Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pet Boarding & Daycare Destination in Delmar, DE
OtterTail Pet Resort was founded in March 2007 by Karen Sullivan Parker, a lifelong dog enthusiast with a deep understanding of canine behavior and needs. Our facility was the first pet resort in the region, offering premium boarding and daycare services designed to provide pets with safe, comfortable, and enriching experiences. Despite challenges during the pandemic, we remained committed to our mission of fostering bonds between pets and their owners through exceptional care. With over 15 years of experience in the pet industry, including competitive dog events and responsible breeding, we combine expertise with compassion to create a unique environment where pets thrive.Our state-of-the-art facility features climate-controlled suites, secure outdoor spaces, and personalized attention from a team of dedicated professionals. We prioritize transparency, safety, and continuous improvement, maintaining affiliations with reputable organizations like the American Kennel Club. Our commitment to quality care has earned us a loyal clientele and a respected position in the community, ensuring every pet's stay is both enjoyable and stress-free.
Services
Pet Boarding
Daycare
Grooming
Cat Boarding
Add-On Services
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of experience in pet care and canine development.
- Our all-inclusive pricing covers essential amenities and exercise.
- Climate-controlled suites ensure comfort year-round.
- Experienced staff prioritizes safety and individualized attention.
- State-of-the-art security systems protect all guests 24/7.
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
What people say
Spacious suites
Attentive staff
Clean facilities
Safe environment
Reliable care
Services
Pet Boarding
OtterTail Pet Resort offers fully climate-controlled boarding suites for dogs and cats. Canine guests enjoy private patios, Kuranda hammock beds, and multiple outdoor breaks. Feline accommodations include sunny cottages in a separate, quiet cattery. All-inclusive pricing covers bedding, meals, and supervised playtime.
Daycare
Our daycare program provides structured socialization and exercise for dogs. Guests participate in monitored playgroups, receive mental stimulation, and adapt to our facility's routines. Services include morning and afternoon play sessions with optional add-ons like brushing or extended exercise periods.
Grooming
Basic grooming services include baths, ear cleaning, blow-drying, and pedicures for boarding guests. We maintain cleanliness standards without full haircut capabilities, offering referrals to professional groomers for specialized services.
Add-On Services
Customize stays with optional upgrades like premium bedding, patio pools, and private brushing sessions. Social time playgroups and extended exercise periods enhance guest experiences while providing additional enrichment opportunities.
Specialty Care
We accommodate birds, rabbits, and reptiles when traveling with boarded cats or dogs. Individualized attention ensures all pets receive appropriate care, with separate housing for different species to maintain comfort and safety.
People
Karen Sullivan Parker
Owner
Karen founded OtterTail Pet Resort in 2007 after a career in pharmaceutical sales. A University of Delaware graduate, she combines business expertise with extensive dog training experience, including AKC conformation wins and therapy dog certifications.
Questions
What services does OtterTail Pet Resort offer?
We provide dog and cat boarding, daycare, basic grooming, and specialty pet accommodations. Add-on services include playtime sessions and premium bedding upgrades.
Are reservations required?
Yes, all services require pre-scheduled appointments to ensure proper staffing and space availability for every guest.
What makes your facility unique?
Our climate-controlled suites, nine exercise yards, and personalized attention create a comfortable, enriching environment for pets during their stay.
How do you handle emergencies?
While we don't offer emergency services, we provide 24/7 on-site care and immediate veterinary referrals for urgent situations.
What are your holiday policies?
We require minimum stays during peak seasons and holidays. The facility remains staffed year-round, including major holidays.
Reviews (7)
Jennifer Fritz
May 11, 2020
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I recently adopted a furry friend from the Humane Society during the COVID lock down working from home. In anticipation of having to go back in to the office in the coming weeks, I was searching for a doggy day/care facility to break up the week and give my new boy some exercise and stimulation. I scheduled a tour, and the facility is very clean, spacious and they seemed to really care about their "guests." I spoke with Karen the owner who was very thorough in answering all of my questions and understanding of my nervousness since I did not want my dog to panic or think he was back at the shelter. Karen wasn't there when I picked up my pooch, but she was so thorough and gave me a call later to go over how he did throughout the day and most importantly let me know he is welcome back! I've made my reservation for his next stay. I was very pleased with the care, staff and the facility. Highly recommend!
Diane M.
May 01, 2020
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This was a rare find. From the initial conversation with the owner we felt comfortable. It is a clean, lovely home & business. The staff was helpful, caring & kind understanding how hard it is to leave a beloved family dog for 8 days. All went well for him & for us. Highly recommend Otter Tail & calling ahead to talk & understand their careful care & requirements prior to coming in. Will use them again without hesitation for our Labrador.
Juman Takeddin
Apr 11, 2019
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Great experience. They called my vet to make sure my cat had the appropriate vaccinations. Easy check in procedure, they email the paperwork making it more efficient. My cat does not like to be held or carried especially by strangers but they did a great job handling him and he was smoothly put in and out of his carrier when I dropped him off and picked him up. They ask about feeding patterns and even give back the unused food if you bring in your own. Thank you for the piece of mind!
Cindy Morgan
Feb 01, 2017
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We have taken Sophie to other kennels and this is the first one that she scrambles to get through the door! She gets so excited as soon as we pull into the driveway. The staff is so nice and the facilities are extremely clean! Otter Tail is by far the best kennel we've ever used.
Mindy Myrick
Jan 16, 2016
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We have used kennels in multiple cities for years and Otter Tail is the best one we have ever used. As soon as you walk in the door the first thing you notice is how clean it is - every time! The owner has extremely high standards and it's evident in all the details, from the grounds, to the facilities, and the staff. Care, comfort and safety of the pets they board is their top priority! Love them!
Kathy Hagar
Feb 11, 2015
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Otter Tail is wonderful! We have been taking our pets for day care, boarding, and grooming for the past 7 years. All of their services are first class and our pets can't wait to get in the door when we arrive. Thanks to Otter Tail's very efficient scheduling system we are always 'in & out' without any hassle or conflicts with other pets. In addition, their excellent record keeping assures us that our pets will not be exposed to pets that are not up to date on their shots, etc. Otter Tail is the best!
Lori Walker
Dec 13, 2014
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My husband and I have been taking our little Abby to Otter Tails Pet Resort for several years now. We feel very relaxed to know that she is in very loving, caring, and safe hands while we are away. Karen and her staff have even volunteered and accepted the challenge of "bird sitting" for us now too. And, believe me, my Conure, Zeus, can be quite the challenge! Wonderful facility!
