Inspiring Conversations with Morgan Belt of Pampered Paws Doggie Daycare

Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Belt.

Hi Morgan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I have a background in business, but I always knew I wanted to build something that felt meaningful to me. I wanted to serve the community in a way that aligns with my love (and borderline obsession) with dogs!

Pampered Paws was originally founded in 2006 by the prior owner, Nancy, who is still with PPDD today. In 2017, I began volunteering there to learn the ropes and truly understand the industry from the ground up. I shadowed professional trainers to learn positive-reinforcement handling, attended workshops and courses focused on safe and effective group play management, and spent countless hours studying best practices in dog care and behavior. My goal was always to provide safe, fun, and high-quality services that make a positive impact on dogs and the families who love them.

When I took over Pampered Paws in 2019, we were averaging about 15-20 dogs per day. Since then, we’ve expanded and remodeled the facility, grown our team, and broadened our offerings. Today, we care for over 50 dogs per day and provide grooming and training services alongside daycare, all while focusing on our mission of safety, enrichment, and compassionate care.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

This journey has certainly had its ups and downs. There is a LOT to learn in order to truly provide the care that I believe the dogs deserve, and the care that families have come to expect in our community.

The biggest challenge for me personally has been accepting that not all dogs enjoy the hustle and bustle of group play. Just like when people get older, we often prefer a quick coffee date or watching a movie instead of going to a party- Dogs are often the same way. Dismissing dogs has been by far the greatest challenge of this business, and something I still struggle with today. I get to know them and love them like my own, and it’s easy to get attached to them and their families!

Offering other services and outlets has definitely helped ease the sting of letting a dog go. We offer weekend enrichment sessions for dogs who prefer a low-key environment, one-on-one to work through mentally stimulating activities. Our trainer (Bre with Bea Pawsitive) has helped many dogs work through behavioral issues so that they can enjoy other outlets such as daycare or outings with their families.

Through all the ups and downs- At the end of the day I know I’m truly blessed to have the opportunity to do what I do every day- alongside a team who has the same passion as I do for the amazing dogs we care for.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

Pampered Paws offers daycare with enrichment options, grooming, and training services Monday-Friday.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, we focus on appropriate group sizing, compatibility, active supervision, and purposeful engagement throughout the day. Our team is trained in positive-reinforcement handling and body-language awareness, allowing us to create an environment where dogs can build confidence, learn social skills, and decompress in healthy ways. Dogs are placed in groups based on size and playstyle, and we ensure continuous compatibility to keep our program safe and enjoyable for all.

What truly sets Pampered Paws apart is our commitment to quality over quantity. We are selective, intentional, and always evolving our programs based on what is safest and most beneficial for the dogs in our care, not just what’s convenient or trendy in the industry. We also place a strong emphasis on educating pet families, because we believe informed owners create happier, more successful dogs both at home and in social settings.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built within our community. Clients know that when they leave their dog with us, their dog is loved, understood, and genuinely cared for. We’ve grown significantly over the years, but we’ve never lost sight of our core values: compassion, transparency, and doing right by the dogs, even when that means making hard or unpopular decisions.

I want readers to know that Pampered Paws exists because we truly love what we do. Every service we offer- daycare, grooming, training, and enrichment- is thoughtfully designed with intention and heart. Our goal isn’t just to care for dogs during the day, but to positively impact their lives and strengthen the bond they share with their families.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?

I honestly find that reading real-life experiences from others in the industry has helped more than any book or podcast. I love to learn and do a lot of research, mostly through discussions and consultations with other reputable and educated professionals. Canine body language and communication is something I never get tired of learning about!

This article is from an original interview published by VoyageMichigan. Read the original article here: https://voyagemichigan.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-morgan-belt-of-pampered-paws-doggie-daycare/