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Klassic Kennels has new home

Klassic Kennels will show off its new digs this Saturday.
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Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff-Klassic Kennels --- for biz story--Klassic Kennels owner Jim deBoon with staff and shelter rescue dogs in one of the outdoor runs. Klassic Kennels will host a grand opening open house this Saturday.

Klassic Kennels will show off its new digs this Saturday.

The pet boarding business, which also serves as a shelter for stray animals, completed work on its new facilities earlier this year. These are located on the same property as its old premises, just north of Red Deer off the C&E Trail.

Jim deBoon, who operates Klassic Kennels with his wife Shelley, said the project — which cost about $1 million — boosted space from about 1,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet.

“The old one could hold about 38 dogs; the new one can hold 140.”

DeBoon said the old kennel, which was built in 1988, had become inadequate.

“Our boarding business has been going up between 15 and 20 per cent a year the last three of four years.”

Klassic Kennels provides animal bylaw services to nine communities in the region, including Sylvan Lake, Lacombe, Bentley, Rimbey and Penhold.

“Last year, we picked up — with dogs and cats — somewhere in the neighbourhood of 400 animals,” said deBoon. “And not one impounded animal was euthanized. We have the highest rate, that I’m aware of, for both return-to-owner and live outcome in North America.”

The fact Klassic Kennels offers animal training services contributed to this success, he said. It also does grooming.

DeBoon has provided animal control services to the Town of Sylvan Lake for 33 years, he said.

With finishing touches now being performed on its new facilities, Klassic Kennels is planning a grand opening celebration this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will offer free hotdogs and door prizes, and a chance to view the new premises.

Directions to Klassic Kennels can be found on the business’s website at www.klassickennels.com.

hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com