Bluegrass Pet Resort

We have just returned from boarding our dog at Bluegrass Pet Resort. I love that place! The owner is very nice and genuinely enjoys taking care of animals. Tonight, when I picked up Sadie, she was happy, excited and looked so good! I had requested a bath and they went the extra mile and clipped her nails and trimmed her feet! Sadie has been going to Bluegrass for 11 years and I'm not changing.

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It went great. I love the place!

We have been boarding our dog, Sadie,  at Bluegrass for 9 years. And yes, like other reviewers, we loved the "boys" and how they treated our dog. However, in June 2014, we took a chance and boarded Sadie again at Bluegrass under the new management. I was very satisfied. The owner greeted us and explained the changeover. After being boarded for 30 days, Sadie was happy and excited to see us. The staff was friendly and our pillows and toys were returned as usual.

We had not used any kennel until last week. I read the other reviews and was a little skeptical. Could the Bluegrass Kennels  have changed so much? Again, we took a chance and boarded two dogs for a week. One dog had never been boarded before. I was pleasantly surprised!  I spoke with Candice McKing, the owner, and requested that both dogs stay in the same run. She agreed and sent me a confirmation email to confirm the reservation. Very professional.

When we arrived, the staff were friendly and the lobby was clean (no smell as another reviewer stated). They checked us in, took our three pillows, two types of food and lots of toys. Then they came for the dogs. They knelt down to greet each of them and talked to them as they took them back. They now use orange paper neck collars to identify each dog. Neither dog minded it being put on around their necks.  Even Sadie's tail was wagging and she doesn't really like to be separated! 



When we picked up the dogs, they were very happy and excited. Both had baths and didn't seem stressed in the least.  Our stuff was returned just as we expected.  

The week we were gone, it snowed 12 inches and was the coldest of the season. On  Sunday morning, the day we were supposed to pick up the dogs, Candice called me to say that the road was pretty slick. She offered to walk the dogs out to the road (about a half mile) if we didn't feel safe driving to the office. I was shocked! How many other kennel owners would care enough about their customers to make such an offer. We ended up driving to the office but talk about going that extra mile!!

I totally disagree with the other reviewers. This experience reinforces my belief that Bluegrass Kennels is still a top notch kennel. The owner is making changes that positively impact the quality of care at the kennel. The support staff seem professional and the facility is as clean as ever.

Yes we miss the guys and those playtime photos. But times do change. Try Bluegrass Kennels for yourself, and, if you have a gripe, talk to the owner. I think she would be more than willing to speak with you about your issue.

We have been using Bluegrass Kennels for six years, the first several with the old owners. At first things with the new owners seemed good, (we were sad to loose the old guys, once one of our dogs got sick and they sat with him and took him to the doctor, and did EVERYTHING for him, they did a wonderful job). This weekend we wanted to get our new puppy used to being boarded and to get to know the Kennels, so drop off went very well, we told them everything we needed and they took notes and it all looked good. But, when we came to pick them up there were a few people there but, not many so there was no reason that they should be rushed. The old guys knew that there was a way we liked to pick up our dogs: first they would bring out the boxes and we would put them in the car, then the bags of blankets, food, toys, etc. the they would bring out our dogs one at a time and we would take them out to the car and put them in their boxes ( being out in the car makes them nervous). But we told them we were there to pick them up, and if we could have there stuff to put in the car. So, they come out with EVERYTHING, dogs, blankets, boxes, they dogs weren't on leashes, the leashes were buried at the bottom of our bags of stuff, we had to juggle bags of food, toys, boxes, un-leashed dogs. At one point one of our dogs was barking ( I don't blame him with all of this going on) and the woman who brought our stuff, yelled at our dog to be quiet! They also told us that some of our bedding was still being washed and brought us out a garbage bags of wet blankets. The dogs seemed in good sprits, but it was such a mess. Then to top it all off, when we got home I was going to re-wash their blankets, and inside the bags were two collars that didn't belong to us, so it looks like there were people who were out collars when they came to pick up their dogs, luckily we had all of our belongings. They should have known what they were walking into when they bought a beloved family business with a clientele who knew and loved them. I don't know what they think they are doing, but this is not going to work much longer. We hate to have to start from scratch finding a new place after six years, but I don't know if we are going back.

