Built on a Love for Animals

# How Pet Day Came to Be Pet Day began long before it had a name. I came to America from Ukraine as a child and joined an adoptive family alongside my two sisters. Our family later began fostering Goldendoodles—28 of them altogether. Many arrived with complicated histories, behavioral challenges, anxiety, or the confusion that comes from being abused, neglected, surrendered, or repeatedly rehomed. Helping those dogs learn to trust again—and helping them find safe, loving forever homes—became the beginning of my lifelong commitment to animals. Since 2008, I have gained hands-on experience caring for dogs of nearly every size, age, temperament, and background. What began with foster dogs eventually grew into professional pet care and, ultimately, Pet Day LLC: an Austin-based boarding and daycare business built around the belief that every dog deserves to feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for. ## More Than a Love for Dogs My love for animals extends far beyond dogs. I spent three and a half years living a vegan lifestyle because of my concern for animal welfare, and I have always felt a deep responsibility to care thoughtfully for God’s creation. I raise and care for chickens of my own and have traveled to Colorado and Idaho for farm-sitting and homestead-sitting assignments involving dogs, livestock, poultry, and other animals. These experiences taught me that good animal care begins with observation. Every animal communicates differently, and truly caring for them means slowing down enough to understand what they need. That principle remains at the heart of Pet Day today. ## The Pet Day Philosophy Pet Day was created to offer something more thoughtful than conventional boarding. Dogs are not one-size-fits-all. Some thrive in social play, while others need smaller groups, quiet companionship, mental enrichment, or extra time to feel comfortable. Some want constant affection; others need space and the freedom to approach at their own pace. Our responsibility is not to force every dog into the same routine. It is to observe, understand, and provide the kind of care that helps each dog feel secure. That is why Pet Day is built around individualized attention, calm structure, carefully matched social groups, meaningful enrichment, adequate rest, outdoor time, and respect for each dog’s personality and boundaries. ## A Montessori-Inspired Approach to Dog Care Our Montessori-inspired approach applies the principles of a prepared environment, purposeful activity, guided independence, and respect for the individual dog. Rather than filling the day with nonstop stimulation, we create opportunities for dogs to explore, problem-solve, make appropriate choices, engage their senses, and rest when they need to. Enrichment may include scent work, food puzzles, natural textures, climbing and balance features, digging opportunities, supervised outdoor exploration, quiet spaces, and activities selected for each dog’s age, confidence, mobility, and interests. Caregivers serve as attentive guides. We observe each dog’s body language, introduce activities thoughtfully, and step in when support is needed. The goal is not simply to keep dogs occupied—it is to help them feel confident, fulfilled, and at ease. ## Our Facility Vision The Pet Day facility is being designed as a peaceful, homestyle alternative to a loud or overstimulating kennel environment. Every part of the space will have a purpose: comfortable rest areas, thoughtfully arranged playrooms, enrichment stations, secure outdoor access, natural elements, sensory activities, and spaces for dogs who need a quieter experience. Dogs will be grouped according to temperament, play style, size, age, and comfort—not placed together solely for convenience. Our days will balance movement with rest, socialization with independence, and play with mentally engaging activities. This creates a healthier rhythm while helping reduce stress, prevent overstimulation, and allow each dog’s true personality to emerge. ## Thoughtful Care You Can Trust Pet Day has grown through years of hands-on experience and the trust of hundreds of Austin-area families. Although the business continues to expand, its foundation will remain the same: personal relationships, careful observation, honest communication, and responsible stewardship. When a dog enters our care, we understand that someone is trusting us with a beloved member of their family. We do not take that responsibility lightly. Pet Day is more than a boarding and daycare facility. It is the continuation of a calling that began with 28 foster dogs and a young girl learning how patience, safety, and love could change an animal’s life. Today, that same heart guides everything we do. ## Our Mission To provide safe, individualized, and enriching care that honors each dog’s unique needs while giving families confidence and peace of mind. At Pet Day, dogs are not simply watched—they are known, understood, and cared for with purpose.

Deanna's approach was shaped by years of observing what actually works — not just what's convenient. She noticed that dogs in traditional boarding settings were often overstimulated, under-rested, and anxious. She set out to build something different: a calm, structured environment where dogs feel genuinely safe and cared for.

Today, Pet Day serves families across Austin with a growing team of trained, passionate caregivers who share the same philosophy. We're not just a boarding facility — we're a community of people who take the responsibility of caring for your dog as seriously as you do.