Always take my dog here and he is always excited when we arrive. Staff is great. Registration system is a little antiquated given I've been multiple times but must give the same info over and over but still wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

I've visited probably upwards of 50 (or more) dog boarding places in the metro area, from as far west as malibu and simi valley to as far east as arcadia, and as far north as canyon country to as far south as torrance. I've left my two dogs (90 lbs & 45 lbs) at upscale expensive places (in topanga) and mid-range places (Cypress Park) where they got to socialize with other dogs. But, the place I settled on was Starcrest Kennels in Sun Valley (http://www.starcrestkennels.com/). The place is air conditioned, it's clean, they have large dog kennels/runs, they have a large field for your dog to run around ALONE (my little dog got really sick from her stay at the frou frou place in Topanga), and my dogs seemed content after their stay at this kennel. Not to mention, it's affordably priced. the woman who owns the facility seems quite shy with people, but i think she treats my dogs well, and that's all that counts! read more

I scouted several kennels in the area. I was only interested in traditional kennels, and not doggy resorts. It's tough leaving your precious pooch with strangers, but I was most comfortable here. I had to remind myself how malleable dogs are to their environment, and my dog was fine for the eleven days I had to leave her. Now that we are over the first hurdle, we will be back, and I can rest easy on future trips. read more

I had previously had a not so good experience with this kennel - One dog had a wound near her tail (which they informed me about), and the other had a cauliflower ear which they didn't inform me about. They gave my three dogs a free bath, but it didn't compensate for the poor condition that my dogs were in. I thought that maybe the dogs fought in the close quarters, so I decided to give the kennel one more try. Bad decision! I ordered baths for all three dogs before pick up this morning. When I went there, the girl at the desk said she would check if they had had their baths. She assured me that they had, and then gave them to me after I paid. I know that they didn't get their baths, because I wiped them down in the garage before letting them in the house, and the wipes all came up black with dirt. I left a message at the kennel, but they have not called me back. I feel ripped off. I am washing them myself this afternoon. Don't use this kennel! FOLLOW UP: The owner did call me back after I made the above review. She insisted that the dogs received baths, but that they were let out in the yard before I picked them up, so they got dusty. She offered to refund the bath fees, which I just received in the mail. From, my viewpoint, the kennel tried to improve the situation by refunding the fees. However, the owner has since called me back at least three times to argue about the complaint I filed with the BBB, and the above review. On of the calls was at 7:45a.m. I am also still not convinced that the dogs were ever bathed, since they were SO dirty when I washed them on the day I got them back. Overall, I still cannot recommend this kennel. read more

I've left my dogs here 5 or 6 times. I have a German Shepherd and a pug and they get to stay together in a very spacious dog run. I tend to be a little obsessed with the health and happiness of my dogs, so I call to check on them every couple of days and they answer the phone almost every time I call. If they are not there, I leave a message and they call me back. My only complaint is that they are on a busy street and one time my pup came back with kennel cough, which my vet said was easily caught when a bunch of dogs stay together and that is is really contagious. These women, however, care deeply about dogs and are very active in dog rescue in the area. The woman who owns the kennel also lives on the premises, so any problem(s) that may arise, someone is within 20 feet of the dogs at all times. In addition, this place is affordable and is very straight forward and responsible. Familiar and aware of bloat in dogs and let the dogs eat out of their anti-bloat bowels, which I love, having a German Shepherd (they tend to bloat). read more

Man, I cannot say enough about Starcrest and their caring owners and employees. I have been taking my dogs here for years. They always come home tired but happy. The owners are so invested in their clients, one of them cried when I told her about the demise of my dear dear Daisy the dane. Your animals will play hard here in their big open field, so remember to ask for a grooming on the day you pick up so your hound comes home smelling sweet and lovely. read more

We have been taking our dogs and cats to Starcrest for years. They always come home in great shape and don't smell!! BTW--They were not bathed there!! It is a very busy place with animals coming and going, so, at times, the clients may not get all the loving care they think they want/need!! That goes to the animals--which is why my animals stay there. Also, I make sure that I have all vaccinations up-to-date. That is my responsibility!! Anyone taking animals to a licensed kennel knows that is a requirement, so comments about Rita not telling a client what's needed are not acceptable. Yes, it is nice to be reminded, but do you remember everything?? Also, I think it's important to know that technology is not a part of this business. Again, that's ok with me as long as my pets receive the same level of care that I give them. And what an incredible job they did caring for the animals during the recent fire that came to their property line along the back hillside!! Rita has a crate for every animal for emergencies, and she needed them then!! All animals were evacuated to Hansen Dam with all information taped to each animal's crate with feeding and medication needs, owner's name and phone, as well as who was permitted to pick up the animals. Drive over there and take a look!! Amazing!! read more

We've boarded our dog many times at Starcrest and there's no doubt the staff loves and cares deeply for they're canine guests.

