A Calm Countryside Retreat
for Dogs Who Deserve More
Boutique overnight boarding with structured outdoor time, private indoor suites, and personalized care in a quiet countryside setting.
"Our dogs Winston and Olive absolutely loved Matt. It gave us complete peace of mind knowing they were so well cared for."
— The Walker Family
A Calm Countryside Retreatfor dogs who deserve more
Boutique overnight boarding with structured outdoor time, private indoor suites, and personalized care in a quiet countryside setting.
Owner-Operated Care · Limited Guest Capacity · Private Acreage
The Active Houndz Difference
Why Choose Active Houndz
The Active Houndz Experience
A quiet countryside setting designed for dogs who thrive with space, structure, and calm routines.
Limited Capacity
A small number of dogs allows for more personalized attention and a calmer overall environment.
Limited Capacity
A small number of dogs allows for more personalized attention and a calmer overall environment.
Acreage Play Areas
Large, secure outdoor spaces give dogs room to move, explore, and enjoy fresh country air.
Acreage Play Areas
Large, secure outdoor spaces give dogs room to move, explore, and enjoy fresh country air.
Private Indoor Suites
Private indoor suites provide a quiet, comfortable space for rest and relaxation.
Private Indoor Suites
Private indoor suites provide a quiet, comfortable space for rest and relaxation.
Experienced Handling
Guided by Matt's training experience and deep understanding of dog behaviour.
Experienced Handling
Guided by Matt's training experience and deep understanding of dog behaviour.
Where We Are
Our Countryside Retreat
Located just outside Calgary, near Strathmore and Chestermere, our private acreage gives dogs space to move freely in a quiet, fully fenced environment designed for safety and calm.
Private Acreage
Expansive outdoor space on private countryside land. No crowded parks, no city noise.
15 Minutes from Calgary
Close enough for convenience, far enough for true peace and quiet.
Fully Secured
Our fenced property and gated entrance ensure a safe and controlled environment.
Our retreat was designed specifically for dogs — combining room to run with quiet spaces to rest.
Who We Welcome
A Thoughtful Fit for Every Dog
Every dog is different — some thrive in social play, while others prefer calm routines and quiet rest. We tailor each stay to suit the individual needs of every guest.
Social & Playful
Calm & Independent
Special Care Needs
First Time Guests
Welcome to the Retreat
A quiet countryside environment designed for dogs who thrive with space, structure and calm routines.A quiet countryside environment designed for dogs who thrive with space, structure and calm routines.
Open Spaces
Daily Walks
Cozy Interiors
Restful Stays
Meet Your Hosts
Life on the Acreage
A Home Away from Home
About Us
Built from a Love of Dogs
& a Desire to Create
Something Different
We created Active Houndz Canine Retreat because we know how important it is to feel completely confident about where your dog stays when you're away. As lifelong dog owners, finding care that truly feels right isn't always easy.
Many traditional boarding facilities focus on high numbers, busy environments, and rotating staff — which can be overwhelming for dogs. Over time, we experienced this ourselves and felt something was missing. We wanted to create a place where dogs receive the kind of care we'd want for our own — calm, structured, and genuinely attentive, with space to move, time to settle, and consistent handling throughout.
We are Matt and Jess, the owners and operators of Active Houndz Canine Retreat. Dogs have always been a central part of our lives, and our own three dogs helped inspire the retreat we've built today.
Matt's background in dog training and behavior guides the consistent routines and hands-on approach we bring to every stay. By intentionally keeping our numbers limited, we're able to offer thoughtful supervision, enrichment, and individualized care for every guest.
For us, this retreat isn't just a business — it's the kind of place we always wished existed for our own dogs.
The Experience
Your Experience
Reach out to request a stay and ask any questions.
Visit the property so your dog can settle in before their stay.
Leave knowing your dog is in a calm, structured environment.
Receive regular photos and updates throughout the stay.
Collect a happy, well-rested dog at the end of their stay.
Their Experience
A calm, quiet space to decompress and feel at home.