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Bluegrass Kennels Kept my pups in fine fashion. This business was recently bought by new owners, but the care I was previously used to seems to be carried on by this new family of owners

First, this kennel is under new ownership.  We have used them for several years and loved them - the former folks knew my dog and my mom's dog and all their "regulars".  They could always give us a review of how the dogs had been, what their favorite playtime activities were, and more.  They were great.
There was no announcement of the new ownership - when I dropped my dog off it was all new people.  Drop-off took a while, but they were very friendly and seemed like they just needed some time to work the kinks out.
When I went to pick up, however, the story was different.  Two people ahead of me were both being helped.  I was first in line.  It took over 35 minutes!  I felt so bad for the 6 people who came in after me, who probably were there over an hour.
For one person ahead of me - they could not find her dog! They brought out the wrong dog, and then finally took the owner back to the kennels so that she could get her own dog!  I left before she returned, so I have no idea how it turned out.
For the other person ahead of me, they lost two blankets and could not find them anywhere.
Thankfully, they got me my dog relatively easily.  She was still wet, but the bedding had definitely been washed.  The price has gone up.  Frankly, I do not have confidence that, had my dog had any special needs (medication, etc) they would have given it appropriately.  It seems very disorganized.
The new owner seems very friendly but in over her head.  We will not be going back.

This was the first, last and only time we will use this facility. When we dropped our dog off the check in was quite disorganized even though there were only a couple of other customers there. The lobby smelled. We had second thoughts about leaving our dog there but the online reviews had been great so we took a chance. We also had fo leave town within hours and felt like we didnt have time to find a different kennel. While milling around the lobby I noticed a letter on a bulletin board stating the ownership of the kennel had recently changed. We were asked when we would be coming to get our dog so the bedding we brought for her could be washed before we got back I was told that she wouldn't get the free bath they offer, since she wouldn't be there long enough to meet the minimum requirement for that deal. We came back a couple of days later to find a very upset and anxious dog. She has been kenneled elswhere with no problems, but this time things were different. She was exceptionally hyper; she acted like she had lost her mind. Difficult to control, etc.Her hair was sticky and she smelled very badly of urine. The bedding we brought had not been washed, and interestingly enough, smelled awful. Not only did it stink, it smelled like a different dog. ("Dog people" will know what I mean.) Our dog had to be comforted all the way home. Even though she smelled badly of urine, my wife had to let her sit on her lap because the dog was so traumatized. We will never, ever come back here. Also, so far as the urine goes, if our dog had here own urine on her, this means she wasnt taken out to pee as promised. She is super-well house broken. If if it was another dog's urine, it indicates disgusting conditions in the kennel. So far as the bath goes, I understand we didn't pay for one, but there is no reason she couldn't have been quickly hosed off to get rid of the pee she was "wearing". There is a certain minimum standard that needs to be met so far as keeping animals under your care clean, and it was not met at Bluegrass. The owner has no choice but to either become the undisputed leader in kennels in Louisville and overcome her one-star ratings or watch her business bite the dust.

