Woodbine facilities
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Shady Spring Pet Retreat

1001 Hoods Mill Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797

4.5
70 Google reviews
Outdoor yardPool / water playMedication adminGroomingClimate controlledOnline booking

Overview

Shady Spring Pet Retreat is a premium boarding facility on 17 acres in Carroll County, Maryland, serving the MD & DC metro area since 1954. Now owned by Dr. Bruce Herwald since 2001, they offer dog, cat, and exotic pet boarding with individual indoor/outdoor kennels, grooming, shuttle transportation, and activities including swimming in their spring-fed pond. Nightly rates range from $35-$60 depending on pet type and size, with holiday surcharges and discounts for multi-pet households and long-term stays.

Amenities & Policies

Cage-free
Webcam
Staff overnight
Outdoor yardgravel
Pool / water play
Small dog area
Accepts puppies
Reactive breeds
Medication adminExtra fee
Grooming
Training
Climate controlled
Overnight potty breaks
Online booking
Spay/neuter required
Temperament test

Required vaccinations: Rabies, DHPP

Policies & Details

Hours & Billing

Billing method:Per night

Cancellation & Deposits

Holiday surcharge β€” $6/night

Care & Play

Group play
Solo play
Daily updates β€” Free
Comfort items allowed
Feeding policy:Owner provides food

Requirements

Spay/neuter policy:Separate play for intact

Safety & Emergency

Emergency vet protocol:On call
Emergency vet cost:Owner
Fire safety system

Extras

Multi-dog discount β€” 5% off for 2nd pet
Senior dog accommodations
Owner operated

What Reviews Say

67 reviews analyzed

Shady Spring Pet Retreat is a long-standing facility with a loyal base of repeat customers who praise its grooming, small animal care, and the staff's ability to handle high-energy dogs. However, there is a significant divide in experience; while many report happy pets, a small number of reviews detail severe safety concerns including major injuries and medical neglect. Additionally, customers frequently warn about a complex 'a la carte' pricing structure that can lead to unexpectedly high bills.

Dog happiness
4.6
Cleanliness
4.5
Staff
4.2
Facility
4.0
Communication
3.5
Value
3.2
Drop-off / pickup
3.0
Safety
2.5

People love

Longevity and Trust(5)Exotic/Small Animal Care(2)Grooming Quality(4)

Staff shoutouts

Patty

Worth noting

Severe physical injury/neglect

β€œWhen my dog arrived her nose was not rubbed raw, all of the skin was ripped off like her face was dragged across concrete.”

Death of a pet shortly after stay

β€œWhen I picked him up, he had breathing issues. We had to put him down 24 hours later.”

Transportation/Logistics failure

β€œThey told me he had been sitting at our vets office for hours alreadyβ€”no notification he’d be dropped off 7 hours before we expected.”

Pricing and Hidden Fees(4 mentions)

β€œA la carte options add up quickly... make sure you get all the costs in writing up front.”

Medical issues (Infection/Kennel Cough)(2 mentions)

β€œOvernight on our dog's first night home, he started a cough and his neck area became so swollen.”

Management/Staff Attitude(3 mentions)

β€œBe cautious with the manager - Not a nice person - Very Combative.”

Owner replies to 5% of reviewswarm tone12 repeat customers

Top Rated

4.5 stars from 70+ reviews

This facility has earned a Top Rated badge for maintaining a 4.5-star rating across 70 reviews.

At a Glance

Google rating
4.5/ 5
Review score
3.7/ 5
Amenities6 of 14
Reviews70
Repeat customersNumber of reviews that mention returning or being a regular customer.12

Pricing

Boarding

$35–$60/night

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