We all know accidents happen and dogs are like children in that they get hurt by simply playing with one another. The question is, if something were to happen to your beloved dog - or in my case, fur-child - would you trust that Howie's aka Tony Morales would do the right thing? Long story short, we moved from NYC to LA (during the height of the pandemic). While I was diligent to do my research I found Howie's enrollment/temperament test to be similar to other daycares we've been to, so I knew my pup would pass with flying colors. Upon arriving to the facility, sure, the facility where the dogs actually stay can use an update/freshness, but still, I wanted to give them a chance as small business owners. You know when they say listen to your gut? I should have! I waited upfront until the end of the "test" and then Tony called me back to check him out. I was surprised that my dog was not running around playing actually, none of the dogs were. They were all crowding around a corner and when I looked over the fence, my pup was up against the fence looking at me like "get me out of here". But still I was like, well we just got off a plane (literally) and it's an all new environment. Next day, Tony picks up my pup from the hotel in a shabby van with old rusted crates, again, another flag. Later that day, I called to check in on my pup and Tony reassured me he was doing great and was being given a few timeouts to rest which I was relieved to hear. At the end of the day, which was at closing, I went to pick up my pup and make a reservation for the next two days. When my pup came out from back he was excited to see me but we all notice a large glob of shiny slobber on his head...so we thought. Tony even apologized for not cleaning him up and I was like, it's ok, they are dogs, they get dirty. I go to pet him on the head and my pup winces and doges my hand...weird. Once I get him back to the hotel, we both eat and settle down on the sofa to relax. While I start to wipe him down that's when I notice it. The glob of slobber was actually a glob of blood. He had a large gash on this head where the hairs were embedded into the wound. I quickly ran to CVS to get a first aid kit and clean up the wound. I also called and texted Tony to alert him. Tony texted and called the next day to apologized and he assured me that this rarely happens but that he would take responsibility and directed me to the closes vet in the area. I asked him how did no one see that my dog had been injured?? Aren't you watching the dogs at all times?? He said, you can watch dogs all day and they still get hurt....but no they don't watch them the entire time...WHAT? This is where I made the mistake not to check/ask how they supervise the dogs in their care. What comes next is texts and phone calls over the course of the last few months...this happened in November 2020 and it's now April 2021 and still Tony has been dodging my emails/phone calls and NOT taking responsibility...as he said he would or as he put it "he wasn't going to f**k me over". The first excuse was that his daughter had been beaten up and was in the hospital. He said that his problem was way more important than my problem so I would have to wait. Ok fine. I extended my sympathy, and I would follow up again. After a few more calls/emails, a few weeks later he said there was a check waiting in his office for 100$ bucks. I reminded him that I sent the vet bill and it was for 201. He said, oh send me the bill again and I'll mail you the check. More weeks go by and no check. I call him again. I email again, and text him again. Nothing. In March, I sent the final email saying please pay the vet bill or I would follow up with legal action. He finally returns my email and says that the vet bill doesn't look right and that he would call the vet and have the vet provide the right bill...uhm sorry what? I called the vet and they assured me that they would not and could not share private medical/personal information like that. Did I mention I literally forwarded the email from the Vet's office with the bill.... So here we are months later, and nothing. I know it's cliché to say it's not about the money, and it's not. It was about Tony doing the right thing. So I say again, if something were to happen to your dog would you trust that Tony would do the right thing? Would you take a chance that your family pet/ a member of your family, would be safe here? Or do you get what I got? An injured pet that now winces anytime you pet his head....so what did really happen to my pup? Was he hit? Is the facility even safe? So caution... read more

The old reviews here are ridiculous. Howie's is a fantastic doggy daycare. After my doggo "failed" the temperament tests at two other daycares because she "kept trying to play with dogs who didn't want to play", we went to Howie's. Having much more reasonable standards, they admitted her. I was a bit nervous about her first day and half-expecting her to get kicked out for being troublesome..but no! My dog fit in perfectly at Howie's and made friends right away. Just by being around the other dogs, she is able to learn how to socialize better--and this is what my dog always needed! Previously, she kept getting kicked out of daycares but truthfully she just needed more daycare experience to mature. Thanks to Howie's, she was given that experience and is now growing into a polite and friendly angel. Please give Howie's a shot. Especially if you've tried other daycares in the South Bay and didn't care for how they take themselves a little too seriously. I hope one day they set up a couple cameras with streams for us to watch the doggos play! read more

