality.As for the court case … The case was supposed to be a small claims case and ended up being an actual “trial” situation and we were blindsided. We had not hired an attorney because we were under the impression there were no attorneys involved in small claims. My boyfriend filed the claim so he was forced to be the “attorney” and that left me as the only witness. We had no questions prepared..only had our story to tell and that was not allowed. I even asked could I please tell my story and was told no…I could only answer basically yes no questions. Every question was either objected to or every answer I gave was stricken from the record because her attorney objected. We were railroaded and ZERO evidence was able to be presented. It was over in 5 minutes basically because he dismissed the case. The judge said, in his conclusion, “I don’t even have any evidence that the defendant was told about the dogs diet restrictions”. The defendant admitted in her criminal trial that she was told and that she did allow her to get ahold of treats she wasn’t supposed to have. Insane. The judge was also one we hadn’t seen the prior 3 times. At the conclusion of her criminal trial that judge told us he would see us back for the civil case and to remember the burden of proof was a lot less in the civil case than the criminal. He asked questions and he knew the evidence. When we showed up, it was a totally different judge and handled in a totally different manner. There was no not guilty verdict after hearing the evidence. It was dismissed because we were unable to present a shred of our evidence.

Kimber Cress

2024-01

We leave our babies with no one but Miss Laura and they absolutely love her! Her house is large with a play yard and she truly loves every dog she keeps. We once left our oldest dog with a vet and she lost 17 lbs and was never let out, as well as “outdoor play passes” had to be purchased separately. Since then we have added a new baby to our family and no one keeps them but Miss Laura. They are always so excited to go there and we have zero worries knowing that they are in excellent, loving hands. ❤️

Dave Ropiski

2023-11

I have had nothing but positive experiences with Laura. We have used her for daycare, and multi-day stays. Our dog Chewie loves going there. As soon as we pull up into the parking area, he wants to get out of the car asap and can't wait to get in and play with the other dogs.We chose Paws & Tails because it is like a dog park, except better since Laura or her husband are watching them and interacting with them during the day.We couldn't find any place like Paws & Tails in the area.

Jennifer Smith (Jennifer Smith Grafiks)

2023-12

Horrible dog discrimination!!! I have taken my two Dobermans to daycare since they were puppies and never had an issue. Called to ask to get them in here and they won’t accept that breed so ignorant. If this was a respectable place they would evaluate a dog’s behavior for a day like every other daycare in America!

Cathy Ropiski

2023-11

Our Red Heeler, Chewie, has very happily stayed with Laura at Paws and Tails Hotel for daycare as well as overnight stays during our trips out of town. We are thrilled to have this unique service available to us! Other pet care businesses we checked into offer only kennels where dogs are kept separate in concrete runs with fencing. Paws and Tails Hotel has indoor and outdoor areas where friendly dogs may run and play together. Our Chewie loves this set up and we prefer it as well. Laura keeps her building and grounds very clean and our pup is always treated very well. We drive from Damascus, VA to use Laura's services. She is kind, professional and best of all, she loves dogs. It shows in the loving care she offers to her clients and their human parents. As soon as we arrive in the neighborhood of Paws and Tails, Chewie sits up and gets excited. When we pull into the parking area, he cannot wait to get out of our truck and get inside to see Laura and play with his friends. We feel that is a very high compliment to Laura!

Katrina Heil

2023-07

Laura took such wonderful care of our sweet Pete so many times during his golden years. He had separation anxiety and hated the traditional cage-run kennel. But he loved it at Laura’s because he was free to go in and out as he needed, always surrounded by other doggies and Laura, who takes the time to get to know and love all dogs in her care. She was so good with our elderly dog who had many health issues. It was such a comfort to be able to leave him there. We only wish we’d found Paws and Tails earlier!

lrc9hx

2023-10

I left my Yorkie at Paws & Tails while I went on vacation in July and I was very impressed with the facility and with the owner. She took really good care of my sweet Jadirah. She keeps it so clean and it smelled so clean. Definitely will be bring her back next time I need her.

Alice Compton

2023-12

We take our doodle there! Our Coco loves going and playing with the other dogs! We pull in the parking lot and she gets so excited!

