Every time we turn onto Saxony our sweet Tobin starts whining with excitement. He loves Animal Keeper!

Freddy the Frenchy's Home Away from Home (aka Doggy Hotel Deluxe) If you're looking for a place that treats your four-legged gremlin like royalty *and* has the patience of a saint, look no further. I've been boarding my dog Freddy (aka King of Stubbornville, Mayor of Sass Town, and producer of premium airbiscuits) at this magical canine resort during my vacations--and let me just say: they deserve medals. Big shiny ones. Possibly even keys to the city. Freddy is a 10-year-old French Bulldog with the attitude of a teenager who missed brunch and the digestive system of a whoopee cushion. He's adorable, yes, but also the kind of dog who looks you straight in the eye as he does the exact opposite of what you just asked. And yet... the team here has *nailed* caring for him. Destiny, Ashley, and Austin W. are basically Freddy's personal entourage now. They don't just tolerate his stubborn sass--they *understand* it. Austin even has a Frenchy himself, which means he gets the breed's trademark combo of clown energy, drama queen vibes, and... well, gas. Lots of gas. It's like Freddy found his spirit human. Whether it's overnight stays or their awesome day play sessions, I know Freddy is in great hands. He comes back exhausted (the good kind), happy, and only slightly annoyed that he's no longer the center of the universe once he's home again. Bottom line: if your pup is a diva, a weirdo, or just a loveable fart machine like Freddy, this place will treat them like family--with extra treats and zero judgment. 10/10 would board again. Freddy gives it two snorts and a side-eye of approval. read more

been taking my cat ( LILBUD ) for 10 years, KAYLA AND DESTINY and the team make him feel at home. they are awesome. JB read more

Im usually am a huge fan of this place. However, due to the holidays I was disappointed in the lack of notice advising customers of their holiday hours. I tried to call to see if it would tell me as a prompt, but the voice message was from 2020 talking about Covid policy. That was a real let down. I even went on their website and still no mention of holiday hours. It wasn't til I called them once they opened that I was advised that they closed early the day b4 Thanksgiving, and weren't taking any drop offs. Was also told they posted signed in the facility. As great as sign posting is, for those who aren't regulars, we really need other ways of notifying. read more

Great place to get your pups pampered. Very friendly staff and the place is very clean. I recommend this business to anyone who wants a wonderful place to board your furry babies. read more

This place is fantastic! My girls Sasha loves hanging here her and her brother Dude used to go all the time. The staff are incredibly friendly and efficient. It's nice when you go to the events around town and some of the workers will recognize your dog out, lol. read more

This place has been around the corner for 3 years and I have yet to try It. My pup was dirty after a beach day and her other appointment fell through and the Animal Keeper was able to squeeze in last minute. My pup was so fresh and clean and she was actually happy after coming back which was a change in attitude to usual grooming. I would say that is a big win! read more

Kona stays here for boarding and also does daycare here too. She's always ecstatic when we arrive and runs in when we drop her off. We get her bathed when we're out of town. But this last time, she had stress poop and they did not check/clean her before I picked her up. The manager told me to bring her back, I told her "no", we are already home and I'm bathing her and trimming....either she was neglected or neglected. Guess they had a new person that needed more training before handing us our dog. read more

I've been taking my fur babies to Encinitas Animal Keeper for several years now. Not only do my dogs get excited to go to day care every day and see their favorite yard manager, Audrie, the front office team of Stephanie, Kayla, Destiny, and Austin deliver on exceptional customer service regularly. This is and will continue to be my go to place for all my girls' needs. Thank you Encinitas Animal Keeper!! read more

Another day, another happy and satisfied pup!! Shoutout to the Animal Keeper staff, they are always so excited to see Cleo when I bring her in the morning for doggy day camp-- and when I pick her up at the end of the day she gives kisses goodbye & is a very happy and tired pup read more

