Hearth & Hound, located on Pleasant Street in Lee, is a pet care facility that offers more than just dog daycare and boarding. Founded in early 2025 by Alexis Montgomery, the business has quickly become a trusted option for pet owners in the Berkshires. It provides services for dogs, cats, and small animals, including overnight boarding, baths, nail trimming, and enrichment-focused care.
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Montgomery's lifelong passion for working with animals shapes the core of Hearth & Hound. "I've always wanted to work with animals," she stated, having initially pursued a path in pre-veterinary medicine before becoming a registered nurse for nearly a decade. Although her role has shifted significantly, she still works a few early-morning nursing shifts to support her business. "This is where my heart is," she said, emphasizing her daily commitment to the facility and its residents.
Initially starting with a staff of three, Hearth & Hound has expanded to eight employees, with plans for more hires as demand continues to grow. Montgomery prioritizes hiring staff with genuine passion for animal care, stating, "I look for heart first. Everything else can be taught."
Training at Hearth & Hound focuses on canine body language, safe play dynamics, and enrichment-based care, allowing the facility to create suitable playgroups based not only on size but also temperament. This attention to detail has allowed for a deeper focus on enrichment activities, such as puzzle games, scent work, bubble play, and structured calm time to prevent overstimulation.
An important feature for pet owners is the daily report card provided for each animal, detailing their activities, eating habits, and health concerns, along with daily photos. Montgomery notes that these updates help foster relationships between pets and their owners, creating community among clients who often recognize their pets' friends by name.
In addition to pet care, Hearth & Hound operates a no-questions-asked pet food pantry to assist community members in need. Montgomery's background as a nurse has influenced her meticulous approach to cleanliness, employing hospital-grade sanitation protocols in the facility.
Montgomery has received recognition for her dedication, being nominated by the Small Business Administration for both Women-Owned Small Business Person of the Year and Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year. Looking forward, she envisions potential growth for Hearth & Hound, including possible expansions or creating spaces where pets and their owners can connect more closely. "This place is happiness," she concluded, highlighting her commitment to the well-being of the animals in her care.