We have two German Shepherds. One of them is a 92 pound working shepherd thus a bit high maintenance. He tends to be vocal when he's excited and for people who are not familiar with the breed that can be intimidating. Also like a lot of working GSDs can be a bit particular with who they like. We over the years have struggled to find a kennel that we are comfortable leaving them with. I find that he goes running in wagging his tail when I drop him off. And I really appreciate the good humor that Robert shows with Kosmos. The second dog,Yasmin, is pretty easy she just follows along. read more

Heritage Kennel - Kosmos and Yasmín - Pet Boarding Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

1-Star Review - Extremely Disappointed - Would Not Recommend I boarded my two dogs at Heritage Kennel in Santa Cruz for four days and was very disappointed with the care they received. One of my dogs, Winnie, arrived with a paw wound. She was wearing a cone and sock, and I provided all the necessary supplies: gauze, bandages, and ointment, along with clear instructions for treatment. None of the supplies were used. When I picked her up, her paw was noticeably worse than when I dropped her off. Additionally, when I collected their bedding to take home and wash, there were dead bugs on the bottom. I also specifically requested anxiety medication for the dogs for the car ride home. I'm not sure if it was ever given -- the dogs were extremely anxious and distressed during the drive. If the medication had been administered as requested, they should have been calm and sleepy for the trip. For the price paid (including what appeared to be charges related to Winnie's paw treatment that was never provided), I expected basic care and follow-through on instructions. This felt like a complete failure of the "VIP treatment" I was hoping for. If dogs could talk, I'd love to hear exactly what happened (or didn't happen) while they were there. I will not be bringing my dogs back to Heritage Kennel. read more

Heritage Kennel - Winnie's paw. - Pet Boarding Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

We have used Heritage Kennel for at least 15 years, they are the best. We travel a lot and the dogs love to go!! The staff is friendly and know my dogs when we arrive. I would obviously highly recommend Heritage Kennel! Reggie can't wait to go in a couple of weeks! read more

Heritage Kennel - Reggie - Pet Boarding Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I love Heritage Kennel and so does my dog. It's an adorable boarding option for me and it gives me a peace of mind knowing how much the staff cares about my sweet girl. Thank you! read more

Heritage Kennel - Pet Boarding Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I have been using Heritage Kennel for over a decade with two different dogs. One was a pit mix, and now we have a terrier mix. Both dogs were adopted and had different levels of reactivity. In both cases the staff has always been great and while I know they would rather come with us, a least leaving them with Heritage I know they will always be safe and well cared for. The staff loves the dogs, and I appreciate them so much. read more

simple Kennel for long or short term stays. Prompt with communication and questions. very reasonably priced and friendly staff.

We went to visit this kennel to see if we would board one of our dogs. I almost started to cry because this facility was no better than putting my dog in a pound. There was only one person working there because the other was on vacation. Two people run this place. I was horrified to learn dogs are locked in the inside part of their kennel from 4:30pm-7:30 am. The kennels are small and depressing. I guess if you're desperate this place is better than nothing. I'd never leave my dog there. read more

Heritage Kennel is a fabulous place to bring your dogs. I tell my dogs days in advance that they are going to doggy camp, aka Heritage Kennel and they can't wait to go. They run inside without saying goodbye. read more

We have been taking our dogs to Heritage Kennel for decades and will use them as long as we have dogs. Hector and his people love dogs and it shows. read more

I've been sending my two dogs, Rocky (German Shepherd) and Poodle Watson ( 13 years old), to Heritage Kennel every time I go on vacation, and I couldn't be happier. They've stayed there three times now, and each visit has been excellent. The dogs are always safe, healthy, and clean when I pick them up. Robert, who takes care of the dogs, is incredibly friendly and kind, and I truly appreciate how much care he provides. The owner is great as well. Heritage Kennel is a trustworthy and reliable place for dog boarding--I highly recommend it! Shumin and Charles read more

Very good communication via email and by phone. I appreciate that it is a mountain area kennel because the smells are familiar to my dog. She is a hunting breed and sensitive. Heritage has been gentle with her and each time she goes she gets more comfortable with the trip there...she knows it's not the vet or the bath with nail trim...as we head up Happy Valley, she calms down and happily gets out. They "get" that my dog needs her space to engage slowly and I appreciate that so much! read more

Just returned from leaving our beloved Shepherd/malinois mix in the care of Heritage kennel for the past 11 days. From check- in to pick-up the staff were kind, accommodating and I felt at complete peace while we were away. At pick up, we noticed they had given him a bath, which was a nice surprise. He was well cared for, came home happy and healthy, and we will definitely be booking for our future travel needs. 10 out of 10. read more