Would give this place less than 1 star if I could. I cannot discourage you enough from bringing your pets to this place. I almost never leave any sort of reviews but my experience here was truly so awful that I want to make sure no one else subjects their pet to this place. I did 1 day of doggie daycare today to sample the place before I committed to boarding my pup Rosie here and we will never be back. You have to pick-up your dog before 6 PM because they close right at 6 and if you don't pick them up in time, they will board them overnight. I called the office at 5:43 PM when I was already on my way and told them I will make it RIGHT on the dot at 6 PM but that I was on my way and made sure I could still pick her up. The person who answered in the office told me YES I could still get her. So I pull into the driveway and unfortunately it was 6:02 PM at this time. The entire staff is walking out towards their cars. I was told to go speak to the owner who was standing outside the facility. She told me that I cannot pick up my dog and that they are closed. I told her I spoke to someone on the phone who told me I could. She told me no--they are closed and I need to leave. I calmly told her that I just talked to someone and they said I could, why did this information change? And then she immediately started shouting at me that they are closed, that I need to get out, she has a life too and needs to "eat dinner". She then proceeds to attempt to physically close the gate on my body MULTIPLE times as I am standing there trying to figure out what was going on. I told her that I now feel EXTREMELY uncomfortable and would like to pick up my dog and leave. (I was trying to keep my cool and just wanted my dog back--I didn't trust leaving her in the hands of someone who was acting like that and yelling at me in the parking lot after I called to confirm that I can still pick her up and was literally trying to shut the gate on me). She nonstop yelled at me about getting her license taken away, that they are closed and I need to leave. I insisted that I need to get my dog, this situation is making me extremely uncomfortable, and I can go get her myself. She finally gave in and let me get Rosie. She unlocked the kennel which was pitch black inside with all the dogs in it and was SHOUTING that I was going to disturb all of the dogs/she was going to get her license taken away because the neighbors will complain/we're closed/etc. I can't find my dog and the entire time she is STILL shouting at me to "go find your dog and get out". I tell her I can't find Rosie and she then opens up another door to a long line of kennels also in pitch black darkness. She is STILL shouting at this point and is grabbing the door and SLAMMING it against kennels (that dogs are occupying) and telling me that I'M disturbing the dogs and that she "has a life too" and once again, reinstating that they've been closed "for a long time" (it is like 6:10 at this point....10 minutes past their closing time). FINALLY, I found my dog and let her out. She ran to my car so fast and tried jumping in before the door was even open. Not to mention she had no water or anything that I could see in her kennel (like I said it was pitch black in there). But this place (and she) are truly not fit to handle dogs or any fur babies. Holy shit this was one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a business. Please do not bring your babies here. As soon as Rosie got out of my car she had to pee, as soon as we walked in the house she drank half of her water bowl and immediately started eating before I could even get her leash off of her. I am SO glad that I made her let me in otherwise Rosie would have stayed overnight from what I could tell without dinner, water, or having been let out to go to the bathroom. They don't open again until 7 AM! That is presumably 13 hours these dogs stay in there like that. Unreal, just do not go here. read more

I've been bringing my 2 large dogs here for years and love this kennel. We've tried other kennels and found that they tend to nickel and dime you with extra charges for exercise sessions, meds, and feeding more than once a day. All of this is included in the daily fee at Starcrest. The owner really loves animals and takes in numerous rescue animals. read more

Rita has taken care of my animals for at least ten yrs. I had an older cranky difficult dog "Becky" that would stay and when I would pick her up she was clean and happy. No baths were ever given she just stayed clean there. Now I have Cash another cattle dog who is also difficult and they handle him with ease. The girls that work there are wonderful and so is Rita. I don't understand the negative reviews. I have always dropped by to pick up the dog last minute because of my schedule and never once has anything been off. Thank you Starcrest!!! read more

We have been taking our dog to this kennel for several years now. He loves the people there. especially the young lady at the front desk, and he is well taken care of. He is excited to see us when we pick him up, but it doesn't take long for him to calm and settle back into his routine. The staff is very thorough in assessing his individual needs. read more

