Ballard, West Virginia – In June 2022, one woman’s lifelong love for animals became her dream job when she and her husband decided to open a boarding facility. Crystal Ferguson and her husband Chester have established a facility that can accommodate dogs, cats, and other small pets.
“Animals have been my life,” explains Ferguson. “I’ve always been around them, and I enjoy watching the dogs wag their tails.” “In fact, that’s my logo,” she says. “When I go in to see them or play with them, just to see them wagging their tails – that’s my favorite part.”
All Tails Delightful, located in Ballard, West Virginia, has a climate-controlled facility that can house up to 28 dogs and 10 cats. “The dogs and cats are kept in separate facilities,” Ferguson states. “We keep the kennel area the same temperature as we keep our house.”
Sleeping quarters are 5’x5′ and are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week by security cameras. “Every inch of our property is on camera,” Ferguson says. “We have cameras inside and out, so I can always hear and see what the animals are doing.”
Ferguson assures customers that the dogs are never left unattended outside of their kennel, thanks to several acres of play space and run lots that provide plenty of exercise.
Customers with multiple fur babies may be eligible for a special discount if they board together and remain in the same enclosure for the duration of their stay. For example, dog boarding costs $30 for the first dog, $15 for the second, and free for any additional dogs.
Cats cost $10 for the first cat and $8 for the second, with each additional cat boarded free of charge. The prices listed are per animal per night and do not include sales tax. Doggie daycare is available for $15 per day.
In February, All Tails Delightful will run a Valentine’s Day weekend special in which dogs can be boarded for $20 per night for one dog or $30 for two dogs.
The following month, in March, their Spring Special will allow dogs to stay for two nights and receive a free third night. “We have over 400 clients that have boarded with us since we opened, and we’re growing,” Ferguson tells me. “We always get new customers, and it’s all about word of mouth.”
Plans for holiday events are already underway as the new year begins. On Saturday, April 5, All Tails Delightful will welcome the Easter Bunny to take digital photos with children, pets, or both! From noon to 3 p.m., free digital photos will be taken and sent via Facebook, text, or email. New projects include the annual refinishing of the kennel floors and freshly painted dividers.
Despite a few changes, one thing remains constant: Crystal Ferguson’s love for animals. From dogs and cats to rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, and even reptiles, everyone is welcome because her love knows no bounds. Well, there is one exception.
When asked what others might be surprised to learn, she paused briefly before laughing. “I’m pretty much an open book, and all of my clients know me,” she claims.
“As much as I love animals, they may be surprised to know that I don’t like spiders and that’s probably the only animal that I won’t keep,” Ferguson says with a laugh. “I love animals, but just not spiders and If I’m ever asked to keep a tarantula, I just can’t do that.”
As the company approaches its third year in business, the Fergusons understand that customer relationships are the foundation of their business. “We really appreciate our customers and we could not do this without them,” Ferguson tells me.
“We appreciate them entrusting us with their pets, and we make sure to show them a lot of love and fun while they’re with us. “We always send a thank you message to the customer after they leave,” she adds.
“We also send daily videos or photos to our pet parents while their babies are in our care, and we can use FaceTime if they prefer. I don’t want anyone to bring their pets here and be concerned about their safety or whether they’re okay.”
All Tails Delightful is located at 60 Minnie Dunn Road, Ballard, West Virginia.
