West Island pet boarding service closes after more than three decades

Manoir Kanisha is shutting down after 35 years as Aéroports de Montréal reclaims the land for airport expansion.

A West Island pet boarding service is shutting down after 35 years, with its landlord, Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), reclaiming the land for airport expansion.

Manoir Kanisha’s founder Nicole MacDuff said that she tried to re-negotiate a long-term lease with the ADM but was turned down.

While the business officially closed on Friday, MacDuff said she and her employees will continue to care for the remaining animals until their owners return.

“It’s difficult,” MacDuff said. “It’s difficult for my employees. Some of them have been working for over 20 years here.”

Tim Harris, an animal relocation specialist, called the closure “dreadful” for staff.

“We are losing what we love doing,” he said.

In an email statement, ADM declined an interview request but said that the land is needed to expand the airport.

At 79 years old, MacDuff said she understood ADM’s decision but ultimately chose to close rather than relocate.

“If we were to move somewhere, we’d have to move somewhere two hours away from Montreal. We couldn’t serve the airlines,” she said.

Employees say the pet boarding business was vital for the airport because it also helped animals in transit between fights.

“You cannot hold an animal in the cargo shed for more than 6 hours between flights. So, we are frequently doing what’s called a comfort stop where an animal in transit. They may stay with us over the weekend,” Harris said.

Originally a dog breeder, MacDuff opened the kennel in 1990. The facility can house up to 125 pets at a time.

“I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done a lot,” she said. “It’s life.”

MacDuff’s final day at the facility is March 30.