Highgate Center facilities
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Top of the Hill Kennels

145 McKinnel Rd, Highgate Center, VT 05459

4.7
42 Google reviews
Outdoor yardAccepts puppiesMedication adminGroomingClimate controlled

Overview

Top of the Hill Kennels is a premier pet boarding facility in Highgate Center, Vermont, operating since 1997. They offer dog and cat boarding, doggie daycare, and professional grooming services. The facility features over 2,000 sq ft of indoor boarding space with individual kennels, 7 outdoor exercise areas, and separate cat condos. Dogs are exercised a minimum of 3 times daily, and the facility is climate-controlled with 24-hour relaxing music.

Amenities & Policies

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

Required vaccinations: Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella, Canine Influenza (Strongly Recommended), Feline Leukemia or negative test (cats)

Policies & Details

Hours & Billing

Drop-off hours:7am-12pm
Pick-up hours:2:30pm-5:30pm
Checkout time:12pm
Billing method:Per night

Care & Play

Group play
Solo play
Comfort items allowed
Feeding policy:Owner provides food

Safety & Emergency

Emergency vet protocol:Nearby clinic
Emergency vet cost:Owner

Extras

Multi-dog discount$20/day discount for 2 dogs in same kennel, $40/day discount for 3 dogs in same kennel
Owner operated

What Reviews Say

42 reviews analyzed

Top of the Hill Kennels enjoys overwhelmingly positive reviews with 38 out of 42 reviews giving 5 stars. Customers praise the friendly staff, clean facility, and happy dogs that return tired and well-cared-for. However, one detailed 1-star review raises concerns about limited operating hours (dogs left alone 13 hours), underfeeding, and communication issues. The owner responded professionally to negative reviews. The facility appears to excel at daycare and grooming services with many repeat customers, though the single negative review highlights potential gaps in overnight care and pickup flexibility.

Dog happiness
5.0
Staff
5.0
Cleanliness
5.0
Facility
5.0
Safety
4.5
Value
4.5
Communication
3.0

People love

Friendly and caring staff(11)Dogs love it - come back happy and tired(18)Clean and well-maintained facility(4)Professional and trustworthy operation(5)Great grooming services(5)

Staff shoutouts

Marc(4 mentions)Mark

Worth noting

Dogs left alone for 13 hours in evening after staff leaves at 5:30pm

All staff leave which is why you are not able to pick up after 5:30pm. Which means the dogs are left alone for 13hrs in the evening.

Underfeeding dog - only half the amount she was meant to be fed

they underfed my dog 1/2 the amount she was meant to be fed

Owner initially did not respond to customer concerns

I wrote to the owners to explain how I and my dog were treated and have not received a response.

Inflexible pickup times causing customer inconvenience

they refused to wait noting that they had been there all day

Limited operating hours and inflexibility with pickup times

we are not able to pick up after 5:30pm. Which means the dogs are left alone for 13hrs in the evening

Water quality issue - water softener with sodium chloride

they use a water softener with sodium chloride. Will need to bring my own water for him in the future.

Owner replies to 5% of reviewsprofessional tone6 repeat customers

At a Glance

Google rating
4.7/ 5
Review scoreInsufficient topic coverage
Amenities5 of 14
Repeat customersNumber of reviews that mention returning or being a regular customer.6

Pricing

Boarding

$60–$140/night

Daycare

$30–$60/day

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