A Little Company History …

Welcome to our company web site. On behalf of myself and staff, let me say that after over four decades of company growth, we appreciate your continued interest in us. As an owner and manager, I would like to give you a brief history of where this company has been and where I hope it is going.

Country Acres has been and always will be a family business. It was born in 1966. As with all babies, it started out small. Bob, an engineer at MacDonnell Douglas, retired after ten years of desk work to seek a job that allowed him more room to breathe, something outdoors. Meanwhile, Debbie was a third grade school teacher. Together they shared an apartment located near an old, run-down kennel. When passing the kennel on many of their nightly walks, they looked upon it with thoughts that they could do better. They loved animals. They loved the outdoors. Why not?

Both of them eager and full of excitement, they spent many months searching for the right property, which eventually led them to our 6-acre spread at 739 Weidman Road. However, at the time, it was not for sale. Not to be foiled, Bob offered to purchase it and a deal was made.

In the beginning only one kennel wing was built. Besides the outside runs, there were no other fences. Exercise and Playtime did not exist. The receiving office and cattery resided in a converted chicken coupe left behind by the previous owners.  The business averaged around 5-10 dogs (per day) the first year, never going over 25. At the time, this was business! If only we knew. Currently, we can accommodate over 200 dog boarders.

Country Acres quickly established itself as a reputable place to board one's pet. Business grew rapidly and Debbie eventually quit her teaching position to work fulltime with Bob. The company became a charter member of the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA), and soon thereafter Bob and Debbie earned their Certified Kennel Operator (CKO) licenses, making them professionals in the field of pet care. In 1972, a second wing and kitchen were added. In addition, a fence surrounding the entire kennel was constructed, constituting one, huge yard. Hence, Playtime and Exercise were born.

While my sister, Susan, and I were growing up, we continually learned new things about the business and how to care for animals. We used to cover the night shifts on Saturdays, which on average took us five hours instead of the normal two hours it was supposed to take. But, we eventually got it down to a science and soon trained others.  

After I graduated from college, I decided to stay in the business and become its fulltime manager. I have a lifetime of experience and history with Country Acres and I know I made the right career choice.

My next five years as manager were greatly rewarding. However, at the time, one thing was missing. We desperately needed a new receiving office and cat facility. We felt the old chicken coupe had served out its purpose. As a result, in the fall of 1995, we broke ground and construction began. The beautiful new facility was completed and open to the public in August of 1996. Now cats have a facility unmatched by any other in the state of Missouri. 

Other significant events that have taken place over the years include:  Marrying my wife and business partner, Nicole, in May of 1997. Together, we hired our General Manager, Ruth, in December of 1998. Nicole and Ruth both earned their CKO's in 2003, leaving us with the highest number of Certified Kennel Operators onsite at any pet resort in St. Louis. Nicole founded a thriving not-for-profit 501c(3) animal rescue organization appropriately called Country Acres Rescue in 2000. In eight years we've saved and placed over 2500 homeless, domestic animals.  Furthermore, my baby sister-in-law, Ashley, joined our team fulltime shortly after graduating from Truman University in 2006.  She is currently our Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, and has launched  our new Playcare program, a Distinct Doggie Daycare in early 2008.  And last, but not least, a brand new boarding wing with kitchen was constructed in 2006 and made open to the public in early 2007.

Sadly, my father and founder of Country Acres, Bob, passed away in September 2002. He will be deeply missed.  However, Bob would be proud by how far we have come. And I am certain our future will offer even more challenges, growth, and excitement. Nicole, Ashley, Ruth and I are happy to welcome you and your pet(s) to Country Acres. We hope you allow us the opportunity to serve you and your pet(s) with the warm, inviting and friendly atmosphere and staff we have worked so hard to attain since 1966. We are certain our reputation as a quality, first-class pet resort will continue for many generations to come. Thank you again for your interest. We look forward to meeting with you and your furry friend(s).

Warmly,

Greg Spitler