We have been boarding our dog at Tappen for 4 years. I have looked at many other kennels trying to find something closer to our home especially for a one or two night stay. Tappen is a 45 minute drive. But frankly, I can't find anything that gives me the same calm and overall comfort of Tappen. The staff is always excellent and my dog seems happy. Overall, a great facility and well staffed. read more

This place is just bad - do not even waste your time with this place. The grounds are nice but, that's about it...the people are rude, fake and just very unprofessional. There were some definitive red flags - 1) no barking...what?!?! The 'receptionist' said that it was always very quiet and they hardly had any barkers...what?!? This is a place that boards dogs, right? Pretty ridiculous if you ask me. The owner, Anne, who likes to think she is some sort of an expert in dog care, walks around like she is above everyone else...she was judgemental, short, rude, incorrect with her 'evaluation' and just down-right irritating. She 'disqualified' my dog for a tiny growl that she gave some dog she just met...nothing even close to being vicious - just a 'hey, I'm letting you know I am here, warning growl.' I could understand if she was aggressive toward the dog but this was not the case at all. She proceeded to give me some bogus, rehearsed spiel about why the dog wouldn't be a good fit here...blah, blah, blah. I was disappointed that I had taken my time to drive all the way up here - however, I am actually relieved that things didn't work out because I really don't want these people anywhere near my dogs. I think I read in one of the other reviews that she saw a bunch of the dogs that were there not playing...and I must say that I saw the same thing...the dogs were pacing back and forth in some outdoor kennels and a few of the dogs were whining and trying to climb the fences - probably trying to get the hell outta there cause they weren't allowed to bark. read more

Thank you so much Tappen Hill! My 8 month old lab had a wonderful time for her 2-week stay...and the owners and staff helped solve a dietary issue that we've been struggling with since we brought our pup home! I do agree that the "interview" process might seem a little strange...but as other reviewers have said, Tappen Hill is completely up front and professional about their process. As is the case with any interview, the possibility does exist that it won't be a match...so I guess dog owners do need to be prepared for that outcome. We originally had booked a 1-week stay, but because of a family emergency, it turned into a 2-week stay...Tappen Hill was so understanding and accomodating. While we were gone, we were completely comfortable that our pup was in a great/beautiful setting, was being cared for professionally, and was in a SAFE environment. Thanks again! read more

It has been five years since my golden retriever passed away on a long trip to live in Mexico. I absolutely never regretted leaving him at Tappen Hill when I had to travel for any length of time. He used to squeal at the entrance gate the same way he would squeal in anticipation when I took him to the beach. Jack had a special raw foods diet and the staff was always very accommodating in taking care to feed him his special meals. I like the way they interviewed the owners and dogs before they decided to take them into their care ! read more

At first glance, this place seemed really awesome. Rolling acres, doggy swimming pools, european style boarding without any cages, etc. were all very attractive options for my beautiful dog. My dog passed the initial entry interview with flying colors and I felt really good about bringing him there. I took my dog there on about 5 occasions, paying top dollar ($42/night) for him to be comfortable and for me to have peace of mind while I was away. However, I noticed my dog's anxiety increasing each time I went there to drop him off or pick him up. The last time, I was informed that they had put a shock collar on my dog because they were really busy and crowded over the holiday period. They said they felt it was necessary, because they don't want dogs like mine to bark and make other dogs bark. I don't know about you, but I'm NOT OK with the idea of shock collars. I was especially upset that they used one on my dog without contacting me beforehand. Really disappointed -- I decided not to return there again. read more

I guess Tappen Hill is perfect for those people who want to see and be seen. We took our 9 month old well-socialized lab in for "orientation" yesterday and got the boot in just under 7 minutes. The intake counselor was rude, brusque, officious, and patronizing. Other than that it was great fun looking at the placid 8 or 9 dogs that were lounging around in the play yards - which is odd considering that the lady at the front desk had just told me Tappen had 52 overnighters currently checked in. Where were all these happy-go-lucky fellas? Who knows? Tappen professes to let the dogs out and socialize all day, but the bulk of the pups were no where to be seen. Why did we get the boot? Because our pup was "too friendly", and wanted to engage and play with the two large dogs hand picked by Tappen to test his socialization level. I was told to bring him back when he was better trained to play with other dogs. Didn't know there was a class on that, but the intake counselor was intent on setting me straight. Never mind that we've had our dog in obedience school since he was 9 weeks old, he is more socialized than most adults I know, and he does all his doggy tricks with one sign and/or voice command. But guess the intake counselor was too busy to thoroughly check this out, or we had on the wrong clothes and shoes. No questions asked, we were shown the door. Unless you like the snoot factor, this place is not for your friendly furry guy. read more

