Diane and her staff are awesome and this is hands down the best dog day care/boarding place I have ever brought Cali (our dog) to. I highly recommend them! Metro dog has gone way above and beyond a number of times for us and our dog. They are real professionals who take great care of their customers and great and meticulous care of my dog. Thank you!!!!! read more

If you are considering leaving your dog here, please consider my first experience with them. I left my dog for boarding on 6/24/17. When I picked her up a day and a half later ALL of her food was returned unprepared and unserved. When I got home, I also counted her pills and saw none of them had been given. I contacted Metro Dog at 3:30 and was assured it was being escalated to a "supervisor" who was "significantly above (her) pay grade" and I would be called in 10 minutes. I called back a half hour later and was told there was no one of authority there and no one he could call. I told him that if he didn't get on the phone and start calling people I would come picket here. I called back at 4:30, still not having heard from anyone and the woman who answered and called herself a "part-owner" said my dog had been given her pills. I explained for the umpteenth time that the same number of pills had been returned as I brought in. She said, "I'm sure you think that's what you see." Yes, she really said that. Then when I told her I counted them three times and confirmed the pill count against the vet order she said, wait for it, "I'm sure you think that's right." I am asking this woman to help me find out if my dog was given some other dog's medication, not to mention that she interrupted a course of antibiotics (thankfully prophylactic for post-operative care). And then she apparently thought all of this was funny because she started laughing at me. Yes, really. Do you really want to do business with these people. This is who you are entrusting you beloved animal. I beg you to consider this decision. read more

The young dog-handlers were friendly; some seemed less than enthusiastic to be around dogs, however, whenever we see them at the dog park. We weren't sure how well trained they all were with dogs. We've had a pretty good experience with metro dog for about 6 months or so. They always said our dog was gentle and sweet. Then out of the blue, we started hearing complaints from them that our dog was getting too rambunctious for the play groups and they recommended that he "graduate" into private daycare and boarding (i.e. we have to pay more if we want to continue to use their services). We spoke with different dog handlers at different times about the "problem" and heard different excuses: "your dog played too much and the other dogs didn't like it", "your dog is not suited for our structure". No consistency in their narrative. Pluses: flexible hours and a young friendly staff. Minuses: they like to "graduate" your dog to a private boarding situation -- the owner cares most about $$$. read more

Back again! Different dog and different issues. I actually can't leave my dog at home alone anymore, he has anxiety. Metro Dog has the capability and the availability to help me out and provide a comfortable place for my dog to go when I am away. I am really impressed this time around with the individualized attention my dog is receiving while acclimating to day care. Feels like it's supposed to, he's my kid and they are watching him and the other kids. I get a report back as to how he behaved and at this point he is getting the gist of how to hang with other dogs and nothing remarkable is happening. Yay! If feel relieved to be able to live my life and work and leave my house when I need to with little worry and not too much damage to my wallet. read more

Awesome dog training place. I was really impressed with the environment. Alison Smith is great, a dog magician. She was very personable and helpful and gave me a lot of useful knowledge and tips for training my dog. I highly recommend this place! read more

I am writing to rave about the amazing service and attention the Metro Dog team has once again given Abby. While on one of her weekly romps with Jessey, Abby had an upset stomach and had an explosive "accident" in the back of her truck. Not only did Jessey take her to Metro Dog and give her (and the other dogs who were in the truck with Abby at the time) a complimentary bath, Diane and Jessey both checked in the next day to see how Abby was doing. They would not even let me pay to get the truck cleaned for them. I am very surprised about the harsher reviews on here. It seems maybe those customers are looking for more of a "doggy spa" and not a full-on, romp around, roaring good time. Abby loves Metro Dog and their staff and facility is truly amazing. read more

