Dolittle' Ranch is a blessing! I've searched far and wide for a reliable pet hotel where I can leave my dog (Luna) knowing that she'll be well taken care of. As a preface, I travel to Europe frequently for an average of 2-3 weeks, so I rely on pet hotels to take care of her when I'm gone. Nowadays, It's extremely hard to find reputable dog boarding that's not only trustworthy, but also affordable! I've done extensive, in-person research and found that even upscale dog hotels (especially in LA and Orange County) are grossly overpriced and quite literally, SCAMS. They don't deliver the same quality Dolittle's Ranch offers at a fraction of the cost. First of all, the owner, Jim, is one of the kindest individuals I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. From the moment I talked with him over the phone, his empathy radiated through and won over my trust. He was so understanding and took time to answer my hundreds of questions about how he runs his hotel. After a poor experience with Petsmart in Monrovia, I was anxious to board Luna this year, and spent weeks visiting pet hotels to assess their quality. I was very selective, to say the least. Luna is like family, so I want to make sure I leave her in the right hands. Moreover, she's not the easiest dog to handle. She's a working line German Shepherd, so by nature, she's aloof and protective when meeting strangers. Jim handled her perfectly and Luna warmed up to him very quickly. That's definitely a sign that Jim has a way with dogs! Jim invited Luna and I to come over for a visit before I boarded her. Right away, I was sold - Jim runs his hotel like a regular home, which gives it a cozy and friendly vibe. His facility is immaculately clean, well-lit, air-conditioned, and spacious. Each dog has a nice room where they can rest in comfort after playing outside. When I walked through the kennels, all the dogs were happy and CALM. They weren't barking their muzzles off or pawing at the doors, desperate to get out. Also, what impressed me most was the smell. Sounds like an odd observation, but trust me, Dolittle's does NOT reek of dog urine. Undoubtedly, Jim really puts in effort to keep the hotel clean! For exercise, Jim takes each dog out separately in his large yard, giving them ample opportunity to release energy and explore without being harassed by other dogs. Luna is easily overwhelmed when she's surrounded by too many K9s, so it was amazing that she had the space to play alone! Moreover, the price for boarding was unbelievable. For this level of care, Dolittle's Ranch has got to be one of the best deals I've made this year - $40/day for boarding! Petsmart is twice as much and offers shameful quality. Moreover, Jim is open 24/7. It was such a relief to text him and tell him when I'd come for Luna. I was supposed to pick her up a day early, but my flight was delayed, so Jim was very accommodating and said that she could be picked up late at night or even the next day. For the first time, I didn't have to rush out of the airport to pick up my dog! Regretfully, I used to leave Luna at Petsmart. That was BEFORE I realized just how poorly they run their facilities! I was not happy with their standards ... the kennels did not smell clean and the dogs were kept inside all day. They were let out to play together, once a day, for about 30 minutes, in a dreary little room with poor ventilation and no windows. Contrast this with Jim, who takes out each dog separately, every 3 hours, to enjoy the outdoors. Last time I left Luna at Petsmart, she came back home anxious and sick! My poor dog got kennel cough, which left her with diarrhea, vomiting and green discharge in her eyes. Luckily, after spending 3 weeks with Jim, Luna came back healthy, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Jim was careful to feed her the food I use at home ... FREE of charge! He was also conscientious about updating me with her condition, and would even send pictures of Luna playing outside in the sun and fresh grass. Overall, I'm very grateful for Jim's service, not only as a great dog handler, but also as a U.S. veteran. Jim's honesty is hard to come by these days, especially in Los Angeles, where it seems like everyone is trying to rip you off every chance they get. We need to support small businesses like Dolittle's Ranch, which is why I will definitely board Luna with Jim in the future! Please message me if you have any questions. I'm happy to support Jim and his business! read more

See all

I boarded my rescue greyhound with Jim for 2 weeks shortly after moving to LA. My greyhound gets nervous in new environments so I was a bit worried going in about how she would do. Jim was amazing in reassuring me, where he let us meet him and visit the boarding area beforehand. It was immediately clear that Jim is a genuine dog lover, and he took initiative to ask a lot of questions about my pup, and my pup also was quick to be comfortable in his presence! Jim runs his facility differently to most dog daycares in LA, in that he separates the dogs throughout their stay, meaning that there is absolutely no opportunity for accidents or fights to happen. Having heard and seen first hand the consequences of dogs playing rough or biting or attacking at daycare centers, this was a big relief and I was very comforted during my trip away that my dog would stay safe. My dog was a bit underweight from the anxiety of the move to LA and needed to put on some weight. Jim was very conscious of that and made sure that she ate well during the stay. From the pictures he sent during the two weeks, and when I came to pick her up, I saw that she has indeed gained weight which is not something that is easy to do for my dog! I could go on and on about the little things that Jim does to ensure that the dogs who stay with him are taken care of as if they are at home. I am so grateful to have found such a trustworthy place and person to board my pup with. This is all even disregarding the fact that Jim's pricing is extremely reasonable. It is absolutely no brainer that this is the best place to board your dog in LA! read more

They are so caring and lovely. You can tell they are true animal lovers. Recommend highly!

