It's A Dog's Life Playcare/Boarding

Based on what I have seen thru the window from the street, I would NEVER take my dog to this Doggie Day Care! I walked by about a year ago and glanced thru the window and saw a few dogs laying around with no one in sight, eventually someone came in and wiped up some pee and left. Now, here is is a year later, I was running a few errands in the neighborhood and glanced inside the daycare again. Lots of dogs running around but again NO staff in sight! As I watched for about another 5 minutes, I saw 2 dogs nipping at a black & white collie / sheltie mix and had it backed into a corner each taking jabs at it. This was not playful at all and then the collie mix laid on its back in a surrendering state and one of the dogs went for his neck and was very aggressive. AGAIN - NO STAFF ON THE FLOOR. The staff from what I did see are sitting on a stool in the office in the other room and sometimes looking over into the play area. Then if they decide to get up, they have to go thru a door, then thru a gate which is not timely or close enough to break up a fight if one did occur. I have my dog at a daycare across town where there are 1 or 2 staff members on the floor at ALL times. Whether it be picking up poop, playing with the dogs, interacting or making sure bad behavior does not happen and it is corrected immediately. With what I saw today, I felt really bad for potential dog owners who take theirs to this facility and worse for the dogs being put into a situation that does not have their safety come first. It's very obvious the staff isn't hands on, unless it's to clean up a mess. I have NEVER seen any of them interact with the dogs, or look at all interested. My advice if you love your dog and care about it's safety and happiness.....DON'T TAKE IT HERE!!!!! more

I live in St. John's and was so thrilled to find a Doggy Day Care in St. John's. Linda, the owner, is wonderful with the animals. She is kind and compassionate and very helpful. My dog is only 12 weeks old and Linda was great and very helpful when I first dropped him off. I was apprehensive about leaving him. She was sensitive and caring and didn't laugh at me. She even called me twice that first day. I really like how she handles the other dogs and how she interacts with my dog. All the dogs appear happy and busy and well cared for. The place doesn't smell bad and is clean. It is such a treat to have this business in St. John's. I don't understand the reviews that talk negatively about Linda. She is wonderful with the animals and the humans too. more

There are several reviews posted on this site that state the owner of It?s A Dog?s Life is abusive and un-professional when it comes to the care of the animals that she is entrusted with. I find this notion completely preposterous. When I was told of the rumors about Linda, I laughed at the ridiculous nature of them. Let me tell you about my dog. My German Shepherd is now almost 14 years. I have been taking my GSD to It?s A Dog?s Life since just after it opened. My dog is a handful to say the least. Loud and full of energy do not even begin to describe my GSD. Linda has not only taken outstanding care of her for me over the years, Linda has made my GSD part of her family. My GSD loves Linda! I have had to ask Linda to care for my dog when she has been hurt and sick and Linda?s care of my dog has always been exemplary. Recently I was at the North Portland Vet and one of the technicians asked me if my GSD went to It?s A Dog?s Life. I said yes and the technician went on for 10 plus minutes about how much energy Linda spent engaging my GSD to keep her entertained. Recently my GSD had Canine Vestibular Syndrome. Linda was such a life saver when this happened. I was out of town and she took my GSD to the vet and provided round the clock care my dog until I could return. Linda called me every other day after that episode for weeks to check up on my GSD. In-fact Linda researched various rehabilitation methods and purchased tools to help my GSD with her rehab out of her own pocket for no other reason than that is who Linda is. I find all of this non-sense about her abusing animals absurd. I work ? a block from Sniff and 3 Blocks from Noah?s Arf and I am sure they are great establishments, they just aren?t It?s A Dog?s Life. I make the hour round trip from my house to It?s A Dog?s Life, not because it?s convenient or because it is cheaper. I make the trip there because of Linda! Every dog should have a Linda to care for them! more

I have been using It's a dogs live, for 5 years, and love it. I can drop my pooch off early (6:45 am) and am greeted when I com in the afternoon, by a dog that is happy, fed, well looked after. Linda and her staff tak very good care of her dogs. They are always playing, SO happy. It's nice to have such a personal touch to a pet I love so much. more

My dogs are my babies and I trust them with Linda. Linda has gone out of her way to help me train my dogs, give me advise when I think they are sick, and has stayed late for me. Linda would never hurt a dog! I do not believe the rumors started by an ex employee saying that Linda beats dogs. A dog lover/ good person would never stay and work at a job that abuses animals - and stay there two years and watch this. \r It's A Dogs Life has been in St. Johns for 9 years and has had a good reputation the entire time. She supports local companies and is a great addition to our neighborhood.\r \r I will keep taking my dogs (kids as Linda would call them) to It's A Dogs Life. My Dogs LOVE her and so do I. more

St. Johns is where I work and play. I frequent the racquet-ball center behind the It's a dogs life building. While pulling into the parking-lot I couldn't help but notice a tall, big haired woman, what appeared to me to be kicking a yellow lab up against the fence. I have notified the local humane society. I implore you all who read this review to please take heed to my message. Dogs Rule, It's a dogs life's cruel. more

