About Us

Please do not hesitate to call us with a question, a comment, or to get a quote and make a reservation at (607) 539-6600!!!

Management and Staff

Michelle Whittaker LVT/Owner/Manager

Michelle is a Licensed Veterinary Technician and a graduate of the University of Maine at Orono. Michelle has over twenty years experience in the veterinary field, and is licensed to practice in New York and Maine. Prior to opening The Pet Playhouse and Kennels, Michelle was on staff at the Companion Animal Hospital at Cornell University. In 2006, Michelle's dream of owning and running her own business, caring for dogs and other animals came to fruition with the opening of The Pet Playhouse and Kennels. Michelle's passion for ensuring that the animals in her charge are happy, healthy, and well cared for during their stay at Pet Playhouse.

Additionally, Michelle has several staff members on board at Pet Playhouse that all share her commitment to the animals in their care.

The Facility

Located on a former dairy farm (please see below), The facility is housed within a new (2006) purpose built structure designed specifically for animal daycare and boarding. With over 2,500 square feet of space divided into kennel, interior play, animal care, and open areas, the building was designed by Michelle based on her extensive experience. The building is fully insulated, has radiant heat in the floors for optimal pet comfort, and is designed to be easily and efficiently cleaned — which happens frequently.

Dog boarding

10 large units which are 4'x 4' indoor, and also have a 4'x 6' outdoor area.
*These kennels can accommodate two compatible dogs.

14 small units which are 3'x 4' indoor, and also have a 3'x 6', outdoor area.

5 small units which are 3'x 5' and are indoor only.

Cat boarding

4 Deluxe (large) cages
*these cages can accommodate two compatible cats.

9 Regular cages

Other animals

Cages and pens as required.

Additionally, there are two fenced outdoor areas; one smaller area of about 3,000 square feet, and a larger area of over three acres, which give the dogs ample space for exercise and play. Looking at the aerial photograph below, the field near the top of the image is where the Pet Playhouse facility is located. The plowed field showing there is just a small portion of the fenced recreation area.

The Farm History

Michelle and her husband Mike are the third generation to own the family farm where Pet Playhouse is located. For the two prior generations the farm was a working dairy farm, which has now gone to the dogs!!!

Michelle's grandparents, Riley and Charlotte Whittaker originally purchased the farm in 1938. They built and ran the farm with their 3 sons, Michelle's father Robert, Donald and Dennis. In 1970, Robert and his wife Diana took over the farm. With the help of their 3 children, Michelle, Robert Jr. and Sean, they continued the family dairy business until 1990. Shortly after the dairy cows went away, Michelle and her husband Mike purchased the farm.