We could not be happier with MetroDog, with whom we've entrusted care of our special pets for a couple years. They are clearly animal lovers who understand pet lovers, and it shows in the way they do business. We initially wanted to bring our reptiles and their climate controlled chambers in to stay, we imagined, in an indoor pen for care and feeding. Todd explained how this would not work for their health and safety and instead proposed an in-home sitter to visit our house. We had previously been reluctant to do this for security reasons. He explained that MetroDog employees are bonded and insured and that we would personally meet the reptile sitter in advance. We've since had 3 sitters, including Todd, on half a dozen long and short gigs, and are very pleased with their reliability and care. All three demonstrated in advance that they could handle the pets and their food and were respectful of our interest as pet owners, homeowners and customers. They worked around our schedule -- meaning the reptiles' schedule -- and actually made us feel MORE secure in our absence by clearing the pizza flyers from the door and watering the houseplants. The cost per visit may sound like more than boarding them at a pet store, but we actually saved with their superior service. Since we only needed them every other day (this is different from a mammal pet) and we don't have to do pick-up and drop-off around a limited retail schedule and inconvenient location, we get excellent care for the same or less cost. We never had a request that they didn't make an effort to accommodate. As an extra bonus, when we returned from long trips, two of the three sitters, unprompted, left us notes summing up the reptiles' activities, intake and output. If you are a reptile owner you know how important this is for tracking your pet's health and ongoing needs. This compares very favorably with boarding at specialty pet stores who showed no interest in keeping our animals under the optimum conditions they need, and treated them worse than the poor critters they sell. MetroDog's passion for pets shows in every transaction they've had with us. read more

My name is Cap'n Jack and I have been going to Metro Dog for nearly 6 years now. My owner originally had taken me to a doggie daycare in Emeryville for an interview when I was just 3 months old. The owner there thought and expressed her negative feelings toward Jack Russells immediately....I'm insulted. She brought out a cute female King Charles Spaniel for a 3 minute test to see how I would react. Of course at 3 months old I lost my mind and tried to hump Miss Spaniel. Then my owner was told they would have to straighten me out by spraying me with water bottles! Infact their front desk counter had at least 10 water bottles waiting. Thank goodness my owner had enough sense not to take me back to that horrible place, even though I would have loved to see Miss Spaniel again. Oh, they also would not let my owner see the facility at all. Like something top secret was going on back there. She could see a few dogs in an outdoor area with a few young adults standing over the dogs with what......yes water bottles! Thankfully Metro Dog had just opened a few months prior to this. My owner took me there and we met Diane. She let me kiss and rub against her and my owner knew this would be the place for me. My owner was a new dog owner and Diane and Allison have been most helpful answering questions about my care and what to expect from me. The staff is wonderful at Metro, I especially like Jeanette as she trims my nails and yells out my name when I come through the door. Its great to feel loved. I appreciate the fact that Metro interviews and refusing some dogs from staying there. My owners feel secure that I'm being watched over and that I don't come home harmed from an uncontrollable dog. This happened to me once at a doggie daycare in Santa Barbara. Bit me right on my neck that dog did......wouldn't have happened if they were as careful as Metro is. Thank you Metro for all my good times!! read more

We boarded our 3 year old shepherd mix, Toby, at Metrodog for most of last week while we were on vacation. We moved from SF to the East Bay a few months ago and had to switch kennels (we used Pet Camp in the city). They seemed to do a great job! Toby was very tired for a day or two, probably because she did so much playing. We arrived home from vacation on Tuesday evening and were able to pick her up that night (they're open 6 am to 9 pm!). Metrodog is expensive, but no more than any other decent kennel in the area. We're bringing her back next month when we're on vacation again. read more

