I am not a typical reviewer and I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to boarding.. it is…read moreimportant to me that my 2 closely bonded German Shepherds are kept together, have their favorite toys, and have food and water... that's really all I care about. The Paws n Claws Erie location recommended I make the further drive to the Girard location because it's better suited for larger dogs, with more space so they can be boarded together. I just recently boarded my dogs at the Girard location for the second time. They were boarded for 7 days and when my husband picked them up, no issues were mentioned.. this was expected since we didn't have any issues a few months ago when they were boarded here and have never had any issues with their behavior at any other boarding facilities. They are very socialized dogs. I later noticed that our bill was $100 higher than expected.. $600 instead of $500.. After calling, I was told by the owner that the dogs had been separated for unknown reasons so I was charged for 2 separate kennels. This was a shock to me since it was not communicated whatsoever.. I had further questions as to why they were separated and I did not feel heard or understood by the owner. My concerns were dismissed and I was told to call back and talk to the business manager when she was back the next morning since she may be able to tell me why.. Later that night I received a generic email notification that the extra charge was refunded. The manager called the next day and explained that my dogs were barking at other dogs passing by and roughhousing with each other, which led to the separation & relocation for safety reasons on the day they arrived. I understand the need for safety, however, rough housing and barking at other dogs is very typical behavior for german shepherds.. it is to be expected when first arriving in a new environment full of dogs. I was told that it is in the boarding contract that they have the right to separate the dogs. The last time I boarded them I was told they were very well behaved so this was all quite surprising to me. My dogs are best friends and the last thing I would want to do is have them be boarded in separate kennels for a week.. especially at an additional charge. All of these factors combined, I don't recommend this boarding facility for those with large energetic dogs. The communication issue was disappointing. I do appreciate that they refunded me the $100 charge due to the miscommunication, however being met with empathy by the owner would've made a huge difference to me. Leaving our dogs behind is hard enough for us, worrying about them barking at other dogs from their kennel or rough housing with each other is the last thing I want to be concerned about when boarding so I will not be returning.

Our shih tzu spent nine days here after reading plenty of positive reviews and hearing good things…read morefrom friends. When I arrived to pick him up the owner told me he had been pooping a lot during his stay. I just assumed it was a nervous tummy and no big deal. When they brought him out he looked a little wet and I assumed he had been out playing in water because it was 90 degrees. I scooped him up and went out to allow the next guest in (only one dog is permitted in the office at a time, which I actually like.) Once I got outside in the sun I realized he had dried poop caked all over him. It was around his eyes and ears and caked on his butt so thick that it needed to be cut out with scissors when I got him home. He's a fluffy guy, and I understand he's more likely to get messy. But this was SEVERAL DAYS of poop. Had anyone spent any time with him at all during the week, someone would have noticed. The forms I signed clearly stated that any animal that gets dirty will be bathed, kennels are cleaned regularly, and no pets go home dirty. This is obviously separate from the optional grooming services they offer. His eyes were horribly crusted with boogers, his paws crusted with poop, his nose is scraped, and he has a fever. I called and spoke with Patty the owner on my way home who said they didn't wash him because I opted out of grooming. That is absurd and neglectful. It was after I got him home and bathed that I realized he can barely walk from total lack of exercise (which confirms that he was not given any attention.) He is currently lying next to me trembling and whimpering. It is heartbreaking that a place would allow this to happen to a sweet little animal that they were trusted to care for. Horrible.