Pet Services in Southbridge

Due to improper training or seemingly aggressive appearances, some dog breeds have bad reputations. At Northeast K-9 Academy, however, the trained and dedicated staffers see past stereotypes and offer grooming, boarding, and training services to dogs regardless of their size, breed, or questionable musical tastes. Inside the three spacious indoor playrooms, pooches can explore, romp, and nap. Outside, a fenced-in stone play area provides dogs with fresh air and room to run while keeping their paws and coats clean.

While still learning how to walk on their own, Legacy Stables owners Michael Murphy and Elizabeth Vaughan Murphy began learning how to ride horses. The two both grew up around horses, and they apply their lifelong knowledge of horseback riding with students during training and lessons in saddle-seat, hunter-seat, Western, and driving styles. During lessons, students are introduced to the stable's fleet of morgan horses, which are known to be one of the oldest and most versatile breeds in North America. The compassionate instructors lead lessons for both beginner and advanced riders, as well as small children who learn basic steering and methods of riding a horse without training wheels.

Frank and Jen Allen, along with their canine companion, Buddy, strive to provide a nurturing home away from home for pets while families are away at work or on vacation. Pups romp freely around a fenced outdoor yard with other fuzzy friends before heading indoors, where spotless accommodations inspire restful dreams of taking over the postal service. Petopia Doggie Day Care also provides expert grooming services, delivering dogs and cats back to owners with a pleasant new-car smell.

Nestled on 55 acres brimming with evergreen trees and verdant fields, Integrity Equestrian Center's facilities cater to equestrians' every need, hosting activities ranging from lessons and camps to dressage competitions. Inside the main barn, the team of school horses whinnies in anticipation of rides across the wood-chipped trails or romps in the indoor arenas or outdoor ring, equipped with gates and fences for the age-old English sport of horse limbo. Whether helping advanced riders further their hunter-jumper skills or introducing beginners to the basics of horsemanship, the ranch's instructors—all experienced riders themselves—create a fun and positive learning environment during private or group lessons.

Jack's specializes in all-natural and love-infused gourmet dog treats for hungry hounds and discerning dachshunds. Gift a greyhound a packet of Cesar’s Pizza Pies ($6.50)—miniature, pizza-flavored treats made on organic whole-wheat pastry flour—and watch the famished beast feast on the fresh oregano- and olive-oil-sprinkled treat, or satisfy a squirrel-chasing schnauzer with a packet of squirrel-shaped, peanut-butter-infused Jack’s Nuts About Squirrels ($6.50). If Jack's extensive display of doggy delicacies inspires your culinary creativity, grab a jar of Jack’s Favorite Snack ($11.95), a take-home mix that comes with step-by-step instructions and a bone-shaped cookie cutter so you can serve up your terrier’s favorite treat fresh from the oven.

The Barking Lot's doggy-sitters understand that canine parents like to check in on their pups throughout the day. Six days a week, they post Facebook photos of day-care dogs romping around the 8,000-square-foot, climate-controlled playground. Three days a week, they post YouTube videos of especially exciting moments, such as a game of chase in the large dog play area or a round of Red Rover in the small pooch zone. Dogs who spend the night snuggle into a comfortable kennel outfitted in fleecy bedding. Calming music plays as pooches snooze, and optional play times, cuddling, and even bedtime stories can keep pups from feeling homesick.

In addition to providing a fun place to play and spend the night, pet- care techs ensure pets are safe: rubber floors cushion joints, and workers are certified in pet first aid and CPR. Select staffers also use their canine knowledge to teach training classes or groom pups and cats from nose to tail.