About Us
Loving dogs and cats is what we are all about! We provide an alternative to placing your pets in a ‘traditional kennel’ while you are on vacation. This is our full time ‘job’ and we LOVE IT!
About Escape to the Country Dog Kennels & Cattery
Welcome to Escape to the Country!
Hi, I'm Emma Godley and I own Escape to the Country Dog & Cat Kennels. Established in 2011, I work full time with my partner Tony and the 'Escape Team'!
We are all animal lovers and wanted a place that we would ‘leave our own furry kids’. Like many people, we worry about our family members too! The dogs and cats in our care become part of our family. The dog kennels and cattery are an extension of our home as we live onsite, which means we are always available to your pets!
Your dogs and cats are able to feel relaxed and comfortable in the peaceful surroundings. This is a true country retreat for your loved ones! It's also extremely accessible being only 12 minutes West of Okotoks and 30 minutes SW of Calgary.
All of the Escape to the Country Team has an extensive knowledge in the care of dogs and cats having been involved with them for all of our lives.
We are Pet First-Aid Certified and Veterinarian Recommended!
Your pets well-being and mental state of mind are of the utmost importance! We are able to provide a level of care that gives personal attention to all dogs and cats boarded here and we are dedicated to offering a friendly, secure and caring environment.
From puppies and kittens to seniors, pedigree or rescues, special diets, medication or nurturing nervous guests, we always go the extra mile to make them feel at home! Both you and your pet can have a worry free vacation. Our aim is to ensure your loved ones have a better holiday than their owners! You can even see how they are doing with our Facebook video and picture updates!
Being a small dog kennel and cattery, space is limited so please book early to avoid disappointment! We look forward to meeting you!
Thank you!
Emma and the Escape to the Country Team
Meet Our Team
Kelly, Katie, (no longer with us), Emma, Paige, Charlee & Ann (missing Adria, Avery & Jade)
Tony & Emma – Pet Retreat Owners
Hi, we’re Emma & Tony, Owners of Escape to the Country Pet Retreat. Since opening in August of 2011, we have grown significantly and are completing our new Pet Retreat expansion! We are super excited to look after your pets, as we treat them like our own!
Emma has always had dogs, cats and horses in her life having grown up on a horse farm. She has a love of travel and learning. To combine the two, she’s always staying on top of the pet care industry standards and continuing education. When she’s not on the property running the Pet Retreat, you will find her taking educational courses and certifications across Europe, USA and Canada.
Tony is the property handyman! He’s actually a motorcycle mechanic by trade and maintains all the equipment around the property. When he’s not being pulled in one direction or another with the kennel maintenance, he’s repairing motorcycles.
Ann – Pet Care Manager & Kennel Custodian
My name is Ann and I’ve been working in the pet industry for over ten years and absolutely love it! I have been a groomer, kennel assistant, kennel manager, pack walker and pretty much everything else in between.
I have enjoyed working at Escape to the Country since July, 2022. Our team is fantastic and we treat each and every pet as if they are our own. I am proud to be apart of this wonderful pack of people and pets!
Outside of work my family and I spend a lot of time in nature with our three dogs camping, finding swim spots and just adventuring!
When Emma and Tony are travelling, my family and I move in to keep the pet retreat running smoothing along side our amazing team!
Katie – Senior Pet Care Technician & Social Media Supervisor
Hi, I’m Katie! I’ve been working at Escape to the Country since March 2022 and have been loving the experience thus far! I’ve always grown up with dogs and currently have 3 myself. My passion has always been the care of animals and I am currently pursuing being a veterinarian as my career. When I’m not studying or working at the kennels, you will most likely find me in the Rocky Mountains hiking and paddle boarding with my dogs! I also do a lot of dog training and have especially been into dog sports such as dock diving, agility, herding, barn hunt, disc etc. I capture most of my adventures with my dogs on Instagram @shepsinthewild – I share my photography, training videos, adventures, and cute moments with my pups!
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Avery– Pet Care Technician/Groomer
Hello my name is Avery! Bio coming soon.
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Jade – Pet Care Technician
Hey, I’m Jade. My bio will be coming soon.
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Paige – Pet Care Technician
Hello, I’m Paige! I’ve been working at Escape to the Country Pet Retreat since August 2024 but love every minute of it, especially the Pup Bus!
I’m a born and raised Albertan and from a very young age I’ve had experience caring for our own little happy farm, ranging from calves, to baby goats, horses and even a pot belly pig named Precious! During the Flood of 2013 my family and I moved to British Columbia, from there my mother inspired me to Volunteer with Angels Animal Rescue, in Merritt, BC. During this experience I’ve grown to love and care for dogs even more! I moved back home in 2015 to graduate high school in High River, AB! These days I have two dogs of my own (Leo and Terrance) as well as two kitties (Joeseph and Whiskey).
When I’m not caring and loving your bestfriends you can catch me outside camping in the 92 YJ, attempting to hike with the dogs, or I’m working on my small Art Business painting murals, making soaps or just simply drawing!
I look forward to meeting everyone and working with this amazing team we have.
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Charlee – Pet Care Technician
Hello there! I’m Charlee, and I’ve been a proud member of the Escape to the Country team since September 2024. I absolutely adore my work here! The team is fantastic, and we share a deep passion for animals. My love for all creatures great and small has been a lifelong journey. From llamas and horses to chickens, cats, reptiles, and of course, dogs!
When I’m not caring for your beloved pets, you can find me exploring the mountains and soaking in the beauty of nature. I can’t wait to meet you and provide loving care for your furry family members!
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Adria – Pet Care Technician
Hello! I’m Adria, and I’ve had the pleasure of working at Escape To The Country since December 2024. From the moment I arrived, I fell head over heels for all the furry friends here. Animals have always been a part of my life, whether it’s been cats, dogs, snakes, reptiles, or fish. They bring a unique joy to my soul that I cherish deeply. As a child, I dreamed of having a hobby farm brimming with a delightful mix of animals, but as we all know, that dream can be quite costly in today’s world. So, when I discovered Escape To The Country, I eagerly seized the chance to care for these wonderful creatures as if they were my own.
When I’m not busy running and playing with your fur kids, you can find out on an adventure or snuggling with my beloved cat, Sammy!
Kelly – Pet Care Technician & Cat Whisperer
My name is Kelly and I have worked at Escape to the Country for quite a few years wearing multiple hats. I have a full time government job, but working with the animals is what fills my soul! As a cat mom of 10 (yes, they started as ‘rescues’) I completely understand the dynamics of felines and enjoy the companionship of the dogs too!
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New Hire – New Position
My bio will be coming soon.
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New Hire – New Position
My bio will be coming soon.
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New Hire – New Position
My bio will be coming soon.
