OUR STORY

Paws Awhile Pet Motel is different from other boarding facilities in a lot of ways, not the least of which is its ownership. Paws Awhile is owned by Mother Eirene and Mother Raphaela, two Orthodox Christian Monastics. They are Sisters of the Hermitage of Saint Mary Magdalene, a small convent affiliated with Holy Wisdom Orthodox Church in Catlett, Virginia. In 1998, Mother Eirene and Mother Raphaela purchased Paws Awhile Pet Motel from its previous owners. Not long afterwards, Mother Ed joined the Team.

Though Paws Awhile is a business, it is also an extension of the Sisters’ call to offer a service to the community. By offering the best care to God’s creatures and their families, the Sisters have found a fulfilling and rewarding lifework. The Sisters are well known in the community and well respected for their loving and careful pet care.

“We love the animals and it is a honor and privilege to be able to care for them like they are part of our family,” Mother Eirene has said.

Mother Raphaela agrees. “We are just like anyone else who loves animals. We get to know the pets and their owners personally, and it is rewarding for us to be considered part of the families we serve.”

Paws Awhile has the best dedicated Team who loves caring for each fur baby staying with them!

Paws Awhile’s well-known reputation for the highest level of pet care begins with our wonderful Team of Animal Care Specialists. Teammates are carefully screened and chosen for the qualities you would want in a caregiver – a love of animals, a cheerful and compassionate attitude and a thorough knowledge of the needs and care of pets. All of our Team members have many years of experience taking care of lots of pets and further enhance their skills by participating in continuing education experiences.

We are all dedicated to getting to know each of our guests as the individuals they are – and doing what it takes to give them the best stay possible!