When Alicia Miley discusses Countryside Kennels, the word "clients" never surfaces. She speaks exclusively of family. It is a fitting description for a business that has evolved far beyond a place for dogs to stay while their owners travel. Tucked just outside the quiet community of Farmington, Countryside Kennels has become a retreat where dogs are boarded, groomed, trained, and—most importantly—deeply loved. Built on a foundation of trust and shared values, it serves those who view their pets as integral family members, not just property.
Established in April 2021 on Old Fredericktown Road, the kennel began with humble goals. By 2023, the business outgrew its initial space, moving to its current, expansive facility. Presently, the operation accomodates around 26 dogs at a time, though strategic expansions are already underway to increase that capacity to 75. Yet, the true story of Countryside isn't just about growth metrics or square footage. It is about the three women behind the operation and how one small business blossomed into a premier pet-care hub through shared faith, deep friendship, and an unwavering commitment to both people and their pets.
Alicia’s path into the animal industry began amidst personal grief. After losing her mother, she left her established career in human services and found profound solace in animal care. A local kennel owner eventually offered her the business, and Alicia took a significant leap of faith, creating a facility specifically designed for comfort, safety, and individualized attention. Whether she is boarding energetic regulars or comforting nervous first-timers, Alicia ensures every guest enjoys indoor-outdoor access, spacious play yards, and consistent, personalized affection. Her journey was unpredictable, including a serendipitous meeting that secured their current facility, but her focus has remained constant: ensuring every dog feels safe, known, and cared for.
The property now houses two additional specialized services: Suzanne Baker’s "8:27 Grooming" and Kayla’s K-9’s, run by Kayla Kemp. Suzanne’s journey is equally unique. With an extensive background in therapeutic horsemanship and animal science, she joined Alicia’s team after discovering a passion for the work. Following a health challenge, Suzanne turned to her faith, specifically the verse Matthew 8:27, and felt a strong calling to start grooming. Today, her luxury, one-on-one grooming service prioritizes a health-first mindset. She avoids the rush of high-volume salons, uses coat-specific products, and focuses entirely on the dog's comfort, providing a spa-like experience for anxious or senior pets who require patience.
Rounding out the vision, Kayla specializes in training that emphasizes positive reinforcement. With professional credentials, she teaches that training is as much about educating the owner as it is about correcting the dog. Her services range from group classes to private, in-home sessions. Kayla is particularly skilled at helping anxious dogs build confidence, ensuring they have the tools to thrive in social environments.
Together, these three women have created a rare ecosystem where boarding, grooming, and training support one another. A nervous dog finds comfort through a meet-and-greet, a boarded dog enjoys a fresh groom, and families struggling with behavioral issues find tailored, compassionate support. This integration is about caring for dogs through every life stage, from puppyhood to end-of-life care. They don’t shy away from the emotional weight of pet care; they embrace it. "This is family," they affirm. Every interaction—from the patience spent on an anxious dog to the prayers offered for owners—is driven by this philosophy. Ultimately, the mission at Countryside Kennels is never just about the services provided. It is about fostering a space where animals are treated with genuine compassion and where their owners feel truly seen. By aligning their strengths, Alicia, Suzanne, and Kayla have built more than a facility; they have built a community. Here, every dog is part of the family, and that commitment remains the guiding light for everything they do, every single day.
"Ultimately, the mission at Countryside Kennels is never just about services; it is about fostering a space where animals are treated with genuine compassion and where their owners feel truly seen."
Countryside Kennels: At a Glance
Founded in 2021 by Alicia Miley, Countryside Kennels has transformed from a humble boarding facility into a holistic, three-pillar pet-care hub in Farmington. This unique partnership integrates three specialized services to support the entire life of your pet:
- Boarding: Alicia Miley provides individualized care, currently accommodating 26 dogs with active expansion plans for 75.
- 8:27 Grooming: Suzanne Baker offers luxury, one-on-one, health-focused grooming.
- Kayla’s K-9’s: Kayla provides professional positive-reinforcement training for dogs and owners.
Together, they prioritize a faith-based, family-centered approach, ensuring that every pet receives compassionate, personalized attention. They don't just care for pets; they care for the families who love them.