Sylvan Pet Lodge

At Sylvan Pet Lodge, we understand the importance of providing a safe, comfortable, and loving environment for your pets when they're away from home. We believe that every pet deserves to be treated with the same love and care as if they were our own. This is why we've dedicated ourselves to creating a peaceful, serene space for your furry friends to relax and enjoy themselves.

Our team is led by Niki Covert, who has been the owner of Sylvan Pet Lodge since February 2005. Niki's passion for animal care and her extensive experience in the field make her the perfect person to ensure your pet's needs are met and exceeded. She grew up in Shelton, surrounded by animals, and has always had a special bond with them. Her experience as a volunteer for Adopt-A-Pet, a non-kill shelter for abused or abandoned animals, has given her a unique perspective on the importance of providing a safe haven for pets.

Niki completed her Bachelor's Degree from Washington State University in 2000, with a degree in Zoology with a Specialty in Animal Care. After graduating, she worked as an Animal Control Officer for Mason County, where she gained valuable experience dealing with a variety of animal situations. However, she soon realized that her true passion lay in providing positive, loving care for pets, rather than dealing with negative situations. This led her to obtain her American Boarding Kennels Association Pet Care Technician Certification, as well as her Advanced level certification.

Niki continues to attend seminars in the field of animal care, including Clothier's seminar on Dog to Human Relationships, Ian Dunbar's Instructors course on Dog Behavior and Training, and Sue Sternberg's class on managing dogs in shelter and confined areas. These seminars focus on positive handling techniques, which align perfectly with our mission at Sylvan Pet Lodge.

Niki's husband, Ryan, is also an integral part of the business. He handles all maintenance and landscaping on the property, ensuring that our facilities are always clean, safe, and welcoming for your pets. Together, they have three children, Austin, Colton, and Wyatt, who often help out around the property and provide additional love and attention to our guests.

Cortni Herrera, Niki's youngest sister, has been working at Sylvan Pet Lodge since 2001. She took a few years off to pursue her education, earning her degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Washington University. Cortni has now returned to Sylvan, bringing her warm smile and caring nature back to our team.

Our Services

At Sylvan Pet Lodge, we offer a variety of services designed to meet the unique needs of your pet. Whether your pet needs a short-term stay or an extended vacation, we have the facilities and staff to provide the highest level of care and attention.

Our facilities are located on eight acres of serene forest, providing a peaceful and relaxing environment for your pet. We have created a low-stress, healthy environment with soft lighting, music, a regular exercise program, and frequent, individualized attention. Each pet is treated with affection, respect, and kindness by our trained pet care technicians.

Dogs have individual indoor/outdoor runs with free access through their own privacy door. Outside, they can enjoy our covered, fenced play yards, providing them with plenty of space to run and play. For our feline friends, we offer large individual spaces, complete with beds and hammocks. Multiple cats from the same family may reside in the same enclosure, ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease.

In addition to our boarding services, we also offer grooming and bathing services. Our experienced groomers will work with you to create a customized grooming plan that meets your pet's specific needs, whether it's a simple nail trim or a full spa day.

At Sylvan Pet Lodge, we believe that every pet deserves to be treated like royalty. That's why we encourage you to visit us, see the accommodations, and get your questions answered before making a reservation. Visiting hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays between 10am and 3pm. We do not offer tours on Wednesdays to minimize interruptions during feeding times and reduce stress on our guests.

While we are closed, your pets continue to receive quality care. Voicemail will take your message, and we will return your call. Owners and/or staff are always on the premises in case of emergency and for security. We sincerely thank you for respecting our private time.

We hope our website is helpful and that you will find the boarding experience to be a pleasant one, both for your pet and yourself. We welcome your comments or suggestions about our service and look forward to serving you and your pet soon.