Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Bunten.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Animals were never a central part of my life. Growing up, I didn’t have any but was naturally drawn to them — not just for companionship, but for the quiet trust that forms when you truly understand their needs. That connection led me to pursue a degree in Animal Science with a focus on Equine Business Management & Training. I wanted to build not just a passion, but a foundation of knowledge behind the way I cared for animals.
One of the most meaningful experiences shaping Cozy Canine Retreat LLC was volunteering for three years with a service dog organization. I worked alongside trainers supporting basic obedience and socialization, and it completely changed how I view animal care. I learned that structure creates confidence, that calm energy matters, and that every animal thrives when they feel safe and understood.
Cozy Canine Retreat LLC began organically. I started by helping friends and family who wanted something more personal than traditional boarding. I saw how anxious some dogs felt in loud, high-volume environments, and I knew there could be another option — something quieter, more thoughtful, and more attentive. What started as a simple act of helping quickly grew into something much bigger.
At its heart, Cozy Canine Retreat LLC isn’t just about boarding — it’s about trust. It’s about creating a space where dogs feel secure and owners feel completely at ease leaving someone they love in my care. My goal is always the same: a calm, safe, and thoughtfully curated environment where every pet is treated like family and every detail is handled with intention.
Building this business has been incredibly rewarding because it blends who I am with what I love most. Cozy Canine Retreat LLC is more than a service — it’s a reflection of the care, structure, and heart I bring to animals every single day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road — but I think that’s true for most businesses that are built with intention.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance heart and structure. When you truly love animals, it’s easy to say yes to everything. But building a sustainable, safe business means setting boundaries — requiring vaccinations, creating clear policies, limiting capacity, and sometimes turning away bookings that aren’t the right fit. That was a learning curve for me. I had to realize that protecting the dogs in my care and protecting the integrity of my business comes first.
Another challenge has been building confidence in myself as a business owner. I have the educational background and hands-on experience, but stepping into the role of “owner” — making financial decisions, creating contracts, structuring policies — was new territory. There’s a difference between loving animals and running a business centered around them. I’ve had to grow into that role.
There’s also the emotional side of the work. When you provide personalized, in-home care, you form real bonds. That responsibility is something I take seriously. Making sure every dog feels safe and every owner feels fully at ease requires consistency, communication, and emotional energy. It’s incredibly rewarding, but it also requires discipline and intention behind the scenes.
Ultimately, the challenges have helped me refine what Cozy Canine Retreat LLC stands for. They’ve strengthened my policies, clarified my standards, and reinforced my commitment to calm, structured, high-quality care. It hasn’t been perfectly smooth — but every step has made the foundation stronger.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Cozy Canine Retreat LLC, I provide home-based dog boarding, daycare, walks, and drop-in visits — but what I truly specialize in is creating a calm, structured, and personalized care experience. My approach is intentionally boutique. I keep capacity limited so every dog receives focused attention, consistency, and thoughtful supervision.
With a background in Animal Science and Equine Business Management & Training, along with three years volunteering with a service dog organization, I approach pet care with both heart and structure. I’m comfortable working with a wide range of temperaments, energy levels, and routines. I pay close attention to body language, behavior, and environment so that each dog feels secure and understood while they’re here.
I think what I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Leaving a pet with someone is never a small decision — they’re family. Knowing that owners feel confident and connected while they’re away means everything to me. I’m also proud that I’ve built this business intentionally — with clear policies, safety standards, vaccination requirements, and a strong focus on communication. It’s something I’ve grown step by step, not rushed.
What sets Cozy Canine Retreat LLC apart is the balance of education, hands-on experience, and atmosphere. This isn’t a high-volume facility — it’s a thoughtfully curated home environment. Dogs aren’t just supervised; they’re integrated into a calm routine. My boyfriend and I often tag team care, which allows for increased supervision and flexibility, and ensures pets receive consistent attention throughout their stay.
Ultimately, I’m known for being attentive, communicative, and structured while still being warm and approachable. My goal isn’t just to “watch” dogs — it’s to provide a safe, peaceful space where they can relax and feel secure, and where owners can genuinely enjoy their time away knowing their pet is in capable hands.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
One piece of advice I would give to anyone just starting out is to build your foundation before you focus on growth. It’s exciting to think about clients, bookings, and expansion — but having clear policies, boundaries, safety standards, and structure in place from the beginning will save you a lot of stress later. Passion is important, but systems are what make a business sustainable.
I also wish I had fully understood how important boundaries are. When you care deeply about what you do, it’s easy to say yes to everything. But not every client or situation will be the right fit — and that’s okay. Protecting your time, your standards, and your peace is part of being a responsible business owner.
Another lesson I’ve learned is that confidence grows through action. In the beginning, it’s normal to question yourself. You may feel like you need everything to be perfect before you start. The truth is, you learn by doing — by refining, adjusting, and improving as you go. Growth doesn’t happen all at once; it happens in small, intentional steps.
Most importantly, stay aligned with why you started. When your business reflects your values and your strengths, it feels authentic — and people can sense that. Build something you’re proud of, not something rushed.
Pricing:
- Boarding Base Rate: $32
- Doggy Cay Care Base Rate: $30
- 30-Minute Drop-In Base Rate: $20
- 30-Minute Walk Base Rate: $22
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sebunten.wixsite.com/cozy-canine-retreat
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozycanineretreat26
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BwbTi5WRP/
