Our Story
More than 30 years ago, I fell in love with a historic farmhouse and horse property tucked among the tree-lined estate roads of Middletown, New Jersey. Long before Dogs On The Farm existed, the property was simply my home — a peaceful countryside retreat where I raised my family, cared for my horses, and taught children to ride.
At the time, I was teaching special education in my hometown while completing my Master’s Degree and pursuing advanced studies in child psychology. During the summers, my son Jason and I operated a riding camp on the farm. As the program grew, we built an indoor riding arena and expanded the property into a place filled with learning, activity, and connection.
Years later, that riding arena unexpectedly inspired something entirely new.
After renting the arena to a local dog agility group, several people told me the space would make an incredible dog daycare and boarding facility. Curious and inspired, I attended a pet care industry seminar in Hershey, Pennsylvania. What I learned there sparked a vision that would eventually become Dogs On The Farm & Cats Too.
In 2002, we transformed our horse arena and barn into one of New Jersey’s first truly immersive daycare and boarding experiences for dogs.
At the time, many of the things we introduced were almost unheard of:
- all-day social daycare
- personalized boarding suites
- live webcams for pet parents
- enrichment-focused play
- individualized care
- home-style comforts
- transparent communication with owners
We converted former horse stalls into what we called “Signature Suites,” complete with personalized touches, toys, photos, and comforts from home. We even added mailboxes outside the rooms so families could send notes that we would read to their dogs during their stay.
Our goal was never simply to create a kennel.
We wanted to create a place where dogs could feel safe, loved, active, and at home — and where owners could feel complete peace of mind leaving them in our care.
The response was overwhelming. Dogs On The Farm quickly became known for offering something different: a peaceful country experience where dogs could spend their days running, playing, socializing, and relaxing on a real horse farm surrounded by open space and fresh air.
Over the years, the property and facility have continued to evolve, but the heart behind the business has remained the same.
Today, Dogs On The Farm remains family-owned and family-operated, with my son Jason and daughter-in-law Liz helping lead the next generation of care while we continue building upon the values and atmosphere that made the farm special from the beginning.
For us, this has never been “just a business.”
It has always been a passion, a lifestyle, and a dream built around creating a joyful country retreat for dogs and the people who love them.