Room to run, sniff and explore in secure outdoor play yards.
Consistent daily routines that keep dogs calm, settled, and secure.
One-on-one care tailored to each dog's personality and needs.
A cozy, quiet sleep environment for a truly restorative stay.
Client Stories
Trusted by Dog Owners
“Matt did an incredible job training our dog Indy. We saw a huge improvement in his focus and manners.”
Simon
Owner of Indy
“Matt's training completely transformed Rider's behavior. We're incredibly grateful for his help.”
Char & Rider
Owner of Rider
“Matt was wonderful with our dog Teddy and truly cared about what was best for him. His patience and dedication meant so much to us. We're incredibly grateful.”
Cheryl
Owner of Teddy
“Jasper absolutely loves Matt and we've seen amazing progress with his training.”
Andy
Owner of Jasper
“Our dogs Winston and Olive absolutely loved Matt. It gave us complete peace of mind knowing they were so well cared for.”
The Walker Family
Owners of Winston & Olive
Client Stories
Trusted by
Dog Owners
We're honoured by the trust families place in us. Here's what some of Matt's training clients have shared.
“Matt did an incredible job training our dog Indy. We saw a huge improvement in his focus and manners.”
Simon
Owner of Indy
About Us
Built from a Love of Dogs & a Desire to Create Something Different
Meet Your Hosts
Life on the Acreage
A Home Away from Home
Swipe to explore
Active Houndz is a family-operated countryside retreat offering boutique overnight boarding on a private acreage just outside Calgary.
We intentionally keep our guest list small so every dog receives the individual attention and care they deserve.
Each guest enjoys a private indoor suite for rest and structured outdoor time across our fenced acreage throughout the day.
Our goal is simple — to create a calm, personal environment where dogs feel safe, relaxed, and genuinely cared for.
Space to Explore.
Structure to Thrive.
Every day is built around what dogs actually need — open outdoor space, a calm and consistent routine, and attentive hands-on care in a setting designed to help them settle and feel at ease.
Private
Countryside Acreage
On-Site
Supervision
Owner
Operated Care
Trusted by
dog families
The Grounds
Our Grounds & Outdoor Spaces
Our private countryside acreage provides a calm, open setting for thoughtfully supervised outdoor time — across every season.
Open Acreage Play
Our countryside property provides wide-open outdoor areas where dogs explore freely — taking in the natural sights, sounds, and scents of the property, with each session thoughtfully supervised.
- Secure outdoor yards designed for safe rotation and supervision
- Shaded areas located throughout the property for comfort during warmer days
- Natural terrain that encourages healthy movement and sensory engagement
- Fresh water stations available in every play area
Structured Play Sessions
Balance is an essential part of a calm, positive stay. Our daily routine blends structured outdoor play with quiet rest periods, helping each guest remain relaxed, engaged, and comfortable throughout their time at the retreat.
- Small supervised play groups thoughtfully matched by size and temperament
- Individual outdoor time available for guests who prefer quieter interaction
- Enrichment activities and gentle social engagement throughout the day
- Quiet decompression periods between activity sessions to support a calm routine
Life at Active Houndz
A daily rhythm built around what dogs genuinely need.
Morning
Outdoor time, breakfast, and a calm start to the day as guests settle into their routine.
Midday
Structured outdoor rotations, supervised play, and enrichment with plenty of rest in private indoor suites.
Afternoon
Continued outdoor rotations, calm supervised time, and balanced activity with rest to support a steady and low-stress day.
Evening
Dinner, quiet wind-down routines, and final outdoor rotations before guests settle in for the night.
Where They Rest
The Guest Suites
Clean, calm, and thoughtfully arranged — private suites designed for rest and comfort, not traditional kennels.
Private Guest Suite
Comfort & Calm
For Two Guests
Where They Rest
The Guest Suites
Private Guest Suite
Comfort & Calm
For Two Guests
Suite Entrance
Rest & Restore
Swipe to explore all suites
Keeping You Connected
Daily Updates & Photos
Stay connected with your dog through regular photo updates and check-ins during their stay.