We boarded our fur child Chauncey over thanksgiving weekend. This was the first time we have boarded him, and since he's a rescue we weren't sure how this was going to turn out. We were referred by my aunt, who uses this kennel all the time. We are very happy with the results, and Chauncey is back to his old hyper self( when we first picked him up, he was a little dazed until he got adjusted) I was very relived that they don't mix the dogs during playtime, and they don't share sleeping quarters. Since, our baby is a Boston Terrier, he's been known to talk dirty and attempt to pick fights and bully other doggies... big and small. read more

What a joke. I called to take my dog here. She answered the phone. Said it's totally full then hung up on me. Great way to run a business read more

We adopted a Doberman here 7 months ago. Rita's love and care for her dogs is quite apparent. She almost had trouble letting this beautiful 2year old Dobie go. She knew she was going to a great home, and I've kept her updated on how well my Argentina (that's her new name) is doing here , and with my other Dobie. I am a dog trainer, and can see the time and effort that is put in! It's hard to read these negative reviews, as I've seen first hand how loved and well cared for these dogs are. As a previous reviewer said, If some looked underfed, it would be because they either have issues, or they were recent rescues and were starting to get the proper nourishment with Starcrest. My rescue was perfect, perhaps even a couple pounds overweight - but not much at all. I highly recommend this rescue and kennel as they truly love these animals! I'd come back anytime for a dog, as well as recommend the, for others. The kennels are very clean, well kept, and am confident that Rita and her staff are doing the best they can. It's very difficult keeping staff at any rescue or boarding facility, so if there are people who don't yet know how to properly handle dogs, they are ready and willing to learn. read more

I have boarded my dog at many other kennels before and he has never come home as smelly as he did when he left the kennel. The owner, Rita, was rude and overcharged me. When I brought it up, she stated that I was lucky that I wasn't charged for more. Never again!!!! read more

I came by for a visit of Starcrest Kennels to checkout the facility before I board my dogs here. It was Saturday afternoon and didn't realize they close at 3pm. It looked like no one was on the property. I thought to myself who is taking care of the dogs? As I was sitting in my car across the street, I see this mid-sized brown beagel looking dog that had tried to climb over a wood picket fence. His body was stuck half over the fence and he couldn't go forward or back the other way. I tried desperately to call the main number but no one answered and the mail box was full. I tried a cell number that is provided on the website, same thing, no answer and mail box full. Don't they have an emergency number? I sent them an email informing them about dog. I was worried about the dog being left in that condition. How long would it be before someone noticed? The property is fenced all the way around otherwise I would have rescued the dog myself. I drove home and called the number one more time and a woman answered the phone and said, not too friendly, thanks, I'll check it out. After seeing this, no way in heck am I going to board my dogs here. read more

I will NEVER use this place again. I boarded my two German Shepherds there during November '09. 1) The receptionist was dry and lacked interest. - I wasn't offered, nor did I received a tour of the facility. She seemed very rushed, and I was the only person there she was servicing at the time 2) I never met the owner. 3) Whenever I called to check o nthe dogs, I'd get voicemail and have to leave a message and actually WAIT for someone to call me back, which wasn't right away. 4) The kennel area looks dark and smells. 5) Worst of all, one of my dogs caught a virus, an outbreak of viral pappilloma. It's a common virus that stems from kennel atmospheres and community bowls. It was a $700 vet bill to have the cauliflower-like, like warts removed from his mouth. 6) My dogs were so smelly when I picked them up. They smlled exactly like the kennel. Also, They didn't even have them ready and on the list for pick-up o nthe informed date. read more

This place is a life saver! I had made arrangements with a different location to board my dog who is a 70 pound boxer, but at the last minute, I was told that there wasn't any room for my dog. The location I had reserved had a total of 2 runs for larger dogs, and small stainless steel cages for smaller dogs. I was due to leave the following day, and was extremely stressed about finding a place to leave my dog, that I trust. I called Media City Animal Hospital in Burbank, and the gal who answered the phone referred me here. I called right away and spoke to Rita the owner, and she told me she had plenty of room for my dog Tyson. I rushed over there to take a quick tour, the location looks big, in a wooded, small farming like community. I saw grassy areas fenced in where the dogs can run around and play. Overall, I just got a good feeling in my gut. The following day, I dropped off my dog, and felt at ease. Tyson is a rescue dog that I had just gotten earlier that year and was still learning to trust me. Now just to give you a little insight on my dog, he hides behind me when people approach or runs away. He's 70 pounds of turkey. So of course, I was a little anxious that my big guy was going to be able to relax. I had to leave him for 3 days. On the day I came to pick him up, I was beyond surprised when they brought out my dog, and he went straight to Rita and started smelling her hand. That was a side of Tyson I've only seen with me and my son. That right there, was the moment I realized how much care and attention they gave him. Tyson doesn't trust easy, it takes time and patience to earn his trust. Rita is amazing! My dog can sense good people and he sense the goodness and kindness in Rita. Thank you! You give me such peace of mind when I have to leave my dog. Until our next adventure! read more

