Not only is the owner, Cathy, basically the closest thing to a dog whisperer I've ever come across, but the staff is incredibly good with all the different animals they come across. The moment I walk in the door with my german shepherd, everyone is so friendly and excited to see him, I am completely comfortable leaving my beloved pup in their capable hands. The prices are fair and straightforward, the atmosphere is comfortable and pet-friendly, and my shepherd always comes back to me clean and happy. (Not that the clean part lasts very long...) I HIGHLY recommend Sunset Kennel and their staff!!! read more

I took a tour of the kennel by the owner Kathy last week and let me share with you what I saw. When I got there a dog groomer named Annie is who I met first and she was so rude it was SHOCKING.! Then the owner showed me around the kennels and they were dark cold cement no lights were on, I thought how sad I will never leave my pets here. The kennels need a major remodel I didn't ask if they got any of the Government PPP money but it they did they didn't use it on the Boarding Facilities. There are better choices then this. read more

Sunset Kennel, thank you so much for taking great care of my fluff tiger. They were patient with me when I had to extend my dates multiple times and always gave me updates when I asked. I'm going through a tough time and am so glad I was recommended to them. For such a long stay I think the prices were very reasonable. Thank you! read more

We are visiting the Oak Harbor area at NAS Whidbey. We left our dog here for a day trip into Seattle. We told the employee we would be picking her up the next day Sunday at 9am. Their policy is pickup 9-10 or 4-5 on weekends. Today, we arrived at 9:15 and no one was working. Gates were closed, no one answered the phone (we tried 5 times). We were really worried and waited 40 minutes with 3 other couples also wanting to pickup their dogs. We all decided to go on to the grounds and wait in the parking lot. When no one answered our knocks at the door, my husband and I decided to go to the back to find the owner who lives on the grounds. Finding him, we explained we were there to pick up our dog but his employees were not there. He was extremely rude, didn't care why we were there knocking on his door and threatened to let out his dog if we didn't get out of there. He finally came to the office and admitted he heard the phone ringing but didn't answer it. He never apologized to any of us but instead made excuses like the employee must have taken the day off. So who was caring and feeding our dogs? My dog was ok cause she had only been there one night but appeared to have not had a potty break that day. She really had to go and was very thirsty. This place needs a through cleaning and deodorizing as the smell of wet dog and urine was over powering. The kennels from what we saw, were dark and bare, we opted to put our dog in the puppy area where hopefully she got a little more care and attention. We really don't recommend this place and won't use again. Find an establishment that cares for your pet and not just about your money. read more

Cathy is awesome. Had a very good experience dealing with her and ended up with amazing results. Go see Cathy, I recommend her.

They did a fantastic job with my dogs. Excellent haircuts. They also treat the animals very well. I won't hesitate to bring them back for grooming. read more

I had just moved to the area and was really in a bind, had to fly out for a court appearance and I needed a place to take care of my dogs. Left with few options and no time to research I left my dogs with Sunset Kennels. After getting them back (5 days later), I'd sooner leave them in the care of Michael Vick!! I had left them with a bag of food and specific instructions to feed them both 4 cups a day in 2, 2 cup intervals. I was handed a near empty bag and both of my dogs looked as if they had taken dietary advice from a crackhead. They were both so noticeably thin it caused me to question if they had eaten AT ALL, the staff replied that they had except for that morning. When I got them home I fed them immediately, their normal feeding, it wasn't enough, so I kept giving them food, I figured I would give them as much as they would eat. 6 cups each later (2 cups more than their daily food intake and 4 cups more than what they eat per sitting) I stopped giving them food for fear of making them sick. I had also scheduled grooming for them during their stay, when I picked them up they both smelled like some Caribbean prostitute that had bathed in piña coladas. Upon further inspection they were both very oily and had filthy spots all over their legs and feet. There had apparently been a scuffle as well, one of my dogs had been involved in a fence fight with another dog who had also bitten a staff member. While they did at least inform me, it did nothing to excuse the fact that one of my dogs face was all cut up! To top it off, one of my dogs now has an abscess on her back leg! So I have to now take her to the vet and have it cut and drained. I will be gentle here and admit that I do not believe this is typical of a stay here, and in all probability is exception to the rule. But does any dog owner want their dogs to be this exception? Never, never, NEVER AGAIN! read more

