Garner Dog Boarding Facility Forced to Close, Leaving Dozens of Pets Without Care
GARNER, N.C. — A long-time dog boarding and day care facility in Garner is closing its doors this Labor Day weekend, leaving more than 40 dogs and their families scrambling for alternatives.
K9 Kabana Dog Resort, which has operated for more than 15 years, was forced to shut down after the property owner chose not to renew its lease. The closure deadline is Sunday afternoon, giving the business less than 48 hours to clear all pets from the facility.
Owner Calls Situation ‘Chaos’
Owner James Margolis described the closure as chaotic and heartbreaking.
“Chaos, pure chaos. So, we are trying to get in touch with parents to pick up their kids by 4:30 on Sunday just to make sure there are no kids on premises because they’re threatening to change locks. And if that happens, I can’t have my kids locked here and not have access to them,” Margolis said.
He explained that he begged for an extension but was only told through the landlord’s attorney that the facility must be vacated by Sunday. “All I’m asking for is seven days. Get me to the first week of September,” he said.
A Place Like Family
For many families, K9 Kabana has been more than just a boarding facility. Dog owners say it became a second home where pets were loved and cared for like family.
Jay Nachlis, whose dog Daisy has attended for three years, said, “This is the only place that when she gets out of the car because we’re running in, she’s so excited to see everybody. It’s like a family for her.”
Nachlis credited the staff’s personal touch, from home pickups to last-minute drop-offs, as what set the business apart. “I can’t tell you the number of times that they’ve gone out of their way for me. James, the owner, will pick up your dog, drop off your dog at the house… it’s just an amazing place and a huge loss for the community,” he said.
Community Rallies to Help
In response to the closure, Nachlis started a GoFundMe to help K9 Kabana transition to a new space. Supporters say the facility’s inclusive philosophy—welcoming rambunctious or unneutered dogs often turned away elsewhere—made it indispensable.
“We believe in watching the kids, doing your job, and most of them play well,” Margolis said of his approach to pet care.
As of Saturday, dozens of families were still working to retrieve their dogs before the locks are changed.
Do you think North Carolina should implement protections to help long-time pet care businesses avoid sudden closures like this? Share your opinion with the community at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