All at Starcrest have taken care of my older dog (now 16 yrs) very well. He is always treated with every kindness as exhibited by his behavior when I take him home. read more

Luna loves Starcrest Kennel! Honestly, sometimes we need to go to other kennels because I call too late and she's terrified when I drop her off, shaking and cowering. At Starcrest, none of that. They know her and appreciate her energy. She's excited when she gets there and runs to greet them. I don't worry about leaving her there at all. 4 stars only because their pick up hours on Saturday are limited (just til 3), but I'm nit picking. Luna would give 5 stars if she could. read more

My cavalier king charles spaniel is happy coming here on vacation! They're very nice, caring, and the dogs look happy. Nice open yard to play in (only one dog or doggie siblings at a time ... not dog park-style) and the people there obviously care about the comfort and well being of their guests. read more

I've used Starcrest for more than fifty years. Rita, the present owner, is caring and considerate of both dogs and owners. We travel a great deal, so Miss Amber considers Starcrest her second home and Rita her other mom. The staff is great, too. I have no qualms about leaving Miss Amber, no matter how long we will be gone or how far away we are. read more

After boarding our dog at a much more expensive facility several times and having her come back terrified and upset, we opted to try Starcrest which is half the price we were previously paying. Though it's not 'cage free' (it's a traditional kennel), our dog has come back happy and healthy every time we've left her there. Some dogs definitely don't thrive in a cage free environment (ours was basically jumped on/barked at/pushed around by other dogs and she is extremely shy). We love Starcrest and will continue to use them. read more

Our pets have always been happy to come here. Our dogs actually drag us IN instead of trying to run the other way like they do at the vet. They have a large yard that the dogs get to run in once a day, and the office staff is always very sweet when we call to get updates. read more

Great place for your dog while you are away! We boarded our german shepherd at this kennel for 8 days and we really appreciated the care she received while staying here. The owner and the staff are very friendly and caring, they listened to our story and addressed our concerns, were very attentive and understanding. They were able to accommodate our needs: we have a german shepherd who easily climbs 6+foot fences: they have an outside run with a ceiling (there is an even bigger outside run with just fences for those lucky doggies who don't climb fences). Each dog has an individual run that is partly indoor and outdoor, there are fans, ACs indoors, they offer properly timed feeding (am and pm, or what the dog is used to at home). We brought a ball and a toy for our dog to remind her of home and to run after in the outside large run area. All the dogs get PERSONAL ATTENTION, taken out in the large run INDIVIDUALLY (if you have a high-energy dog you would understand how important it is for physical and emotional health of your dog to be able to do that). We really appreciated that this facility gives personal attention to each dog. Before making this choice we looked at about 5 other places. We were amazed at the types of facilities that are out there: some offer basic accommodations (in a cage or "cottage" for about 23 and a half hours a day!!!) and about 15 minutes in the morning and evening each in the cement-covered run to go potty. If you feel sorry to take your dog to this "prison" you may choose à la carte options ($$$$ which really add up), like massages or bed-time stories or TV watching (seriously???!!!!). Other dog-park style facilities offer free run environment for dogs that are sociable and friendly (40 to 80 dogs at once with only a few human supervisors, they are not responsible for accidents though...). This is my biggest concern actually: there are so many dogs of different breeds and characters running around together who come from very different home environments and they stay together for a couple of days or weeks - how can 1 or 2 trainers make sure that your dog is safe? Some facilities offer several pricy training sessions if they believe that your dog is not sociable enough. I don't understand why they think that I would want to make a labrador out of my german shepherd?! She may have a strong individuality and character but that is why she is of the breed she is!! If one is an educated dog owner, one also knows that the one dog that can actually start a fight is not really the one who may have triggered it. How many dog whisperers are out there working at such facilities??? At some places the dogs run around for up to 5-6 hours a day but then they spent more than 14 hours in crates where they are fed and where they sleep. Also, none of the facilities we looked at except for Starcrest Kennels was able to accommodate dogs that are fence-climbers. If you are concerned about a safety of your dog and want an individual attention to your dog, I highly recommend to visit Starcrest Kennels. read more