I agree with some of the bad reviews. The place felt very corporate. My intake was short and curt. I could not ask hardly any questions. My dog had some anxiety which for me already made my decision in my mind. He usually loves playing and he has been socialized being at another daycare since he was 6 months. And had obedience training. They love him there. I left the place thinking no problem he should be fine but just got out the gate and they called but did not hear so got to where I was going .I called back thinking must be a butt dial but no they said he was disqualified for growling at some dogs .I can understand that but10 minutes . Give him at least an hour to acclimate ,what would Cesar do? I was disappointed. And they use citronella collars or others if dog barks. They want it quiet. I thought the owner would at least say we can work with that with their trainer .and then we could reevaluate. I think there was some underlying reason . That's what I thought. Oh well they claim to be experienced . I did not see any pups out playing either. They were all looking at me like get me out of hear .we cannot even talk in here.! read more

Tappen Hill is the creme de la creme of doggie boarding. I have a very high maintenance aussie with multiple medical issues as well as extreme anxiety at being left at any boarding facility. I feel 100% comfortable and at ease when leaving him at Tappen Hill and they always report that he did fantastically. The staff is terrific with him and the place is beautiful! I have yet to find another boarding facility that remotely compares to Tappen Hill - highly recommend it. read more

Our nine year old Golden has been staying at Tappen Hill since early 2006 when she was 4 months old. The longest stays have been three weeks, when we have been out of the country, and we never have had any concerns about leaving her. She can tend to be nervous, but she always is excited to arrive here and drags us in the front door. She comes home tired, relaxed and happy. The facility is beautiful, the staff has always been great, and the owners Chris & Annie are caring, knowledgable, and true professionals. We now have a ten month old male Golden as well, and they both love going on vacation here. During one of the pups recent stays, we received a late night call from Chris, who lives on site. A staff member had noticed an issue with our female. Chris immediately suspected bloat and transported her to an emergency vet. X-rays confirmed she did indeed have gastric dilatation & volvulus, a life threatening condition that is not always easy to detect early on, but where early diagnosis and treatment with surgery is key. Thanks to Chris' quick action she had a successful, and less invasive, surgery that night to correct the problem. We were 2,000 miles away at the time, and Chris was wonderful on the phone. The surgeon and follow up vet both told us we were very lucky our kennel owner had recognized the symptoms so early, as most dog owners don't. I am quite sure if she had been in our care we would have taken a wait and see approach and she would most likely be missing part of her stomach if she survived at all. As I write this she is engaged in a vigorous play session with her annoying younger brother! On her most recent visit she dragged us right back in the door again, as always. Tappen Hill is a fantastic home away from home and the only kennel we will use for our Goldens. We look forward to many more years of happy pet vacations! read more

This is the most amazing place for dogs. Our three year old lab adores Tappen Hill. As we approach the gate her tail starts wagging and as soon as we open the car door - she leaps out and cannot contain her excitement. We have always found the staff to be thoughtful, thorough, communicative and truly caring about the well being of the dogs. This is a very special place and it very well run, organized, clean and calm. I like how the dogs are broken out into small groups based upon their size, age, temperament. Our dog is very active and social and she is always placed with similar dogs and has a wonderful time. Pool time with her friends is her favorite. We have had her at Tappen Hill for daycare, an overnight and up to 10 days and she has always come home, happy and healthy. read more

Being a professional dog walker for many years, there are certain things I immediately look for in a boarding facility. Tappen Hill scores as one of my highest choices of all time. It's where my beloved Golden stays. If he could write the review himself, he would be even more laudatory than I. He absolutely loves going here. I really can't say enough positive about the Tappen Hill facility and the people. It is such a very special place. The staff is talented and there is no question how well they take care of all their guests. Love bounces all around Tappen Hill. One of the secrets of the safe, quality experience a pet has at Tappen Hill is the intake "interview" the insightful staff conducts with each new guest. The hosts want to make certain that all guests are appropriate for their wonderful combination of free style and structured environment. Since dogs are matched into play groups by their energy level, age, size and personality, Tappen Hill wisely requires an evaluation before a first time stay. This results in an almost magical combination of easy outside access for dogs where they can romp and play on the beautiful grounds as they wish, combined with a quiet structured environment where they rest, recuperate and claim some space as their own. If you ever wonder how well the Tappen Hill system works, just visit the private area. All variety of dogs are comfortably in their crates, happily peaceful, snoozing and enjoying recharging. No agitation, no barking, no stressed anxiety. Simply remarkable for a group of dogs -- mostly strangers to one another when they arrived, away from home and their humans. For most of our treasured companion pals, boarding at Tappen Hill just can't be beat. My Golden tells me it is not boarding at all, but a great, fun, resort adventure vacation. Thank you Tappen Hill for being. With a busy travel schedule, I always know you are there with a safe, quality experience awaiting my special guy. read more

We just brought our 6 month dog home yesterday after 3 weeks of training and the results are amazing! Annie turned our beloved "canine juvenile delinquent" into a perfectly behaved "gentleman"! When we came to pick him up, Annie spent 2+ hours with us "training" us so our dog's transition home would be easy. Our puppy loves doing obedience work and thinks it's his favorite activity in the world! His tail never stops wagging! He had a wonderful time at Tappen Hill, playing with the other dogs and his training is fantastic. read more

