Doggie Day Care San Diego

When I first moved to San Diego, I was faced with some new challenges. I'd downsized from a small Gentlemen's Farm in rural Washington to an apartment in San Diego. What a change of scenery! Moving can bring many issues to light that I never worried about before. "What am I going to do with Cannon?"

As a tried and true integral member of the family, the dog must have his day. I was concerned....no more barn, no more pasture or fenced yard for my best friend. This was going to be a change for both of us. The mission: Find the finest day care and dog boarding facility in San Diego!

I started by looking online, finding the Soup de Jour of Doggie Daycare's ... which will remain nameless... It's fancy advertising and promises of webcam access for the luxury suites intrigued me. Sounds like one worth investigating. It got a recommendation from a new acquaintance, who's beagle was a boarding guest. When I arrived, I saw it was clean and orderly, cute boutique style....but no outside area for the dog. Everything was indoors and I was trying to figure out how Cannon would adjust to this scenario.... But with work starting soon, I signed him up and hoped for the best.

It became evident quickly that something was not quite right, Cannon's bed kept being returned to me dripping wet each day...."He spills the water bowl on his bed" they said but the odor told a different tale. I could tell they had been rinsing it out, but the lingering odor of pee remained. OH OH....WHY is my dog wetting his favorite bed??? That is a sign that he's got something to say and it's important. Also soon after we signed up, there was a rate increase and I noticed a changing of the guards within the staff members. I never knew if I would see the same faces the next day.

As I got settled in, I was able to branch out a bit. Now that I've had a chance to orientate myself to the surroundings and got some breather room ....I began my search again. I was at Fiesta Island dog park and I asked a group if they knew of any great daycare's. One told me about Fon Jon Petcare Center in Pacific Beach. I went home, made a call and spoke to Sam, the manager of the facility, and found out that they have an amazing indoor / outdoor play area for the dogs, as well as boarding and professional grooming on site. Wonderful news to me!

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a friendly and caring staff. I could tell they were genuine with their attention to each client that walked through the door. The facility has a wonderful overall look and feel with a tropical theme throughout. A bonus, the location. In Pacific Beach, right off the I-5, Fon Jon Petcare Center was a breeze to get to each morning and evening.

Just down the road is Camp Diego, another doggie daycare facility. Smaller in size, it does have a covered play area and there were many dogs there having a good time. I think it's good to do a price comparison. I've also been a client at the PetSmart Hotel in LaJolla. I give them rave reviews for overnight boarding and scheduling. It's not my choice for daycare, as they are also an indoor only facility but the big glass windows allows you access to see the high level of care the animals recieve while staying there. The playland is a great place to dog watch.

I chose FonJon for long term daycare, Cannon was happy to go, wiggling like a pup... eager to push the door open with his nose. I really looked forward to stopping in each morning to drop him off and I found a great drive through coffee stand next to the Car Wash. Not a bad way to commute each morning.

My suggestion, in the end, let your dog make the choice. Here's a list of daycare's you should check out:

1. Fon Jon Petcare

2. PetSmart Pet Hotel

3. Camp DIggity Dogs

4. Camp Run a Mutt

5. Dogs and the City

There's also a good number of in-home dog walking services. Check your local dog park for flyers.