***Howie's Doggie Day Care does not accept Staffordshire Terriers, Pit mixes, Rottweilers or Akitas. Crucial information that is completely absent from their website.*** Though I disagree with their decision to prohibit certain breeds from the facility, it's their business and the owner, Tony Morales, can run it how he sees fit. However, I have a huge issue with my time and money being wasted after I went out of my way to adhere to his requirements for admission, which it turns out aren't even accurate! I went back and reviewed the website to make sure I wasn't going crazy and nowhere does it state that they don't accept certain breeds. Not in the acceptance of terms. Not on the home page. Not even on the eligibility page! How is it that such a crucial piece of information is completely omitted? Not only that, but they have a pit mix pictured in their web banner! I also had a detailed conversation about the vaccination requirements during which they never questioned me about the breed of my dog. If they don't accept certain breeds, why not ascertain this information from potential clients so as not to waste their time? I went to the vet this morning at 7:30 am in order to get the vaccination that they require for admission. Even though my vet recommends my dog receive this only once a year, the doggie day care said he has to get Bortedella every 6 months. My dog is 9 years old and the last thing I want to do is pump his body full of drugs he doesn't need. Once I arrived at Howie's for the meet & greet, Tony revealed to me that he doesn't accept Staffie-Pit mixes and his "apology" was unsatisfactory to say the least, especially after having wasted my time and money. And my poor dog left feeling rejected. Sniffle, sniffle. I've told Tony I'd be posting on Yelp and requested that he update his site and other company communications to reflect his breed restrictions. I'd hate for another person to have to go through such an ordeal just to provide their dog with a boarding option. read more

Howie's Doggie Day Care - A pit mix is in their website design, even though they don't accept the breed! - Pet Sitting Near Me - El Segundo, California

Sadly Howies Doggie Day Care is out of business. The owners were fantastic for many years to my dogs. The owners loved all the pets that stayed with them. I could not find any info on line so I drove over today. It's history :( read more

Been using Howie's off and on for years for when we travel. I've always had a good experience with staff and with scheduling. The space is large which is nice so plenty of room for the dogs to run around. read more

I stopped in to Howie's Doggie Day Care today for a visit/tour of their facilities as I am looking for a daycare closer to home for my dog. I parked in back and walked up the side of the building near their extremely small (sidewalk-sized) outdoor area that reeked of urine and general stench. The smell was overpowering. That was alarming...I want my daycare to be clean! Once I was inside, I was stared at by a surprised-looking/worried man who obviously didn't expect my visit or was willing to give tours. Without greeting me, I let him know I was looking for a new daycare and drove by so I'd like to see the facilities (this was around 2PM on a Tuesday). He was extremely wishy washy and gave the impression that he didn't want to show us the back. He asked me what kind of dog I had (how does this have anything to do with your daycare??) and I told him that I have a mutt...he's a rescue dog from the shelter. After tap-dancing around my request to view the facilities, he finally asked what my dog looked like and if he looked like a pit at all (which he assumed, since I got my dog from the shelter). I told him...maybe a little, but we're not sure of his mix, and he has a very mellow temperament and is Canine Good Citizen certified. He's been to daycares in the past and has letters of recommendation. However, since I said my dog was a mutt from the shelter, he just assumed he was a pit mix. He then refused to show me the facilities due to "insurance purposes".... All in all, I had a horrible first-time experience at this daycare. Usually daycare employees are friendly and welcoming, while this one was sketchy and very creepy. I'm not sure why he had so much hesitation about showing me the premises, but I would be worried about bringing my pet here. How can you trust someone like that? Even despite the creepy employee, the facilities (from what I could see) looked run down and smelled extremely bad. My current daycare smells like cleaning products, while this one smelled like festering urine and feces. The sign on the front door into the daycare is made out of paper. The walls have holes and cracks in them. The outdoor area appeared to be cluttered with junk and rubbish. Please don't take your pet here. There are so many other options that seem way more trustworthy and on the "up and up" than this place. Poor puppies. :( read more

My active large 9 month old needs socialization and exercise, and Howie has been excellent during this development stage. I have more confidence in them than other facilities I have tried in the area. Although there are many facilities in Westside or Southbay, there aren't many places that provide SUPERVISED plays. That doesn't mean a temp person with a water bottle - it means having people who watch dogs to make sure rough plays don't escalate into a fight, while allowing the dogs to socialize and exercise. I think it requires "Alpha" individuals who commands natural order in a playground -- like having a solid teenage camp manager lead a game in a toddler playground. Everyone knows immediately to follow the rules - and there are no exceptions. Dogs are packed animals - and that presence is necessary before a dog takes that leadership. Howie's people seems to provide that role very well -- and as a result, I think they provide secured environment for dogs to be more free. Anyway, where other places had 3 fights every month, this facility may have 3 in a year according to my dog trainer (who is not associated with the facility, but heard from his clients). Anyway, I'm glad I've switched. My dog is very socialized and tired even when staying for half day. I recommend it. read more

