Joie and Ed Chandler’s business isn’t going to the dogs...the dogs are actually going to the Chandler’s business.

The Chandlers founded the Peninsula Pet Lodge in Olalla in 1993 as a boarding facility for animals whose owners needed to head out of town for a few days. Seven years later, the fifteen- acre facility boasts a (mostly four-legged) client base of more than a thousand, with dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and even the occasional pet ferret making up the resident guest list.

And, much like the human guests who have their favorite out-of-town hotel spot to check-in to, Joie says that most of their overnight guests are returning regulars.

“We’re a little different from most boarding facilities,” says Joie, “in that we actually get to know each of the animals. We know what their exercise needs are and what their favorite food or toy is. We know whether they want to socialize with other animals or whether they need a little extra one-on-one time with a handler...you might say that we’re on a first name basis with them.”

Actually, Joie’s not kidding; as she discusses the issues that make running her business unique, her examples and stories are peppered with actual guest names like Giggy (a black pug client from Gig Harbor) and Kona (a Cebec client who’s a Golden Retriever) in much the same way that a company president would discuss their largest client or biggest vendor.

And Peninsula Pet Lodge does have some pretty big clients. Unlike some boarding facilities that won’t accept certain animals due to size or breed, Joie’s facility regularly handles Great Danes, mastiffs and other breeds that often weigh twice as much as their handlers.

“Their size really doesn’t matter,” says Joie. “Each dog gets exercised every day, either by a handler taking them outside or, for some of the smaller, house-only kinds of dogs, they have a social play area where they can run and get exercise.”

The business, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, has a staff of fifteen handling the guest’s needs, with additional employees added as summer months and other peak periods demand.

Besides standard overnight lodging, Peninsula Pet Lodge offers other opportunities for pet owners to indulge their animals including “Doggie Day at the Spa” — full-service bathing, brushing and nail grooming — and kitty overnighters get their own private “Kitty Condos” featuring cat trees, cat houses and the opportunity to hang out with their other cat neighbors.

“People are surprised when they see a room full of cats socializing,” laughs Joie. “Actually, most cats socialize pretty well in a setting like ours...because it’s no one cat’s territory, they all co- mingle pretty well together.”

Of course, all potential guests are interviewed and pre-screened before accommodations are approved. All pet owners must be able to prove that their animals are current on shots and vaccinations and are asked to answer specific questions regarding their pet’s behaviors, fears and discipline issues before they can play in a group setting.

Joie also counsels new would-be clients as to first-time boarding of an animal. “Especially with pound puppies, animals that have spent time in a pound facility, being left and watching their owner walk away can be very, very traumatic,” explains Joie. “Ed and I encourage people to bring their animals by a couple of times before their planned trip or vacation and to drop the animal off with their favorite toy or belonging for just a couple of hours.”

“When the animal realizes after the first or second time that their owner really is coming back for them, they’re less likely to panic when they need to spend a couple of days or a week with us. And that’s a service we provide...we don’t charge for those ‘try out’ times.”

The Chandlers, who added a special “TLC Unit” last year for ailing and older animals who need special assistance, have a five year growth plan that includes enclosing much of the facility and further sound-proofing some of the existing buildings. They also plan on adding a new in-ground pool to the grounds, a change from the existing pool, Slip-and-Slide and soccer ball play area that is currently used during the summer months.

When asked whether it’s the dogs or the employees using the Slip-and-Slide, Joie just laughs. “Well, they’re all out there together playing and getting exercise so whoever winds up having fun and cooled off is okay with us..