HOMEWARD HOUND
RETREAT
Rest Easy, We’ve Got This
Homeward Hound Retreat isn’t just standard dog boarding, it’s a retreat. A calm, personal place where dogs are treated like family and never just a number.
About Us
Our vision for Homeward Hound Retreat was built from a deep love for animals and the belief that dogs deserve a place to call home away from home, not just a standard boarding experience.
I’m Nicole, and together my husband Aaron and I own Homeward Hound Retreat. While we own the business together, I run 100% of the day-to-day operations, and you’ll often find Aaron helping me out on the weekends. Animals have always been my passion. I’m originally from Angola and spent 14 years living in Michigan, where I worked closely with rescues and fostered whenever possible and still do. Helping animals has always been more than a job, it’s part of who I am.
We are a very small, family-run business. We do not have employees, which allows the dogs to truly get to know us. Seeing familiar faces helps create a sense of relief, comfort, and relaxation when they come stay with us. There is always someone they recognize and trust.
At home, we share our lives with our three dogs: Ryan, Higgins, and Bridgette, they’re a huge part of our “why” and help shape how we care for every dog here.
We also believe in balance. That’s why we close twice a year to give ourselves and our own pups time to rest, reset, and recoup. When we’re off, you’ll usually find us relaxing in Florida or hiking the trails of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with our dogs.
The Facility
Our retreat offers 9 fully enclosed rooms designed with your pet’s privacy, comfort, and safety in mind. Each room features a private doggy door that opens to a personal outdoor patio, giving your pup plenty of fresh air and space to relax. With 24-hour on-site care and cameras throughout the facility, it’s a cozy retreat where your dog can rest, play with “fur-ends,” and feel right at home, so you can enjoy your time away knowing they’re safe, happy, and well cared for.
Click the link for a virtual tour!
Our Dog Boarding Offers
We offer home-style boarding designed for dogs who deserve individualized care and a calm, low-stress environment. With limited capacity, personalized routines, and attentive supervision, each guest receives exceptional care, never overcrowded, never overlooked.
Rates
Regular rates start at $35 per night for one dog. Additional dogs from the same family sharing the same room are an additional $20/dog/night.
Holiday rates apply
Care
Attentive, individual attention, personalized care focused on
health and safety
Comfort
A calm, home-like space where dogs feel safe and relaxed
Play
Supervised fun tailored to each dogs energy and personality
Other Services
Exit Bath (Post-Boarding)
Our exit bath service is the perfect finishing touch to your dog’s stay. Each bath includes a full wash with quality, dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner. Ideal for dogs staying multiple nights or those who enjoy outdoor play, this service ensures your dog leaves clean, comfortable, and ready to go home.
Premium Exit Bath (Post-Boarding)
Our Premium Exit Bath is a full spa-style refresh designed for dogs who need a little extra care before heading home. This service includes a full wash with quality, dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner, blow dry, and light brushing. This option is ideal for longer stays, heavy shedders, or dogs who enjoy lots of outdoor play. Your pup will leave clean, soft, and smelling great.
Pup Transport
Can’t find a time in your day that aligns with both your schedule and ours? We offer a convenient transport service for our boarding clients to help simplify drop-offs and pick-ups. Availability is limited and must be scheduled in advance.
Requirements
Vaccines/ Prevention
*All dogs must be current on DHPP, Rabies, and Bordetella. Must be completed a minimum of 2 weeks prior to visiting.
*All dogs must be current on flea and heartworm prevention.
*We highly encourage Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza vaccines, although they are not currently required.
Meet & Greet
All new dogs, including those who have boarded elsewhere but not at our facility, must complete a meet & greet prior to their first stay. This allows us to ensure your pup is comfortable, happy, and a good fit for our environment. During the meet & greet, we assess play style, reactivity to other dogs, and overall comfort within the space. This process helps us maintain a safe, calm, and low-stress environment for all pets in our care.
Overnight Assessment
If your pup has never been boarded before, we may require an overnight assessment to ensure they acclimate well to the environment and feel comfortable. This must be completed at least two weeks before your original scheduled boarding dates. If your first stay is less than two nights, an overnight assessment is not required, but a meet & greet is still necessary.
Upcoming Closure Notice – Spring and Fall 2026
Homeward Hound Retreat will be closed from April 15th through April 26th, 2026.
We will also be closed from October 1st through October 6th, 2026.
No boarding services will be available during these times.