River Valley Kennel Resort at CountryCrest

River Valley Kennel Resort at CountryCrest is a family-run dog boarding and daycare facility in Mansfield, Arkansas, set on three acres about 25 minutes south of Fort Smith at the foot of the Sugar Loaf and Poteau Mountains. Owner Suzanna Botkin has worked with animals since the late 1970s, showing Irish Setters in AKC conformation, running grooming shops, and founding CountryCrest Kennels in the early 1990s.

What they offer

Overnight boarding runs $25 per night for dogs and $15 per night for cats, plus a one-time pick-up day fee that depends on the pickup time. Daycare is $15 per day, or $18 per day for puppies under eight months. Obedience training and day camp programs are also available.

• Heated and air-conditioned indoor kennels with raised beds
• Doggy doors leading to covered, secured outdoor kennels
• Secured exercise and play yards with play equipment
• A separate enclosed, shaded cat area with raised walkways and climbing stumps
• Bath and brush with towel or blow dry, nail trims, and flea dips

What makes it different

Play time is supervised and happens in individual play yards, and calming music runs 24/7. Add-on services go past the basics: a 30-minute nature walk or water play session is $15 each, and Botkin, a Senior Reiki Practitioner, offers 30-minute Reiki treatments priced by dog size. Nail trims are skipped for any dog not used to them rather than forced.

Practical details

The kennel is at 2900 W. Hwy 96 and is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Easter. Reservations are made by phone at (540) 809-7922. Check-in and check-out times must be scheduled ahead, and times outside operating hours carry a $15 per hour fee. Owners pack their pet's food, labeled snacks, a favorite toy, and bedding for the stay.