Howie's Doggie Day Care is a fantastic place to keep your pet happy and well exercised. Tony and his crew really take care of the dogs there, with daily rates, overnight boarding, supervised group play, etc. They also have pick up and drop off services as well. Highly recommended! read more

Our 1.5 year old Golden puppy was "rejected" by Down Dog Lodge for being too intense in play (he was a puppy!) so we took him to Howie's. Tony, the owner, and the entire staff observed him and deemed his play/energy level to be appropriate for his age and welcomed Ozzie into their pack. We've now been there for over a year and couldn't be happier! It isn't as "glamorous" as DDL but who cares? Ozzie is thrilled to be there and loves all the staff! read more

I love Howies; better still, my pup Finny loves it. You can't deny the love when the dog pulls limbs out of sockets to get inside. There he is greeted by a very professional staff who clearly love dogs. All the employees cater to Finny's needs. They understand his silly personality and give him tons of love and chew toys. I feel he is well cared for and highly love. Mike and Ronnie are especially attentive to my boy. Also, I've found everyone especially accommodating. If I have to come in early or late, they will make arrangements. If I need them to pick him up or drop them off, they will. And if I forget to pay, they work with me. Howie's has been home for Finny and I for the three years of his life. My sister and mother also take their dogs there. We're all delighted with Howie's read more

My dog loves this place. He is so happy every time I pull up to howies day care. He is a rescue and when I first got him he was very shy and more on the anxious side. He now is a very happy doggy that has lots of friends and loves other doggies. I believe howies helped him a great deal. It is a very dog centered doggy day care. It is not super clean, the dogs aren't ever in cages and the dogs generally seem to be running around enjoying life, sniffing butts and playing with one another. It is not a place I, as a human would want to hang out in because it's a giant doggy play house, but my doggy, he absolutely loves it and that's what matters the most to me. Tony the owner is reliable and easy to communicate with. Ronny an employee there, my dog is obsessed with, maybe he loves her as much as he loves me. Which makes me so happy because I never feel badly leaving town if he's with either of them. My doggy sometimes comes home very stinky and a little dirty, but I won't really expect anything less since he's running around playing with other dogs. They offer baths for your dog so they can be clean before pick up ( for a fee) if it's a big deal to you to have a dirty and or potentially stinky dog, but usually I bath my dog after his Howie play dates at home. So if you want a place that the staff is very friendly, easy to work with, responsible and your dog will likely love, this is your place. Oh they also offer pick up and drop off service which has been a life saver in emergency situations. Couldn't ask for anything more! read more

I was on a walk in my neighborhood (Westchester; 85th Street between Emerson and Kentwood) when I approached the Howie's Doggie Day Care van. A male employee of the company had three medium-sized dogs on leashes, and the dogs began barking because I was approaching. The employee lifted his arm and hit one of the dogs so hard that the dog cowered in pain and fear. The employee then proceeded to yell loudly at the dog. While I'm not a dog owner, I would never ever leave a dog in the care of Howie's Doggie Day Care after seeing how their employees abuse the animals in their care. This employee may be under-trained or just a bad apple, but I witnessed an unequal use of power and punishment on a dog that did not deserve it. read more

I took my dog to Howie's Doggie Daycare in El Segundo for several years when I went on vacations. He enjoyed playing with the others dogs. One of the employees was particularly great. But on my last vacation, the girl "supervising" the dogs on a Sunday morning displayed a cruel lack of concern for my dog that nearly killed him. And Tony, the owner of Howie's, didn't act as if he cared much more than she did!!!! The Howie's employee watched my dog in distress with a deadly condition called "bloat" for HOURS and did nothing. Bloat can kill in minutes. When an employee for the next shift arrived and she told him about my dog, he insisted they call the owner, Tony. Tony told them to call my emergency contact. My contact was horrified at my dog's condition and asked that they take my dog to a hospital immediately. The employee on the phone told my contact "NO, you come and get him." It took my contact a half hour to drive to Howie's to get my boy. She was on the phone to my vet as she drove, trying to find a good hospital for my dog. I am just incredibly lucky that my dog lived...after surgery and two weeks of agonizing recovery. The hospital vet said he could have died in less than 30 minutes. Any good facility that cares for dogs has a written policy to take a dog to a vet immediately when that dog is bloating. Bloat is a well known condition among those who care for dogs. And more importantly, Tony, the owner of "Howie's" NEVER contacted ME about my dog. He never wrote. He never phoned. He never apologized. He never asked ME how my dog was doing. I heard absolutely NOTHING from Tony or anyone else at Howies. I was, and still am, shocked at Tony's behavior. I know lots of people take their dogs to Howies and have no problems. I was one of those people for awhile. But a good dog owner should want to know how responsible and caring Tony ---and every one of his employees--are in a crisis. Tony and the particular employee who was watching my dog proved they barely cared at all. I was paying them to safeguard one of the most precious things in my life, and they weren't willing to do as much to save my dog's life as I would have done for free for a stranger's dog. If you really love your dog, you'll go elsewhere. read more