We've been customers at MetroDog for four years and love this place. I decided to write another update since we started using their dog-walking service about a month ago, once I started a new job with a schedule that's less flexible than my old one. I got a lot of good information from Todd, who runs the dog walking part of the business, before getting started. The dog walker, Angel, already knew Phoebe from her visits to day care and boarding at Metro Dog, so I already felt comfortable about this arrangement (I'm always a little wary about giving strangers keys to the house.) Before the dog walks started, Angel came to our house to go over how everything works, to get keys and be shown around. She is very sweet, professional, and really good with Phoebe. Since then, once a week, Angel comes to our house and picks up our dog for a one-hour hike at a nearby trail with a group of five or so other dogs. They assured us the rest of the dogs in the group would be a good fit temperament-wise with our dog. They even have their own leashes, treats and bags, though you can certainly leave your own, and they clean up the dog before bringing her back inside if the trail was muddy or it was a rainy day (speaking of which, they walk them rain or shine!) This has worked out really well for us! Our dog is tired and happy after these walks and it's a big help to us during the week when we can't always take Phoebe on a walk as long as she needs/wants because of our schedule. read more

I can't believe there's someone writing a review below of a FREE service for dog owners (an indoor, supervised play space for puppies!) and complaining! You have a lot of nerve! if you don't like the FREE service, take your dog to Point Isabel (also free) and let your pup romp there among all sorts of other dogs who might injure or otherwise harm your dog. As for metrodog itself, they've got 4.5 stars from the rest of us sane people, and there's a reason. they are in a class by themselves. they don't board and train dogs, they live dogs. they are a dog owners best friend. don't listen to selfish yelpers who say on this site that which they don't have the nerve to say in person. read more

Love Metro Dog! They have EARLY drop off which is great! My dog is completely pooped when he leaves there and sleeps literally as soon as we get in the car! The staff is super friendly! They do Pt. Isabel walks, nail trimming, baths and training (for additional fees). I highly recommend! read more

We've been going to Metrodog ever since our dog was just a little puppy. She loves it there and we trust them to take the best care of our doggy. We've boarded her here for extended periods of time and also drop her off for daycare pretty often. Well r that the staff knows our dog. Yes, it's a bit pricey and prices have gone up a couple of times over the years, but we're willing to pay it knowing that our pup will be safe and taken care of. read more

Bizarrely rude customer service of over petty issues. Fabulous dog care!

Metro Dog is a great place! The employees there are very friendly and our dog is very well taken care of. We feel completely guilt-free about leaving her there for a few days...she's getting plenty of attention and entertainment! All the dogs seem happy. Plus, it's a clean place. We know our dog likes it there. When she is stressed out, she will lick her paws until they are raw. She does this at every other place we've taken her to, but she's NEVER done that at MetroDog! I would give them 5 stars except for the cost. We have to privately board our dog (she's not social) and it is really, really expensive. Two or three times as much as leaving her at a less posh place! So if your dog is not dog-dog social then be forewarned it will cost you. :) read more

Review well overdue...our little one, Sookie, has been going to this place since she was 8 weeks old (she's now 6 1/2 years old). The staff are like Sookie's family and she gets all excited everytime we pull into the parking lot. She loves it, and comes home tuckered. Great boarding program. We leave for vacation and know that she is in very good hands. read more

They were very selective and thoughtful about my dog. The team is extremely proficient and have deep expertise in training, dog breeds, and behavior. They have been great i helping my Australian Cattle Dog acclimate to a new environment and become better at play. Yes, they crate them, but it's clear the dogs are well cared for and having fun. read more

We are huge fans of metro dog, we have 2 dogs and both are Metro Dog dogs. We have had corky since last August and he has been a regular at the play groups, a regular in day care and has boarded several times. Chase our latest has only been to puppy social and was a little shaken up as we had only rescued him 2 days before. The staff is hired based on their love of dogs, but also because they get along well and relate to people as well; which is not always sometihng that you get. Corky has taken multiple classes at Metrodog and even though he is a sighthound he has learned quite a bit. Alison did a great job of building a class where the people and the dogs learned things, without degenerating into a puppy free for all, like at some other classes. During classes and socials the attention to cleanliness is awesome, the floors (which are rubberized) are usually very clean and as they get soiled the staff is right there to help (usually you) clean up the mess. I have also been by late at night and seen the cleaning of the floor with a floor cleaner. Overall if you are a real dog person Metro Dog should be in your bag of tricks for boarding and training. read more