Jim had provided service to my two Weimaraner twice. He provides great boarding service at reasonable price and high flexibility.

This place is truly amazing! Our angels Alex, Roxy and Leiland would be taken care off by Jim and Laura so well in the past. We now have a new pup who just spent her first day here and she was happy and safe. Don't waste your time looking anywhere else. If you love your pup then leave them in the best hands possible. Thank you, Jim and Laura!!! read more

Will never board my dogs anywhere else. We've been boarding them at Dolittle's for the past few years and have had nothing but excellent experiences every time. Great communication, fair prices, and someone who genuinely loves animals- what more could you ask for? Could not recommend enough & would give above five stars if possible. I never have to worry about my pets when we travel and that peace of mind is priceless. Thank you Jim!! read more

Kind, professional and trustworthy! Not only I've brought my pup here a few times (..he does not do well with the big boarding places that have large groups of pups loose in one room, so the private room and the one-on-one attention is ideal for my rescue boy). I also send here ALL my overflow of clients here. Jim came highly recommended by a friend I've known for 8+ years, and she brought her pup here for many many years. Especially if your pup does not do well with big groups and prefers one-on-one attention as well as solo time, give DoLittle a chance! You and your pup will love it!! :-) read more

Jim is great. Our Kobe loves it there. This his third time. They have an air conditioned kennel and a big yard for the dogs to run around. Reasonable price as well. read more

Found this local dog boarding small business in my neighborhood via Yelp. Prices were fair. Accommodations were suitable and safe and I felt confident leaving my 2 little fur babies there for the weekend. They were happy with tails wagging when I returned to pick them up. The process to book was simple and Jim the owner had a kind demeanor and made the customer experience feel very welcoming. I would recommend this business for other pet owners in the area who may need boarding care for their fur babies with a home setting. Not like the pet hotels where dogs do far too much intermingling creating anxiety and stress for some of them. They're always keep separate from other boarding animals which is the main reason I decided to give them a try. That makes me feel more safe knowing there are no potential accidental issues if there is an unpleasant interaction between dogs visiting the Doolittle Ranch. Check it out! Support small local business in your communities helps your communities continue to thrive! read more

I've taken my golden retriever 2x and he loves it. They communicate very well and give your dog lots of attention. I'm so lucky that I found Doolittles Ranch. read more

Jim & Laura are amazing!! I always take my boys to them. They are my go to for my boys Thor & Copper I appreciate you guys!

The best pet boarding for your money! Laura & Jim are expert fur care-givers, not only because they have their own animals but also run a dog rescue of their own. The pups have a grassy area to run around, their own personal rooms to relax in and Laura & Jim are very flexible on pick up & drop off times, just text or call them and let them know when you'll be by. Dont go anywhere else! read more

I brought my three dogs here for private training. When we needed to work on some commands individually, we put the other two in the kennel. The kennels were clean and temperature regulated. Laura is a fantastic dog trainer. She helped my young dogs learn all the basic commands. She helped my senior dog with so problem barking behavior. But most importantly she trained me how to assertively, but gently be in command of my pack. I've adopted two dogs from her rescue Adopt Me Rescue and gotten to know Laura well over the years. I would definitely feel comfortable boarding my dogs there if I had the occasion to do so. read more

I have boarded my pups at Dolittle's for years! It's stress-free knowing that they will have their own private area and get a huge yard to themselves to stretch their legs multiple times a day. It's wonderful to not have to worry about my pups while I'm away! When my oldest started needing meds multiple times a day, Jim was meticulous about giving them on time. Can't thank Laura and Jim enough for their loving care of my babies! read more

The best! I know Laura and Jim because they were the ones who rescued by baby boy Justice. They are the best at what they do. I will not trust anyone else with my dog. I always know I can count on them to take the best care of Justice--and they are beyond accommodating. Before covid I went out of town a lot for work and they always got Justice in even if it was last minute. Look no further for boarding--go to Doolittle's. It is worth the extra drive for me because that is how dependable and kind they are to my most precious. Thank you Laura and Jim! read more

I have boarded my doggies Henry and El Rey at Dolittle Ranch on a few occasions while out of town. Reasonable prices and flexible hours. Clean and comfy kennel and big yard for playing. Jim and Laura are so loving and take such good care of our family members that I never worry. I have a high anxiety pup and another who doesn't like many people and they are so comfortable there. Jim is like the dog whisperer! You can text them for updates and pictures anytime you want. I will not board them anywhere else. read more

