Who We Are & Why It Matters

Meet the Experts Shaping the Future of Pet Care
Passionate SkyDance leadership team providing individualized pet care

Leadership That Sets the Standard

Behind every SkyDance experience is a leadership team committed to excellence. Our work reflects what professional pet care should look like. With diverse backgrounds spanning business, healthcare, education, politics and operations, our team brings depth, discipline and strategic oversight to every aspect of our business.

SkyDance is privately owned and operated with intentional leadership at the core. Each member of our leadership team is actively involved in daily operations, quality control, and long-term planning. We don’t believe in passive management. We believe in oversight, structure and a clear standard for what pet care should be: individualized, intelligent and accountable.

Award-winning SkyDance team leading innovation in pet care
Professional SkyDance staff showing love for pets

We take our role in this industry seriously. Our team pursues continuing education each year through national seminars, certifications and advanced coursework. We hold leadership roles in national organizations, contribute to trade publications and have been featured in leading industry podcasts, magazines and books. That engagement keeps us current and keeps SkyDance at the forefront of pet care innovation.

SkyDance Pet Lodge has received the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Choice award for three consecutive years in multiple categories: Best Boarding and Daycare, Best Grooming Salon and Best Training Facility. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built, not just for our services, but for the people behind them.

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Meet Our Team

Allison Strauel
Allison Strauel
Owner/CEO (CPACO)
Bob Gaughan Walton
Bob Gaughan Walton
Director of Pet Care & Training Operations
Rachel Schnieder
Rachel Schnieder
Human Resources and Administrative Director
Ariana Sperbeck
Ariana Sperbeck
Grooming Department Director
Caitlin Hunter
Caitlin Hunter
Marketing Director
MaKayla Coleman
MaKayla Coleman
Guest Experience Director
Isabelle Eide
Isabelle Eide
Associate Director of Training & Development
Kasey Johnson
Kasey Johnson
Guest Experience Manager
Joe Maney
Joe Maney
Maintenance Manager
Rachel Kasar
Rachel Kasar
Pet Care Department Lead
Lizzy Bortz
Lizzy Bortz
Pet Care Department Lead
Lorraine Skonecki
Lorraine Skonecki
Pet Care Assistant Manager
Crystal Maney
Crystal Maney
Pet Care Department Lead
Stephanie Overholser
Stephanie Overholser
Pet Care Department Lead
Yaritza
Yaritza Mercado
Reception Department Lead
Ponce Martinez
Ponce Martinez
Wellness & Development Specialist
Olivia Garcia
Olivia Garcia
Training Supervisor

Frequently Asked Questions

About SkyDance, Enrichment & Safety

Enrichment Experiences are purposeful activities designed to engage your dog’s body and mind in ways that support their well-being during their visits. These sessions tap into natural instincts like sniffing, problem-solving, learning, and calm exploration. They help reduce stress, encourage relaxation, and promote balanced behavior.

At SkyDance, Enrichment Experiences include training sessions, scent games, sniff walks, guided decompression time, and one-on-one engagement tailored to your dog’s needs. You can add Enrichment Experiences to your dog’s reservation through your online booking portal or at check-in!



We follow a guideline 15:1 dogs per staff member. This ratio allows our team to provide safe, attentive supervision and maintain a well-managed environment where every dog can thrive. While individual group sizes may vary based on the dogs’ needs and energy levels, maintaining a low staff-to-dog ratio is an important part of how we keep everyone safe and enjoying their visits.

A Meet & Greet at SkyDance is a complimentary introduction day that helps us get to know your dog and gives them time to get comfortable with our facility, team, and routine. Whether you are interested in daycare, boarding, or training, this visit allows us to observe your pup in a relaxed setting.

At check-in, we will walk you through a new dog questionnaire. After your departure, your dog will be guided through a temperament assessment with one of our senior team members. When appropriate, they will be introduced to some of our companion dogs, who are carefully selected for their calm and social nature, to help us evaluate your dog’s sociability.