Our family is so thankful for Metro Dog. We've been using their services for almost 2 years now, and we don't know what we'd do with our "Little Maniac" Dexter if we didn't have MD as an option once in a while. We've used the drop-in daycare mostly, but also have boarded him a couple of times and we use their outside services every Wednesday. A dog walker (who is amazing, by the way) comes to our house while we are at work, picks up our little guy and takes him on a full hour off-leash walk with a group of other dogs. By the time we get home on Wednesdays, he's pooped out and VERY happy. For a family with two working parents, a kid and pets, this is an invaluable service. I have found the staff at Metro Dog to be efficient, friendly, caring and communicative. I always ask for a report at the end of the day, and usually get a VERY comprehensive answer which I truly appreciate. Thank you to Metro Dog for a service that is very much needed! read more

My family and I have used the services of Diane Livotti and Metro Dog for years, since the business' inception. My experience, and that of my dogs, both mellow, hyper, social and decidly anti-social, has been flawless. Every person I have come in contact with at Metro dog and at pick-up in my home has been that of professional and competent dog handlers. In fact, a BIG thank you to metro dog for taking Sweet Pea on, so many years ago, when we needed a professional that could handle a loving, persnickety pig (may she rest in sweet peace), please accept our gratitude. read more

I lived in Richmond on 2010 and took my dog here frequently. I really liked the early hours for drop off and the ability to pick him up late. I also liked the evaluation process and felt they really got to know my dog prior to boarding. My dog has some leash aggression and I worked with one of the trainers a few times and that was helpful. My dog initially really enjoyed going to Metro Dog but there are a lot of dogs in a small space and that was somewhat stressful for him. The staff was great and handled my difficult dog well but he did end up having to stay as a private boarder, which was fine. read more

An amazing place to take your pup -- Diane and Lia and the whole team are wonderful. Dogs need friends, just like we do. Our Max is very social and athletic, but Metro Dog is for all dogs and will make any and all dogs feel happier and able to provide you with all the support YOU and your family need during these hard times. I tell people who have recently adopted dogs to get them to Metro Dog as soon as possible. As is the case with kids, socialization is essential and being part of a community or pack is critical for all dogs, even those who prefer to hang out with just one or two other friends while the crazy ones (like Max) play wild games. Older dogs also benefit so much from getting out of the house to spend time with friends....Metro Dog is for all dogs and the team is superb. They love dogs and the care there is fabulous. They are also very reasonably priced. I used to pay the same for a walk as I now do for five hours of playtime. Check them out!!!!! read more

We have been taking our pup to Metro Dog for boarding and day care for over a year and we love it. Our dog gets really excited when we take her and doesn't seem to want to leave afterward, which we take as a good sign. The free Sunday morning puppy socials are totally awesome if your puppy doesn't have all his/her shots but wants to socialize with other dogs. read more

My Charlie and I both LOVE Metro Dog. I rescued little Charlie last August when he was about 6-8 months. He goes there regularly for day care, and occasionally for boarding. All the staff know him by name and he is always happy to go there, and is treated with kindness and affection by every single staff member there. I wish I didn't have to leave him, because I love his company, but sometimes I just have to, and it is such a good feeling to know that he is being well-cared for and loved when he is at Metro Dog. I recommend Metro Dog to lots of people, and give it an enthusiastic five stars! read more

Thank dog for Metro Dog! We have had them house/pet sit on several occasions in the last two years and it's such a relief for us to have finally found trustworthy, dependable doggy (and kitty)-loving caretakers after many years of trying different providers. It's especially reassuring to receive a texted pic of everybody safely snuggling at home while we're far away. read more

