Getting to Know Sherri Canjar: The Heart & Soul Behind Furry Friends Pet Resort
We sat down with Sherri to talk about her journey from tech professional to one of Canada’s most respected pet care experts.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to earn the trust of families seeking reliable pet boarding and daycare throughout Durham Region and across Ontario, just spend five minutes talking with Sherri Canjar.
You’ll get it.
Within moments of sitting down with the founder and CEO of Furry Friends Pet Resort, it’s clear that this isn’t someone who just stumbled into pet care.
This is someone who was meant for it.
After retiring from a successful IT career in 2012, Sherri has dedicated herself completely to what she calls her “true calling.”
Today, she’s one of only a handful of people in Canada with CPACO certification and holds more than 25 different pet care certifications.
But she does more than run one of Ontario’s leading pet boarding and daycare facilities. Her family also breeds and trains multi-award winning CKC Registered Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, travelling all over North America to dog shows.
In addition to pet boarding and daycare, Furry Friends offers a wide array of services, including grooming, a large dog pool, special “pet condos” and agility field and dock diving rentals.
In other words, welcome to pet paradise.
Sherri’s certifications are impressive but, really, they’re paper. What truly matters is watching her face light up when she talks about the dogs and cats in her care, or seeing how quickly even the most nervous pets relax around her and members of her compassionate team at Furry Friends.
We wanted to know more about the person behind the credentials, so we asked Sherri for a few minutes of her time.
Q&A with Sherri Canjar, PACCC-CPACO
Q: What inspired you to transition from a successful IT career to become a professional pet care expert and open Furry Friends Pet Resort?
Sherri: Oh wow, that takes me back! I had an incredible career in IT. Good salary, stable career, but I’ve always had a passion for dogs. I started training and breeding Shetland Sheep Dogs back in 1987. They’ve always been part of my life, but I never really made it my full-time job. That changed in 2012, when I retired from IT. I knew I wanted dogs to be my career.
Pet care, canine nutrition, dog training and canine reproduction. You name it, I immersed myself in it. I had always been involved with breeding and training, but now I was spending every weekend at dog shows or working with other breeders.
I knew I had found my calling. All those years in tech taught me how to analyze problems and find solutions, which, oddly enough, actually translates really well to animal behaviour. But the real driving force was just this undeniable need to create the kind of place I’d want to leave my own dogs. Somewhere they’d actually be happy, not just housed.
Q: You hold over 25 different pet care certifications and are one of only a few people in Canada with CPACO certification. How do these credentials translate into better care for pets at your facility?
Sherri: [laughs] Yeah, people are always asking me about all those certifications. I don’t have much room left on my walls. But to be honest, every single one of those courses taught me something that helps the dogs here, to this day.
Take the CPACO certification as an example. It’s not just taking some weekend workshop and then getting certified. We’re talking months of study, practical exams, facility inspections. It covers everything from reading canine body language to proper cleaning protocols. Might sound boring to most people, but when you can spot that a dog is getting overwhelmed before they snap at another dog? That’s why certifications matter.
The nutrition certifications have probably been the most valuable. You’d be amazed how many dogs come in on completely wrong diets for their activity level or health issues. When you can identify that and bring it to the dog owner’s attention, that creates a special bond of trust. And that’ s why we do what we do.
The fact is anyone can love dogs. But loving them enough to really understand what they need? That’s why I’m so proud of all those certifications on my wall.
Q: You started training Shetland sheepdogs in 1987. How has your experience in breeding and training shaped your approach to pet boarding and daycare services?
Sherri: Working with Shelties for all those years was like getting a master class in understanding what dogs really need. Every litter I’ve raised, every dog I’ve trained, they’ve all taught me something different about how to read what an animal is feeling.
But what I love most? That’s easy. It’s that moment when a nervous dog finally decides to trust you. Their whole body language changes. The tension leaves their shoulders, their tail relaxes and they’ll often let out this little sigh. Even after 35 years, I still love it every time it happens.
When dogs come to stay with us, I’m not just looking at them as “a dog that needs boarding or daycare.” I’m seeing all those subtle signals I’ve learned over the years. The way they hold their ears when they’re uncertain, how they position themselves when they feel safe. That knowledge doesn’t come from textbooks. It comes from spending decades really paying attention to what dogs are trying to tell us.
Every dog has their own personality, their own way of communicating. My job is to figure out what each one needs to feel secure and happy while they’re away from home. We want them to feel “close to home” at all times.
Q: As a subject matter expert in canine nutrition, what are the most common nutritional mistakes pet parents make, and how does Furry Friends address these concerns?
Sherri: Great question. The biggest thing I see is people thinking expensive equals good. They’ll spend a fortune on food because it says “premium,” but when you actually understand nutrition, you realize it might not be right for their specific dog at all.
