Now Accepting New Clients
About House of Hounds Retreat
House of Hounds Retreat offers kennel-free dog day care and dog boarding for dogs who thrive in a calm, structured, and closely supervised environment.
Our Philosophy
A Different Approach to Boarding & Day Care
House of Hounds Retreat isn’t a traditional doggy day care or dog boarding facility — it’s a calm, structured space designed around how dogs actually feel, interact, and settle.
Located on a quiet, treed property in Aylesford, Kings County, we provide kennel-free dog day care and dog boarding for dogs who thrive with supervision, routine, and a familiar environment.
Every decision we make is guided by one priority: keeping dogs safe, relaxed, and comfortable while they’re in our care. We welcome families from nearby Greenwood and across the region.
Quiet Property
Kennel-Free
Structured Care
Aylesford, NS
Who We Are
Meet The Pack
Our dogs play an important role in welcoming and gently screening new guests during meet and greets.
Our Four-Legged Team
Simon
The Gentle Leader
Simon is a confident, easygoing silken windhound whose steady presence helps set the tone for the pack. He plays a key role during meet & greets, helping new dogs settle in through calm, controlled interactions.
Prim
The Social Spark
Prim is a sweet, playful silken windhound who loves engaging with new friends. Her friendly energy encourages positive social interactions and helps new dogs feel welcome.
Leo
The Gentle Greeter
Leo is a certified therapy dog with a gentle, intuitive nature. He’s especially helpful during introductions, often providing comfort and reassurance to dogs who may feel nervous in new environments.
Meet the Parents
Mel Taylor Rainsforth
Head of the Pack
Mel is the heart of House of Hounds Retreat and the person dogs spend the most time with each day. She is hands-on, observant, and deeply attuned to dog behavior, energy, and group dynamics.
Mel believes that great care comes from structure, calm supervision, and truly understanding how dogs communicate. She leads all meet and greets, oversees daily routines, and ensures every dog feels comfortable and secure.
Melissa Rainsforth
The Wind-Down Specialist
Melissa is a familiar, calming presence at House of Hounds Retreat during evenings, weekends, and boarding stays.
She helps dogs wind down after busy days, offering comfort, reassurance, and quiet companionship. Her gentle presence is especially helpful for boarding dogs as they settle in and relax overnight.