My older dog (hes 12 now) has visited Its a dogs life many times. The owner is fantastic and is great with dogs. The previous comments are from an ex employee trying to ruin her hard earned reputation and has entered false information all over. Bring your dog to her playcare facility, see for yourself. Its clean, well kept,and the dogs are happy which is what we all want. more

the owner of this place beats the dogs DONT BRING THEM HERE!!!! she also refuses vet care when and animal is sick or injured. listen to your dogs they will tell you the truth about a person even if its in the most suttle way. I know several people who all worked there and they have all said Linda abuses the animals and all of them have turned her in for animal abuse\r DONT BRING THEM HERE!!!!\r more

I don't understand the ugly reviews of It's a Dog's Life. I really don't. Anyone who's spent any time at all with Linda knows she's all about the dog. She's one of the most giving and generous people I know. I've left my boy there during the day; he jumps in the truck and right back out when we get there. He runs up to her door and if he could would push it open. When I pick him up, it's never the same time of day. Sometimes I stand outside the window and watch him play. Other times, by the time I get to the window, he's passed out along with the other dogs...the floor's littered with sleeping dogs! I know he's had a good day of play when he's passed out AT DAYCARE! :). Linda and her employees truly care for your dog. If there's any correction being done, it's verbal. I've used the ugly voice to discourage the inside elimination; and the pretty voice when he goes outside. It's the easiest way. And it's the only way Linda will correct a dog. And all dogs do need correction at some time or another; to think otherwise is unrealistic. We all want well mannered dogs; but, they don't magically appear that way! It takes work; and Linda cares enough to try. But, she would NEVER be cruel to an animal...NEVER. I've used her daycare and sleepover services with nothing but good experience....for 5 years. I've had both friends and family use her services; again, with nothing but good experiences and happy dogs. In fact, she's in my will to take my boy if something should happen to me....shhh....she doesn't know that! :) That's how much I trust her care of him. If she was unable to keep him, I know she wouldn't rest until she found the right home. I'm sorry there are petty people out there with nothing better to do than to spread slander. It's pretty sad, really. If it were true, surely there would be pictures by now given practically all cell phones have cameras. There's not, because it doesn't happen. End of story. If you're looking for a good place for your baby, there is no better place than It's a Dog's Life and Linda. The next best place to home, in my most humble opinion. more

I've been taking my boxer to It's a dog's life for 4 years now, and it's a great place, not only does the owner Linda take a lot of pride in her work, she also takes good care of my dog. Some of the reviews on here don't make sense to me, because I've never had a problem in 4 years @ 1-2 visits per week, it's just a quality place where you don't have to worry about your dog. All the dogs are tested for socialization and current vaccinations before they can even be around other dogs, and IMO it's a great facility with good people. more

It's A Dog's Life has been nothing short of extraordinary for our family. Linda and her staff are reliable, loving and compassionate. We took our dog to It's a Dog's life for 3.5 years. Before going to Linda, we shopped around just about every doggie daycare in Portland and found It's a Dog's Life to be the only suitable establishment for our dog. Perhaps our pup could have been fine at other daycares, but no other daycare provided the constant care, indoor/outdoor access, cleanliness, general dog insight or genuine love our dog deserves. Since leaving the Portland area, we've been unable to find another training or boarding resource where we'd feel comfortable leaving our dog for the day, let alone overnight. I would recommend Linda and It's a Dog's Life to anyone that insists on the very best for their dog. We miss them dearly. more

I have heard 2 reliable, separate, independent eyewitness accounts of the owner of this establishment abusing and mistreating the dogs in her care. She has hog-tied dogs with duct tape and beat them. DO NOT put your dogs in the care of this woman. I have no personal stake in this at all, but I heard these reports and felt compelled to share them. Investigators have been send to this business, but they didn't have enough evidence to prosecute. Help spread the word about this place! Cons: Owner is abusive to animals more

i was over at maries returaunt/bar and saw a taller older women hitting and kicking a dog threw the fence.the dog cowwered and screamed.if i ever get a dog i will never bring it there, who knows how many times this has happened before.......please DONT bring your dogs there Cons: owner of bussiness hits and kicks the dogs more

This is a GREAT place. It is always clean and does not smell like a doggy day care! Linda is absolutely great with dogs and connects with them right away. She is a trainer, and helps me out with training my dogs and understanding why they behave as they do. My dogs love going there and they are always happy to see the staff. I've been going there for over 6 years now and have a lot of trust in It's a Dog's Life. \r \r I appreciate Linda's standards for all dogs who come to It's a Dog's Life. I feel confident that my dogs will not be ""bullied"" by other dogs (they are small), and I know they won't pick up any bad habits there.\r \r If I could give this place 10 stars, I would!!!! Pros: Professional, clean, fun for dogs more

