About Animal Cottage

Caring For Dogs With Busy Owners Since 1999

Family Owned And Operated Professional Dog Care Services

My life was simple in Kuna, Idaho until I bought my first hunting dog, I worked with a pro trainer and spent time competing in AKC hunt test titling my dog, Autumn. With this pro trainer I worked with him to train dogs in upland game and waterfowl hunts.  We traveled all over titling my dog and the client’s dogs. Over time we worked together with others to create a local club called Treasure Valley Hunting Retriever Club that was established in 2001 to help our hunting community become better dog trainers, hunters and have great hunting partners.

During all this time I began to watch dogs in my home and help people with their pets to be comfortable in knowing they are in great hands. I helped the pet owners and pets adapt to new environments with trust and commitment.

Then my new chapter started with my husband, who joined me with the training, boarding and some hunting. We got to travel and see some country and along the way we started breeding and raising great pups for people to enjoy as household members and/or hunting companions. Our 4-legged family grew to 5 dogs, Autumn, River, Tootsie, Blitz and Abbey. Staying busy with our family was great.

I grew over the years, training with all types of trainers, friends and even clients. With this diversity I realized I enjoy educating people and their pets to be better and stay open minded to the possibilities they can achieve with their pet with ease and confidence.

As time went on, we transitioned back to where I grew up in Stone Lake, Wisconsin to be closer to family and friends. I brought here all I learned and started to board dogs in my home and train for locals when they needed the help. After doing this for 25+ years my experience has taught me what pet owners want and like to see in a caregiver for their animals.

In all this history we personally discovered it was hard to trust our pets in the hands of others through bad experiences with caregiving, purchasing pups and trainers. So, I made it my mission to do better and share what I learned by offering better to people who trusted me with their pets. My clients I have served over the years have commented on how their dog is excited to stay with me and they get disappointed when their owners pass my place.  I am determined to serve my community with this energy and great feeling the dogs have with me and their stay.

When this opportunity came up it felt right for my husband and I, this is what we were meant to do on a larger scale and for our community.  To help them communicate better with their canine family member, to feel comfortable with leaving them in great hands and for the pets to want to come back for more.

Come meet us and give us a chance to help you with education, your needs, and your pets new experience with our facility.

Carol & Jordan

We Promise to Love and Care for All Dogs and cats as If They Were Our Own

Our Team

Carol Rhea-Groenlund

Owner & General Manager

Jordan Groenlund

Co-Owner

AmberPetCareTechnician

Amber Riegel

Pet Care Technician

Hi I’m Amber! 

I have had a passion for animals ever since I could remember.
 
My grandparents owned a dairy farm in Sheldon Wisconsin, a very small town. All my little kid pictures consist of me with some sort of 4 legged furry friend.
 
I currently have a dog and two cats. My dog is the biggest blessing I’ve had for the past 8 years. His name is Ruger and we love to hike, bird hunt, fish, and have some lazy cuddle days. My cats names are Silveràdo and Stella. They are a lot of fun and live life to the fullest.
 
The best part about my job is it’s not really work to me. I enjoy taking care of and loving all of our clients and meeting all of their needs.
 
From big to small I’ll love them all!! 🥰

Amanda Smith

Assistant Manager

Hi, my name is Amanda and I have been with the Animal Cottage pack since the beginning. I have had the honor of watching this company grow from Timberlawn days, and getting to see all the new and old faces here has been nothing short of amazing.

Animals are a true passion of mine at work and at home. Making sure they are well taken care of and comfortable is a top priority of mine.

When I’m not at work enjoying all of our clients’ pets, I’m at home with my loving family. I am a mother of two (one son and one daughter), I have a loving boyfriend, my daughter’s cat Faith, and a very special dog named Ranger.

I hope to get to meet and connect with as many of you as possible so you feel nothing but comfortable trusting us with your fur babies and their care!

Isenya Lowe

Assistant Manager

I’m Isenya Lowe, Assistant Manager, at Animal Cottage. I have been employed at Animal Cottage since January of 2023. 

I was born and raised in the Madison area, and made the move to the Hayward area two years ago and love it here. 

My passion is working with dogs and getting to know each one individually. My love for animals has extended over my entire life. I easily grow bonds with all the animals I care for. 

This job was made for me, it allows me to be around different types of dogs, hang out with them, get to know them and care for them as if they were my own. 

I am Mom to Theo, who is almost two years old.  He is an Australian Shepard/Great Pyrenees mix. He is my “gentle giant” and best friend. 

In my free time you can find me with my boyfriend, friends, family and my Theo. I enjoy traveling, riding my motorcycle, hiking with Theo and enjoying the outdoors. 

I am elated to take care of your pets and their needs! I absolutely can’t wait to meet you and your pets and to provide the exceptional care we can give them.

Ashley Whitnall

Pet Care Technician

Hello, I am Ashley Whitnall kennel and dog attendant here at Animal Cottage. I love all animals including the creepy crawling ones though spiders are a dealbreaker. 

I moved to Cable in 2000 and then to Hayward in 2006, I am originally from Minneapolis Minnesota.

I have three dogs that are all rescues: Ryley a pit/mastiff blue heeler(10) Macy a boxer/whipit(3) and Cheyenne a pit/lab(2). I also have a cat that is a rescue named Roxy Lynn(5).

I had a horse that I rescued from slaughter, but sadly she is no longer with us but I loved her the same. Me and my husband live in Drummond with our dogs and we plan to adopt more!

I am currently going to school to be a veterinary technician and after that I plan on getting my doctor in veterinary medicine.

I love working at Animal Cottage and getting to meet all the interesting different breeds and personalities of dogs that we get in for boarding and daycare. I love being part of the pack here and furthering my knowledge with animals of all kinds!

Rules & Requirements

Temperament Evaluation

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Vaccinations Schedule

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Spayed/Neutered Your Pet

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FAQ

For your convenience, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, please feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer any question you may have.

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