Finding the Right Doggy Day Care/Boarding Facility That's Right for You

If you’re a dog parent with a challenging work or vacation schedule, you want your four legged friend to have as full a life as you. With so many daycare and boarding facilities to bring your pet to in Los Angeles–you want to make sure the venue you pick is just the right fit. 

Photo byWhitaker Dog Day Camp

“Dogs have social needs, just like humans,” noted Ethan Whitaker, ceo of Whitaker Dog Day Camp. “They need health, wellness, fitness, and community. It’s so important that they have a great life.”

Whitaker has seen dog owners have an increased amount of stress and guilt because of their inability to care for their pups, due to various work issues. 

Photo byWhitaker Dog Day Camp

“Because their lives have been so busy, they’ve been such amazing productive members in society and communities. But when they come home, there is this feeling as if there is a void that needs to be filled, which is often their dog's care,” said Whitaker.

Founded in 2018, Whitaker Dog Day Camp now services Burbank, Studio City, Hollywood Hills, West Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silverlake, Atwater Village, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Pasadena, Glendale, and Lincoln Heights, and offers a convenient, flexible “pick up and drop off” amenity directly from residences.

Photo byWhitaker Dog Day Camp

Whitaker pointed out that play time at a doggy day camp is important because it satiates the “baseline fundamental needs” for dogs. 

“Dogs need to get exercise because it burns off pent up energy, helps with hormonal balance and opens up the door to mental stimulation, which satisfies them overall,” said Whitaker. “What you want is a tired, happy, fulfilled dog, which you can take anywhere. He/she has to have proper socialization to give you security. If your dog has consistent playtime and socialization, he will have the social skills to go participate at the dog beach, go to that outdoor restaurant and be connected with you!”

For now, Whitaker is having fun managing two locations.

“We grew quickly, and got our first place in Frogtown in September 2019. We have 4,000 square feet of outdoor area, and 2,700 square feet of indoor, air conditioned space; half of it is made with AstroTurf. It was incredible to see us grow 1,000 per cent within 28 months!”

Being popular with their doggy clients, Whitaker expanded to a second venue, choosing Glendale as a strategic location for their new headquarters and larger facility. 

“This location connects us to San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, La Crescenta and has 7,000 square feet of outdoor space and 5,000 square feet of indoor, air conditioned space. That is a big increase! This is a more modern and a great place to build out and see how this business is going to expand in the future!” Whitaker added.