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my dog huckleberry has been staying at the animal keeper Encinitas for over 7 of his 9 years. they are always very attentive and take exceptional care of him. he actually gets very excited when I say "Kennel?" as if it was a trip to the dog park (his other favorite place on the planet) many thanks to management and a special thanks to Destiny, a true dog lover. my kind of people! read more

The Animal Keeper - Happy Huckleberry! - Pet Sitting Near Me - Encinitas, California

The best staff! They are also one of the only boarders in the area that accommodate dogs who don't do well with other dogs, or need solo boarding. They have so many additional services to customize your stay above and beyond traditional overnight facilities. They're also super flexible with drop-off and pickup times. Tip: call well in advance for holiday travel. read more

Animal Keeper in Encinitas is a wonderful place for day camp, boarding, etc. We have always had a positive experience with everyone there. They are very caring and take great care of our dogs. We recently adopted a new dog and needed some guidance. We met with their trainer Rurik and was very happy with our 1 on 1 training. Murphy did very well socializing with the other dogs and enjoyed playing with them. When we met with Rurik, he went over in detail his assessment of Murphy and ways that we can continue to work with him. Rurik was very positive, very upfront about what our next steps in training should be. He was very thorough and took the time to answer all our questions and really explain what they worked on. It was a very positive experience and would recommend Rurik for training and recommend Animal Keeper for day camp and boarding. read more

First, it takes a lot for me to write a GREAT review! I love love love the Animal Keeper because they employee only the BEST of the BEST of employees in all aspects of their services. We have now been going to their groomer, Marlenne for several years now & she is hands down the BEST Groomer we have ever taken our Bichons to! She is like family to us & takes excellent care of our fur-babies who come out looking like show dogs. Our fur-babies do not like going to anyone other than us, yet, when I tell them they are going to their groomers to see Marlenne, they get so excited I can barely hang on to them wanting to get out the door fast! They just LOVE HER! She has never injured or cut our babies. She is careful & loving & dependable & the Best Groomer we have ever had!!! You better never ever leave Marlenne, it would break our hearts! Love you, from Lexie & Bentley! read more

I'm staying at an airbnb in Encinitas, after evacuating my home in Los Angeles due to the fires. Things were already a bit stressful, when my two dogs engaged in a late night SKUNK ATTACK that did not end well. Destiny, Angel, Cat and the Assistant manager Stefanie went absolutely above and beyond and took my dogs in for urgent de-skunking baths at 7am, after I spent several hours stressing the eff out after a failed mission at an outdoor 24/7 dog wash in the middle of the night. I did not have a bathtub or supplies to bathe my dogs, as my airbnb only has a small shower. The Animal Keeper team was so incredibly kind and welcoming (and this was before they even officially opened!) They had a full schedule of appointments booked up for the day, but they somehow were able to squeeze my dogs in first. They called to give me updates and put my naughty pups up in a nice room for the rest of the day so I could deal with some skunk juice clean up at my rental. I am so grateful!!! read more

I don't write reviews often. Only when I feel strongly that the person, business, or service really deserves the feedback, whether positive or negative. In this case I am pleased it is positive ;) I have been taking my dog, very consistently, for the past two years to The Animal Keeper Encinitas. The staff has always been pleasant, helpful, fair, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure my pup "Billie Eyelash" is well taken care of. I have always been treated kindly by the entire staff. They are all great, but I want to call out one person in particular who has been as consistent as can be, with their professionalism and kindness. Destiny! Thank you! read more

Mahalo to Kat, Katie, Destiny, and Austin, who always go the extra mile in customer service in taking care of my kiddo. Thank you for always being as caring and loving as you are. read more

The Animal Keeper - Loving Camp at Animal Keeper! - Pet Sitting Near Me - Encinitas, California