Addison Counts

2023-06

My Standard poodle goes there everyday. She is great with the dogs. My dog loves her very much. It’s a very clean, kept up place. He’s always well hydrated. I would highly recommend. Laura is awesome

Melissa Vossi52

2023-10

I do not know the owner, or the dog parents of the dead dog, but in all fairness, if I was asked, do you want me to take the dog to the vet, I would have said "Yes". Urgency in one's voice is subjective, and it is up to you as a dog mom to make those judgement calls. Sounds like this could have happened anywhere you left him. An older dog with health problems, why not take with you? I do, there are pet friendly hotels everywhere you go. I even take my two dogs to beach and board at K-9 Cabana, at see them daily there. I must give rating to post, but I am planning to try but have not yet tried this facility.

Scarlet Hardy

2023-05

Thank you so much, Laura for taking such good care of our sweet Ruby! We are moving to the area and needed a new place to board our 9 year old dachshund when we are out of town. I went by first to look at the facility and meet Laura and was so impressed with how clean everything is and Laura’s kindness. Ruby was taken care of exceptionally well while we were out of town. Laura was so sweet to send me pictures everyday of Ruby playing and getting snuggled throughout the day and letting me know she was doing great! Thank you again, Laura! We will see you again soon!

NotYour AverageGamers

2023-05

I left my black lab, Buster, here for a weekend trip with the family. My dog is very high energy and is a little bit of a hard head to deal with, but they took the best care of him! He was happy to see me but hesitant to even leave because he loved it there and he got to play with all the other dogs! We can tell he had a blast because he was tired when we got home. They even said he was welcome back any time because they loved having him around! Would give 10 stars if I could and would recommend them to anyone!

NurseHEMP

2023-06

Laura and her crew are great! They take excellent care of my furbaby and are flexible when needed. My little guy gets excited when I drop him off and is worn out when I pick him up.

Trish Hill

2022-05

Had a GREAT experience there. The owner is clearly a huge dog lover. They were running freely around and she had excellent control over them. The place is clean and my dog May was very happy and healthy when I picked her back up. This will definitely always be my spot for keeping my dog when I go on vacation. The prices were good. They may be a little more than other places but I will gladly pay when i know that my dog will get excellent care. Can’t put a price on peace of mind! I was able to fully enjoy my vacation and not have to worry about her. I will add that when I’ve boarded my dog before in other places, she was always mad at me when I picked her up. That wasn’t the case this time at all- she was happy and bouncy and didn’t even want to leave! I’ll gladly trust this place with my pets from now on!!

Quintin Skaggs

2021-05

Boarded my dogs for the first time ever here and they had a blast! I had to book last minute here when my original sitter had to suddenly quarantine and this place was able to book me in for a week stay for my 2 dogs! The owner let's the dogs that get along stay out and play together so they aren't cooped up all day which is great since one of mine is high energy. She was very reassuring when I called checking in on them letting me know they were behaving and having fun with the other dogs. I will definitely be using them again!!

Sue Allen

2021-05

Spoke to a very nice lady (Laura) on initial phone call, very friendly, competitive prices, made arrangements for my furbaby. Laura was there when we dropped our Dolly off. Gang of dogs waiting to meet their new boarder greeted us. Laura had good control over her “gang”. Left our baby for three days/nights, went to pick her up and found our little girl had a pack of new friends. We would highly recommend this business!

Dave Ropiski

2023-05

This place is great, I use them for Doggie Day care and extended stays when we are on vacation. Dogs can roam freely and play with the other dogs. They also take cats which are in a protected area away from the dogs.

Jessica Doane

2023-06

She took great care of Annie I was worried to leave her since she usually doesn’t do well around other dogs but Annie loved playing with the dogs there and if I need to board her she’s the one I trust. I’m glad she was able to have fun and get to play with the other dogs

Katy Stigers

2023-05

we have boarded here twice and Laura and team are wonderful with our dog, even on relatively short notice. Our dog had time to get comfortable and came home very happy. We will be back. Great value, and very convenient.