Just used Starcrest again recently when I was out of town for a week. I called to check on my little dogs and see how they were doing, and the girl up front told me all about how my one dog wouldn't eat his food unless she put it on a plate, then pressed it down with her finger so he could lick it. If a part fell off, he'd wait until she pressed it down again for him. Hahahaha! Being at the kennel is a little stressful for them, but I know they're in good hands with staff who gives them treats and spoils them. read more

I love this place and so does my dog. I've taken her there several times and Rita (owner) is wonderful with her. I have an Akita, and Rita handles her wonderfully. It's clean and my dog comes home so happy. Wouldn't consider taking her anywhere else and people I've recommended feel the same way! read more

Buyer Beware. This facility charges you for a full days care on your pick up date, which is non-standard practice and probably illegal. Owner also refused to provide me with an itemized receipt when I questioned the charge and then hung up on me. Very disappointing experience. read more

I've been coming to Starcrest for several months now- roughly nine months. The employees seem to be quite compassionate and caring. One day, about a week ago, I came in to take my beloved nine year old, and nobody was to be found in the office. I was walking around and waiting, while walking I found myself in the doberman rescue area. I peeked over the fence and saw some of Rita's rescue dogs. They all looked somewhat underfed, like they haven't had a bath in months, and generally unhappy/ no life in their eyes. I was confused by this and wondered why the rescues seemed to be less cared for than the boarding animals. If anything, they should be tended to more-so, in my opinion. I have discontinued using this kennel after noticing the employees may seem compassionate, but in reality are young girls (17-19) with no prior experience and poor training. I can't bare to imagine my beloved angel going without her medication (which she NEEDS) because some teen going through a breakup and is too emotionally preoccupied. I have also noticed that the girls here seem to run around like chickens with their head cut off. I think they may have too many responsibilities for one person to handle, and are spread too thin. One woman in particular, she is older (in her late 40's maybe?) walks dogs with no leadership qualities. The dogs look frantic and like they may not even be enjoying themselves. These few things bring me discomfort, as the atmosphere on the "inside" must be tense and rushed. For myself personally, I'd rather pay 10 bucks more and take my baby where she will get the attention and care she deserves, in a responsible, professional, and respectful environment. Thank you for reading and I hope you found this helpful. read more

I learned about Starcrest from my mother, who has her boarded dogs here for years. My dog seems to enjoy her time here and gets extremely excited to come back. Even though we only board once or maybe twice a year, the staff seem to remember my dog when I call to book the appointment and sound excited to have her back. read more

I've used this kennel several times, and I 100% trust the owner, Rita, with my beloved dogs. She LOVES dogs, and I feel nobody could take better care of them than someone who loves dogs so much. My dogs are always perfectly fine when I pick them up, though I like to think they missed me! There's a big grassy area for them to run around in, which is so important. I have complete peace of mind when I leave my dogs with Rita. read more

I've had my dog here a couple of times now and I'm pleased with everything. The service is always friendly. For check in, it was once slow, but I know she was taking good care of the doggies while another person was out of the office. No biggie. My dog is always happy and has a good time eating fresh cooked chicken. What I like best is the affordability and the less posh environment. I'm not into having my dog sleep on couches and having to have someone with him every second as some places promise. He doesn't have it that way at home, no need at the kennel. He has a sleep pad at home...same as here. He gets special treats (chicken!) and time out in the yard. The owner and the young lady who is at the check in area at times are both very nice, loving, and inquiring about your dogs needs. I will bring him back when ever we need to use a kennel. read more

I boarded my two dogs at Starcrest Kennels a number of times over the last year. They have both since passed away, but I thought the care they received at Starcrest was excellent. Previously, I used other kennels as well as in-home caregivers, but the situation at Starcrest was optimum for them and for me. Rita, the owner, is very hands-on and knowledgeable as well as responsive and personable. We had several interesting conversations. I found her to be quite charming. Not every dog, especially an older dog, is a good fit for the social/group care settings. My dogs did not respond well to the energy of younger dogs or the close proximity to larger breeds. The Starcrest schedule provides a good balance of outdoor/indoor time. Most importantly, I felt my dogs were always safe and that they would receive immediate attention in the event of a problem. I am only sorry I didn't discover Starcrest earlier in my dog's lives - and in mine. read more