Heritage Kennel - Pet Boarding Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I appreciate the no-frills kennel service at Heritage Kennel. The staff really understand dogs. They remain calm and confident around the dogs which I believe leads to a happier, calmer dog. I appreciate their professionalism and clear communication always answering my questions directly and thoughtfully. They have been great about working with my dog's dietary needs and raw food diet. I've used many other dog care services over the years and while I understand that lots of businesses try to ease the human's concerns over leaving their dog somewhere new by baby talking the dogs and interacting with them in a way that makes the dog jump around and get aroused, I do not believe that this is in the dog's best interest. If that's what you're looking for, this isn't a good fit for you. read more

We have a Great Pyrenees mix who is very nervous . She has been boarding at Heritage Kennels for weekend trips and for full weeks at a time. She comes home happy and we get some human time. The team here is great about getting back to us with reservations and works well with us and her. read more

Heritage Kennel - Pet Boarding Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

They were great. I have an anxiety ridden Husky mix and I took him here for his first Dog Boarding experience ever and it was great. Appa (my dog) was happy and healthy on the return. I was worried because of Appa's separation anxiety that sometimes leads to him acting out and there were no reported incident. They definitely helped me with my separation anxiety. Also were very helpful on which shots were needed for boarding and I was able to get them same day and still board. Overall great experience for a first time boarding experience. read more

Have used heritage kennel a few times for our Italian mastiff and he is such a clingy dog he doesn't come home nervous or anxious. He seems to be fine. He has a skin condition and this last time I took his cone with him so that he wouldn't lick his wounds raw and he came home his skin was a lot more clear which means they definitely coned him when he was alone or kept him busy not licking which made me happy! Definitely our go to! read more

We board our dogs here a lot. They're well cared for and always come home happy! Reasonably priced as well.

Heritage Kennel is our top choice for Typhoon and Winter when we travel. They're always well cared for and happy to see the team. We know our boys are safe here! read more

We board our 3 dogs here every time we go out of town. Our dogs are always happy to go, are well taken care of, and are happy and healthy when we return. I never worry about them while we're away! read more

My English Bulldog, Barnacle, loves to stay at Heritage when I go out of town. He's always happy when I pick him up. read more

Heritage Kennel - Barnacle Bulldog in the truck bed awaiting the beach. - Pet Boarding Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Great place to put our beloved dog during Christmas and New Year holiday... Strongly recommended read more

Heritage Kennel - Pet Boarding Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Our whippets love this place. They come home blissed out like they've been to some kind of hippie spa. We think it's the forest smell. Great staff, nice price, can't miss. read more

I absolutely love Heritage and don't know what I'd do without them. My dog can be a little anxiety ridden, but she loves it there and the staff always lets me know how much they love her back. Prices are more than reasonable, and I've never had a problem with the staff or their quality of care. Five stars through and through. Best kennel in Santa Cruz. read more

My dog loves it here! And the staff is fantastic. I travel a few times a month (short and long trips) and I don't know what I would do without them. I have an energetic, sometimes anxious, pitbull mix, and could not ask for a better home away from home for her. read more

What kind of voodoo magical dog whisper is Hector and the crew at Heritage Kennel?? Let's back this up. I have two dogs, Dotti and Finnegan. Dot is the sweetest gal on earth and wins the hearts of everyone who sees her. She is a spoiled breeze to care for (in fact people ask all the time if they can take her for a weekend) Fin on the other hand, is an asshole to be honest- but he is MY asshole and I love him. He only likes me and my son. He tolerates my husband. Everyone else he tries to bite in the ankle or hides in the room ignoring them until they go away. Don't get me wrong fin is the best good boy I could ever ask for but he doesn't like anyone but those in his circle of trust which is 2.5 people. We got Fin as a rescue and despite all efforts he is comfortable and ultra happy at home is the greatest dog with the hugest smile, but is agoraphobic and simply makes it known that he doesn't like anyone else or any change in his environment AT ALL. Because of this my husband and I have packed the kid and doggos in the car if we have to go away or just simply not left town at all because of Finnys antics. Our friend swore up and down that the people at Heritage kennel would change our lives. Hector did not disappoint or fall short of this promise. How is it this man can melt the ice of my adorable pooches heart??? When we came to pick him up after a family vacation he literally cling to hector doing his happy smile which he has only ever reserved for me and my kid. Fin doesn't like ANYONE yet somehow Hector is now in his inner circle. we've paid family members to come try to stop by to get to know him for months. We've tried classes. We've done everything. Somehow Hector the Dog Whisper won this guy over, made him super happy and they are besties. Fin was actually sort of sad to leave. Thank you for taking such great care of our fur kids so we could enjoy a weekend away! And because hector and the crew are so awesome we have decided to leave town again knowing they are in great hands. Peace of mind plus a dog whisperer. What else could anyone want?? read more