Believe the Five Star reviews!! My first choice for doggy day "camp" was the Animal Keeper in Encinitas -- past experience there with my senior toy poodle "Lambchop" was excellent -- but she would only spend the day in one of the exceptionally clean condos. Now, with a recently adopted rescue dog, I knew that "Teddy" needed a more integrated plan so that he could gain confidence by socializing frequently with other dogs and with new people. Teddy initially joined the Tiny Tots play group and I could tell right away that he was fitting in so well that I signed up for fifteen sessions of training and camp. At my first meeting with the trainer, Rurik Dominguez, we discussed a plan for Teddy to learn basic safety commands such as sit and stay, heel, and adding other commands as Teddy learned and retained the information. Rurik's positive training with Teddy has made such a difference when we are out in public and at home. Teddy is more attentive and well-behaved, friendly and playful, and it has enhanced our bonding experience. Rurik has provided tremendous guidance and instruction with videos of Teddy's training sessions, a written handout for how to work on some issues at home, and practice with both of us at the facility. Along with the fantastic trainer Rurik, I also appreciate the professional and friendly front desk staff such as Kayla Bodenstadt, Resort Manager, and the others who greet Teddy in the morning, bring him to me at pick-up time, and who watch over him (and likely clean up after him) during play time. You can tell how much Teddy enjoys his camp days as he gets lots of cuddles and "such a good boy" -- so much so that we are signed up for another fifteen days of training! It is all working so well for us that I want to keep Teddy involved. So with love and appreciation, thank you again to Rurik, Kayla, and all the Animal Keeper staff. read more

If I could give 10 stars, I most definitely would! We brought our 6 month old puppy, Ragnar, to The Animal Keeper primarily for socialization in the Day Camp program. What we actually ended up doing was committing to a 10-day Train and Day Camp pass. This was hands down THE BEST decision we have made for our new pup! Our trainer was RURIK VIGO. After having tried our luck with other competitors in the area, online training, and purchasing a training book, as it turns out, Rurik was all we needed! Rurik very quickly formed a bond with Ragnar and the learning was almost immediate. He sent videos and communications of the daily exercises in training so that it was very easy for us to repeat at home to continue the training method. As a side note, The Animal Keeper as a facility is absolutely sparkling CLEAN and without any sort of pungent odor that is frequently encountered at other facilities. We will be adopting another young dog soon, and will absolutely bring him/her to train with Rurik as well as to romp and play for Day Camp. 10 STARS!!!! read more

I've been bringing Bianca to The Animal Keeper for "camp" and she absolutely loves it, can't wait to get out of the car and into the action! We can always use help with training so I signed up for some sessions with Rurick and am very happy with the decision. He is very knowledgeable and patient and I noticed almost immediately that Bianca was paying more attention to me on our walks. The training with Rurick is one-on-one as opposed to a group class which seemed to work well for us. He sent videos of her progress and we met a few times so I could learn some training techniques. The staff at The Animal Keeper is exceptional, very friendly and accomodating. The facility is clean and conveniently located with several parking spots for drop-off and pick-up. Highly recommend - two paws up for The Animal Keeper and Rurick! read more

This doggy daycare is conveniently located for because it's next to the 5 freeway. What is different about requirements from similar daycares is that Bordatella needs to be updated every 6 months instead of every year. It is useful the Animal Keeper provides the nasal Bordatella vaccine to keep your dog updated. Also, after 3 PM all dogs are taken from the play area and brought into their individual suites until pick up. I think my dog appreciates this in order for him to finally rest and not be distracted by other dogs. I noticed that there is an outdoor drop off area for dogs to get into the play area. I found that to be super convenient. After having a look at their boarding options, I'm intrigued at bringing my dog here one day while I am away in my travels. read more

The Animal Keeper - Check in area - Pet Sitting Near Me - Encinitas, California

Please do not take your fur baby here or to any of their locations. My dog has gotten Giardia, had her paws hurt on multiple occasions, and came out limping in pain. All times they did not want to cover veterinary costs or take any responsibility for the injuries and our illnesses that occurred on their premises. Each time I was blamed. I requested video this last time and I have been given the silent treatment. I would like to help prevent anyone else's fur baby from sickness or injury from this awful business. As an animal lover and advocate for animals I think these people need to be held fully accountable and they will continue to operate unless we speak up and help our animals who don't have a voice. read more

