Two decades of dedicated pet care at Sturgeon County Kennels

By Haylee Winger
Since welcoming its first guests in 2005, Sturgeon County Kennels has grown from a modest
setup with just a few kennels to one of the most respected pet boarding and daycare providers in
the region. The business was established with one clear purpose: to offer dogs a calm, safe, and
reliable environment while their owners are away. Over the last 20 years, the facility has looked
after thousands of pets, all while upholding a strong commitment to personalized and attentive
care.
Nestled along Range Road 241, just off Highway 28 northeast of Morinville, the kennel serves a
wide client base, including families from Morinville, Bon Accord, Gibbons, Legal, St. Albert,
Edmonton, Redwater, and throughout rural Sturgeon County. Its tranquil countryside location
helps create a calm atmosphere, allowing dogs to relax and feel at ease during their stay.
The continued success of Sturgeon County Kennels is built on three foundational values:
personalization, calm consistent care, and community connection. Each pet’s name, habits, and
personality are carefully learned by staff to provide customized attention. Team members are
trained to reduce stress and follow predictable routines that promote comfort and well-being. As
a small business, the kennel takes pride in its deep community roots, with many clients becoming
more like extended family over time.
The kennel’s team culture is another major part of what sets it apart. Stacy Nordin, who joined
the staff in May 2022, shared her experience: “It has been an amazing journey. I have seen so
much growth and change over the past 3 years. Mark is an amazing hands-on boss. He listens to
his staff’s ideas. He helps with the chores. His family is amazing too and they all treat us like
family. I have learned so much over the past 3 years. Mark is so passionate about this place, and
it rubs off on his staff. This is more than a job for me. It has also become my passion. This is my
home away from home. A job you don’t need a vacation from.”
To keep pace with growing demand, the facility recently expanded significantly, adding 60 new
kennels. Now boasting more than 100 spaces, it stands as one of the largest pet care operations of
its kind in Northern Alberta. Alongside the physical expansion, the business has also enhanced
staff training, upgraded sanitation systems, and implemented new tools to support customer
service and maintain high standards as it grows.
Today, the kennel employs a 17-member team, all trained in safe animal handling, enrichment
activities, and routine health monitoring. The facility operates every day of the year, including
holidays, ensuring continuous and dependable care. Many bookings come from loyal, returning
clients and word-of-mouth referrals rather than advertising, and the kennel holds an impressive
4.9-star rating across more than 250 Google reviews.
Sturgeon County Kennels has become a trusted name for generations of pet owners. Its clients
include first responders, shift workers, military families, and seniors—people who count on the
kennel for its reliable and compassionate care. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the kennel

is planning several community events and initiatives in the months ahead. Guests are always
welcome to stop by for a tour—no appointment needed.