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Heritage Kennel is THE best. We have boarded our dogs there for the last 20 years and the staff is like family to us. They are caring, compassionate and they love our dogs like their own. Our boxers and bullmastiffs have always been well looked after. read more

Duke my GWP and I love working with this kennel in the woods. What makes this family business unique is the location tucked away in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz mountains about two miles off the 17, and the super experienced and easy-going folks who work there. The dogs are kept in outdoor/ indoor runs individually, and then brought to larger fenced in yards every few hours. It's a system that works well to maximize exercise, interest and enjoyment while minimizing any potential for drama. It's just Duke's speed, he comes back happy, fit and rested, like he's been to canine summer camp. I find the peaceful drive from the Peninsula the perfect bookend to any vacation or business trip. Super recommend. read more

Let me start by saying I rarely board my dog. He hates it. He's a rescue and clearly came from a situation where he was in a cage and just shuts down. Lucky for us we have a friend who stays with him most of the time. But he couldn't do it last time. I knew I needed to board my dog and that it would be good to find somewhere because we do travel. I heard about Heritage from a friend. I looked them up and read all the reviews. I called them and the staff was super nice and answered all my questions. We've boarded our previous dogs in other facilities around town but this one is closer to us. Fast forward to boarding day. My sweet 100 pound GSD was clearly scared. But the staff was very sweet and he was happy. They took his food and a toy and we were off. We came back a few days later to a happy dog. He wasn't overly freaked out or upset. I would not hesitate to go here again. I read some reviews saying it smelled like cat pee. I don't know what animal it smelled like but it smelled like every other boarding facility I've been to including the vets office. It didn't smell overly bad. Hey if you want a posh place where your dog has it's own tv and couch then this isn't the place. I wanted a place where I knew my dog would be cared for. That's what I got! read more

Where do I Begin... I had originally called about a month ago and gave the dates that I needed care for my Dog Everything seemed to be set. I called 2 days before just to make sure everything was up to part: The person who answered stated that the dates he had was from a previous week but nevertheless was able to take my dog. The day came to drop off my Dog and when I arrived he did not approach my dog nor did he engage in any way shape of form with him. Once in the office I asked if he could send me a pic or a small clip to give me peace of mind while out on vacation and replied " we have no reception here " however my phone was working perfectly fine when he asked me for the vet info so that was BS. During my time away I was not comfortable My daughter called to check on him and tried to give them a few pointers for my dog in care he was feeling anxious or stressed being in a unfamiliar place and his response was " He's not anxious why do people always think their dogs are, he's fine " I asked my daughter to pick him up on the following day. Sadly I don't know how things went w my dog but from past kennel experience I have never felt so uncomfortable leaving my dog anywhere like i did here. Please pay attention to their lack of sympathy and take your dog elsewhere. I will never bring my dog here again. read more

This review is a bit overdue, but better late than never, right? I've left my two large dogs at Heritage Kennel three times now over the past two years, for between 3 and 7 nights each time. Each time has been great, never had a complaint, but this last time is what really earned them a 5-star review. I returned to pick up my boys after their latest one week stay, to learn that my rottweiler had been experiencing frequent, explosive diarrhea since the day I dropped him off, and poor Hector had been having to deal with it the entire week! Angus is a big dog, and his poops are huge and disgusting and I felt so, so bad. I promise I did not know he had diarrhea or I would have said something! Anyway, Hector was very nice about it. He was clearly bummed about what happened, as anyone would be, but was very polite when he told me. He took care of Angus, washed him and his gigantic dog bed daily, if not more, and even found some cottage cheese to feed Angus and help settle his tummy. I felt really bad to have passed off a large, sick dog to Hector for a week, but he took it in stride. It made me feel really good to know how hard he worked to take care of Angus. The kennel is nothing fancy, with cement and chain-link fences for the kennels, but they're temperature-controlled, and the dogs get time to go outside each day if the weather is nice. The price can't be beat for what you're getting, and they definitely look out for the dogs. It's also a convenient location for mountain folks and they're open every day. read more

Great professional service from first call to reserve to the final point of pick up for our girls Stella & Blossom. We would always use your service if we were residents. Folks call Heritage Kennel. They know how to love your pets. read more

We rarely board our dogs, but needed to for a week! Great staff and really listened to our "wants" for our babies. We highly recommend Heritage Kennel! read more

I dropped of my dogs, Dotti and Finnegan, this morning. I of course felt a little nervous leaving them. Hector made me feel like I picked the right choice. Yesterday I took a tour of the facility and saw they keep it clean and climate controlled. When I arrived this morning I was greeted with a friendly voice and smile from Hector. He assured me my dogs will be treated with care. Thank you for making things easy and efficient. See you on pick up. read more

