Duluth Dog Kennel Recommendation
Our last few attempts at using a dog/house sitter had some unintended consequences. Some of the more interesting: various porn-related scenarios [purchased and delivered]; a Mountain Dew “ash tray” was left in front of our basement toilet [we don’t smoke]; one of our cars apparently was used and the backseat mistaken for a dumpster; and a “three bears ‘bed scenario'” which resulted in a lot of laundry. Without addressing the vetting process I used in staffing, or commenting on my solicitation process, I’d like some recommendations on area kennels for boarding two dogs: one an old lab and the other an old terrier. We’re heading up to the Lutsen area for the holiday and would love to find help up that way; but assume most facilities are in this area.
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27 Comments
Claire
about 5 years agoI can send you a private message about the person who pet sits for us, she's honest and a good person. She's got a small pet sitting business, and doesn't house sit, but she comes in and feeds and plays with our cats, for $15 a visit, I think it is.
Danny G
about 5 years agoAmity Kennels is really good. Our dog spends about two weeks a year at this "doggie hotel."
emmadogs
about 5 years agoSuperior Animal Hospital/Boarding Suites are very good. Kinda pricey, but worth it, I think.
Bad Cat!
about 5 years agoI bring my pets to Superior Animal Hospital and Boarding Suites. It is a little more expensive than some local kennels, but it is high-quality care. Our dogs love going there so much, we refer to it as "camp".
Your Neighbor
about 5 years agoWe use Harbor City Kennels.
Ruthie
about 5 years agoAmity caters to smaller dogs, Harbor City larger dogs. We bring our lab to Harbor City, $20 per day, have a outside play area with ponds they bring out dogs together of same size and age to play together. Very good care.
wildgoose
about 5 years agoI think there's a great short story in your pet sitting experiences. Are you sure you're ready to give up the adventure? That said, I have no idea as a non-dog owner, but I discovered that Grand Casino in Hinckley has quite an elaborate pet kennel area as part of its trailer resort. Maybe they would take your animals for a good price if you are on your way to the Cities anyway.
udarnik
about 5 years agoThat's interesting about Amity catering to smaller dogs. I brought my large dog in several years ago and when I picked him up I found he had been crated without me being told. He had never been crate trained and he had clearly had a miserable time. I don't know if they were super-full and he got stuck in a crate instead of a run, but that made me stop going there. We now go to Northland Boarding and Grooming, which is kind of a pain to get to, but it works for us. It's a no-frills kind of place, but our dogs always look happy to be there; even the timid dog has warmed up to the people who work there and seems to enjoy himself, which is a major accomplishment for him.
MK2
about 5 years agoMy shy, older medium size dog had a bad experience at Amity. I will never ever go there again, even though it is very close.
jessige
about 5 years agoJanet at Waggin' Tails. Out of the way but worth it--very small kennel with the nicest lady ever. Our dogs love it there. 525.4842.
Kerc
about 5 years agoHarbor City or Northland both are great in our experience.
Kerc
about 5 years agomeant to add: with a black lab and a golden retriever.
RS
about 5 years agoHinckley's is closed for the season, FYI (we camped there the weekend of 10/14 and saw the sign). Just a FYI. Hope you find someone reliable!
Biff Nimrod
about 5 years agoDitto for Janet at Waggin' Tails, she's great, nice facility.
nimo
about 5 years agoThere are many trustworthy private sitters. I know of one lady who is so kind to animals and tip toes around the houses she watches. Seems like that was just a bad experience. Don't give up! The animals would be more comfortable at home.
Gary
about 5 years agoAnother vote for Harbor City Kennel. We've been taking both our dogs (one large and one small) there for about five years and have had no negative experiences. They have a large area where the dogs can run and play too.
Willow
about 5 years agoI agree with nimo. As a Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner I know how important it is for pets to be comfortable and cared for properly. It can be just as traumatic for a bad home pet sitter as it is for a poor kennel experience. However, I do prefer an at home sitter if I can find a good one. With older dogs often kennels can be a difficult experience, especially if they are used to having their own space at home, quiet, a routine, and a free run of areas at home. Be careful when choosing a kennel! Also, try to find a place that keeps your dogs together (one being large and the other small). I could recommend a few very good dog sitters in the Duluth area if you are interested. Good Luck!
Emily
about 5 years agoWe use Superior Animal Hospital/Boarding Suites as well, or Lucky Dog Daycare up in Hermantown. (We have small dogs though). We will never use Amity again.
DJ/MN
about 5 years agoWe used Amity for over 15 years and are thrilled to have such a caring place for our large dogs. Our second dog had been badly mistreated at another local kennel-she always came home in a happier state of mind from Amity than at the other place. The current dog adores the owner and tries to lick her face.
Sweets
about 5 years agoI will ask the question everyone wants to know. Is the porn top shelf material?
j
about 5 years agoWe use Kennelz and Bitz in Moose Lake (wrong direction I know) BUT the care is BEYOND wonderful and my dogs are thrilled whenever they go. Lots of time outside in the run playing fetch (2 labs) and they are EXTREMELY clean and the kennels they are in overnight are huge. I have recommended them to several friends and they have all loved it. The couple have been trying to sell for a long time but I think theyre being picky. If I could afford the place, I'd buy it-they have a great set up. They have a website. It's under 30 for two dogs per night. And if you go a week you get a little discount too. Seriously, I can't say enough good about them, I kind of wished I needed them more often and could afford to board more often because my dogs love it. I used amity a few times and my dogs HATED it. The woman was VERY nice but the dogs were kept in crates all weekend separate from each other. My dogs always stay together and honestly, being in crates (the plastic kind nonetheless) for all but pee time and some play time...not ok with me at all.
udarnik
about 5 years agoI forgot -- we boarded at Waggin' Tales once when Northland was full and it is also great. It is smaller so it can fill up quicker at busy times, but I was happy with the care my dogs got there.
Joe
about 5 years agoI frequently use Harbor City Kennel and highly recommend them. The dogs have access to a pond and trails and are let out early in the day and more frequently during the day.
CeeGee
about 5 years agoA+ for Harbor City Kennel. Never a bad experience there.
Pat
about 5 years agoNow I'm curious about the vetting process that lead to the Mt Dew ashtray!
Betsy
about 5 years agoGoogle Robin Whaley, Stay at Home Pet Care.
heysme
about 5 years agoCall Janet at Waggin' Tails - 218.525.4842 Extremely attentive to all dogs (and cats too), competitive prices, flexible! Also I would agree with the recommendation of Robin at Stay at Home Pet Care - she is amazing too!