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Family-Owned Pet Care Since 1971
Through the 1960s, Pat Gochenauer channeled her love for animals into work at a local veterinary hospital. Her husband, Bud, built a reputation as a respected horse trainer, riding instructor, and horse show judge. At the time, most pet boarding was handled directly by veterinary hospitals—but many veterinarians were beginning to step away from that side of their practices.
Seeing a growing need in the community, Pat and Bud stepped in—and stepped up. In 1971, they built Gochenauer Kennels from the ground up, creating a true home-away-from-home for pets in Lancaster County. What began as a modest boarding kennel quickly grew into a family mission rooted in trust, responsibility, and genuine care.
Today, Gochenauer Pet Resort remains proudly family-owned and operated—still guided by the same values Pat and Bud established more than 50 years ago.
Longevity & Legacy
Gochenauer Kennels opened on Memorial Day weekend in 1971 as a 50-run boarding kennel with space for cats as well. Unlike many facilities of the time, it was built with indoor/outdoor runs and full climate control—a feature that was considered cutting-edge in the early 1970s.
As the years passed and pet care expectations evolved, so did the facility. Through three expansions, Gochenauer Pet Resort now has capacity for over 200 dogs and 32 cats.
In 2022, the name changed from Gochenauer Kennels to Gochenauer Pet Resort, reflecting how the experience had grown—while the family ownership, hands-on approach, and commitment to quality remained the same.
A Family Business—Then, Now, and Into the Future
The Gochenauer legacy spans three generations.
Jody Gochenauer, Pat and Bud’s son, is the current owner and second-generation leader of the resort. Like his children after him, Jody grew up working in the business. After graduating high school, he spent nearly a decade working outside the pet care industry—gaining experience in millwork and cabinet making, a field that demanded precision, craftsmanship, and problem-solving.
In 1992, Jody returned to Gochenauer full-time and has been an integral part of the business ever since. He remains deeply involved in daily operations and is a familiar face around the facility nearly every day.
His children represent the third generation of Gochenauers—bringing new perspectives while honoring the foundation laid before them, with future ownership as part of the long-term vision. Pat Gochenauer also remains involved and serves as a trusted advisor year-round.
Growing With Pet Care
In the early years, pet care needs were simpler. Beyond comfortable boarding, services included grooming—handled personally by Pat—and short, leashed walks for dogs.
Over time, expectations changed. Today’s pet parents increasingly seek activity, enrichment, and personalized attention. Gochenauer Pet Resort has evolved to meet those needs, expanding both its facilities and offerings while staying true to the principles that have guided the business since day one.
Built on Reliability
Caring for animals is a responsibility that doesn’t pause for circumstances—and Gochenauer has always taken that commitment seriously.
Over the decades, the resort has remained open and caring for guests through major challenges, including historic winter blizzards, the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, and even the Three Mile Island incident in 1979, when a nuclear power plant emergency prompted widespread evacuations. Through it all, families still relied on Gochenauer to care for their pets.
Today, Gochenauer Pet Resort is supported by a dedicated team of nearly 40 staff members, whose training, consistency, and care make it possible to maintain the same high standards—day in and day out.
For the Gochenauer family, showing up has never been optional. The animals come first—always.
Why Choose Gochenauer Pet Resort?
- Highly recommended by local veterinarians for its safe, healthy environment
- One of the most awarded pet care facilities in the region, with 57+ People’s Choice Awards
- Elevated staff training, including Pet First Aid and CPR certification
- Fully climate-controlled buildings with air purification and advanced security systems
- Veterinary-grade cleaning protocols throughout the facility
- Customized care for every pet, regardless of service
- A multigenerational, family-owned business serving Lancaster County since 1971
Gochenauer offers a comprehensive suite of services—including dog boarding, dog daycare, cat boarding, and professional grooming—so every pet receives attentive, individualized care during their stay.
A Way of Life
Ask anyone in the Gochenauer family or on the team, and you’ll hear the same sentiment echoed repeatedly: caring for pets here isn’t just work.
As owner Jody Gochenauer often says, “It’s not a job. It’s a lifestyle.”
Awards and Associations