We've been taking our boy (Bodhi) to It's A Dog's Life regularly since he was 17 weeks old, and we couldn't be happier with the services provided by Linda and her staff. Bodhi can't contain his enthusiasm whenever we approach the front door! We are very appreciative of Linda's dedication, knowledge, and love for her work. She is often able to help us with the medical and behavioral questions that come with raising a puppy, and her tips have been invaluable. She is also willing to work with us on any behavioral changes we are trying to make. Linda truly goes the extra mile for her customers. On the 4th of July, she camped out all night in her shop with ""the kids"" to make sure they felt calm and safe during the evening fireworks. This is a woman who has genuinely found her niche in life, and it shows! We plan to take our dogs to It's A Dog's Life for as long as we live in Portland, even if we have to drive a little out of our way. Linda and her team are well worth it! Pros: Everything, especially the owner! Cons: None! more

I have been taking my 2 year old dog to It's a Dogs Life since I got her - she was 3 months old. She is a VERY active yellow lab and she goes twice a week. She absolutely LOVES going there!!! We had tried another place up the road on Lombard - where they let your dog urinate anywhere they want and forced all the dogs to take a nap during the day - she hated it. This facility has an outdoor area and an indoor area - I have found them to be well-maintained and well cleaned - no smell of urine that I have ever experienced - remember I'm there twice a week - sometimes more! We've also boarded our dog there when we've gone out of town. This past Christmas - during the major storm - we were unable to get home and Linda even went and bought more dog food for our girl which was no small feat given the amount of snow and lack of plowing! Linda has gone out of her way for us several times with tips and advice on diet, training and healthcare. Even this morning she took the time to show me how to clip my dogs nails. Be assured your dog is in good hands with Linda and her team at It's a Dogs Life! Pros: See Review - too many to list Cons: In St. John's - If you're not close, you're missing out! more

I have been using It's a Dog's life playcare for over a year now and I cannot speak highly enough of Linda and her staff. My dog is completely well played and well loved. They are strict with having healthy, happy dogs and I have not had one single bad experience with them. My dog is there once a week at least and comes home happy and exhausted! They have dogs of all different sizes and ages and the staff takes the time to play with the dogs and have activities for them. They really put heart into these dogs and it's obvious that they truely care about them all. I would recommend them to anyone. Pros: Staff, dogs, love, energy, open both Saturday and Sunday more

Our 3-year-old dog has been going to It's a Dog's Life ever since he was neutered and had enough shots to deem him ready for social interaction. This has been a great place for him to get socialized and learn to interact with other dogs. The owner of I.a.D.L., Linda, has been an ideal surrogate caregiver to our pup when we are unable to spend the day with him.\r \r Linda and her staff truly care about the dogs in their charge. If you have a pup who could use a place that has both indoor and outdoor play areas, and who wants to play with some amazing local dogs, this is a great place.\r \r The dogs at It's a Dog's Life are always under trained supervision, whether they are indoors or out. Facilities are very clean and thoughtfully configured. Dogs must be neutered, be up to date with their shot schedule and pass a temperament test before they are admitted.\r \r As a long-time regular customer of It's a Dog's Life, I can tell you that this is a top-notch business, run by someone who opened this business because she LOVES DOGS. \r \r We're really particular about the care given to our dog. He's a member of our family and his well being is incredibly important to us. If you're like us and you have a dog in need of a daycare facility, I'd encourage you to visit It's a Dog's Life and speak to Linda or her staff about their facilities and their screening process for new dogs. Linda's dogs, Morgan and Ayana, are super sweet, happy pups who are well behaved examples of the care that Linda brings to the dogs she watches.\r \r But hey... don't take my word for it. Check It's a Dog's Life out for yourself! Your dog will thank you. more

I have been going here for 1+ years and today I saw something truly scary. The owner was screaming at a dog and shaking him hard for peeing inside. I watched this for a few minutes and was so shocked I turned around and walked out, and I will NEVER take my dog back after what I witnessed. I really wish I had said something to her to make her stop because she was abusing that dog. I am really afraid that she has done something like this to my dog, who has had accidents when we've taken her before (now I know why she is nervous.. my dog never pees when she sees other people). Pros: in the hood Cons: animal abuse more

I have had such a positive experience sending my dog for play dates here. The owner and her staff are very friendly and helpful and, most importantly, they really know dogs. I recently aquired an 8 month old large breed puppy that was completely unsocialized to humans and to dogs and had only been house trained for the three weeks I'd owned him. I called and explained my plight - if I didn't get this guy around good natured dogs quickly, my window of opportunity to have a dog that could safely go out into pubic and around other people's pets would probably be lost. \r These people were awesome! They let me bring my guy for a trial run and really made sure it was a success. He loves, and I mean loves going here. Not only does he get the socialization and exercise he needs, but they have helped so much with his people skills too. \r I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these lovely ladies!\r Pros: Great people, clean facility, happy dogs more