A boarding success story

Roadside Veterinary Clinic in Highland, Mich., takes boarding to the next level by offering doggie daycare services. Certain days of the week are designated Labrador and retriever day or small breed day so that the dogs can mingle and play in the yard without incident. The dogs divide their time between the basement playroom—decked out with a wall mural, a TV, and plenty of toys and treats—and the backyard where they can roll in the grass or play fetch with the on-staff trainer who spends the whole day with the "campers."

A doggie daycare birthday party includes dog-friendly treats, hats, and balloons. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Jeff Rothstein.)

The popular service gives the clinic a leg up on its nearby competition. New clients tell team members that they quit taking their pets to the practice up the road because they want to take advantage of the daycare services. Turns out these clients have turned into medical clients, too.