A new pet boarding facility is coming to Apple Valley, thanks to a local dentist who saw a need in the community’s pet care services.
Joseph Eiswert, owner of SmileMakers dental office in Apple Valley, is working to establish a modern dog kennel and pet villa in the area. The planned 11,192-square-foot facility, named High Desert Pet Resort, will be located along Outer Highway 18 near Yanan Road. It will provide 24/7 boarding for dogs, cats, and other pets legally permitted in California.
The facility will be built on vacant land between SmileMakers and the long-closed Fat Jack’s Bar and Grill. It will feature 70 dog villas, a cat room, a grooming area, offices, and a caretaker’s residence. The new resort aims to address the shortage of local pet boarding services in the High Desert, where residents often have to travel out of town for reliable care.
The High Desert Pet Resort will operate Monday through Saturday, with pet intake and discharge scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The facility will also offer visiting hours from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It plans to employ five staff members to manage operations.
As part of the approval process, the applicant sought the Planning Commission’s review and approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the construction and operation of the animal care facility. This permit will cover various services, including an animal hospital, veterinarian services, a commercial kennel, and grooming services within a fully enclosed structure.
The concept for the pet resort was inspired by Joseph and his wife Rachel’s personal experience as pet owners. They would travel to Upland to board their dogs because they trusted the local services there. As a longtime resident and business owner, Eiswert noted that many of his patients also shared the need for a local kennel. His new venture, located next to his dental office, aims to provide local pet owners with an easier option.
During the March 5 Planning Commission meeting, a local resident raised concerns about potential noise disruptions, particularly regarding the impact on her peaceful backyard and property value. In response, Steeno assured that the facility’s design incorporates sound mitigation, with the building itself acting as a buffer.
Additionally, the applicant requested to avoid the high cost of burying power lines on the property, which could amount to $250,000. Instead, they proposed connecting to overhead power lines along Outer Highway 18, a solution that has been used for other nearby buildings. This request will be presented to the Apple Valley City Council for approval.
Despite these challenges, the Planning Commission voted in favor of the project, with four members supporting and one absent.
With SmileMakers already brightening the community with its dental services, Eiswert is now set to bring happiness to pet owners and their furry companions by opening this new pet boarding facility.
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