Allie Rose

2023-05

I took my 6 month old Great Dane puppy here and as soon as I get there she had no idea we were coming (I called early in the week and talked to the same woman and confirmed everything) and she has me put him in the back (which was fine cause dogs were barking and it was hard to hear) she didn’t ask for the shot records I had to give them to her, she didn’t ask how much he is being fed each meal, and she also never tried to take the time to sit there and let him get comfortable. He’s 6 months old and never stayed away before. He’s a very nervous puppy (again 6 months old) but the vets call him a “big chicken”. He’s the sweetest dog and has NEVER growled or barked at a soul. He’s afraid of his own shadow. I hadn’t even left two minutes when she calls to tell me he was “growling” at her and I had to come pick him up. Absolutely no time was given for him to become acclimated. I would have stayed however long it took to sit there and make sure he became comfortable with her but she didn’t really seem to care to take the time. I’m not one to leave nasty reviews and I do have another dog who is more aggressive so I know an aggressive dog when I see one and my puppy is not one. I am just disappointed that she didn’t even ask me any questions about him and didn’t take the time to let him get used to his surroundings. Do NOT recommend this place.

Sarah Morgan

2023-05

We have boarded our puppy Winnie and have also dropped her off for daycare. We’ve been very happy with both services and would definitely recommend. Daycare is a godsend on days we can’t get enough walking and play time in, she comes home exhausted.

Erin Kingsley

2020-05

I was thrilled when I saw a play all day boarding facility open in Bristol (SO much better than dogs stuck in kennels all day). We boarded our dog here for three days and I was very impressed. Our dog was clean and happy when we picked her up; you could tell she had been playing all day, as she slept for 24 hrs upon her return home. Our dog's bed had been freshly washed for us as well. The owner is very kind and is available virtually 24/7. Great customer service and very clean, spacious facility. Please support local small business and board your dogs here! I highly recommend.

Austin Hess

2023-05

Lady stated my dog had vomit and diarrhea which she didn't she's at another facility doing great she rudely called me 1 hr before my flight left then proceeded to lose my dogs vaccination record, then blocked me on Facebook let's not mention how poorly the dogs were treated here with her kicking at them since the owner wanted my response I gave it to her how would you feel when you have to check back out of a airport drive 30 minutes back then find another option and barely making your flight I wouldn't send anything to this facility ever again. Very rudely ran place and the owner is very arrogant

Sharon Bricker

2020-05

My dog recently was boarded at the new Paws and Tails Hotel. I was pleased and my Bonnie was so happy to be there!! The owner, Laura Albert, loves the furbabies, is very professional and very accommodating with anything you or your furbaby needs. It is a beautiful place, very clean, spacious sleeping areas and even has a camera so you can check on your baby!! I know you will be satisfied and comfortable leaving your pet there. Glad to support this new business!! Thank you Laura!!

Rforrest Shortt

2020-05

I can't say enough good things about this business. I have always hated when I had to board my little pug. I'll never have to worry again. Sid stayed here this past weekend. It was more like she was staying with family. They have a super nice camera system so you can see your pooch whenever you want. Besides that, Laura (the owner) sent me pictures every day to let me know how Sid was doing. The dogs get the run of much of the facility, as long as they are well behaved, and only sleep in their crates at night. They charge a bit more than a traditional kennel or vet, but the exceptional care and peace of mind is well worth it.

Mel Johns

2021-05

Great price, and great homey feel. My fur baby Samantha seems to like it and I love having peace of mind that she is in good hands. Laura treats her like shes family and that makes me feel better about leaving her behind in the event of going out of town for few days.

Jeff Belanger

2021-05

Laura truly loves the dogs in her care. We were thrilled with the fact our pup was able to run freely and play with all her new friends each day of her stay. She will visit again!

Kem Epps

2022-05

First off let me say that I was very impressed with the quality of care that my Oscar (miniature dachshund ) was given during his weeks’ stay. I was given updates on his care and when I picked him up he was happy to see me yes but not overly anxious to leave which lets me know that he was well cared for . I could see that they have a true love for pets. Thank you until next time😀

Emily Creasong

2023-06

Do not use this place. Not only are they prejudice against big dogs and don’t allow them because of one bad experience (which btw doesn’t represent all big dogs but whatever) they have also KILLED several dogs because of negligence on their part. Really scary. Please don’t use this person

Lisa Wilder

2020-05

Clean and they do treat the animals like family:). I would give five stars, but they do charge more than some local kennels and the vet with no discount if you board more than one dog. The care does make up for that from my perspective:)