It has taken me SEVRAL months to decide to write this review. When I needed a kennel to board 2 of my dogs while on vacation, I came here because of the reviews. I will never use Gillette Kennel ever again. My two dogs were boarded together. One ended up stressed and attacked my other dog, missed placed aggression. Understand that can't be avoided at all times...the issue became the one stressed began being treated incredibly poorly. If you have an animal you know they read your emotion, your anger, your body language. I know this is what happened based on the dialog with staff. In addition, while we were out of the country I was VERY CLEAR on any issues that arise to contact my daughter immediately. INSTEAD, one dog was treated poorly, no out time and NO medical care. The other dog was petrified and full anxiety. His wounds did get cleaned. NOBODY contacted my daughter and no vet care until I was back. I immediately took them to the vet. The vet agreed they should have had the vet care after the occurrence. I had dialog with the "owner" that everyone raves about. He had NOTHING to say. I sent him the photos of the injuries. NO CONTACT back afterward. When I went to pick up the dogs one of the COMPLETLEY UNPROFFESIONAL "staff" members told my husband to go get the dog that did not receive any attention at all. She said she he was crazy, aggressive and wanted "nothing to do with him". How do you think he felt about you!? Another employee came out, again completely unprofessional and spouted about how terrible they were, on and on and on. I actually wanted to tell her to shut the "you know what up". But instead I ignored her and remained calm and professional. Getting both dogs to the car it was clear that beyond needing immediate medical care that they would both need a TON of emotional healing. One shaking and in a daze, literally and the "terrible" one just wanted to be held. He melted into my lap like he had been in hell. Extensive conversation with Mr. Gillette mounted in NOTHING. He was not present during the time my dogs were there. Accountability for your own staff would have been nice, and I would not have left the clearly untrained staff in charge. I am not looking for feedback from others regarding the post, or others to assess a situation in which they weren't present. I am posting this to purely communicate my experience and allow for those looking for dog boarding to read all experiences beyond the "excellent" reviews. Thank you Wendy read more

We boarded our two German Shepherds for three nights. They were well taken care of and we feel confident to leave them there again the next time. The check-in process is easy and everything is well organized. read more

If I could, I would give negative stars. The first thing to know is that unless you pay $6 per playtime (15 mins), they do not take the dogs out of their kennels AT ALL, which is absolutely horrific. They stay in a cage all day long. When I originally called to get information on a typical day, I was very misled about how the dogs are handled each day - I was told they have multiple playtimes for 15 mins at a time. No one ever told me that each time they are given time to play, you pay $6. So, upon picking him up, we were shocked to hear that we owed $100 more than we expected. We never actually formally requested the playtime; they just did it themselves -- we only called to see how he was doing and when we heard he was only let outside his kennel for a handful of minutes a day, I asked if he could have more time to play, and they agreed. Again, not knowing there was an ADDITIONAL cost. I would have never taken my dog to a place that is so inhumane to animals, where they are kept locked up all day long. If you love your dog, do NOT use this boarding facility. read more

Gillette Kennels is a little far from Kalamazoo, but it's clean and affordable. I chose this place because it is the only kennel around here that accepts dogs on a Sunday! I made a reservation online and called in to verify my information. Gale helped process my payment over the phone because I didn't want to use paypal. It was $19/night for a large-sized kennel. I attached a photo of the kennel my husky stayed in. She looked comfortable.The lobby is pretty and decorated in everything dog-related, even the push cards make little dog bone cut outs. I would recommend taking your pup here if you're gone for a week or even longer. The facility is large and maintained well. The kennels do not smell and they have a great check-in system. They ask to fax or email a record of up to date vaccinations before coming. The business asks you to first enter to fill out a few forms and check in dog beds and materials. After you finish checking in, you bring your dog to the side of the building to enter the kennels.I liked this system because it ensures the speediness of a check in. My dog is always tugging when I'm standing around filling out paperwork. Update for their hours is: Monday-Friday: 9am-2pm, 4pm-7pm (Closed 2pm-4pm) Saturday: Closed Sunday: 9am-7pm read more