The Animal Keeper - My injured dog day of pickup 12/13/21 - Pet Sitting Near Me - Encinitas, California

I brought my dog senior , late adoptee and he was very nervous as he had badly abused by a male prior owner. They only used female staff and were concerned when he wouldn't eat for 24 hrs until I told them he was testing them to see if they could bring human-cooked food. Once Buddy realized no human food was coming. Day 2 brought a normal appetite. When I explained Buddy's cleverness and plan to the staff, they felt better and laughed with me at his intelligence. When I returned, he had all meds /supplements taken and looked happy to see me. I was away for 7 days. read more

Doppel has been attending daycare here for several years, and it's a great part of our routine!The staff knows her by name and is great with communication. When I pick up my dog she is thrilled to see me and then tries to bring me back in to play with her friends who are still inside. We have also been happy with their boarding and grooming services. They have gotten very busy so have moved to a reservation system for safety so be sure to call ahead! read more

The Animal Keeper - Happy dog. - Pet Sitting Near Me - Encinitas, California

So glad we found The Animal Keeper for our girl Lucy. From the start Destiny and Austin were super helpful and patient with answering all my questions. And Kayla has been great with my check ins. I feel confident about the care that they give my girl. read more

I picked up my two girls from Animal Keeper in Encinitas this afternoon. Lately they have been spending occasional nights boarding, generally when we have plans late into the evening. My older girl, Pippi La Pulga, has stayed with Animal Keepers many times, three times over 2-week periods when we've traveled out of the country. Pippi loves going. Our newer puppy, Graciela, has only gone a few times for either a few hours of day camp or overnight. She is now comfortable and is excited to arrive. It's the people who make the difference. They really seem to care. I am grateful to have such a wonderful, fun place to leave Pippi La Pulga and Graciela when they can't be home with me. You won't be disappointed. read more

The Animal Keeper - Graciela - Pet Sitting Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I was looking for a dog trainer for Blue and when Rurik Vigo took blue in his training . Blue is a new dog , no anxiety, no run wild, no afraid of dogs barking . Blue has become so discipline, confident , more happy. He still has great personality but more structure. We are so happy that we can communicate with Blue . Forever Thankful with Rurik. "You made for our family a life Changer . For the following 12-15years" Thank you Ines,Jermaine and Blue read more

Nothing but the best experiences with the Animal Keeper. My senior dog as well as for my puppy. We have used their grooming, overnight, play days and dog training. All excellent and my dogs leave tired & happy. They go above and beyond and treat my dogs like their own! read more

The Animal Keeper - Nala at basic puppy training graduation - Pet Sitting Near Me - Encinitas, California

I've taken my dog here a few times now when I travel and I will say that I like that they have tons of options to keep your dog busy, entertained, clean, maintained, and well fed. They even offer shots too, so I don't have to worry too much with staying up to date with my dog's shots on my own. My dog isn't a social dog and tries to attack other dogs, so with that in mind, we try to keep him away from the other dogs, but also have him learn to play with others. We have him do playtime with other dogs, attended, so I'm glad that the associates here are aware of that. I am also able to get shots done for my dog if I'm a bit behind. I love that they cater to his diet, due to the fact that he is allergic to a lot of things (it's a breed thing), and so I don't have to worry about him eating food with grains and fillers. My dog Kenji is a fan of this place, overall. read more

We have boarded our 2 year old sproodle Luna a few times at the Animal Keeper Encinitas, this latest time was the longest we've ever boarded her - almost 3 weeks. The most important thing to us in choosing a boarding facility is how Luna does afterwards, and after being boarded here she is always calm, happy, her appetite (which can be problematic) is good, she looks healthy and it takes minimal effort to get her adjusted back to home life, even after 3 weeks of boarding. My only gripe is that they don't have cameras for us to look at Luna while we're away from her but the staff is always very happy to give me an update on how she is doing when I call to check on her. Highly recommend! read more

