Our Story

Built for the families of Lake Norman.

Chris Braund and Karen Van Sickler took ownership in October 2016 with one belief: Lake Norman's families deserve a pet resort that actually matches their standards.

Owners Chris Braund and Karen Van Sickler with resident dogs Macy and Finley

2016 Est. Mooresville

Chris Braund & Karen Van Sickler

A resort built on honesty, integrity,
respect, and service.

When Chris and Karen took ownership of Pampered Pets Inn in October 2016, they had a clear vision: build a facility maintained in the manner of a spa — clean, beautiful, peaceful, and functional. Not a kennel. Not a standard boarding house. A true pet resort that Lake Norman families could trust completely.

They committed to four core values from day one: honesty, integrity, respect, and service — in everything from how they hire their team, to how they communicate with clients, to how they design every inch of the facility your pet calls home during their stay.

And they brought in two of their own dogs — Macy and Finley — as resident consultants. Every suite gets a tail-wag of approval before it earns a guest.

"We built Pampered Pets Inn to be maintained in the manner of a spa: clean, beautiful, peaceful, and functional."

Chris Braund & Karen Van Sickler · Owners

The Resort by the Numbers

The resort behind the numbers.

2.25

Wooded Acres

6,000

Sq Ft Facility

Max Dogs Per Handler

Play Sessions Daily

The Team

The people your pet loves.

Every member of our team holds professional certifications and is trained in Fear Free animal handling. We hire for love of animals first — everything else follows.

Jessica Hammerman

Office Manager · Since 2015

The operational heart of Pampered Pets Inn. Jessica has been with us since before Chris and Karen took ownership — she knows this facility and its guests better than anyone.

Emily Bustle

Office Supervisor · Since 2020

Emily keeps the day-to-day running seamlessly — from scheduling and client communication to making sure every guest transition happens without a hitch.

Megan Staub

Pet Services Manager · RVT/CPDT-KA · Since 2017

Megan leads our pet care team as a Registered Vet Technician and Certified Professional Dog Trainer. She sets the standard for how we handle, evaluate, and care for every guest.

🐾

Macy & Finley

Resident Consultants

Chris and Karen's own dogs. Every suite earns a tail-wag of approval from Macy and Finley before it's ready for a guest. Their opinions are non-negotiable.

Certifications & Standards

The credentials behind the care.

💚

Fear Free Certified Facility

Every staff member trained in Fear Free protocols. We eliminate fear, anxiety, and stress from every aspect of your pet's stay.

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Paragon Grooming Certification

All groomers certified through the Paragon School of Professional Pet Grooming — one of the highest standards in the industry.

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Dog Handler Academy

Our handlers complete Dog Handler Academy training — so every person managing your dog understands animal behavior at a professional level.

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NORMY Award Winner

2024 and 2021 NORMY Award Winners — Lake Norman's community-voted recognition for outstanding local businesses.

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Registered Vet Tech On Staff

Megan Staub, RVT/CPDT-KA, ensures medical protocols are followed and your pet's health is monitored at all times.

📰

Best Dog Daycare in NC

Named Best Dog Daycare in North Carolina by Pet News Daily — a recognition voted on by pet owners across the state.

The Facility

6,000 square feet. 2.25 wooded acres. One standard.

Our facility is maintained at a resort standard — not just clean, but genuinely beautiful. The 6,000 sq ft climate-controlled building houses private glass-front suites, our grooming spa, play areas, and staff spaces, all designed to feel calm and welcoming for pets and owners alike.

Step outside and 2.25 acres of property border woods and wetlands — providing trail walking routes, open play yards with K9 grass turf, sun shades, our saltwater pool, and a full water park. Your dog will experience actual nature, not just a concrete run.

Located east of I-77, between exits 33–35. Tours available during lobby hours — no appointment needed.

Get Directions & Book a Tour

The wooded grounds and nature trails of Pampered Pets Inn's 2.25-acre property

Come See It Yourself

Tour the resort. Meet the team.

Walk the grounds, see the suites, and meet the people who will care for your pet. Tours are available during lobby hours — no appointment needed.

Get Directions Call (704) 663-3733