For over 5 years I have used Metro Dog for day care and recommend them highly. Each handler seems to be chosen with care and each has great empathy towards her/his charges. They are very attentive to any behavioral or health changes. The extra services, e.g., baths are excellent, price wise and for the degree of care & attention, providing feed back about any hot spots, fleas etc. This is the best day care facility available space wise and for the excellence of the handlers. Although I have not used this service, I note that for dogs with separation anxiety, they are kept very close to the handlers in very comfy surroundings. read more

Our Labrador pup has been attending Metro for daycare and occasional boarding since she was three months old. She is now almost nine months old. She loves to be there, obviously adores the staff, and is well-cared for. She was recently boarded for a three day stay and during that time became ill (she relapsed from an earlier illness). Both Alyssa and Lia at Metro, contacted us, took our girl to her own vet to get medicine, and offered amazing and special care until we could get back to her. They truly went above and beyond the call of duty and we can't imagine leaving our girl with anyone else while we are away. read more

I checked out Metro Dog and was very disapointed with what I found. The place felt dead. No energy there, the dogs did not get alot of play time and the people working there were not very nice to me. They rushed me through a tour, and it did not feel welcoming. If they were that way with me how would they be with my dog?? Not recommended at all. Yeck. It was also too close to the freeway, so exhaust and pollution concerned me too. Double yeck. read more

These guys don't know what they are doing. They are very focused on upselling training services - which I didn't even need! The trainer works mainly with aggresive dogs, and there appeared to be too many "unsocialized" dogs in the play group. I was not comfortable at all with the layout. I checked out other daycares in the area and they really felt better to me. I just want my dog to play and have a good time. They were also too loose on vaccination requirements that I just don't think are heathly in a group play situation. read more

In reading Diane's response: she's once again not taking responsibility and clearly delusional. 5 mins before I came in the door I was telling co-workers I was really looking forward to seeing this new place, so what made up "chip on my shoulder" is she talking about? She wasn't even present the 2 times I entered the building, so how would she know my attitude when I came in the door? I find it very hard to believe there are so many REAL 5 star reviews here. The place smells, looks like a tornado hit it, unbelievable. Yes, go see for yourself, as Diane says. I'm sure she's on her best behavior these days. Just don't make a complaint because Diane will come out from the back and give you a verbal beating. read more

This place is great! It's right off 80, so dropping my dog off there on the way to work is quick.

I made arrangements to board my dog for Xmas vacation and gave the dates and $500 to the front desk person. Alyssa said my dog was not very social with the other dogs but was fine "when humans came into the room." She suggested that I bring my dog in for day care for several days before I left to "get him used to the place." So, there goes $35 a day for 3 extra days. When they still acted as if my little 13 lb dog was not socialized enough and would need more day care before the boarding, I started to have second thoughts about their assessment abilities. I voiced my concerns to Alyssa and she assured me that we would work something out, I suggested perhaps he would come during the day and a friend would keep him at night. Anyway, I made other boarding arrangements since they seemed so incompetent with a harmless little dog like mine. Guess it is a good thing that I saw their disorganized and shady practices before I left my dog there for 10 days. So, of course- Diane, the "co-owner" kept $250 of my $500 and exclaimed in an email, " that I should feel lucky that she did not keep the entire amount!" She has some nerve and obviously poor customer service. Also, Diane said my dog did not have enough days for socialization and "only came for 3 days before the actual boarding time." No one said there was any criteria for how many days I was supposed to bring him in for day care before the boarding. It was just a ploy obviously to weasel more $ before the actual boarding.Stay away from this business, too disorganized and the old adage-the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing at Metro Dog! read more