In simple terms, some dogs are suffering because of poor nutrition choices, and the owners don’t even realize it. A dog with digestive issues, low energy or even behavioral problems? Sometimes it’s just the wrong food for their system.
Here’s what I care about. Every dog that comes through our doors gets the exact nutrition they need. If they’re on a special diet, we follow it to the letter. If they need medication mixed with food, we make sure it’s done right. If they’re picky eaters and need their kibble a certain way, we do that too.
I keep detailed notes on how every dog eats because changes in appetite are often the first sign something’s wrong. When you genuinely care about these animals, you pay attention to those details. It’s not just about feeding them. It’s about making sure they’re thriving while they’re in our care.
That level of attention comes from really loving what you do.
Q: Furry Friends Pet Resort is certified through PACCC (Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada)and an active member in the IBPSA ( International Boarding & Pet Services Association). Why should pet parents prioritize facilities with these professional affiliations when choosing boarding services?
Sherri: This is what a lot of pet parents don’t realize. Not all facilities are the same. PACCC certification and IBPSA membership represent the gold standard in our industry. These organizations establish and maintain the highest standards for pet care facilities, and maintaining certification requires ongoing education, facility inspections and adherence to strict protocols.
When you choose a PACCC-certified facility, you know that we’ve demonstrated competency in areas like animal behavior, health monitoring, emergency procedures and facility management. IBPSA membership keeps us connected to the latest industry developments and best practices. These affiliations aren’t just those credentials on the wall I talked about. They’re proof of our commitment to excellence and accountability in everything we do.
You pet deserves more than being dropped off with a stranger. They’re family. They should be treated that way.
Q: You’re an expert in Intervertebral Disc Disease and neuro impairment in dogs. How does this medical knowledge help you provide specialized care for pets with mobility or neurological challenges?
Sherri: I see this all the time, and it still makes me emotional. Owners will call and tell me their dog has been turned away from other places because of special needs. That just breaks my heart. These are the animals that need extra love and care, not rejection.
Having specialized training in IVDD and neurological conditions isn’t just about the technical knowledge, though that’s obviously important. It’s about seeing these dogs for who they really are. They’re not broken or difficult. They just need someone who understands how to care for them properly, the same way they would be treated at home.
When I see a dog that struggles with mobility issues, I am amazed by their spirit. They don’t feel sorry for themselves, as funny as that sounds. They still want to play, to be loved, to feel included. They deserve caregivers who will work with their limitations, not see them as problems. That’s what we do here.
The training I have allows me to keep these dogs safe and comfortable. But the real difference is that we genuinely want to help them. We take the time to learn what each dog needs, whether it’s special positioning, assistance getting around or just extra patience and gentle handling.
These dogs have taught me so much about resilience. If I can provide them with the care they deserve while giving their families peace of mind, that’s exactly what I want to be doing.
Q: Pet First Aid certification is crucial in your field. Can you share how this training has helped in emergency situations, and what pet parents should know about emergency preparedness?
Sherri: Pet First Aid certification is everything in this business. It’s about being prepared for the worst-case scenario and hoping you never need it. If something were to happen to a dog or cat in our care, we know what to do.
What the training really teaches you is how to stay calm when everyone else might be panicking. And I pass that down to everyone on my staff. Animals can sense stress and fear, so if there’s an emergency, the last thing they need is someone in a panic around them. You learn to assess quickly, act decisively, and most importantly, know when something is beyond your capabilities and vet care is needed.
We keep detailed emergency information for every single dog. Contact info, nearest emergency clinic, any medical conditions or medications. Because in a real emergency, those seconds matter. You don’t want to be scrambling to find information when a pet needs help.
The truth is, I hope I never have to use most of what I learned in that training. But knowing that I could potentially save a pet’s life if something happened? That knowledge gives me confidence, and I know it gives pet parents peace of mind too. They tell me. They know their dog isn’t just being watched. They’re being cared for by someone who’s prepared for anything.
Q: Your team includes registered veterinary technician Shauna Dainton, who specializes in emergency medicine. How does having veterinary expertise on-site enhance the safety and care quality at your facility?
Sherri: Having Shauna as part of our team provides an additional layer of professional medical expertise that most boarding facilities can’t offer. Her background in emergency veterinary medicine means she can quickly assess situations that might concern other caregivers and provide immediate professional intervention when needed. She brings current veterinary knowledge to our daily operations and helps ensure our protocols align with the latest veterinary standards.
For pet parents, this means their pets are supervised by professionals who can recognize and respond to medical concerns with the same level of expertise they’d receive at a veterinary clinic.
Q: You mention that your “Standard of Care is progressive and constantly evolving.” What current veterinary science and facility solutions have you implemented to stay ahead in the pet care industry?
Sherri: Wow, great timing for that question. We’re just in the midst of an extensive renovation here at Furry Friends. We never want to just be “good enough.” We’re always thinking ahead to make our facility the gold standard in the Durham Region and across Ontario. The pets in our care deserve the very best.