I read about the review written on 1/5/15 by someone who "allegedly" witnessed dogs being abused by Howie's Doggie Day Care. I am the owner of the dogs the review was written about and I know this did not happen. I have had my dogs with Howie's for over two years and I have nothing to say but great things about them. NEVER has a hand been placed on these dogs. Perhaps it was the viewers misunderstanding of hand language that is used in commanding dogs (one of which is to raise the hand with palm up and ask them to sit and stay) since she is not a dog owner. Howie's has always been very professional and accommodating in so many ways. I have had elderly dogs as well as very active puppies with them. The owner personally sees to their medical care when needed, either routine and emergent I have always been informed about what he thinks is happening and I am always consulted before any decisions are made. I regularly visit the site, and all the staff are just as professional. They ALL treat the animals as if they were their own. Amazingly, they know each animals's names and personalities. The staff even keep special needs dogs with them in their work area so that they can get the special attention and socialization they may need. Finally, I have observed behind closed doors the pick-up and drop-off of my dogs from the home, most recent this morning. I have never witnessed any kind of abuse. The dogs are pining at the gate, waiting to be taken to daycare. An abused or fearful dog does not jump up and down and wait for abuse to come their way. Most recently I had one of my dogs get hut during the night. Howie's owner helped me to get the dog medical attention as well as care for it, applying warm compresses three times a day in addition to administering antibiotics, for 10 days, all for no additional fees. read more

After reading the previous posts, I wondered if I should try it. But I did and am happy with my choice. I had previously taken my dog to the other local dog day care but was quickly informed that my dog had issues and needed a lot of training which they could provide. The employees at Howie's really love dogs. On subsequent visits, my dog jumped on them and greeted them enthusiastically. She had no seperation anxiety when I dropped her off. They knew her name, even though I only use them about twice a month!! This made me a fan immediately. Recently, my dog was attacked by another dog while at a dog park. This makes her defensive, but the staff at Howie's actively watches the dogs and keeps jostling from escalating into fights. This makes me feel very comfortable. The final kudo goes to the "washing staff"! My pretty girl comes home smelling so wonderful, looking beautiful, and all that extra hair gone! read more

We have been taking our dogs to Howie's for 9 years. Tony and Mike and the rest of the staff are amazing. We started taking our first dog when he was 2 years old after he escaped from a dog sitter's backyard. That dog had major separation anxiety, but he loved going to Howie's! Our newest dog, a 6 month old lab/boxer mix, has been going to Howie's the past month and runs to the play area without looking back at us. After 9 years of dealing with a business, you get a good feeling of how it is run and this place is run exceptionally well. I would highly recommend it. read more

My dog loves this place as much as I do. Wonderful staff. I wouldn't board my dog anywhere else! And it's right on the way to LAX which makes it so easy! read more

Our active border terrier loves Howies. When I tell him that he's going to Howies he starts jumping up and down with excitement. The staff seem to treat him with so much warmth. He always wants to stay and play more when I pick him up. That's the best sign of great dog care! read more

Howies is the best! Our 2 dogs have been going there nearly since Tony started the business! When we get near to the building they get so excited. It's like Disneyland for them! We have gone on many vacations and won't trust our dogs with any other kennel for overnight boarding. A few times BEFORE Howie's, we took our Siberian Husky to another South Bay kennel a few times and it was over crowded, not enough handlers and my dog came home with bites. Howie's has a staff that loves the dogs, gives great baths, and has the best facility we have seen. No over crowding, no dogs with a vicious temperment, and great caretakers. And I will say it again...our dogs are ecstatic for each visit. Actions speak louder than words! read more

