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One of the guest speakers at the opening of the community’s newest pet care facility described it as, ‘Cancun for dogs.’
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The operators of The Lodge at Canine Field Co. were not kidding when their media release stated its new dog retreat was state-of-the-art.
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The 110-acre facility on Chadbourne Drive was built for nearly $2,000,000 dollars by Canor construction. Work began last October and continued through the winter.
The Lodge was officially opened on Saturday morning with North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli and Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota all on hand.
Hundreds of people watched on, with many of them with their dogs as both humans and canines were enjoying the view.
Kevin Riddell, a longtime pro dog trainer, spoke on behalf of the facilities operators. Riddell was inspired by a similar facility he saw in person in Houston, Texas.
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Riddell wanted to bring that experience to North Bay.


“Everything from the ground up was built for the comfort and safety of the dogs. From the heated floors to the epoxy coating to the fencing, when the dogs are here you feel good, the dogs are safe and comfortable while they are here with us,” says Riddell.
You can also monitor your dog no matter where you may be. Riddell remarked that since the technology is there why not take advantage of it.
“From our HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), link to our phone for monitoring the dogs during their stay, to the technology from our cameras, it is all available now.”
The Lodge also features a shuttle service for the dogs.
“We have a shuttle van with air conditioning and custom stainless-steel kennels built into it so that the dogs can be transported in a safe, hygienic manner,” says Riddell.
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The Lodge features two separate wings housing 44 suites for overnight stays. The suites are divided with concrete walls, ensuring both security and noise management.
If the weather is not great the Lodge offers a dedicated 1800 square foot indoor play area.
Among the throng of observers was Janet Bredin, the Animal Control Officer at the North Bay Humane Society. Bredin is very enthusiastic about the new facility.


“We had zero idea (regarding the scope) about this place. We got invited by the owners, came up here and did a walk-through and a little bit of an inspection,” says Bredin. “It is great to see something put together like this for the sole pursuit of making dogs happy.”
Bredin agrees with Riddell about the goal of keeping the pets comfortable and the owners sharing that comfort when their pets are at the Lodge.
“I know that there were a lot of animals that were with their families for a long time during Covid. I believe this is a way to allow families to get out and travel again and leave their dogs in the trusted hands of someone who is going to walk their dog by a pond every day,” says the 15-year Humane Society employee.
The Lodge at Canine Field Co. is now open for bookings, with reservations available starting immediately. For more information about The Lodge and its services, visit www.caninefieldco.com
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