I took my dog there 3 times. The first time for 10 days. He looked like he lost a little bit of weight when I picked him up but that was ok because he was overweight and was running around with other dogs every day. The second time again for 10 days, he lost weight. Again, this was ok. But the third time?? 10 days again. He was SKELETAL! This is an 80lbs dog. His harness was dangling off him so loosely. You could see his ribs! You could see his back bones protruding. His stomach was sunken in! How could this happen in 10 days?? I was shocked. I looked at them in alarm and they just stated back. I couldn't speak. I should have confronted them about it, but I just paid and never returned. This was months ago. It still bothers me so much that's why I am writing this review now. I see great reviews and I'm happy you and your pups had a great experience. But this is my personal experience with them, and I feel the bad should be mentioned also. Hope this helps. read more

Let me start by saying that we have used this kennel for the last couple of years without a problem. I have no problem with how they treated my dog. We have used them for kenneling and grooming. No complaints in either regard. Till today. We came home from Christmas vacation and my wife went and picked up our dog at 8am this morning. Apparently, they don't open unti 9, but there was an employee there who went ahead and released the dog to my wife and asked her to come back when they open to pay the bill. So, now I just get a call from a guy who says he is the owner telling me that if I am not there within 2 hours he's going to call the cops and tell them I took my dog without paying and he's tired of dealing with people like me. That certainly won't be a problem for him in the future. I won't be back. We have never given this business one moments problem and if HIS employee releases a dog and asks us to come back, I fail to see how this is MY fault. If this is how you treat good paying customers, I don't know how you stay in business. read more

Our wiener dogs, Bogey and Spud have been staying at Sunset Kennel for years (they are now 15 years old). Whenever we turn off of Swantown the two boys get excited and I have to keep the windows up or I am afraid they will jump out. They love snuggling under the blankets in what they call the TLC room. We usually splurge for a bath and nail trim on the last day. Check-in and out is always a piece of cake, the prices are reasonable (especially compared to Seattle where you pay twice that just for day care). read more

I made an appointment to board by dog and was told that I needed to put down a $25 refundable deposit to hold my spot. I was told that the $25 would be refunded to me if I chose to cancel or applied towards my boarding fees if I didn't. When I went to cancel, the kennel the apparently changed their mind and told me I would not be getting a refund. I asked to talk to the owner who subsequently yelled and cussed at me telling me I was incorrect and eventually hung up on me. I ended up having to dispute the charge with my c.c. company and was able to remove it that way (hopefully a charge back to the company). This is the most unprofessional, rude company I have ever come in contact with. They are liars, scammers, and cannot be trusted. BEWARE. DO NOT BOARD YOUR PETS HERE. read more

We would not recommend this boarding company to anyone. We originally thought we would need to board our two 5 lb dogs who are kenneled together for five days, however our plans changed so we called Kathy and told her we were returning after three days. When we arrived her husband charged us for the entire five days. When we reminded him that we had called and notified them that we would be picking them up early he told us they are like a hotel, we booked for five days and that's how much we owed them for, By the way, that is not how hotels charge. They charge for the nights you stay at the hotel. The hotel we stayed at was also booked for five days but when we left they charged us for three. That was true for the car lot where we left our car and the car rental company where we rented a car. Sunset Kennel was the only business that insisted on charging us for the days they didn't need to board our dogs. We were promised that the dogs would be bathed and they were filthy. Their response to that was, "if they bath them too early they will start smelling again so there was no need to bath them" They knew when we were arriving so they could have bathed them at an appropriate time if that was their concern. We drove our dogs two hours away from our home because we read positive reviews, that was a waste of our time and money. We are certain we could have found a good Kennel who didn't argue about charging us for days they didn't have the dogs. read more

I just moved back to the NW and was grateful to have this kennel recommended to me. This is the first kennel my dogs enjoy going to and are eager to get out of the car for. The staff are competent, friendly, and treat my dogs extremely well. Because they let the dogs out to play multiple times during the day, my dogs come back happily worn out and in great shape. Although there are kennels much closer to me, I do not mind the drive to this kennel because, not only is it beautifully scenic, but it is the best kennel I have ever experienced. read more