Photo Updates
Regular photos throughout their stay so you can see exactly how they're doing.
Daily Check-Ins
A short daily message sharing highlights and how your dog is settling in.
Always Reachable
Questions during the stay? We're always happy to respond and keep you in the loop.
Keeping You Connected
Daily Updates & Photos
Stay connected with your dog through regular photo updates and check-ins during their stay.
Photo Updates
Regular photos throughout their stay so you can see exactly how they're doing.
Daily Check-Ins
A short daily message sharing highlights and how your dog is settling in.
Always Reachable
Questions during the stay? We're always happy to respond and keep you in the loop.
Space to Explore.
Structure to Thrive.
Every day is built around what dogs actually need — open outdoor space, a calm and consistent routine, and attentive hands-on care in a setting designed to help them settle and feel at ease.
Private
Countryside Acreage
On-Site
Supervision
Owner
Operated Care
Trusted by
dog families
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about your dog's stay at the retreat — answered.
Submit a stay request through our website. We personally review each request, confirm availability, and then send a deposit link to secure your reservation.
Request a StayDogs must be current on Rabies, DHPP (or equivalent core vaccine), and Bordetella (kennel cough). Proof of vaccination is required prior to boarding.
Full requirements are outlined in our Policies page.
View PoliciesDogs may participate in small, carefully supervised play groups based on temperament and compatibility.
For dogs who prefer a quieter environment, individual outdoor time and one-on-one interaction can also be provided.
Your dog's comfort and safety always comes first. Outdoor time is adjusted during extreme cold, storms, or heavy weather.
In colder temperatures, play sessions may be shortened and balanced with additional indoor rest and enrichment. During severe weather, outdoor time is limited to brief bathroom breaks.
Yes — staying connected with you is something we take seriously. Throughout your dog's stay you can expect:
Photo Updates — Regular photos throughout their stay so you can see exactly how they're doing.
Daily Check-Ins — A short daily message sharing highlights and how your dog is settling in.
Always Reachable — If you have questions during the stay, we're always happy to respond and keep you in the loop.
To maintain a calm routine for all guests, arrivals and departures take place within scheduled windows.
Drop-off: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Pick-up: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Appointments are scheduled within these windows — a specific time is confirmed once your stay is approved.
Boarding is based on overnight stays — morning departures are included. Extended care outside of scheduled pick-up or drop-off times may be available upon request and is subject to a $25 fee.
If your travel schedule falls outside these windows, please reach out — we will always do our best to accommodate when possible.
View PoliciesPlease bring your dog's regular food and any medications they require.
We provide comfortable suites, bedding, bowls, and enrichment activities. You're welcome to bring a small familiar item from home, such as a blanket, if you feel it will help your dog settle in. Full details are outlined in our Policies page.
View PoliciesBecause we maintain a limited number of guest spaces, reservations are held specifically for your dog.
More than 7 days before your stay
Full refund of your deposit
4 to 6 days before your stay
50% of your deposit is refunded
Less than 4 days before your stay
Deposits are non-refundable
If your plans change unexpectedly, please contact us as soon as possible and we will always do our best to accommodate adjustments when availability allows.
Something we haven't covered? We'd be glad to help.
Get in TouchGet in Touch
Contact & Reservations
Reserve a spot for your dog or reach out with any questions — we respond within 24 hours.
Reach Us
Location
Private Countryside Acreage
15 minutes from Calgary & YYC Airport
20 minutes from Chestermere & Strathmore
Exact address shared with confirmed clients or scheduled Meet & Greets
Drop Off & Pick Up Windows
By scheduled appointment
Drop-off: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Pick-up: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Request a Stay
Share your details and preferred dates — everything carries over to the booking page so nothing gets repeated.
Reservations
Ready to Plan
Your Dog's Stay?
Submit a stay request and we'll personally review availability and respond within 24 hours.