Pet daycare expansion proposal sparks community concerns

Cheryl and Thomas Talbot have submitted an application to expand their pet daycare and overnight boarding facility, Aspen Kennels, located at 5 Aspen Lane, Winthrop, Washington. The proposed expansion aims to increase the number of dog kennels from 10 to 30, along with adding 5 cat spaces. The facility currently features 4.25 acres of play yards, equipped with 4 switching yards and a total of 17 transfer gates, all enclosed by 6-foot welded wire fencing with privacy cloth separation.

The Talbots, who purchased the kennel in 2013, initially operated under a conditional use permit for 10 kennels. Following the closure of a competing pet boarding facility in 2021, they expanded their operations without adjusting their permit, prompting the current application to rectify the situation. The couple emphasized their commitment to addressing community concerns regarding noise and odors associated with the facility.

To mitigate noise, the Talbots have implemented privacy screening between dog yards and have begun rotating smaller groups of dogs during outdoor playtime. They reported that these measures have significantly reduced barking, particularly when vehicles arrive for drop-offs and pick-ups. The facility operates daily from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, with outdoor dog activities limited to the hours of 7 AM to 10 PM.

The Okanagan County SEPA responsible official has issued a determination of non-significance regarding the expansion, with no appeals received. The Talbots are prepared to answer any questions from the community and local officials as they seek to finalize their expansion plans.