My dog has boarded at Tappen Hill for four years and I recently tried to book him in for a week in the summer but they would not take him without my dog coming in for a night to see if he is still compatible because he is getting older. My dog is a terrier and he is only six and was at Tappen Hill only 18 months ago. To bring him in for a night would have me driving a total of over 160 miles and my vet says it is not neccessary. So Tappen Hill clients, beware. You cannot rely on this kennel to take your dog as it gets older. You will have to jump through hoops and there is a chance that they will just decide that they no longer want to take care of your dog. read more

Because of Tappen Hill, I can get away now and then and not worry about my dog. I am confident she is being be well cared for in a healthy, safe, and calm environment. The attentiveness the staff pays to individual dogs, making sure the temperament mix works, is really important to me. I want my young dog's friendliness toward other dogs to be reinforced. She comes home from her stay happy and tired from play with dogs of similar age and personality. When I had an older dog, she would mingle with other middle aged dogs and was very content at Tappen Hill. These dogs are tail tuckers when it come to baths, vet's or passing the houses of dogs who have snapped at them but they have always been eager to pull me right into the office at Tappen Hill. read more

If you have a dog and you need a place to put them for a night or a month, there is no finer pet 'hotel' than Tappen Hill!!!! The staff is knowledgeable, caring, on top of it and loving towards the dogs. If my dog could talk he would say every time I come to pick him up "Who are you? Go away!" LOL He LOVES being there!!! read more

On the mandatory overnight prior to boarding, Tappen Hill used a Citronella Spray Collar on my 15-month-old PWD without informing us of this possibility ahead of time. A citronella spray collar emits a liquid onto the eyes, mouth, and nose whenever the dog barks. The spray also coated my 10-yr-old PWD that was staying with him. Annie was pleased my dogs were clean and well groomed when they came, but she said nothing about giving the dogs back to me covered in citronella spray. After just spending $150 to groom them last week, I had to bath them again to remove the citronella spray. No barking is allowed at this kennel. How is that possible at a dog kennel? I had left my home number and made it clear that I would be home and wanted to be called if there was a problem. No call was made and the collar was put on the puppy, my trusting and happy puppy was punished for barking. Slick marketing and better-than-thou attitudes are what Tappen Hill is selling. I would not recommend this kennel to anyone. read more

I have been using Tappen Hill for occasional daycare since my Alaskan Malamute was a puppy. This is a wonderful place and when I had surgery last year, it was necessary for him to spend some time boarded there. My dog tends to play very very hard and sometimes it is not possible to find a play group for him when he is there...so instead he gets personal attention and lots of pool time. He absolutely loves it there and knows the route we are taking when we are in the car headed there. He cannot wait to get in the door and I swear he is disappointed when I pick him up. The staff has never been anything but friendly and helpful, each and every one of them, whether owner or employee. I have looked at other facilities that are closer to our house and there is absolutely nothing that holds a candle to this place. There is no smell and no noise. The dogs are not barking but instead are socializing with one another either inside or outside. I would give this place ten stars if it were possible. I love that they treat every dog as an individual and don't just throw them all into a kennel and leave them or let them bicker and fight because they were inappropriately matched. I cannot understand the few poor reviews since it seems so foreign when compared to my own experience for the last two and a half years. read more

This is the only place we will board our Bernese Mountain Dog, even though it takes us an hour to get there from our home in San Francisco. I've always felt that they had a special animal-centric approach to their boarding and care. But what's most amazing to me is that this past February, they literally saved my dog's life. While boarded, my dog suffered a condition called bloat that could have killed him in a matter of hours (we were on vacation in Hawaii). They noticed he didn't eat his breakfast (a rare thing, but something an SF facility would never have noticed), then that he threw up water, and then they checked his gums to see if his circulation was ok. It wasn't, so they got him into a van to go to the vet as a precaution. As they did so, they noted that his belly was starting to swell, and they took him to the local emergency vet (VCA animal care center), and threw down their credit card for emergency surgery as they awaited my call back (all this transpired in about 90 minutes, and I wasn't reachable as I was on the beach). I am so eternally grateful that they know animals, know what to watch for, and were willing to put down their own payment to save my dog's life. In the days that followed, as my dog was in the vet's ICU for several days as we waited to see if he'd handled all the trauma and could recover, they called either the vet or me every day to see how things were. They are professional, animal-loving, incredibly competent caretakers, and caught a condition that I may have missed had my dog been home with me. As I said, we won't board our dog anywhere else. On top of it all, their fees are reasonable and they ensure that dogs are well-socialized and safe to be around their canine peers. Love them. read more

Let me start off by saying that each time we drop our dogs off, my husband and I talk about how we wish that we lived at Tappen Hill. It's a beautiful property, well maintained, very peaceful, and of course, there are dogs. We refer to this place as the Four Seasons for dog boarding - it's that nice, and at the same time, it's also a very good value, given what a great experience Tappen Hill provides. We've been bringing our dogs here for a little over a year - for longer stays, when we want the dogs to have a vacation experience while we are on vacation. I so appreciate how professionally it's managed; the team is warm, friendly, and inspires confidence that our well-loved dogs will be well cared for while we're away. Yes, they're very thorough in their vetting process, and yes, not all dogs will pass muster - that said, it's this very diligence that assures dog owners that their pets will be safe, and happy, during their stay. read more