Sunny Paws

Some pets arrive ready to explore, while others need time to watch, listen, and decide that a new place feels safe. At Sunny Paws, owner Kayla Butterfield allows for both. Her approach is built around patience, individual attention, and recognizing that comfort looks different for every animal.

Kayla’s connection to animals began during her childhood in Wisconsin. Her grandmother worked in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and Kayla grew up helping care for raccoons, deer, birds, reptiles, dogs, cats, and many other animals. She later volunteered with an animal rescue while working as an elementary school teacher.

Before Kayla took over and renamed the business Sunny Paws, the kennel was known as Sonja’s Karing Kennels for more than 20 years. Sonja wanted to place it in the hands of someone she trusted to continue the attentive care families had come to expect. Kayla has carried that foundation forward while gradually adding her own experience, creativity, and approach. Kayla’s significant other, Patrick, is also occasionally around the kennel helping with maintenance or visiting the animals, and together they have five rescue pets of their own.

During her teaching career, Kayla worked with children with special needs and learned early that no two students respond in exactly the same way. She applies that understanding when meeting a new pet, paying close attention to what the animal is communicating and allowing trust to develop without forcing the interaction.

Dogs are the primary guests, but Sunny Paws has also welcomed cats, ferrets, hedgehogs, bearded dragons, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small household pets. Animals from different households are kept apart. Dogs have indoor kennels and private fenced outdoor areas, while pets from the same family may stay together when appropriate.

Although Sunny Paws is not a nonprofit, Kayla helps community members facing difficult circumstances through an effort she calls Spread the Sunshine. When space allows, she has provided temporary care for pets during emergencies or housing instability.

Kayla’s background as a teacher also appears in the fun she brings to each stay. She plans themed activities, treat-based games, special snacks, paintings, paw prints, and personalized keepsakes. Owners receive regular photos, videos, and updates, allowing them to remain connected without having to wonder how their pets are doing.

A Rainbow Bridge wall honors pets who have passed away, allowing families who later return to see that their pets are memorialized there.

Sunny Paws is a place where animals are treated as individuals and families can feel confident that their pets are known, understood, and genuinely cared for. Kayla has shaped the kennel around patience, creativity, community-minded care, and an understanding of both animals and the people who love them.