Up in the northwoods, two women had heard over the years of a shortage of places to bring their beloved pets without making a committed drive. They heard how great it would be if there would be one. After talking about it and putting it on a shelf, a year later in August 2024, Tara and Tanya, the t-team, opened up T&T Dog Lodge.
In an existing building that was used as a shop, the women set their plans in motion to create their dog lodge in Talmoon, MN. With eight kennels and dog doors that lead outside, the pups are secluded in their kennels and able to comfortably lounge. There are panels between the kennels so that the dogs can’t see one another while inside their kennels.
Tanya, who helps manage the facility, has a background in animal care working in a vet clinic for 10 years in Bigfork, MN.
T&T Dog Lodge is operated like a hotel, you are charged for the day of check-in regardless of the check-in time but there is no charge for departure, provided your pet is checked out by 10 a.m.
The building now has a hot water heater and propane heater for the dogs’ comfort. Tanya said they did order two more kennels to increase the amount of dogs they can have at the lodge.
In a big, clean building, two dogs barked and greeted us as we talked about T&T Dog Lodge. Tanya said she is a “fanatic when it comes to cleaning.” The lodge indeed looked clean and put together well. Cameras are set up throughout the building so that they can see the dogs at all times. Outside the back of the building was a sitting area where Tanya said she sometimes comes and sits to drink her coffee while a dog(s) is outside. There’s a fence with a slight overhang so there are no “climbers or jumpers.”
One thing that makes this lodge unique from others is that they do not do group play. Tanya said, “I play with the dogs, it’s my job. I play with them individually. I play ball with them.” She did say if two dogs from the same family, they will be let out together. If the dogs know each other, she’s fine with that.
In the fenced area there are solar lights for the dark, agility tables, and a variety of toys.
Tanya said she lets the dogs out about every two hours. If it’s raining, she takes them out every hour for a shorter amount of time. Because of the lodge’s individual focus on each dog, Tanya said that they do take puppies and special needs dogs. They have even taken in some dogs after surgery, if owners are too busy at work to give continual care or check in for recovery time, they have been brought to the lodge. T&T Dog Lodge doesn’t have a minimum and will take a dog for just a day as well.
Inside, they have a table and bath set up for dog grooming. Tanya said they get a lot of calls for grooming. She did clarify that they didn’t go to school for grooming and while she knows some of it from her background, they are learning as they go.
Tanya said she loves the current pups and dogs that come. There are some repeaters as well as new dogs trickling in. Some people drive a good chunk of time to stay at T&T Dog Lodge and even one pup who comes all the way from Duluth. “We get people from Grand Rapids, Marcell, Bigfork, Effie, Squaw Lake, those towns that are further north,” she commented, “and it’s on the way for them wherever they’re traveling.”
Their goal is to eventually have a larger facility where they will be able to host more dogs. Tanya did say though that could be a double-edge sword, “I have a connection with these dogs and love what I do. If we get bigger, we’d eventually have to hire more staff.”
Tanya commented on her personal and biggest goal, that “The dogs are as happy to see me as they are to go home with their homeowner.” She wants them comfortable, excited, and happy to be at their lodge.
Dogs are required to have vaccinations: rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella (kennel cough). They require a veterinarian’s certificate that immunizations are current. If a dog needs an immunization, it must be administered 14 days before arrival.
At check-in or check-out, you can purchase homemade dog treats from T&T Dog Lodge or some other accessories or items that help either keep a dog content or ease some issues, like a slow bowl dog feeder.
To learn more, find T&T Dog Lodge on Facebook at T&T Dog Lodge or go to ttdoglodge.com
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