Paws Life has officially announced the opening of its dog resort in Cornelius, North Carolina, introducing a locally owned destination for dog daycare, boarding, and grooming that emphasizes individualized care, experienced staff, and a community focused approach. Led by Owner Kayla Shaw, the new facility brings more than 25 years of professional experience in dog boarding and daycare management to families throughout the Lake Norman area.
The opening comes at a time when many pet care facilities are becoming part of larger corporate organizations. Paws Life offers an alternative by focusing on individual attention, experienced caregivers, and a welcoming environment where dogs are treated as members of an extended family rather than simply guests.
A Community Focused Dog Resort Opens Its Doors
For many pet owners, choosing a boarding or daycare facility is one of the most important decisions they make. Beyond amenities, families often seek a place where staff members know their dogs by name, understand their personalities, and recognize their unique needs.
That philosophy is the foundation of Paws Life.
As a locally owned and woman owned business, Paws Life was created to provide a more personal experience than many larger facilities. The smaller setting allows the team to spend meaningful time with every dog while developing familiarity that helps pets feel comfortable during each visit.
Whether visiting for daycare, overnight boarding, or grooming, every dog receives attentive care from experienced professionals committed to creating a safe and enjoyable environment.
Lulu Inspires the Mission Behind Paws Life
Behind every business is a story, and for Paws Life, that inspiration comes from Lulu, Kayla Shaw’s beloved Shih Tzu and the resort’s unofficial Director of First Impressions.
Although small in size, Lulu has had a significant influence on the philosophy behind the business.
“Lulu taught me that every dog has their own quirks, their own comforts, and their own way of showing love,” said Kayla Shaw. “That’s exactly the kind of attention every pet at Paws Life deserves.”
That perspective guides the daily operations of the business, encouraging staff members to build meaningful relationships with every dog while creating an environment that feels comfortable, familiar, and enjoyable.
Experienced Professionals Deliver Personalized Care
One of the defining characteristics of Paws Life is its experienced team of animal care professionals who work together to ensure every guest receives attentive and compassionate care.
Rather than managing a high volume operation where pets may rarely interact with the same caregivers, the smaller, locally owned model allows staff members to become familiar with each dog’s personality, routines, and preferences.
Whether guests are visiting for a day of supervised play, an extended boarding stay, or grooming services, the team focuses on providing consistent care that helps dogs feel secure while owners are away.
“Caring for dogs has never felt like a job to me. It’s a calling,” said Shaw. “As a woman owned small business, I’m proud to serve the Cornelius community with integrity, professionalism, and a whole lot of heart. I couldn’t do any of it without the amazing team beside me. And yes, plenty of belly rubs.”
A Local Alternative to Large Corporate Chains
The pet care industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with many boarding and daycare facilities becoming part of larger corporate organizations.
Paws Life offers an alternative by remaining independently owned and locally managed, allowing decisions to be made with the needs of the local community in mind.
According to Shaw, the team’s smaller size allows employees to personally know every dog in their care rather than treating pets as numbers within a larger operation.
This personalized approach extends to communication with pet owners, daily supervision, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere where dogs become familiar with both staff members and fellow guests.
To provide additional transparency, Paws Life also offers free online webcams, allowing owners to check in on their pets during daycare or boarding stays.
Paws Life Honored For Independent Dog Daycare Excellence
Evergreen Awards recognizes Paws Life as the Best Independent Dog Daycare in Cornelius, NC of 2026, honoring a locally owned business dedicated to personalized pet care, experienced leadership, and a genuine passion for dogs. Led by Kayla Shaw, who brings more than 25 years of daycare and boarding experience, Paws Life provides a safe, welcoming environment where every dog receives individualized attention. Through daycare, boarding, grooming, transparent communication, and a commitment to treating pets like family, Paws Life continues to earn the trust of the Cornelius community and exemplify excellence in independent dog care.
Building Lasting Relationships With Lake Norman Families
As the business begins serving the Cornelius and Lake Norman communities, Paws Life aims to become more than a boarding facility by creating long term relationships with local families.
The company’s approach emphasizes trust, consistency, and personalized service while supporting the needs of busy pet owners who want confidence that their dogs are receiving attentive care.
With daycare, overnight boarding, grooming services, and an experienced team committed to every guest’s wellbeing, Paws Life continues expanding opportunities for local families seeking dependable pet care close to home.
As Shaw and her team welcome new guests, the mission remains rooted in the same principle that inspired the business from the beginning: creating a place where every dog is treated with kindness, respect, and genuine affection.
About Paws Life
Paws Life is a locally owned, woman owned dog daycare, boarding, and grooming facility located in Cornelius, North Carolina. Founded by Owner Kayla Shaw, the business combines more than 25 years of experience managing dog daycare and boarding operations with a commitment to individualized care, experienced staff, and strong community relationships. Paws Life provides a welcoming environment where every dog is treated like family while offering daycare, overnight boarding, professional grooming, and supervised play in a safe and engaging setting.
Learn more at Paws Life, follow the company on Instagram and Facebook, or contact the team by email at Info@PawsLife.fun.