or Daniel Jones, caring for pets was never just a job—it was always a way of life. Long before he became the owner and president of The Woodlands Luxury Pet Resort & Spa in New York’s Hudson valley area, Daniel was learning the pet care business alongside his mother, Kerry Jones, the founder of Affordable Grooming & Boarding.

More than 30 years ago, Kerry built the business from the ground up through hard work, determination and an unwavering love of animals—and those values became the foundation of a family legacy that continues to shape every aspect of the business today.

“I remember many Christmas mornings when we would open presents very early, then we would head out and take care of the dogs that were staying with us,” recalls Daniel.

Those early experiences taught him an important lesson: Caring for pets isn’t something that happens only during business hours; it is a commitment, a responsibility and a way of life.

Kerry’s dedication to excellence extended beyond boarding and grooming, though. She was also well-known for breeding champion Boxers, including a Westminster-winning dog. Her passion for animal care earned the trust of pet owners and established a reputation that the family continues to build upon today.

More than three decades after Daniel’s mother founded Affordable Grooming & Boarding, that passion evolved into The Woodlands Luxury Pet Resort & Spa—one of Hudson Valley’s premier pet care destinations.

Under Daniel’s leadership, the facility has undergone extensive renovations, an expansion of services and a complete rebranding into a luxury pet resort, all while keeping the family values that built the business firmly intact.

One of the things The Woodlands is famous for is its unique setting. It is nestled at the end of a quiet country road and surrounded by more than 50 acres of wooded serenity just outside of Newburgh, New York. The tranquil environment creates a true resort atmosphere that allows dogs and cats to experience nature in a safe, controlled environment.

The resort boasts more than 15 acres of fully fenced play yards with the additional acreage serving as a wooded pet paradise, as well as the family’s home. Daniel and his family live on the property, which adds another level of oversight and security, and provides tremendous peace of mind for pet owners.

Individualized care is another cornerstone of The Woodland’s philosophy. Daniel believes that no two pets are alike and that successful boarding facilities must recognize and accommodate those differences. Whether a guest is a playful puppy, an active daycare participant or a senior pet with mobility challenges, staff members customize activities and services based on the pet’s specific needs.

“We cater to the pet’s mental and physical health and safety,” Daniel explains. “Temperament testing is required of every dog. They are evaluated and their individual needs are reviewed before they can participate in daycare or group activities.”

Once accepted, the dogs continue to be monitored throughout their stay. This ongoing assessment helps ensure that every dog remains comfortable, safe, and happy within their playgroup and activities—which wouldn’t be possible without resort’s dedicated team.

“My staff is the real key to The Woodland’s success,” Daniel says emphatically. “Many of our team members have been with us for years. Some are family members, and the others have become like family.”

That family-centered culture is one of the resort’s greatest strengths. Daniel believes technical skills can be taught, but genuine compassion, trustworthiness and the ability to build relationships—with pets and their owners—are qualities that define every member of the resort’s team.

As pet owners increasingly seek premium services, The Woodlands has responded. Comfort is a priority for every guest. Regardless of suite selection, pets enjoy orthopedic bedding, in-room cameras, television, radiant-heated flooring, central air conditioning and a private outdoor courtyard.

One of the resort’s newest additions is its luxury villa concept. These private “tiny house” accommodations feature only two exclusive villas per building, creating a more intimate and upscale experience for guests seeking additional privacy and comfort. The villas reflect a growing trend within the pet care industry as more owners seek boarding experiences that mirror the comforts of home.

Daniel believes that enrichment is no longer just a luxury, either; it is an expectation among today’s pet owners. Mental stimulation, exercise, socialization and engagement have become critical components of quality pet care.

Boarding dogs have opportunities to participate in daycare and can enjoy a variety of optional activities selected by their owners during the reservation process. Popular offerings include pool sessions, Trail Blazer leash walks, Central Bark excursions, photo packages, continental “Barkfast” and special treats such as “Pupcream” frozen snacks.

The resort’s custom-built swimming pool is one of its signature attractions. Complete with a spectacular waterfall, UV filtration system and pet-safe water treatment, it provides both recreation and exercise opportunities.

Another standout feature is Central Bark, a private activity area equipped with custom-built agility-style equipment and sprinklers for interactive play. According to Daniel, these activities serve a purpose beyond entertainment.

“We believe that happy dogs make happy clients,” Daniel states. “Owners appreciate knowing their pets are staying active and engaged while they are away. That confidence allows them to enjoy their own vacations without worrying about what their pets are doing back home.”

Over the years, Daniel has found that pet owners want to stay connected while they are apart from their pets. To address that need, the resort has introduced custom photo packages that allow owners to see and share their pets’ experiences.

“The photo packages have become a valuable marketing tool for us,” shares Daniel. “The owners post their pets’ photos on Facebook and Instagram to share them with family and friends.

“That creates a real win-win situation,” he continues. “Owners receive reassurance that their pets are happy and engaged, while our resort benefits from authentic word-of-mouth marketing and social media exposure.”

While many boarding facilities focus primarily on dogs, The Woodlands has also created a unique experience for its feline guests. Each cat condo is positioned along a windowed wall overlooking bird feeders and the property’s wooded landscape. The guests can watch birds, enjoy natural sunlight and observe outdoor activity throughout the day.

Inside the cattery, multi-level climbing structures encourage exploration and exercise, while private hiding spaces provide security for more reserved cats. Multi-cat families can reserve adjoining condos, creating expanded living areas for their pets.

To further enhance the environment, soothing music and bird sounds play throughout the evening, while staff members spend considerable time in the cattery during the day. The result is a cat-friendly environment specifically designed around feline behavior and comfort.

“While our technology, enrichment programs, and luxury upgrades continue to evolve at The Woodlands, the fundamentals of pet care remain timeless,” Daniel expresses.

Looking ahead, The Woodlands has plans for an indoor daycare building, further expanding the facility’s ability to provide year-round enrichment opportunities regardless of weather conditions. However, for Daniel, the future is about far more than growth and expansion; it is about continuing a family legacy that began with his mother’s vision, dedication and love for animals.

Every renovation, every new service and every investment in the facility is built upon the same foundation Kerry Jones established years ago. And that enduring commitment to pets, people and family values continues to define The Woodlands Luxury Pet Resort & Spa today—and remains the driving force behind its reputation as one of the Hudson Valley’s most respected pet care destinations.