I was going to board my dog for one night at Animal Kreaper in Encinitas. they said I would need to get a bortedella booster for $35 at 6 months. I called my veterinarian in Poway who I have used for 30+ years and they said it is an annual vaccination. I called three other prominent dog boarding facilities in the same area who said they require a one year vaccination -- not 6 months. A front desk clerk named Destiny at Animal Keeper seems to know more than the entire industry combined and insisted it is 6 months. Bot where U want my pet whippet staying. What other professional standards do they not follow? I'm not finding out. read more

My mini poodle mix Marley attends Animal keeper in Encinitas tiny tots camp. She loves the supervised play time with other dogs her size. She also completed an obedience training program of 20 sessions with Rurik, a trainer at AK in Encinitas. For about 4-5 weeks , Marley went to 1 on 1 training with Rurik for 1 hour, 4 days a week and then had play time at camp for 1-2 hours. She learned heel, sit , lie down, stay and leave it . I received daily updates with photos of Marley's training sessions and once a week I was given a training session to learn how to handle Marley, give commands and keep up the training at home . My dog loves going to Animal Keeper tiny tots camp and gets excited when we turn into the driveway . The training she received from Rurik at AK has been life changing. It has made her a more confident dog . We recently took a family vacation driving up the coast and took Marley . She was incredibly well behaved and welcomed in multiple dog friendly restaurants, coffee shops and hotels . Thanks AK for providing quality training and play groups for my dog . read more

The Animal Keeper - Marley graduating from Animal Keeper obedience school - Pet Sitting Near Me - Encinitas, California

I want to shoutout to Cat who works at the Encinitas location. she goes beyond being friendly, caring and always with a cheerful attitude to accommodate the needs of clients and their fur babies!!! you are so lucky to have her!!! Diane Pawling read more

My dog, Ace is always happy to go to the Animal Keeper. The team there knows which group works well for his group play. The process of day play or overnight dropoff is very easy and quick. We have been going here for about 2 years, and have always had a good experience. Staff is great. read more

I have taken my dog to the Animal Keeper before, and trust them. The staff is professional and very friendly, answering all my questions. My dog chewed her jacket I left for the cold morning outdoors, and staff found another coat to keep her warm for the rest of her stay. I wasn't sure about the group play because my dog is timid, however, asked staff to see how she does. My dog engaged in daily play, and I think it helped her with Socializing. I plan to bring her back for outdoor play weekly to enhance her interaction with other dogs. In addition, they offer a military discount which is very nice. I've already scheduled her next vacation. Thank you Animal Keeper. read more

Rorick was a great trainer for Rosa. He did a good job teaching her the basics. We would recommend him to our friends and neighbors.

This is my Report Card to: "The Animal Keeper Staff" A+ My Holly and Zak both pretend to act tough when their parents are not around. I was afraid that they might cause trouble having them board over the weekend Surprised to learn they both were in their best behaviors and even received good grades upon check out. Thanks to the wonderful groomer for Holly's awesome trim and Zak's nice bath! Kudos to all the staff for a very reliable and knowledgeable supervision! read more

The Animal Keeper - Holly-husky Zak-giant chiahuahua - Pet Sitting Near Me - Encinitas, California

I have been working with a trainer Rurik and he is awesome! He's very knowledgeable and experienced. He has turned my puppy into such a well behaved dog. He knows all about different breeds. The place is very clean and friendly. read more

Great boarding and training service. Everyone is very pleasant. It's clean. The staff cares about your animal. It's not as personalized as in-home boarding, but the upside is there is always room if you have last minute travel. I love this place. read more

My Puggle loves this place and the great staff. Another doggy mom recommended The Animal Keeper to me for doggy day care. I brought my Raven when she was four months old and she's been going each week for 7 months now. What stands out is the very sweet staff who know me and Raven by name. Raven loves playing with other dogs and the owners who go here are very responsible. I'm also grateful that The Animal Keeper is involved in helping local charity. Give them a try if your dog needs to socialize, play or board. read more

The Animal Keeper - Holding my Raven at pick up with her favorite staff! - Pet Sitting Near Me - Encinitas, California