This is not a pass or fail test. It is an opportunity for us to understand your dog’s personality and preferences so we can make tailored recommendations for their care. We recommend a minimum of five hours for your dog’s Meet & Greet visit.



Yes! Both of our locations feature outdoor play space designed to give your pup plenty of fresh air and room to play. Our Dousman location is nestled on acreage in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, offering spacious outdoor play parks with beautiful natural views. At our New Berlin facility, we combine luxurious astroturf yards with outdoor areas directly connected to indoor playrooms, giving dogs the perfect blend of comfort and outdoor adventure.

Requirements, Health & Special Needs

Yes. Just like with people, it’s still possible for a vaccinated dog to get sick. Vaccines greatly reduce the risk and often lessen the severity of illness, but they aren’t a 100% guarantee. We do everything we can to maintain a clean and safe environment, but just like daycare or school for kids, there's always a small risk when dogs are in group settings.

Yes, we do! Unspayed or unneutered dogs are welcome at SkyDance. However, if your pup is over one year old, their playtime will be limited to one-on-one interactions with our caretakers for safety reasons. Exceptions may be made for dogs actively participating in our training programs, depending on behavior and staff evaluation.

​For the safety and comfort of all our guests, dogs must be current on their Bordetella vaccine and have received at least two rounds of their Distemper vaccination, following their veterinarian’s recommendations. While we don’t require a specific age, most pups are ready to join us depending on their vaccination schedule. Rabies should also be administered according to your vet’s guidance, but it is required by law by 6 months of age for continued attendance at SkyDance. If your dog is younger or still completing their vaccines, we’re happy to discuss their needs and help determine the right time to get started.

We require all guests to be up to date on Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper vaccinations. You can submit vaccination records by emailing them to us at guestservices@skydancepetlodge.com, or uploading them to your online portal. You can also bring a copy with you to the facility prior to your reservation, or let us take care of it! We typically contact your vet directly for convenience

Yes! We offer FREE administration of medication. At SkyDance medication is only administered by select staff members, all of whom complete extensive training to ensure it’s done safely and correctly. Whether your pup needs a simple joint chew or insulin injections, we’ve got it covered. At check in please provide us with medication instructions, as well as the medication in their original bottles or containers. This helps us make sure your pup’s routine stays just like it is at home!

Absolutely! We care for dogs with nervousness or anxiety every day, and our team is experienced in helping them feel safe, comfortable and supported. We also offer a few special services designed just for pups who need a little extra comfort, including the Relaxed Rover VIP Package, Zen Dog Lick Mat and Tuck-In Service. If you’re interested in adding one of these to your dog’s stay, just give us a call or send us an email. We’re happy to talk through your pup’s unique needs and help you choose the best option.

When dogs play together, it’s common for their interactions to get physical. Running, wrestling, and mouthing are all normal parts of healthy dog play. While this type of socialization is great for their mental and physical well-being, minor scrapes or abrasions can occasionally happen. At SkyDance, our trained staff actively supervises all group play to ensure interactions stay appropriate and safe. Still, because dogs use their teeth and paws when they play, there is always a slight risk of small injuries.

Playtime, Socialization & Daily Care

Whatever you and your pup are most comfortable with is just fine! A collar or harness is perfect, whatever works best for your dog.

Please note: For safety reasons, we discourage the use of retractable leashes when arriving at our facility. A standard leash helps keep everyone (both human and canine!) safe during check-in.

At SkyDance, dogs do not wear collars during their stay with us — unless they are actively training or out on a Nature Walk at our Dousman facility.Instead, each pup wears a special Smart Tab while in our care. This tag includes important information about your dog, including any special notes our staff may need to know. It’s made from a breakaway material for safety, meaning it can be easily removed in case of an emergency.

Absolutely! You’re more than welcome to bring your dog’s favorite toys and treats to help them feel at home during their stay. Just a quick note: For safety reasons, we discourage toys that can be easily shredded or those with squeakers, as they can pose a choking hazard. If you’re unsure whether a toy is safe to bring, feel free to ask, we’re happy to help!

We have a specific way of trying each dog that comes into our facility. We start off by gathering some information about your dog from you as the owner.

