Our Story

Meet the Founder

Vet Nurse
Founded

Hi, I'm Janelle!

Animals have been the center of my heart for as long as I can remember. Growing up with a deep love and lifelong compassion for creatures big and small, I always knew my life’s work would be dedicated to their care, comfort, and well-being.

That passion led me to pursue a formal medical background in animal health, earning my degree in Veterinary Nursing in 2022. Over the years, my career has allowed me to serve animals across a wide variety of settings. I’ve held leadership positions in traditional boarding and kennel facilities, and I even had the profound privilege of working hands-on in a primate sanctuary.

“When your pet stays with us, they aren’t just guest number ten in a row of cages; they are treated with the exact same love, warmth, and medical-grade attention I give to my own animals.”

While leading teams in traditional high-volume facilities, I loved connecting with the pets, but I also saw firsthand how overwhelming, noisy, and stressful those busy environments can be for certain animals—especially senior pets, gentle sweethearts who prefer human companionship, or pets who simply feel anxious around large groups of dogs.

I created Mountain Pines Pet Lodge to offer a better alternative: a peaceful, rustic, home-style sanctuary where care is tailored to the individual, not the crowd. My medical background and veterinary nursing education inform every decision I make, ensuring your pet’s stay is grounded in professional safety, attentive monitoring, and low-stress handling.

While I love providing this intimate, boutique experience, my long-term vision is to thoughtfully expand Mountain Pines Pet Lodge in the future—allowing us to welcome even more furry family members while keeping the same cozy, high-quality, individualized care at the core of everything we do.

The Welcoming Committee

Meet Our Host Dogs

Meet our resident hosts, Tallulah and Oakley! These pups are the cozy heart of Mountain Pines Pet Lodge. With their quiet, relaxed spirits, they excel at setting a peaceful tone, sharing the coziest lounging spots, and helping every guest settle into a calm, comfortable rhythm that feels just like home.