I was very satisfied with my experience here! The owners are very nice & answer all of your questions. I like the flexibility to pickup or drop off my dog when it's convenient for me. And it's completely affordable! I've told all my pet owner friends about this ranch. I'll definitely continue to use them. read more

Laura is the only person I trust with my precious rescued furbabies. I've been boarding them here for years, and I wouldn't think of going anywhere else. She can arrange pick ups and drop offs, her prices are very reasonable, she's flexible if your plans change, and the best thing about Laura is that she does this because she loves it. She loves and cares for animals like few people I've ever met. She's like family to all of us. You'll love her. read more

I have been going to DoLittle's for over a year now and have yet to leave a review. I love the time and effort they give to each and every pup. They took good care of your little one as well as offer great advice and helpful tips if there is a need. My American Bulldog Pablo can be a handful as far as temperament and Jim took time and patience and they have a great relationship and bond. Pablo isn't too fond of other dogs most of the time and they take that into account when he stays. I am in the love often due to work as I am in the military and they accommodate at a moments notice. This is a great place and owned by a phenomenal husband and wife. I highly recommend! read more

We had our two dogs (both rescues-- one beagle and one Pom mix) stay for approx 5 nights while we were on vacation. Our Pom mix is very wary of new people and other dogs. Both dogs seemed quite happy when we picked them up. The owners were great to work with and very responsive when we asked for updates via text while we were on vacation. They seem really gentle with dogs and the cherry on top is that their boarding is very reasonably priced. We will definitely use their boarding services again! read more

Laura and Jim are so awesome. We've been bringing our dog to them for years. It's like an B & B for your dogs! (I sometimes get the feeling my dog isn't missing me at times because he is having a great time.) read more

I've been sending both my dogs to Dolittle's for ~5 years now for boarding. The owners are the best and my dogs love going there. Laura and Jim are flexible and reliable and all around enjoyable to be around, but ultimately the superior care I know my dogs receive is what keeps us coming back. read more

This place is great!!! They take wonderful care of my dogs. Last time I returned from vacation pick up my pups, they were so happy there they didn't want to leave!!! read more

We have boarded several dogs here. It's so much nicer to have them in a home type environment rather than a kennel. They have a nice big yard to exercise and & the kennel area is temperature controlled. read more

I can't think of a more caring and dedicated place to trust with your four-legged family member. Laura doesn't only board dogs at Doolittle's ranch; she also trains dogs; she fosters them, and helps them to find their forever homes. Highly recommended! read more

Laura and Jim took care of my two cats CK and Missy and did an excellent job! They are super caring with the doggies!! I recommend them highly. Dolittle's Ranch has a big space for the dogs to run too. Watch the show Secomd Chance Chihuahuas On Nat Geo and you will see their love and passion for animals :) read more

Laura is an amazing lady! I will never board my Bella with anyone else. I rescued Bella from Laura and Adopt me, Rescue so she knows absolutely everything about dogs! The facilities are amazing at Dolittle's Ranch! When I went to pick Bella up after 2 weeks she seemed so happy rather than wanting to get home! I know she had an amazing time there. Thank you Laura for everything you do!! read more

I just boarded my dog with Laura for 10 days. She was fantastic!!!! She called with updates and texted me pictures of him frequently. I've tried much more expensive boarding places in LA and I've never seen him so relaxed and happy when I return as he was this time. As I stated earlier her prices are fantastic!!! And she is flexible with when you can pick up and drop off your dog and does not have pick up/drop off hours. She was recommended to me and I will recommend her to anyone I know. Overall it was a top notch performance! read more

After being recommended by a very close friend, I have used Laura's facility quite frequently over the last few years. She is amazing at accessing dogs' behaviors and dealing with their unique personalities. read more

We really love Dolittle's and the two people who own and run it. Friendly, safe and good environment. Thanks so much!

I like to thank Laura and Jim for taking care of my little ones. Zoey and Stella, I couldn't have left them in better, hands. If I ever needed them again I would do it with no hesitation. I recommend Dolittle's Ranch for your hairy little friend. read more

We adopted our Roxy from Adopt Me so were really happy to learn that Laura has a Boarding facility too! We left Roxy for 2 weeks with short notice starting over the 4th of July weekend so we felt very lucky to get a spot! This place is great! Clean and organized. The pups are well monitored and very well taken care of. Drop off and pick up were a breeze, and prices are very competitive - specially for the location. I will definitely go back. read more

I love Dolittle's Ranch they are the best and take such great care of my dog Dixie. She got alot of TLC!