We continuously evaluate new technologies and methodologies that can improve pet safety and comfort. This includes everything from advanced cleaning and sanitation systems to environmental enrichment tools that reduce stress and promote mental health.
We stay current with research on canine behavior, nutrition, and health management, implementing evidence-based practices in our daily operations. Our facility design incorporates the latest understanding of how physical environments affect animal wellbeing. We also utilize digital systems for detailed record-keeping and communication with pet parents, ensuring transparency and accountability in every aspect of care.
I’ll say it again. We aren’t just a place for your pet to stay. We strive to be their home away from home.
Q: How do you ensure your staff shares your passion for animals, and what kind of training do they receive to maintain Furry Friends’ high standards?
Sherri: The truth is, you can’t teach someone to love animals. There’s more to it than that. They either have that spark in them, or they don’t. When I’m hiring, I’m not just looking at resumes. I’m watching how potential staff members interact with the dogs during their interview. Do they get down to the dog’s level? Do their eyes light up when a pet approaches them? Are they patient when a nervous dog needs time to warm up?
But having that natural love for animals is just the start. Every single team member goes through extensive training, because caring just isn’t enough. You need to know how to care properly. We cover everything from reading canine body language to recognizing early signs of stress or illness. They learn about different play styles, how to safely break up disagreements and proper handling techniques for dogs of all sizes and temperaments.
What makes me proudest is seeing how my staff always wants to learn new things. They’ll come to me with something they’ve read or ask questions about a dog’s behaviour they want to understand better. That curiosity and eagerness to improve tells me they truly care about the pets staying with us.
We have regular team meetings where we discuss individual dogs and share observations. It’s not unusual for a staff member to notice something subtle, like a dog being less playful than usual, that helps us provide better care. When your team genuinely loves what they do, that attention to detail comes naturally.
Q: Tell us about the enrichment activities and programming you offer. How do you keep dogs mentally and physically stimulated throughout their stay?
Sherri: Oh, I love this question! [laughs]
You know what they say, a tired dog is a happy dog. But it’s more than that. Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise. Their brains need to be engaged, or they get bored and anxious.
We do country walks where dogs can explore new scents and sights. The dogs love them. Every smell tells a story. For our high-energy dogs, we’ve got fetch sessions and this great ball-push game that really gets them thinking and moving.
The trick training is also very popular with the dogs. They love having jobs to do and showing off what they’ve learned. We might work on simple commands or fun tricks, depending on what each dog enjoys.
But everyone here loves our daily cuddle sessions. It’s that one-on-one attention that every dog and cat needs. Those are probably my favourite moments every day.
The most important thing? We tailor everything to each individual dog. Some pups are social butterflies who thrive in group play, while others prefer quieter activities or one-on-one interaction. We pay attention to what energizes each dog versus what overwhelms them.
The goal is that when dogs go home, their families can tell they’ve been truly cared for, not just housed. They’re relaxed, happy and maybe they’ve even learned something new. That’s when I know we’ve done our job right.
Q: What advice would you give to pet parents who are considering professional boarding or daycare services for the first time, and what should they look for in a quality facility?
Sherri: This one’s really important. Trust me, I get it. Searching for the right pet boarding or daycare facility can be stressful. Leaving your dog or cat for the first time is emotional. Even now, after all these years in the business, I still hate leaving my own dogs when I travel.
Here’s what I always tell people: trust your instincts. When you walk into a facility, pay attention to how you feel. Are the staff members genuinely happy to meet your pet? Do they ask thoughtful questions about your pet’s personality and needs? Or do they seem like they’re just processing another transaction?
I want to know everything about the dogs that come to stay with us. Does your dog get anxious without their favourite toy? Are they social or do they prefer quieter spaces? These details matter to me because I genuinely care about making sure every dog feels as comfortable as possible.
The thing is, you can usually tell within the first few minutes whether someone truly loves animals or if they’re just doing a job. Look for that spark. The way someone’s face lights up when they see your pet, the patience they show when your pup is nervous, the genuine interest in learning what makes your dog or cat happy.
Your pet is going to pick up on those same cues. They’ll know if they’re with people who care about them or people who are just going through the motions. Choose the place where you feel the love, because your pet will feel it too.
For us, it’s trust before transaction, every single time.
Experience the Furry Friends Difference
At Furry Friends Pet Resort, staff members understand that your pets are family members who deserve the highest level of professional care. Sherri Canjar’s extensive expertise, combined with her team’s dedication to excellence, ensures that every pet receives individualized attention in a safe, nurturing environment.
Ready to experience the peace of mind that comes with professional pet care? Contact Furry Friends Pet Resort today and discover why it’s Durham Region’s most trusted pet care facility, and one of the leading facilities in Ontario.