Howie's is the BEST! I checked out a bunch of the local daycare centers for my pup. Some were fancier but those didn't have the personal attention that I wanted! The crew is loving and fill me in on my dogs activities every time I am there. Who needs fancy when you can have loving. I highly recommend to all. I even carry their cards in my bag and hand them out to anyone interested in a great place for dogs. read more

Dropped my dog off for three hours to try out a new place and got back a dog covered in pee and absolutely filthy. My dog is typically very overwhelmingly excited when I pick him up from other daycare places and he just slowly moped outside to me. I didn't realize how filthy he was until I left. He was acting strange for the next few hours. Finally back to his normal self now that we're home. Never ever returning again read more

HELLO, i was dun driving on prospect and you dun cut me off in yo work van, you was litteraly driving erybody off the road. Iv never been there but with that kind of conducing i aint dropping my kid there no more read more

Have taken my dogs to Howie's for 10 years and have been consistently happy with the care, love and attention they give the dogs. Mike is the best as are all of the employees. My dog is ALWAYS thrilled to be there. It is his home away from home read more

I recently moved to El Segundo and had never experienced a dog daycare facility in my life! Never even heard of them. I moved from out of town from a large home with a nice sized yard to an apartment with not even a Patio. I had 2 Siberian Huskies and you have no idea what my apartment look one day of leaving one of them home alone while the other one was at work with me. I finally decided to try doggie daycare, so I visited several ones in El Segundo. Only Howie gave me a tour and an immediate appointment. My Shadow has been attending "daycare" weekly and has enjoyed it so much. When I take him there he takes off thru the doors without looking back ready to play. When I pick him up he is very happy and when we get home he is so tired he passes out. The staff are the best, the kids that work there really love dogs and they treat them well. I have never seen them mistreat any animal. I am happy with Howie's and recommend it to anyone. read more

My Boston Terrier Sebastian and I love Howies!! The first time I left him there I had separation anxiety but my puppy was welcomed and he quickly made friends with other dogs and the staff. He is absolutely in love with Walt! I can tell the staff love their jobs and my dog is soo happy there he will barely pay me any attention once we walk through doors. I can leave town knowing he is cared for and having a good time. He comes home happy, well fed and soo tired!! It;s wonderful! I totally recommend Howie's for your dog. read more

I have been taking my dog to Howie's for the past two years and I am very satisfied with the services that they provide. After playing there for a day, my dog comes home exhausted and sleeps for about three days. If I have listened to the reviews that some of these people gave then I might have not known what a great facility this place really is. The staff are very loving and caring towards mine and the other dogs at their facility. I have never had a problem at all and always seem to get a "good report" after picking up my baby. I am VERY SATISFIED with the services that have been given to me and my pup! read more

After looking at several doggie daycare's before the holiday's, I am happy that I found Howie's Doggie Daycare. The employees were nice and knowledgeable. My dogs were happy and began playing right away. I called several times during there stay and the employees did not seem bothered that I was checking on my dogs. I also enjoyed Howie's facebook page because they had a picture of my dogs playing. Howie's Doggie Daycare is a great play to take your dogs. read more

I heard of Howies Doggie Daycare through some of my friends and have been taking my lab to Howies every time I go on vacation and can't believe i haven't written a single review for this great business! The very first time when I went to Howies, I was greeted by their friendly staff who were eager to help me and the interview process went very smooth and I was so satisfied. I have been given such a great blessing when I go on vacations that i can trust such a great company, THAT i CAN TRUST! I have been to a doggie daycare down the street, forgot the name, and i am so satisfied with their customer service compared to the staff at Grateful. Even though their place is larger, everything was a big inconvenience and I was not even allowed to see the facility when I was interviewing my dog there. If you truly love your dog, Howies is the place to go! read more

We have been bringing our lab mix Rocco to Howies for years. He LOVES it and jumps on the door when we get there to drop him off, he is so excited to play all day at Howies. we checked out Gratefull Dogs also, which is also in El Segundo and they had 10000 rules and were very uptight, did not seem to even like dogs, which was a turn off. We decided on Howies because Mike and Tony and Walt and the rest of the staff truly love dogs. Rocco enjoys being there, which is obvious so that tells me he has a good time when he goes there. Dogs are simple, if they have a bad experience somewhere, they are not excited to go back! We leave Rocco at Howies when we go on vacations, and we know he is well cared for and getting plenty of excercis. We also leave him for a full day of fun every few weeks for the socialization and the break from his daily walks for us! It is a wonderful place to keep your pet, when we pick Rocco up, he's always happy and TIRED! read more