Shady Oaks

Pros

• The dogs love Shady Oaks.
• Boomer and Nala love Shady Oaks.
• The two Aussies always ran in with no hesitation.
• The fur babies love going to Shady Oaks.
• The staff are friendly and accommodating.
• The dogs look happy and healthy when picked up.
• Shady Oaks went above and beyond for a special little angel.
• The doggy day camp is outstanding.

Cons

• The reviewer would not recommend boarding or daycare for anxious or flighty dogs.
• A dog escaped within 10 minutes of arrival, signaling security issues.
• The facility appeared haphazard - vet records weren't sent, doors weren't fully closed, and the fence wasn't secure.
• Staff were confused about which dog escaped and seemed too busy to properly track high-risk animals.
• The second dog wasn't leashed at pickup despite being a high-risk runner, and the door was not secure.
• Neighbors indicated this was not the first loose dog to come from the kennel.
• The management response contained inconsistencies and could be seen as misleading or incompetent.

Review

Shady Oaks Kennel in Rabun County is described by many as a welcoming, affordable, and dog-loving place that many families return to for boarding, daycare, and grooming. Across numerous testimonials, the staff and environment are praised as friendly, patient, and attentive. Dogs are said to eagerly head in for their visits, with owners consistently noting that their pets seem happy and well cared for when they pick them up. Several reviews highlight small-town charm, reasonable pricing, and a sense that the kennel offers a true "vacation" atmosphere for dogs, with accounts of anxious or high-energy dogs being treated with extra care and affection. The facility's doggy day camp is repeatedly singled out as outstanding, and several owners credit Shady Oaks with giving their dogs a positive, low-stress experience during trips away from home.

Yet alongside these positive impressions there are serious cautionary notes that deserve attention. The most widely echoed concern centers on a real incident in which a dog escaped shortly after arrival. According to an account from a worried owner, the escape occurred within about ten minutes of being dropped off, during the care of two dogs from the same household. The dog that bolted was described as anxious, and both dogs appeared to have different behavioral motivations, which complicated tracking efforts. The initial response from staff is described as haphazard by the owner, with doors not always closed and fences not deemed secure. Confusion about which dog had escaped further slowed the search, and the recovery reportedly stretched over several hours, with a neighbor and other locals helping to locate the dog. The owner noted that the kennel did not leash one of the dogs upon pickup, which added to the distress and perceived risk for a high-flight-risk animal.

In a pointed addendum, the same reviewer expresses concerns about the accuracy and consistency of the kennel's response. The post-incident reply they received allegedly contained inconsistencies and appeared aimed at saving face rather than presenting a fully accurate account. The reviewer questioned a claim about the dogs' breeds - describing the breed as unknown (a rescue), with no definitive identification - and pointed out that the dog who ran did so out of fear rather than direct aggression. There is also mention of a lack of clarity around the separation protocol and how staff distinguished between the anxious dog and the runner, both during the incident and afterward. The reviewer indicates that there may have been some miscommunication or forgetfulness amidst busy operations, and they stress the need for improved communication to prevent such dangerous mix-ups in the future. The emphasis remains clear: for owners of anxious or flight-prone dogs, caution and thorough dialogue with the staff are prudent before boarding.

Despite the incident and the stated concerns, the broad body of reviews also offers a lot of reassurance and practical praise. Several families recount consistently positive experiences with the staff - friendly, accommodating, and supportive in both routine care and unexpected situations. The kennel is described as clean and well-maintained, with many owners noting how smoothly check-ins and pickups can go when all information is in place, such as providing vet records, medications, and special instructions. Testimonials repeatedly claim that the team will go the extra mile to help locate a pet in distress, and some reviews recount that, even in difficult moments, staff members stayed engaged, organized, and hopeful rather than defeated. The consistency of these accounts - paired with stories of dogs eagerly returning for visits and even referencing the place as a "Disneyland for puppies" - paints a portrait of a facility that genuinely loves dogs and takes pride in its role supporting families.

There is particular emphasis on the kennel's ability to handle medications and special needs, with several dog owners reporting that they were able to provide their pets' meds and routines without issue, and that staff were cooperative and patient with day-to-day medical needs. Reviews highlight a range of positive experiences across different dog personalities: some dogs - like two Australian Shepherds mentioned by caretakers - thrive in the environment, while other owners note that even previously anxious dogs settle into the routine and come home happy and content. The breadth of positive anecdotes includes stories of long-standing patrons who have used Shady Oaks for multiple boarding and daycare episodes, praising the staff for their consistency, kindness, and willingness to accommodate irregular schedules or last-minute needs. In several entries, people gladly recommend Shady Oaks to friends and family, underscoring a strong sense of trust born from repeated, successful visits.

Taken together, the reviews present a complex picture: Shady Oaks Kennel is a place that many dogs clearly adore and where families frequently feel their pets are well cared for, safe, and loved. At the same time, there are legitimate safety concerns raised by a high-profile incident involving a run-away dog and questions about protocol, communication, and security around doors and fencing. For prospective clients, the takeaway is to approach with informed diligence. If your dog is particularly anxious or a flight risk, it may be wise to have a detailed conversation with the staff about how they manage separating dogs, how they monitor escape risks, and what steps they take to secure doors and fences. Bring all medical information, medications, and explicit instructions, and confirm who administers meds and how any medicating plans will be implemented during boarding. Most importantly, establish a clear plan and contact path for updates and emergencies, and consider visiting during a busy period to observe how the team handles intake, supervision, and safety concerns firsthand. In short, Shady Oaks Kennel appears to offer a warm, dog-friendly environment with many happy clients, but it also presents real cautions that informed owners should weigh carefully to ensure their pet's safety.

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)