Shady Oaks in Nicholson, GA

Pros

• Shady Oaks is a great place to board dogs.
• The doggy day camp is outstanding.
• The dogs love Shady Oaks and eagerly run to the door.
• The staff is friendly, caring, and always willing to help.
• The facility is clean, spacious, and well run.
• The owner and staff clearly love and respect animals.
• Dogs return home happy and healthy after stays.
• Shady Oaks provides a safe and enjoyable environment with plenty of outdoor time.
• Grooming at Shady Oaks is highly praised for quality and care.
• Owners report their dogs look forward to returning and having a wonderful time.

Cons

• The facility is described as haphazard and not secure, with doors not always closed and the fence not secure, allowing a dog to escape.
• The staff are portrayed as unable to determine which dog got out, indicating poor handling of the situation.
• They advise avoiding boarding for anxious or flighty dogs, suggesting a negative experience for such pets.
• The kennel is labeled shady and not trustworthy, with reviewers saying they would never return.
• The grooming service is described as horrible, with a long wait, a poor cut, and being charged for a unsatisfactory result.
• The owner/manager are described as rude and unprofessional, with poor customer service and dismissive responses.

Review

Shady Oaks Kennel in Nicholson, GA is best suited for families with sociable, active dogs that thrive on daily play, outdoor time, and a camp-like routine. Across the reviews, dogs arrive excited and eager to join the group, and owners repeatedly praise the spacious, outdoor-centric layout and the sense that the facility delivers real exercise and socialization rather than a sterile “hold-our-pets” environment. The integration of daycare and boarding with grooming means a practical, all-in-one option for households that want reliable, affectionate care in a small-town setting. For dog parents who value a lively, dog-centered atmosphere where staff connections feel personal and the animals seem genuinely happy to be there, Shady Oaks is a compelling fit.

Those with anxious, flighty, or high-flight-risk dogs may want to explore alternatives. Several reviews recount incidents suggesting gaps in safety and protocol, including escapes within minutes of arrival, doors not always secured, and fences that aren’t consistently described as 100% secure. There are also notes about inconsistent account handling and questions around medication administration, which can be a red flag for pets needing careful supervision. For owners demanding a rigorously controlled environment, or for dogs that tend to bolt or become distressed when away from home, other facilities with tighter containment and more formal safety procedures may be a better fit.

The strongest pros here, well-loved dogs, responsive staff, and a genuine sense of care, often tilt decision-making toward choosing Shady Oaks. Many dogs return happy and energized, a testament to the staff’s ability to provide engaging routines, ample play, and affectionate attention. Reviews consistently describe a welcoming, professional team that handles last-minute requests with flexibility, maintains clean spaces, and offers a running yard where dogs can stretch out and socialize. The grooming side is frequently highlighted as a strong plus, with several clients reporting high-quality results and attentive, patient grooming experiences, which adds to the overall value for families seeking multiple services in one place.

Yet it is prudent to acknowledge the recurring concerns embedded in a subset of reviews. The incidents around security and safety indicate a need for ongoing scrutiny of procedures and clear, consistent communication with clients. A few customers report encounters with what they perceived as uneven customer service, including lengthy or occasionally tense interactions and odd hours for drop-off/pick-up that can complicate plans. While these instances do not appear to define the majority experience, they underscore the importance of proactive conversations about protocols, expectations, and contingency plans before leaving a pet in care.

For families weighing the decision, a practical approach is essential. Schedule a guided tour to assess how the facility handles entrances, exits, and containment, and request a transparent explanation of how doors, fences, and run areas are maintained. Ask to observe or try a short day for a dog that may be more reserved or prone to anxiety, and verify medication-handling procedures, as well as the policy on high-risk runners. Have a candid talk about drop-off and pick-up times, including potential lunch-hour gaps, and confirm the staff-to-dog ratio during peak hours. Acknowledge the big-picture reality: a strong track record of happy, well-exercised dogs sits alongside legitimate questions about safety and consistency that deserve direct, concrete answers.

In the end, Shady Oaks represents a solid, evidence-based option for many families: a dog-loving environment with ample space, enthusiastic staff, and a proven record of keeping pets active and engaged. It works exceptionally well for households that prioritize socialization, routine, and a trustworthy, single-location provider for boarding, daycare, and grooming. However, for those with anxious or highly flight-prone dogs, or for clients who require ironclad safety protocols and flawless customer service, it pays to compare alternatives that emphasize stricter containment, more predictable processes, and a consistently polished customer experience. The right choice will hinge on a family’s specific dog personality, risk tolerance, and the level of operational transparency sought in a trusted partner.

This part of Nicholson, Georgia offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking to reside in the area. With multiple restaurants such as Zippy's Zesty Wings and Parrott Island Grill, as well as familiar chains like Burger King and Taco Bell, there are plenty of dining options nearby. In terms of places of worship, there are several churches within a short distance, providing opportunities for spiritual engagement. Medical care is easily accessible with various physician offices and pharmacies nearby, ensuring that healthcare needs can be met conveniently. Additionally, Flagler Park provides a peaceful outdoor space for leisurely walks or picnics. Overall, this area offers a mix of conveniences and recreational options that could make it a desirable location for senior living.

Restaurants

• Zippy's Zesty Wings (6.4 miles)
• Zaxby's (6.4 miles)
• Parrott Island Grill (6.5 miles)
• Burger King (6.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (6.7 miles)
• Beef 'o' Brady's (6.7 miles)
• Papa John's Pizza (6.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• New St Stephen AME Church (6.6 miles)
• Bethel Baptist Church (6.7 miles)
• Calvary Chapel of Okeechobee (6.9 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (6.9 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (6.9 miles)
• First Baptist Church (7 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (7 miles)

Physicians

• Center For Eye Care & Surgery (6.7 miles)
• Treasure Coast Medical Associates (6.8 miles)
• Doctor's Clinic (6.8 miles)
• Doctors Clinic Family Health Center (6.8 miles)
• Gateway Medical Group (7.3 miles)
• Florida East Coast Medical Group (7.4 miles)
• Water's Edge Dermatology (7.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Heartland Discount Pharmacy (6.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.9 miles)
• Walgreens (7 miles)
• Walgreens (21 miles)
• Walgreens (22.6 miles)
• Walgreens (23 miles)

Parks

• Flagler Park (6.8 miles)
• Okeechobee Park Maintenance (7.3 miles)
• Okeechobee County Adult Fields (8.3 miles)
• Okeechobee County Sports Complex (8.3 miles)

Cafes

• Brown Cow Sweetery (6.9 miles)
• Nutmeg's (7.1 miles)
• Serenity Coffee Shop (7.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (19.8 miles)
• Starbucks (22.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (22.4 miles)

Transportation

• Okeechobee Station (7.3 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (8 miles)

Hospitals

• Va Primary Care Clinic (7.5 miles)
• Tradition Medical Center (20 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Port St Lucie 14 (22.1 miles)