One of the most common questions we hear at drop-off is simple: "So what will my dog actually do all day?" It is a fair question. You are handing over a member of your family, and you want to picture where they will be and how they will be treated while you are gone.

So let's walk through a typical day at Evergreen Kennels in Churchville, from the morning routine to lights out. No mystery, just an honest look at how we care for your dog at 1500 Kendall Road.

Morning: Breakfast on Your Dog's Schedule

The day starts with breakfast, and it is your dog's own food. We use an individual feeding program, which means every dog eats what their owner brought from home. Dogs are fed twice a day, and we keep to each pet's usual schedule. If your dog eats at a certain time at home, we try to match that.

Because every dog has their own run and their own bowl, there is no competition at mealtime. That matters for dogs who eat slowly, dogs who guard their food, and dogs who just like to take their time. Dogs from the same household can share a kennel, but only if they can eat together peacefully.

Any morning medications go out now too. We give oral medications for non-contagious conditions from a pill box pre-loaded and labeled with the days of the week and AM/PM, so the right dose goes to the right dog at the right time.

Your Dog's Space: An Individual Indoor/Outdoor Run

Every dog at our Churchville kennel has an individual indoor/outdoor run. That gives your dog access to fresh air and sunshine along with a sheltered indoor side. The runs are open, so dogs can see their surroundings rather than staring at a solid wall all day. Most dogs settle in faster when they can watch what is going on.

The building is heated and air conditioned, with heated floors, so the indoor side stays comfortable whether it is a humid July afternoon or a snowy January morning in Western New York.

If you brought bedding from home, it will be in your dog's run. We just ask that it be machine washable. Familiar smells go a long way toward helping a dog relax.

Midday: 1-on-1 Playtime

If you request it, your dog gets 1-on-1 playtime. These are 15-minute sessions in one of our large outdoor play yards, and a kennel attendant is right there with your dog the whole time. It is a chance to run, sniff, chase a ball, or just enjoy some personal attention.

One thing to know: your dog does not play with other people's dogs. Playtime is just your dog and our attendant. That keeps things safe and low stress, especially for dogs who are shy, older, or not always great with strangers. You can add playtime when you book; details are on our services page.

Afternoon: Rest, Fresh Air, and Maybe a Bath

Afternoons tend to be quieter. Many dogs nap, wander between the indoor and outdoor sides of their run, and watch the comings and goings. Owners can also add a bath and brush-out to any stay, so your dog goes home clean and fresh instead of smelling like a vacation.

Not boarding overnight? Our dog daycare in Churchville offers daytime drop-off and supervised care, and you can add 1-on-1 playtime or a bath to a daycare day as well.

Evening: Dinner and Settling In

Dinner is the second meal of the day, again your dog's own food on their familiar schedule. Evening medications are given from the PM side of the pill box. After that, the kennel winds down.

We keep night lights on and music playing through the night. It is a small thing, but it helps dogs feel calm in a place that is not home, and it softens the everyday noises that might otherwise startle a nervous pup.

Who Is Taking Care of Your Dog?

Evergreen Kennels is family owned and operated by Bobby and Dawn Vetere, and we have been caring for pets in Western New York for more than 35 years. Bobby is a former Monroe County Sheriff's K-9 Deputy with years of experience training and handling police K-9s. He is certified in canine first aid by the Veterinary Tactical Group and holds a certificate in Tactical Canine Casualty Care. Our staff are genuine animal lovers, and it shows in how they treat every guest.

Easy to Reach From Around Rochester

Our Churchville kennel is minutes from I-490 and the Thruway and about 15 minutes from downtown Rochester. We're an easy drive for families in Chili, Riga, Bergen, Spencerport, Ogden, and Gates. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 11 AM, and Sunday 3 PM to 5 PM. Pick up on a weekday by 11 AM and there is no boarding fee for that day.

Before your dog's first stay, please email vaccine records (Rabies, Distemper, and Kennel Cough) to evergreenkennelsboarding@gmail.com. For more about what to pack, see our FAQ or our Churchville dog boarding page.