I boarded my two dogs at Sunset Kennels for 4 days. They asked me if I wanted them to be bathed and I thought that would be a good idea and said yes. I picked them up after their baths and when u got home, I noticed one icd my dogs hair had been cut and it wasn't a good one either. I called them to let them know that I did not agree to a haircut and that I was not satisfied with the way that Brody's hair had been cut. The person that answered the phone was the person that said she was the one that gave them a bath but she didn't cut their hair and I said oh it was cut because brody had long hair and now it's standing straight up on his back. She assured me that she did not cut the hair. But she said that she would have the owners take a look at the security footage to see if anybody else had cut their hair. I said thank you very much and would you have them get back to me after they have reviewed the security footage she said yes and we hung up. The owner called back about an hour later. She assured me that she would give been the one that did the grooming and she did not do any grooming she was told that all I wanted was a bath and she was talking about Bentley. I said no Bentley did not get a haircut Brody did. Again she said well I'm looking at the security video and I didn't see that Brody got a haircut either. I said I have had Brody for a year he has never been to a groomer in the year I have had him and I know his hair has been cut. So then she said well when was the last time he had a bath because sometimes the shampoo and the blow out will make the hair stand up. Really??? I wasn't going to argue with her. I said thank you for calling me back and good bye. I will never use sunset kennels ever again! Every time I look away my dog and see the butcher job that was done on him, I get angry all over again. read more

The kennel I normally used was all booked up so I took them here. I was quite pleased when I picked up my 2 dogs. The first time I ever left them in a kennel they came back really stinky. When I picked the dogs up today they came out happy and best of all they came out looking well taken cared of. I had visited this kennel on a previous visit as a delivery person and had a good feeling about it. Saw a dog that was laying outside in his run looking relaxed and the staff seemed to be pretty friendly. I will be taking my dogs back if I ever need to. Not to mention the price is reasonable. read more

BEWARE!! HORRIBLE GROOMING AND BOARDING FACILITY - DISHONEST, ALL THE WAY: Complete HACK JOB!!! I took my Shitzu there for the first time to have her groomed. Prior to going there, I had sprayed her with some flea spray that had a distinct smell. When I got her back, not only was she completely choppy and uneven with huge chunks of hair sticking out all over the place, and her nails were still long, but she smelled exactly the same as she did before I dropped her off, like the flea spray I had used before I took her there. This just proved to me that they do not bathe the dogs, but instead they probably either just brush out all the dirt and/or use some type of dry shampoo. I couldn't believe how horrible they made my little girl look. I immediately complained when I saw her and the groomer abruptly grabbed my dog and cut some of the uneven chunks of hair, but it made no difference because she still looked horrible. KENNEL: Beware, these people are crooks. The same day I took her there for grooming, I made a reservation to board my dogs 2 months in advance. They require a $25.00 deposit to just make a reservation, but they will not tell you that its non-refundable until you try and cancel. I called the following week, still over a month in advance, to try and cancel the boarding, and they refused to refund my deposit. At no point in time did they tell me that the deposit was non-refundable. Instead they said that they would apply it towards future boarding. I told them I was moving far away and would not be using them in the future and they still refused to give me back my money. Their business practices are unethical and super shady. I asked to speak to the owner/manager and she tried to pawn me off to "the accountant," acting like she had no control over this issue. These people are dishonest and could care less about providing a good service all the way around. I mean, all their feedback about their groomer is negative and they still keep her. What does that tell you? They don't give a rip!!! I'm not disgruntled customer or saying all of out of spite. If you don't believe me, go there and see for yourself. If you read the other reviews here, you'll see its consistently bad reviews and they just don't care. read more

I agree with Julie G (1/24/15). Beware...I had the same problem regarding a deposit. When I finally spoke with the "owner," after a written request for a refund and two follow up phone calls, I was treated to speaking with a belligerent, unprofessional and rude male who would not let me speak at all. I am very thankful I did not leave my pet there and strongly warn anyone against doing so. read more