This is an amazing facility for beloved pets. Imagine Montessori school for your dog 365/ 24/ 7! Over more than 7 years I've had consistently excellent care for my little rescue dog. She has acute separation anxiety, but fortunately I was smart enough to start her at MD as soon as I adopted her. It's her home away from home, she loves the staff (her Entourage, really) visiting several times a week if not every day. MD checks so many boxes for excellence: vaccination and neuter requirements, clean and green, I got a call when she seemed to have a fever, as a newbie dog mom I got the training I needed to train my pup. The service is flex and affordable because I can do half days as needed, get a bulk discount for pre paying a daycare pkg, there's late pick up after 9pm, boarding, training, feeding, meds--like I said, home away from home. This isn't just a holding tank with 4 walls (which I experienced at a place in SF)-- here my dog is in a small group of similar size and energy level, and they move through different spaces during the day, outdoor, indoor, nap time, meals can be provided, staff keep notes to report on your dog's day. Routine! Structure! Stimulation! I bet clients with small kids wish they could leave them at MD too! read more

I use to love this place but they frankly have gotten too big. My dog has a great time there but every time he comes back from boarding, he has something wrong with him and I have to take him to the vet and usually have at least an $80 bill. They are really good folks but too large now it seems. read more

Let me just say: 6am to 9pm for $30 a day is amazing. The hours are extremely convenient and there is no "roll-over" charge for boarding if you pick your pet up by 10am on the day of check out. My pup Mochi comes home exhausted from the day of play - and the owners and staff are always willing to update you on how your furry friend behaved! I was really surprised that the trainer, Alison, willingly came outside to answer some leash issues that we have been having - she even demonstrated some techniques that we could try! Metro Dog is awesome! read more

I took my dog there for an orientation. It seemed like a good place for day care and to board her. I dropped her off at 7:30am and my husband was picking her up at 7pm. I thought she was in good hands but when my husband picked her up, she had crap all over the back of her and all over her legs. Really? How do you not notice this on a white dog? They acted like they didn't smell anything and my dog had such a great day! I would never take my do back here again. They just want your money and don't care about your dog!!!!! read more

This place only wants your money and dont want to work for it!!! Below is the same experienced we shared with another customer that reviewed earlier. MetroDog really only wants to accept docile dogs that relax in their crates for most of the day and only show moderate interest in playing with other dogs when let out of their crates. I heard the same story over and over listening to the owner speak to various people picking their dogs up. "Your dog barked too much", "your dog played too much and the other dogs didn't like it", "your dog is not suited for our structure". It took a couple visits for us, but soon they started complaining about our dog's energy level. We were told our dog didn't bark, was not aggressive to other dogs, but he just played too much with dogs that didn't want to play. Well, when your dog is 1.5 years old, cooped up in a kennel for half the day and is finally let out to play I would expect him to play his heart out. MetroDog, when you only accept dogs without puppy energy, yes, these kinds of dogs are going to stick out. So we were told a big puppy who plays too much with other dogs, and isn't aggressive, always happy and friendly is not welcome at Metro Dog. read more

Wow!!! I dropped my dog off at MD for six days. When we brought her in, she was overweight. They suggested three cups of food a day for her. Six days later, she lost a few pounds, looking as healthy as ever. I mean, she looked so happy to have been there. When we got her, she didn't want to leave. Taking her back in the car, she is mellow. Usually, she is jumpy. In the car, she is calm. As I write, she is sleepy, meaning she got a lot of exercise. It is clear that she got tons of play and interaction. The second we left, she cried to go back in!!! Her fur smells lovely, and it is very soft. I am very happy with MD, and if you're looking for a boarding place for your dog, well, you have definitely found the right place. read more

Walked in before bringing my pups here. Staff was not friendly and seemed stressed out. Don't want my pups anywhere where they're going to be stressed walking in the door! read more

This place is horrible. My dog was just a regular puppy - happy, energetic and playful. They had me pay extra for my dog because he needed special training while he was there. I agreed to it since I thought a "senior trainer" as they called it would know a thing or two about my 1 year old puppy. Since then (I kid you not, even the day after) my dog has been super vicious at other dogs passing by, barking, pulling when we go to the park. Just vicious. I cant go to dog parks anymore. And I never got a refund. They did something to him and he's just not the same. It is very heartbreaking to know your sweet dog can become something so mean :( read more