Happy Hound Play & Daycare

04/12/2008 Posted by ahabt

I have heard good things about them, but when I called them about daycare for my 5-year-old, 6-lb. toy dog, it was kind of a washout. I was told that he could only be accommodated with the puppies, and I know my guy enjoys the company of other adult dogs, but not youngsters.

02/21/2008 Posted by tcinsf

I'm rather stunned by the recent harsh negative reviews. I started taking my big, high-spirited pup there a couple of months ago, and it has been great for him. I put him in day-care so that he can get a full day of exercise a couple of days per week. The whole point is for him to get worn out, and to get him more used to playing with other dogs. We also went through the long interview process, however it was a breeze, and I actually got a lot of advice on raising and training the boy. I felt secure knowing that the other dogs went through the same process, and that problem dogs would be weeded out. My dog had been falsely accused of being aggressive, and they recognized high-energy and high-spirits as not being equivalent to aggressiveness. I also like the fact that they are so confident of how they treat the dogs that they have a web-cam so you can check in anytime you want. They keep at least one person in each play area (as opposed to some of the places I visited which had only one staff person there when I arrived, and nobody with the dogs.) The first day we showed up at daycare, the staff all knew we were coming and knew my dog's name. I was left with the impression that they all care about the dogs in their care. Many of the daycare places keep dogs in pens, and let them out only for occasional play periods. Here they can play all day. He comes home tired and happy. He knows the schedule, and when I take him out of the house in the AM and head for the car rather than the park, he gets incredibly excited. For us, it has been great and I recommend Happy Hound.

Pros: Location (for me), exercise for dog, staff, dog's socialization

Cons: None

02/18/2008 Posted by BBOakland

I found Happy Hounds (HH) via this site with positive remarks & that's why I decided to take my dog there for daycare/overnights; however, my experience was quite the opposite. I'm a responsible dog owner with a very healthy dog. I took my dog there for daycare/overnight stays and when I picked him up he was tired as expected; however, within a few hrs. he was unable to walk & was in extreme pain. The next day I took him to the vet for pain medications, etc. Prior to HH, my dog was 100% healthy & even went to a similar place out of the area for the same duration with no issues upon returning home. Something mysteriously happened and I inquired w/ them to see what caused his severe pain? I asked if he was wearing his sweater since it's extremely cold there & that he got the necessary naps. They assured me this was done; however, something had to have occurred? What’s most troubling was their facility can be extremely cold as they leave a door open & w/ the cold cement floor, I think this could’ve been a factor in his muscles tightening, etc. Also, the kennel areas are supposed to be heated, but I'm not sure this is sufficient considering how high they’re elevated over the areas, heat rises, it takes an hr. + to warm up, the cement floor is cold, etc. Plus, during the cold month my dog was there, the staff was bundled up, but most of the dogs weren't wearing sweaters. &, yes, dogs’ body temps. are different than humans, but the place was freezing which can't be good for dogs walking all day on cement. If you have a short hair dog & regardless if they are moving around all day, I think the place is too cold for the dogs. Another concern- make sure your dog gets naps when requested. I just wanted you to be weary since I trusted this facility based on the reviews & my meeting with them. I will not take my dog to HH again & hope they consider doing something about their inadequate heating system & more closely monitor dogs needing breaks or that may be in distress.

Cons: Inadequate heating system, horrible smell, extremely cold

12/27/2007 Posted by jasaranavarro

My husband, my dog and I where all put through a 3 hour interview process for initiation. It was horrible. The interviewer was so obsessed with psycho analyzing our dog that by the time we where released we never wanted to go back. He did nothing but criticize our 6 month old Yorkies behavior. Our puppy was so distraught from the entire experience. In my opinion Happy Hound is not a healthy environment for dogs and we do not recommend the experience. Also their fee's are way to expensive for the initiation process. It would have cost $200 before our initial charge for boarding because of some policy. The entire boarding cost would have been close to $400. Save yourself and go to Just Pet Me Country Club off Broadway instead. No 3 our interview and no initiation process coasting $200. Just Pet Me has the best services for your dog and it's only $50 for hotel charge. My dog was so happy and tired from playing all day that we now drop him off for play days.

Pros: zero

Cons: Int he Hood, Too many dogs under one roof, the interview process, and the high fee's

12/06/2006 Posted by about4567

I can't say enough to explain how both me and my dogs feel about Happy Hound. The service is great, the enviroment is great, the staff is above great! I come from a small town and to move to the bay area with my pooches it was a relief to find such a great home away from home. They love it and I wouldnt take them anywhere else. It may be a wi-bit pricey but its totally worth it. Most of all its organized, safe, and clean. LOVE IT!

09/05/2006 Posted by hezmodo

Dogs run free in supervised, enclosed areas, designated by size; small, med and large dogs. Handlers rotate between the enclosures, getting to know all of their charges, while ensuring everyone is playing nice and not making a ruckus. Staff are all clearly dog-lovers, and friendly to the owners as well. They do accommodate for nervous dogs or those who need a gentle introduction to the stressors of playing in a pack. My nervous ninny comes home more confident from her days at H.H., while my big solid bully dog comes home exhausted from a day with the Big Dogs. This place is tops; the only -- and I mean it -- kennel/day care situation I would recommend to anyone. It is a bit on the pricy side, but what you pay for is the well-being of your dog -- not something I've had good experience with in any other kenneling situation.

Pros: Dogs come home happy, well-exercised and well-behaved.

12/03/2004 Posted by yrnamhere

I am so afraid to refer people to kennels in the local area. I have been thrilled to find such a great new facility that I can refer with confidence, especially with so many of us who work late and would like to bring our dogs to work! This is an amazing option to bring your dog in so that you can take off right after work!

Pros: dog wild, clean, smart

07/09/2004 Posted by riverchick

I was traveling to the Oakland area with my pooch, but needed a place to board her for a few days. The staff at Happy Hound is GREAT! They are friendly, knowledgable & very loving toward the dogs who board there. I think my dog had a great vacation at Happy Hound & would highly recommend this facility & group of folks.

Pros: Nice facility, Clean, Good Value