I am the owner of Sunset Kennel. It is so sad that people hide behind the key board to post bad reviews. I have taken care of dogs over 40 years. I do rescue and adoption, from retired racing greyhounds (over 20 years) and President of GPI the largest rescue in the US and have adopted 1000's of racers to any dog that needs help. Most of them for free. I take care of many working dogs such as Oak Harbors Police department, Washington State Patrol dogs, Canine Companions dogs that will be therepy dogs and much more. We work with our city going to Senior retirement homes. We offer Oak Harbor and Coupville High schools a chance for the seniors to work with dogs, special students a chance to learn about the work place. We support big brothers and sisters,4-H and much more. We also do estate planning for our seniors that want their pet cared for if they die once again at no cost.I would like you to come any time for a tour. We live on the property, have the largest suites for dogs, room service, play potty time 6 times a day and more in our large playyards on real grass. We do not take all the dogs out at once to cut costs. Our guests have a morning meal either their own food, which also covers home cooked that is heated before for serving, treats then their evening meal. All dogs will be let out at least two times after their meals.I purchase over 1500 lbs of premium food a month We have a 4 acre off leash area for our customers. They may come anytime to our manicured lawns and enjoy knowing that all the dogs have current vaccines. We have noticed a lot of people advertise their kennel even though they have a trailer and board in their living room.on the property. We are the real professional kennel operator. We do live on the property and have audio and visual security. I always have chicken and rice on the stove for our guests that decicide they don't want to eat. After 24 hours we encourage our guest to eat people food. I am sickend by thought of comparing me to Michal Vick........That sickens me. I am the one that has got dogs out of those situations. Shame on you Mr. Robb. We love what we do and also have a non profit shelter here for dogs and cats. Funny thing..I can't find you in my records..I don't know who you are. I am angered by you but I will have the class as a lady and not reach to the depths of your untrue accusations. read more

Really love that they are supporters and sponsors in the community!

We've been taking our Shar Pei to Sunset Kennel whenever we go away. The staff all knows him and makes a big fuss over him when he arrives. They treat him very well and although he can hardly wait to go home with us, he's always been in good shape and is still his fat shelf when we pick him up. read more

WOW! All the bad press had me worried but a friend told me I would love them and so would my dogs. Had been looking for a place to care for my girls (dogs) and the filth and attitude of the other one in town was not going to care for my girls. This place was great! My girls came home happy and smelling great - thanks to the groomer and the rest of the staff. They are awesome! Found a place the girls are happy and I can leave them and not worry. They get ALL my boarding and grooming from now on. read more

i was very happy with the grooming job that dawn did on my 2 dogs and they acted very happy when i picked them up . i will return ! dawn jewett......... tooti ann and cappi read more

I contacted Sunset Kennel on July 15, 2015 to reserve a kennel for my dog between August 21st and September 6th. I asked Sunset Kennel for the cost of keeping my dog at their kennel. The lady I spoke with was very pleasant and quoted me a price. The price sounded acceptable so I proceeded to book with the kennel. Sunset Kennel then informed me that there was a $25 deposit required for new customers. I was told very clearly that I would get the deposit back, that it was not a fee for services, and that it was not in addition to the price I was quoted. Based on this information, I agreed to deposit a refundable $25 with Sunset Kennel. The following day, I cancelled my reservation. After about a week and a half, I noticed my deposit hadn't been returned to me. When I called to inquire about my deposit, Sunset Kennel proceeded to tell me the deposit I had made was non-refundable. I told Sunset Kennel that their employee had told me it was refundable and that I'd get it back. Sunset Kennel responded by telling me that the employee was probably new and that she had provided me with false information. I explained to her that even if the information I received from an employee was false, I still shouldn't have to forfeit $25 that I was told I would get back. I would not have deposited it otherwise as I knew I may possibly cancel. She told me she'd check with the owner and get back to me. Subsequently, the owner called and said that I had called and raised hell, that there was no way that they'd give me my deposit back, and that he didn't care if one of his employees told me I would. He proceeded to scream at me for about 3 minutes without letting me talk and then hung up. I have never been treated so rudely by a professional business. I have also never had a business lie to me in order to collect money and then say too bad - it's company policy. I feel scammed and extremely offended. read more