Your dog will have access to water at each moment throughout the day. Each play group has multiple water bowls accessible for the pups. Each pup also has a water bowl that is cleaned and refilled throughout the day available to them while they are in their rooms.

Playtime depends on your dog’s unique personality and preferences. We welcome pups of all kinds. From social butterflies who love to play all day, to those who prefer their own space away from other dogs and people. Your dog’s play style is carefully evaluated during their Meet & Greet, and our experienced caretakers continuously observe and adjust to their needs throughout their time at SkyDance. If we notice any changes, we’ll be sure to keep you informed. Our goal is to make sure every dog feels comfortable, happy, and successful while in our care.

No problem at all! We’re proud to support pet parents whose pups prefer to keep to themselves or don’t tolerate other dogs. Your dog will still get plenty of one-on-one attention and quality time with our caring staff to keep them happy and engaged.

Pricing, Reservations & Scheduling

There are many ways to schedule Enrichment Experiences for your pet’s visit. Fill out an Enrichment Selection Form at check-in, select your options on our online booking portal, email us, call us, or speak to a front desk team member. Your pup will surely thank you!

No, we do not have hidden or extra fees. It’s important to us that our pricing reflects the same integrity and transparency as the care we provide. Every visit to SkyDance includes the essentials your pet deserves: playtime, meals, medication administration, fresh bedding, and clean bowls are all part of our standard rates.

Any upgrades, enrichment experiences, or retail purchases are entirely optional and fully at your discretion. You’ll never be surprised by unexpected add-ons, and our standard of care will never be compromised.

 

Yes, we kindly ask that all services, including daycare, boarding, training, and grooming, be reserved in advance. That said, we completely understand that plans change and life happens. If you need something last-minute, just give us a call. We often have same-day availability and will always do our best to make it work for you and your pet.

 

Yes, we welcome walk-in tours during our lobby hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year. No appointment needed. Our team is always happy to show you around, answer your questions, and help you feel completely confident in choosing SkyDance for your pet’s care. If you’d like to chat ahead of time, feel free to reach out.

Setting up an account is simple! You can create a new account directly through our online portal using the link below, or, if you’d prefer, our Guest Experience team would be happy to assist you over the phone or via email.

Create An Account

You can upload them directly to your online portal, email them to us at guestservices@skydancepetlodge.com, or bring a printed copy to the facility before your reservation.

For added convenience, we’re happy to assist. As long as we have your veterinarian’s information on file, our team can reach out on your behalf to request the records directly from their office. While it is the pet parent’s responsibility to keep vaccinations up to date, and the vet’s responsibility to notify you of due dates, we’ll always do our part to make the process as seamless as possible.

 

Every family has different routines, preferences, and schedules. That’s why we offer several easy ways to book your pet’s stay, so you can choose what works best for you.

Give us a call, send us an email, log into your online portal, or simply click Book Now. However you choose to connect, our Guest Experience Team will take it from there and ensure every detail is handled with care.

We’re proud to offer the most flexible drop-off and pickup hours in the area to make planning easier for busy pet parents. You’re welcome to drop off or pick up your dog anytime during our lobby hours, 7 days a week, from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Our front desk is fully staffed throughout the day to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience, no matter when you arrive.

For boarding guests, please note that pickup after 11:00 AM will include an additional day of boarding, similar to a hotel. If you’d like your pet to stay after 11:00 AM, they can still be picked up the same day until 7:30 p.m. with the additional charge.

Communication & Staying in Touch

At SkyDance we do not have cameras available for public viewing, This is for the safety of our staff. That said, we’re always happy to keep you in the loop! You’re welcome to call us anytime for a live update, or you can add on our Pup-arrazi service to receive real-time updates and adorable photos delivered right to your email.

You’re welcome to call us anytime for a live update, or you can add on our Pup-arrazzi service to receive real-time updates and adorable photos delivered right to your email.

A Look into a Leadership Meeting
Caretakers Love Playtime!
Staff enjoying the sun with the pups
Bonding with a pup at SkyDance