About Us
Passionate. Patient. Dedicated. Dog-lovers.
These are just a few words that describe The UltiMutt Inn team. Our highly-trained team members are chosen for their commitment to the well-being and love of every dog in our care, from overnight guests to puppy school students and daycare pups. They are motivated by the pleasure they experience making sure every guest is having a great time. We get to know every dog like they are family – because that is what they are to us. We are committed to continuing education and all of our staff participate in on-going monthly training programs that focus on positive dog handling, safety and pack management. Our team members directly supervise all playgroups to ensure each dog is having fun, being active and, most importantly, staying safe. Although we work hard and to exacting standards, caring for the guests is fun!
Beginnings
Sonja, the owner of The UltiMutt Inn, has been taking care of animals at some level most of her life. As a child, she did pet sitting during the summers. In high school and during college, she always had 2-3 boarding horses at her backyard barn. After college, she worked at several office jobs but realized that she did not enjoy being cooped up indoors, away from her animals all day.
In 1994, she bought her property in Burton and decided to start a horse boarding operation. In the winter of 2006, however, she decided to convert one of the farm buildings into a luxury dog hotel.
Designing A Place Dogs Want To Visit
In the starting phases of this business, Sonja went to various kennels and pet-care facilities over the course of a few months. She was not impressed with some of the facilities she visited.
While many were clean and very well-run, she felt that she wouldn't want to leave her pet there. Cramped conditions, caged-environments, with only 2-3 "potty-breaks" was not something Sonja would not feel comfortable with for her own pets.
So, the idea of designing a place that dogs will WANT to stay at began. The construction and renovations on the building previously used as a horse barn began in May 2006. The UltiMutt Inn & Pet Resort opened for business on Sept. 25th, 2006. In 2015 construction of the second story of the hotel began, adding an additional 6,000+ square feet of space.
Our Commitment
Sonja and her team are committed to always improving the care at the UltiMutt Inn & Pet Resort. She travels throughout the country visiting other facilities and attends pet boarding conventions several times a year to connect with other top-level dog-care facility owners to be able to provide your dog with the best, most modern care available.