If you live in Western New York, you know winter is not a polite visitor. Lake effect snow, wind chills that sting, and stretches of gray days can last for months. When you need to travel during the cold season, whether for the holidays, a family visit, or a well-earned escape somewhere warm, you want to know your dog will be cozy while you are gone.

At Evergreen Kennels, our Churchville and Batavia locations are built with comfort in mind all year long. Here is what winter boarding looks like with us and how to prepare your dog for a cold-weather stay.

Heated Floors Make a Real Difference

Our buildings are heated, and our dog areas have heated floors. That warmth from below is something dogs appreciate right away, especially on a frigid morning. Dogs spend a lot of time lying down, so a warm floor helps keep them comfortable throughout the day and night.

Climate Control All Year

Our buildings are both heated and air conditioned. In winter, that means a comfortable indoor temperature. In summer, it means relief from the heat. Either way, your dog stays comfortable no matter what Western New York weather is doing outside.

Each dog has an individual indoor/outdoor run. The indoor side gives your dog a warm, sheltered space, and the outdoor side offers fresh air and sunshine on those crisp, bright winter days. Open runs let dogs see their surroundings, which helps them feel less isolated.

Cozy Nights

Winter nights come early. We keep night lights on and music playing to help dogs relax and settle in. You are also welcome to bring bedding from home, which adds warmth and familiar smells. Just make sure it is machine washable, since pets may chew it, and please leave favorite toys at home. Belongings are not our responsibility, so choose something you would not mind replacing.

Tips for a Smooth Winter Stay

A little planning helps your dog's cold-weather visit go smoothly:

• Book early around the holidays. Many families travel at the same time of year, so reserve your dates as soon as your plans are set.
• Check vaccines now. Dogs need Rabies, Distemper, and Kennel Cough. Email records to evergreenkennelsboarding@gmail.com before arrival so a lapsed record does not hold up your trip.
• Pack enough food. Bring your dog's regular food for the full stay, plus a little extra in case winter weather delays your return. Use a plastic container labeled with your dog's name. If you run short, we can provide food for $2.50 per day.
• Prepare medications. We give oral medications for non-contagious conditions, pre-loaded in a pill box labeled with the days of the week and AM/PM. We do not give injectable medications, including insulin.
• Allow extra travel time. Snowy roads slow everyone down, so give yourself a cushion on drop-off and pickup days.

Know Our Hours Before the Snow Flies

Both locations are open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 11 AM, and Sunday 3 PM to 5 PM. If you pick up on a weekday by 11 AM, there is no boarding fee for that day. After 11 AM, and for Sunday pickups, a boarding fee applies. If a delayed flight or a snowstorm changes your plans, give us a call. Visit our pricing page and FAQ for more details.

Extras for Winter Stays

Want to give your dog some extra attention? Add 1-on-1 playtime: 15-minute sessions in our large outdoor play yards with a kennel attendant right there with your dog. Your dog does not play with other people's dogs. And since winter often means slushy paws and a damp coat, many owners add a bath and brush-out at the end of the stay so their dog comes home clean. See all of our services.

Cats are welcome too. Our private cat room is separate from the dog areas, with spacious kitty condos and a TV that usually has Animal Planet playing. Learn more on our cat room page.

Two Locations Across Western New York

Our Churchville kennel at 1500 Kendall Road is minutes from I-490 and the Thruway and about 15 minutes from downtown Rochester. See our dog boarding near Rochester page. Our Batavia kennel at 8870 Wortendyke Road is just off I-90, about 35 minutes from Buffalo and 40 minutes from Rochester. Learn more about dog boarding near Buffalo.

Evergreen Kennels is family owned and operated by Bobby and Dawn Vetere, with more than 35 years of serving Western New York. Bobby is a former Monroe County Sheriff's K-9 Deputy, certified in canine first aid by the Veterinary Tactical Group. Our staff are genuine animal lovers who will keep your dog warm, fed, and cared for while you are away.