Why We Built Creekside Pet Lodge
Hey there! We’re the Hulls — Alex and Alaina — proud mamas to our sweet 4-month-old son, Archer, and devoted pet parents to a lively crew of four-legged family members: Brutus the cat, Willow our playful pup, Bella our gentle pitbull, and Olive, our deaf and blind Catahoula who’s taught us more about patience, care, and connection than we ever imagined.
Creekside Pet Lodge is more than a business to us — it’s a deeply personal mission rooted in the way we love our animals and the life we’ve built here in Elk, Washington. We live on 20 peaceful, tree-lined acres just north of Spokane, where life moves a little slower, neighbors wave as they pass, and the stars still light up the night sky. It’s here that we’re raising Archer, and it’s here that we’re building a place for your pets to feel as safe and loved as they do at home.
Our journey started with Olive. She’s an incredible dog — sweet, quirky, and wonderfully unique. But with her disabilities, finding a place that could safely and comfortably board her was nearly impossible. Most traditional kennels weren’t equipped or trained to handle dogs like Olive, and the ones that felt like the right fit were too far away or already booked out. We knew we weren’t the only ones facing this challenge. Rural pet owners, especially those with animals who don’t thrive in high-volume, noisy environments, often struggle to find boarding that feels right.
So, we started dreaming.
We envisioned a quiet, boutique-style boarding facility — one where pets would be treated like family, not just numbers on a check-in sheet. We imagined cozy dog suites, warm sunlight streaming through windows, enrichment walks along the tree line, and a friendly face at the front desk who already knows your pet’s favorite toy. A place that feels more like home and less like a kennel.
That dream turned into sketches on a notepad, which turned into research, phone calls, and eventually the beginnings of Creekside Pet Lodge.
Finding the Right Partners
Once we committed to building the lodge, we dove deep into the details. We knew that if we were going to do this, we wanted to do it right — with high-quality, durable, and comfortable equipment that pets and their people could trust.
Finding the right dog suite vendor was a journey in itself. We looked at countless options, toured existing facilities, and spoke with owners across the country. After weeks of searching, we landed on kennel systems are thoughtfully designed with animal safety and comfort in mind, and their reputation for quality sealed the deal. Each of our 20 indoor/outdoor suites will be a spacious 4' x 12' and 3’ x 12’ options, with durable, easy-to-clean materials and secure fencing for outdoor access. The design allows dogs to move freely between their indoor and outdoor spaces, reducing stress and giving them a sense of autonomy.
For our cat guests, we chose climate-controlled condos. These are more than just cages — they’re stacked condos with multiple levels, cozy cubbies, and safe ventilation that gives cats the chance to lounge, hide, or watch the birds through the windows. Just like dogs, cats deserve a space that respects their needs and gives them room to relax.
We also spent a lot of time evaluating boarding software systems. We wanted a program that would allow for smooth scheduling, easy online bookings, clear vaccination tracking, and two-way communication with our clients. After reviewing demos and comparing features, we chose a system that’s user-friendly for both us and our clients, with mobile access and personalized pet profiles that help us provide consistent, individualized care.
Working Through Permitting
Starting a business on your own property has its benefits, but it also comes with a learning curve. One of the biggest hurdles has been the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process through Spokane County. Because we’re zoned Rural Conservation, commercial uses like animal boarding are only allowed with a CUP.
We worked closely with the county planning department to understand the requirements — from setbacks and parking to sanitation and noise mitigation. We developed a full project plan that includes soundproofing strategies, vegetative buffers, and a limited capacity model to ensure we remain good neighbors. We also prepared a detailed environmental checklist, which covers everything from water usage to wildlife preservation.
We’ve taken every step seriously because we want to build something lasting — something that not only serves the community but does so with respect for the land and those around us.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to break ground, we feel incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement from our friends, family, and future clients. We’ve had friends tell us, “I’d board my dog with you in a heartbeat,” and others who’ve said, “I wish you were open already!” Those moments remind us that this isn’t just our dream — it’s something that matters to other people too.
Our goal is to open in Spring or Summer 2026, depending on weather and final construction timelines. Until then, we’re working behind the scenes — finalizing designs, preparing our pre-booking process, and putting our hearts into every detail.
Creekside Pet Lodge is about more than dog runs and check-in forms. It’s about trust. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about creating a safe and loving space for your pets when you can’t be there yourself.
From our family to yours — we can’t wait to welcome you.
Yours Truly,
The Hulls of Creekside Pet Lodge🐾
(P.S. You can now pre-book your dates on our website! Just head to cspetlodge.com and we’ll get in touch as soon as we confirm our opening timeline.)