We tried this because we needed a kennel on short notice, it was in the neighborhood andgot good ratings. They gave me no introduction, seemed to have little interest when I tried to explain my dogs anxiety, and were vague when I asked questions about the dog recreation area and how often they were taken out to play. You get what you pay for here. It is inexpensive by my dog was returned with a cut on the nose that will be a lifelong scar and a hot spot about the size of a half dollar on her leg from anxious licking, no explanation was given for either and her separation anxiety went through the roof. We just picked her up from a week at another kennel. I had a totally different experience including a mandatory doggie day care trial along with photos and report card. They were clear that her anxiety was really high but did calm with lots of extra adult attention. Also that she did ok on the yard with a few dogs but not too many and tended to stay with the adults rather than the other dogs. This I expected. From heritage there was NOTHING. No explanation for he cuts and sores and I am not convinced they ever got out of the cages. It does seem thaey get good reviews so if you dog is calm and used to kenelling they might be ok but if you have nay concerns I would keep looking! Wish it had worked out. They would be really convenient. I gave them one star because they were polite on the phone. read more

First time boarding here..at first impression looked like a good place..w good yelp reviews..upon tour..the facilities were obviously prettied up for the website pics, truth is not very pretty or nice..just a kennel..it all went wrong at check out...was there 2 day s billed for 3..my dog was happy to be back w me..upon closer inspection found a shock collar they forgot to remove or mention they would use..had it been mentioned, i would have never boarded here and will never again..my dog came back very dirty and smelling bad...odd cause he had a bath 2 days prior to picking him up Very dissapointed read more

I have boarded my German Shepherd at Heritage several times, and recently boarded my new McNabb with the shepherd. They are both sweet dogs, but each has their issues... The GSD is fearful of new people, and guarded around some dogs, and the McNabb is afraid and sometimes even aggressive towards new dogs. I explained their quirks, and hoped for the best. When I returned to pick them up, I found two happy, healthy, and worn out dogs! Hector said they were both really well behaved, even around other dogs!! They aren't allowed to mingle, but can still see and hear other dogs in the kennel while they are staying there. They both ate well, which is good, since sometimes the shepherd can be a picky eater when she is nervous. My pups were separated for mealtimes, per my request, which I appreciate. And there were no issues with giving meds to one of my dogs. I seriously can't recommend this place enough. I'm always a bit worried that my dogs won't do well in someone else's care, but those worries completely go away at Heritage Kennel! Thank you Hector and your crew for taking such wonderful care of Zoe and Shiloh! read more

Heritage Kennel - Shiloh and Zoe - Pet Boarding Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Simply put, Heritage Kennel is one of the best places in the South Bay to take your dog when you need to board him/her. My family and I have been taking our dogs to Heritage for over ten years now. Here are some very simple reasons why Heritage deserves 5 stars: 1. Jay and his staff are not only usually very nice, but also fun and conversational. 2. As mentioned by a previous reviewer, every time I take my dog to Heritage, she goes in happy, comes home happy. 3. This is a Los Gatos "mom and pop shop", which means that you get a local business that you can build a relationship with, that will know you and your dog. That personal touch is nice - you pet owners know exactly what I'm talking about here. 4. Their rates are VERY affordable! Sadly, I'm moving to San Francisco soon, but chances are that for many trips, I'll still end up boarding my dog with Heritage - that's a testament to how great they are! read more

Easy to work with, happy dogs, open 7 days a week...worth the extra time to pick up and drop off from our home in San Jose for the good prices, easy to make reservations and great prices. We are a 6 dog family (mostly large dogs, 2 med.)! I found Heritage while bathing one of our dogs at the lcoal Pet Food Express in Campbell. A woman next to me was bathing 2 dogs and we were chatting when she mentioned that they just got out of a kennel for a week+ and she wanted to get them smelling good again on the way home. I mentioned that I know how expensive boarding can be and she shared that her kennel was very reasonable and worth the trip to Scotts Valley from San Jose for longer stays. So I gave Heritage a call, went in for a visit to check them out and have used them for several long weekends in 2010 and expect to do more in 2011. Very happy with Heritage. I like the idea of having dogs at 24 hr playtime places but due to cost and the fact that 2 of our dogs do not always play well with others - have found Heritage to be the perfect combo - they get inside/outside area runs and then are also put in seperate outdoor runs (covered) a few times during the day for no extra charge. read more

This special place has been such a blessing for us, Fifi is an elder bishon Frise. I have had to board her for a few months Most days of the week. Hector and hand John have been professional kind caring accommodating. This place is the most reasonably priced place in the county at more than 50% less than other "fancier" places thAt actually have bee. Known to be $70/night on holiday, Heritage keeps it real and consistent! Appreciate always read more

Took great care of our pup for two weeks. The business is clean and organized. She came home happy and we noticed she didn't jump as much after we picked her up. We are very happy with Heritage Kennel! read more