In calling to schedule a boarding date, I commented that the phone had never been answered by a woman in all the years I had called there.  She introduced herself as Candy.  I scheduled a drop off date, but had to call back a couple of days later to change the date.  Again, I commented that I expected one of the Hardin boys to answer the phone.  She said nothing.  The day of drop off, I had to call to ask if I could fax something to the kennel, but she said the phone lines were being changed or worked on or something.  Three times she had the opportunity to tell me that the kennel had been sold to her and the Hardin's were out of the picture and three times she chose to say nothing.  Not a vey professional way to do business..
At time of drop off, I walked in with my dog and he sensed the change before I did because instead of running up to the counter to let the boys know he was there (he loved those guys!), he turned around and headed for the door. I had to pull him over to the counter.  Once there, Candy came out and introduced herself.  Again no mention that she was the new owner.  I finally took a good look around and realized that Hardin family photos were missing.  That's when I asked point blank what was going on.  Then, and only then, did she tell me Bluegrass Kennels was under new ownership.  I was stunned.
As we were scheduled to leave town in an hour and I had no other options,  I told her all about my dog, his comfort level with the kennel, his likes and dislikes, his laid back good nature and his love of being bathed.  I showed her the food bags, made sure he was down for Vacation Package #1 and told her he needed the Bordatella before going back.  Before I knew it, he was taken back and I assumed he got it once there, although the Hardins' always administered it before he went behind the gate.
The Vacation Package #1 I requested for my dog was to include boarding, nature walk, treats, play time and a free bath and nail clip at $25 a day or $75 plus the cost of the Bordatella for his 3 day stay. Instead, the bill for 3 days was $55 and the itemized invoice read : $15 a day X 2 days, $20 for bath and $5 for play.  No Bordatella charge, no Vacation Package #1 and from the way he smelled, not a very good bath so I'm assuming nothing I requested was actually done.  The over all bill was less than I was prepared to pay, but the fact that nothing I said was noted on top of the surprise factor of new ownership didn't sit well with me at all.

Boarded dog. Miscommunication on my part and the kennel regarding what pkg. we wanted for our dog. I wasn't charged for the pkg I requested so I'm unsure whether it was provided and not charged or just not charged.

When dropping off the dogs in October I noticed that something was not quite right but I thought there might be new people at the desk.  It was very disorganized.  No one bothered to tell me the kennel was under new ownership.  There was no signage to say that. Same book of activities on the desk
When picking up my dogs, they were not ready as before in all their past visits when the original family owned it.  Although there was a clearly written note on my bill when I picked them up, no one knew I was coming.  NO baths, NO nail trims, NO washed bedding as in the past.  Still very disorganized.  And for the first time in the 5 years I had taken my dogs there, the lobby smelled.  The dogs were not relaxed as they had been in past visits and shot out the door when they brought them out.  Dogs don't lie.  Their behavior tells you everything.
I always clearly portion my dogs meds for the days they will be in the kennel.  When I got home, I found medication in their bags that had not been given to both my dogs..one dog 3 days worth!!  I had to go back and pick up my raised feeder and when I questioned them about their poor care, they got very defensive boardring on rude with several excuses that were just ridiculous.
I will not be going back.  There was no excuse for their lack of care while my dogs were there. It's not our problem they had someone call in sick...so they said.  Our pets are not the ones to bear their burden of poor staffing and management.  Bluegrass Kennels WAS an awesome place to take your dogs.  It is now less than average.  My suggestion is that you look around for a better place to take your furry buddies

Bluegrass Kennels was recommended by my vet, Chenoweth Animal Hospital, which I found on Angie's List. I have boarded my dogs in five states, and this is by far the best place they have been even though some of the others were good. I got the vacation package #1 for both of my large dogs (one is about 105 lbs., the other about 75 lbs.). The most important feature of the vacation package for me was 60 mins of daily exercise exercise in a really cool outdoor playground. I think the basic boarding package would have been fine--potty walks etc. were all included. Both dogs, even the three year old, came home well exercised. They were not even frantic in the car on the drive home. They also had a bath an nail trim. The staff was really attentive and walked the dogs to the car at the end of the stay. I will absolutely use this kennel again.

We have used this kennel for over 15 years. They are absolutely wonderful. It is a family owned business and they love animals! There are Tropical Condos for dogs, complete with couches and doggie doors and individual housing units called Camp Bow Wow, which are incredible. You can opt for several different package to meet your pet's needs, such as daily walks, treats and playtime, which includes an outdoor playground and above ground pool! Their prices are the best around!

My normal kennel was unavailable. I traveled to bluegrass kennels after reading positive reviews online. I am glad I did. The staff was very professional, the facility was very clean, and I really felt that my dog was treated very very well.

tHE GUYS AT bLUEGRASS bOARDING kENNELS are always helpful when we arrive, but like any other dog owner, of course I worry about them when we leave then anywhere.  Having said that, I haven't experienced any trouble with them.  My dogs aare bathed and cleaned up when we pick them up and all their blankets have been washed. So , they are very organized, which we appreciate. They have a great play-yard(with pool) so the dogs can get out and run off some steam. They also offer extras, like walks to your liking. Very clean also! Great place, and the only place I would take our dogs!

