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    It's a Dog's Life

    4.2 (112 reviews)
    Closed • 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

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    Response time

    9 hours

    Response rate

    50%

    Services - It's a Dog's Life

    Private dog training

    Pet boarding

    It's a Dog's Life Photos

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    Reviews With Photos

    Dog
    Cerce H.

    It truly is a dogs life, lots of friends to play with and plenty of fun to be had. Everyone loves our dogs, and works hard to ensure our best friends receive the very best care.

    When we picked her up after 2 days at the kennel

    Do not use this place. We took our dog here bc they were recommended by a different kennel. They informed me that they post on Instagram to give us updates of the dogs and the last post on Instagram is from 2017 so that was a lie number one. . I called to check on her and they said she has a LITTLE bit of separation anxiety but that was it they didn't go into a lot of detail. And then when we picked her up, this is how we picked up our dog. Her nose is cut up and it looks like she has a gash on her nose. We obviously got upset with the staff that was there because they didn't call us prior to us picking her up to inform us that our dog was injured. And then the first thing they said to us was that she ran into the door on the run that was line number two. , when we called bullshit, they then said well yeah she might've rubbed her nose a little bit on the kennel . A little???? When I finally got to talk to James the owner, he had no empathy for what happened to her face while I trusted them to take care of her. He proceeded to tell me that he doesn't think my dog is a good fit for the kennel like no shit James you will never take care of my dog. I would not trust this place to take care of a dog. I'm not someone that makes reviews because I don't even like yelp but i'm trying to help someone else so that they don't have to go through this traumatizing experience of picking up their loved one and having them be injured and then having the staff blame you and your dog for the dog being injured.

    What a true relief to find It's a Dog's Life for Gracie! Everyone is kind, friendly and smiling and that goes a long way. Gracie starts whining when we turn onto Skillman and by the time we get there she can't wait to get out of the car. The staff is always happy to give you an update and it is also one stop for baths and nails! Do give it a try. Pamela

    Mousie

    I've been boarding my dog's at IDLP for over seven years. The staff is amazing and the facility is excellent. They put the dogs into play groups based on size and temperament. Karen's staff are not just good employees, but obvious dog lovers. My energetic 2yo mutt absolutely loves this place. Shout out to James, John, Chloe, Jasmine and Ingrid for caring for my "Mousie" so wonderfully. A+++

    Our pack is grateful!! Joy-white Romeo-brown Adobe-grey and Bebe- Black and Tan
    Melissa S.

    I haven't taken my dogs here yet but if I ever need to, this is where they will go. I called when I was about to be evacuated due to wild fires and they were so accommodating and went above and beyond to make sure if I needed it, my dogs would have a safe place to go so it would be one less thing I would have to worry about if we had to evacuate and I am so grateful!!

    Beautiful exterior and great accommodations for pups!
    Kate M.

    Thank you fellow Yelpers as I found this business on YELP:)! It was very promising from the beginning as it had great reviews, fair rates for nightly boarding and professional & nice people answering the phones. I also liked that the dogs get to roam around the property freely with the other dogs during the day and are only put in the "kennel type area" at night. Every time I drop off and pick up, I interact with friendly and professional employees which leave me feeling comfortable leaving my dog. I also have to give whoever gives the pups baths major props. My little guy was SO clean and fluffy when I picked him up- just like the groomers; actually better! I strongly recommend this business for dog boarding!

    Happy dog at It's a Dog's life!

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    1 month ago

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    24 days ago

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Karen D.

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    7 months ago

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    Karen D.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    My Sally loves, loves, loves going to It's a Dog's Life. The staff is really great and they treat the dogs really well.

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    3 years ago

    Great place run really well by local owner who takes great care. The only place o take my dogs when I go away

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    The best place to board your dog or take for daycare. Great staff, nice rustic location. The dogs all seem to have a lot of fun.

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - It's a Dog's Life

    Review Highlights - It's a Dog's Life

    “. They are so calm and organized here, Karen is truly a knowledgeable professional in the dog and staff world”

    Mentioned in 19 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Fit N Furry Pet Resort - BBQ'ing up the turkeys this morning for the Turkeys for Canine Event!

    Fit N Furry Pet Resort

    (265 reviews)

    My very active 12 month old dog was in need of training. I have two cats which she followed around…read moreand she was dominating the living room. She was also lacking social skills like knocking me over at a doorway or jumping up on everyone. Our little girl spent 7 days boarding with Fit n furry for training. The fabulous trainer Marie Haven did a great job. On the last day we went for a human training class. We were taught human skills to continue her training. Marie worked wonders. My dog is in check with my cats, off the furniture, she waits at doorways and leaves things when told. I am much happier at home and I believe my dog is too. Marie is very patient, supportive, knowledgeable and kind. She is the perfect trainer.

    This is a great example of an organization where one hand doesn't talk to the other. The level of…read morenon communication is pretty astounding. I called Fit N Furry to talk to them about boarding my cats. I received a text message back from Bailey and we had a text conversation, and got a tour set up. On the day of the tour, I called the center just to confirm and they had no idea what I was talking about. I was told there was no one there that would be able to give me a tour. The person on the tour scheduled me for a tour weeks away. I texted the original number back and asked what had happened. I actually asked them if they were human, because I'd had experiences before of AIs just not forwarding information to a human. But I was assured, via text, that I was speaking to a human and that they were sorry and their manager would reach out shortly. (To this day no one has reached out.) Weeks went by and I went in for my rescheduled tour. I walk in and they had no record of a tour but they would be happy to show me around. Just fill out this form. I filled out the form. The person at the desk looks at my form and goes "oh, your cats are too old to board here." Excuse me? After all this, my cats are ineligible anyway? At this point I had spent 3 hours in the car and who knows how long on the phone and text with them, getting at this sorted out. If this is the level of organization that is visible from the outside, I shudder to think what the behind-the-scenes organization looks like.

    Cutie Pawz

    Cutie Pawz

    (27 reviews)

    North Oakland

    We recently moved back to the Bay Area and were really concerned about finding a responsible, safe…read morespace for our good boy to stay when we go out of town. We came across Cutie Paws online. Their reviews were good and they are close to us, so we booked a four night stay for the July 4th holiday weekend. Drop-off went great ...but I was still a bit worried since it was his first time there. My concerns were all swiftly put to rest. Wendy and Mantin took amazing care of our pup, sent photos and videos (their place is very cute and charming with a lovely backyard). We just picked him up and he is very happy and well cared for. I am so glad I found them and would recommend without hesitation.

    I can't say enough good things about this boarding experience. My dog, Lola, can be a little…read moresensitive with new environments, but they treated her like she was part of their own family. From the moment I dropped her off, I felt completely at ease. They were attentive, communicative, and genuinely invested in her comfort and well-being. I received regular updates, photos, and notes about how she was settling in, which meant the world to me. It's clear they understand dogs on an individual level -- their personalities, quirks, and routines. When I picked Lola up, she was relaxed, happy, and clearly well cared for. No stress, no overwhelm -- just a tired pup who had a great time. The facility was clean, safe, and thoughtfully run, and I appreciated how organized and responsive the staff were. I absolutely recommend this place to anyone who wants their dog cared for with kindness, consistency, and real attention to detail. Lola will definitely be coming back!

    It's a Dog's Life - pet_training - Updated September 2026

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