Kelly Wright/Courtesy Photo
Kelly Wright said her love for dogs began the moment she was born. Even so, it was a while before she decided to work with them full time.
Wright lived and worked in Washington, DC, as an IT consultant before deciding to move to Summit County to be closer to her sister and spend time in the mountains. Originally, Summit County was not supposed to be a long-term move. While she was applying for jobs on the Front Range, she decided to get a job at what was then called the Dillon Dog Den. There, she was finally able to make her dream come true: working with dogs on a regular basis providing daycare and boarding services for dogs.
About a year later, when the owner of the Dillon Dog Den decided to sell the business, Wright saw his opportunity and jumped at it. She has been the owner of the business, which was renamed The Dog Chalet, since May 2017.
Wright said he realized the great need for dog kennels in the county as he weighed whether or not to buy the business.
“There aren’t a lot of doggy day care centers here,” Wright said. “Everyone in Summit County has a dog and is part of their family. There is always a need for a daycare or overnight accommodation when people go out of town or come to ski or hike.”
Wright said most of her customers are either loyal locals or regulars who bring their dogs from the Front Range. This is why his services are often booked well in advance. Usually she has a solid reserve for a week and sometimes a month when it comes to vacations.
Wright said they accept all breeds of dogs as long as the pup isn’t aggressive.
Hanging out with the dogs is Wright’s favorite part of the job.
“What I like the most is that every day is different,” Wright said. “Dogs are really entertaining and keep me on my toes.”
The Dog Chalet is located at 850 Little Beaver Trail in Dillon. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. For more information visit ElChaletPerro.com.
Kelly Wright, owner of The Dog Chalet, takes a selfie with Swanee. The Dog Chalet won Best Pet Boarding/Day Care in the 2022 Best of Summit contest.
Kelly Wright/Courtesy Photo
Bear lies down in a light dusting of snow at The Dog Chalet’s outdoor play area. The Dog Chalet won Best Pet Boarding/Day Care in the 2022 Best of Summit contest.
Kelly Wright/Courtesy Photo
Dogs enjoy The Dog Chalet’s indoor play area. The Dog Chalet won Best Pet Boarding/Day Care in the 2022 Best of Summit contest.
Kelly Wright/Courtesy Photo
The outdoor area of the Dog Chalet has a view of the Gore Range and is connected to the indoor play area. The Dog Chalet won Best Pet Boarding/Day Care in the 2022 Best of Summit contest.
Kelly Wright/Courtesy Photo
