Hillary Stains and Laura Mathieson have had a successful history in all previous endeavors in the animal industry, working with, and training animals throughout their lives. Hillary Stains has a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in psychology with an emphasis on Animal Behavior. Laura Mathieson has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Biology. Both owners have experience in horse husbandry, training and competitive horseback riding.

The SNIFFERS owners both worked as animal keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park for over five years, where they specialized in animal husbandry, management, training, and enrichment. They were responsible for education programs for the public and volunteers in both formal and informal settings. Working at the Zoo, they produced and implemented protocols necessary to run a successful facility, manage a collection of exotic and endangered animals, and maintain standards and regulations of governing organizations such as AZA and USDA. Both owners also have many years of experience with paid in-home pet care.

Furthermore, both are long time, loving pet owners. This education, professional and personal experience with animals has given them the tools they need to successfully manage animals in a daycare and lodging setting.

Hillary and Laura regularly attend industry specific conferences and work with other industry professionals to stay abreast on new information and technology offered in the pet care industry. They also maintain a good working relationship with local professionals to offer their clients comprehensive referral care. SNIFFERS works with multiple rescue groups to offer temporary foster homes for dogs that are waiting to find their forever home.

SNIFFERS Doggie Retreat is a 11,500 sq ft facility with an adjoining outdoor yard catering to all of your dogs needs.

We have a 4,000 sq ft doggie daycare playroom with rubber flooring where dogs can play safely in a non slip social environment. The dogs in our daycare room always have access to water, play equipment, and beds if they choose to rest. Our playroom has air purifiers to offer a constant source of fresh air.

We have a fenced in outdoor yard featuring K9Grass, an artificial turf that is specifically designed for dogs, where dogs can safely go outside to use the bathroom, get some fresh air and play. Our yard adjoins our building so dogs can be safely walked outside and constantly have a secondary containment.

We offer multiple overnight and activity options for our guests.