We were not disappointed at all. As soon as we arrived we sensed a family owned type of environment ran by people who are dog owners and love our dog like their own. We stayed to make sure she understood the doggy door (they provide training on it) and to check out her cabin. She seemed right at home and not nervous for us to leave her. We brought her own food (highly recommend just because dogs get irritable bowel when their food changes) and brought her a big raw hide bone when they let her keep in her cabin. When we picked her up the bone wasn't even touched which shows that she was never bored - a very good thing.

Very Well

My dogs hate going in the car, but as soon as we make the turn off Taylorsville Road towards the kennel, they all start singing. The family that runs Bluegrass has been at it for many years, and it shows. They greet the dogs like they have been waiting all day to see them. The check in takes a little bit and is very thorough, so you know the dogs are secure, no unauthorized pick-ups, or such. kind of what I imagine a day care would be. I always bring my own food, but food is provided.
If you are using Camp Bow Wow you can walk the dogs back to their cabin and help settle them in. We had to reacquaint mine with the ins and outs of a doggie door.

If you wish, they will send you daily email pictures of your pups at play.

At pick up your dogs will be cleaned up, ready and waiting in the main kennel area.
Like I said I would not think of taking my three beasties any where else for their puppy camp experience!

I would not leave my animals anywhere else.  I always make sure the kennel is available before confirming my vacation reservations.  I can relax on vacaion knowing that my animals are having a good time and being well taken care of.

When I first started taking my doggies to Bluegrass I had 4 dogs so they stayed @ the cabin (Camp Bow Wow) where they could go in and out as they pleased and sleep on the sofa. This was more cost effective and playtime and bath were included. They even had aTV to watch like at home. We are down to 2 dogs now and I still splurge on Camp Bow Wow. I never worried about the girls getting their medication ( no extra charge either) . I feel like family there and they make you feel really special. My kitties have stayed also and they didn't even hiss like they did at another large kennel in town. One of the kitties was newly declawed and they used the special paper litter. The E mails and pictures are wonderful. This last visit they even had their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny!

My dogs couldn't wait to get into the building. I was able to receive pictures by email of them playing with the other dogs. It was a relief to know they were receiving the care that the personnel had promised. When I picked them up they were relaxed and seemed to integrate into their home life without any difficulties. I plan to use this facility many times in the future and may take them out for the day when the weather warms up a bit so they can participate in the activities with the other dogs. It is a great place for boarding, you feel so good about being away when you know they are also having a great vacation too!

Great. Awesome facility, nice people. Fun thins for the dogs to do. I paid extra for swim time and play time. They'll even send digital pictures of your pooch while you're away.

I am a new member to Angie's List, and one of the first things I wanted to do was a review for Bluegrass Kennels. We have used them for our dog Max for several years and have nothing but great things to say about them. Their facility is spotless (I know because I did an impromptu tour)! The guys are all clean cut, educated and well mannered. They operate an impressive well-run kennel and always treat the customer and their pet in a friendly and confident manner. We usually sign Max up for the Vacation Package I which is $25 per day. It includes boarding and food, playground time with dogs his size (I stayed for a while and watched Max play with the other dogs and swim in the pool and was so impressed with how carefully controlled the setting was and how much fun all the dogs were having with each other and the caregiver!). This per day charge also includes a peanut butter Kong, a frosty paws treat, a good brushing, a nature walk, emailed photos of him on the playground with his buddies or in the swimming pool, and a great bath and nail clip on the last day of boarding. He always runs to the front desk when he arrives and at the end of his stay, comes home healthy, happy and worn out from all the fun. I can't say enough good things about Bluegrass Kennel and the guys who care for Max, and I have recommended them to countless others who have had the same great experience!

They are very nice and clean. The facility is new and it is very big. They have playtime with a swimming pool and they even take pictures for you of your dog swimming. They are very strict with entrance of healthy only dogs. They have to be up to date on everything. They make sure to give you a tour when you first go and are just extra friendly.