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What a stellar operation Gillette Kennels is running. My dog was having issues with leash reactivity. I've been to 2 other trainers without much success. My first impression was great, and things only improved from there. It was easy to make an appointment, and since we were going for private sessions I was surprised how accommodating the receptionist was to meet my schedule. Kirk is an excellent and patient trainer. He is very informed and has decades of experience training dogs and teaching handlers. Best of all he explains what to do to correct a problem and demonstrates it with the dog. Then you, the handler, practice the exercise with his supervision. Kirk is so patient, and very easy to work with. (I wasn't at all sure what it would be like to have a male trainer working with us. It was really a fun experience, and not at all intimidating.) The environment is spotless. I've walked the indoor ring several times and it smells fresh and clean. I toured the kennels and runs, from the outside. They are sparkling. The boarded dogs seem happy and had lots of room to run, and also had a warm, cozy shelter to get out of the elements. The surrounding land is country, with pretty views and lots of clean fresh air. I have no hesitation to recommend Gillette's for training and for boarding. Happy Customer. read more

First let me preface this by telling you that I spent a couple days, off and on, calling around, even on Craigslist (pet walking service), and this was my overall choice. So to briefly sum up my research, I found that if I was to board in the Kalamazoo area the cost would run around $35 for the cheaper end and up to $50 (my vet actually charges this), house sitting was $20 but really what I was looking for given my options there. Majority of the kennels were tight enclosed places but you could pay to play if you will, which is always $3-5 bucks more, per dog (I have 2). I finally found Gillette Kennels and decided to take a chance without looking at the place. For 6 nights, it was ~$190 for the extra large indoor / outdoor kennel, playtime for each dog, every day, meds administered, and pick-up before 11am. Not only did I save money, but I was very impressed with the professionalism and state of the business when I arrived and after picking up the dogs. I even got a punch card for 20% off on my 4th board. If you're looking, I would highly suggest Gillette. read more

Gillette is my kennel of choice. I have been to one other and my dog got very sick. Gillette is clean, organized, prepared to meet your dogs needs and the dogs are well cared for. After staying at Gillette we never have any transitional issues when my dog comes home. The best part is she doesn't smell bad like she did after staying at the other kennel. The staff at the front desk are helpful and efficient. For an additional charge they will feed your dog 2x a day. You can pay extra for yard time and for personal time with one of the employees. They also have a punch card so you can earn a free night. I've already earned 2 free nights. I have also attended their puppy intro class and their obedience class. Kirk is an excellent trainer. The training room is clean and very large, which gives the dogs a lot of room. Because our dog has attended Kirk's classes I can also request a 15 minutes refresher class with Kirk for an additional fee. Gillette is a little farther out from way I live, but well worth the trip. read more

I am new to the Gillette Kennels establishment. I have had my 16 year old Golden Retriever there on several occasions in the past few months. During each visit, I have grown more and more impressed with the quality of knowledge, care, attention and kindness the staff has given my "old man"! After touring other kennels, I now understand, and truly appreciate, the attention to detail at Gillette Kennels. The excellence in care can be seen in the kennel structure, policies established with the staff and wonderful expectations that Kirk Gillette has developed in his kennel and training center procedures. After seeing Kirk working with the dogs, it is evident that he cares that the dog and owner understand all of the lessons taught. I have recommended Gillette Kennels to family and friends....and i will continue to do so. Thank you Gillette Kennels for the attentive kindness you have given to my "old man"! read more

This is the best kennel I have ever seen. Every time I go away I leave my 11 year old dog there and he is always well taken care of. Very nice people at front desk and it is always very clean. I have done training classes there the guy really knows how to train, just a great place for your dog! read more

We have boarded our dog here since he was a puppy. He gets very excited upon arrival, gets plenty of attention and goes for walks every day. Marci is the best and does a great job. We have known Kirk since before the kennels were built and have trusted him with several generations of dogs over the past 20 years. Obedience classes are great too. read more

What a outstanding facility.... Kirk is extremely knowledgeable and is a awesome trainer! My puppy just loves everyone there! I highly recommend this place for training, couldn't be happier!!! read more

UPDATE: Finally got training in and from what my wife tells me (didnt want to deal with them), Kirk is extremely knowledgeable and therefore I'm bumping up from 1 star to 2. The whole process leading up to consult was a major pain but given the knowledge, I'm willing to give them one more shot. read more