1. It's a Dog's Life

0

Petaluma, CA

Cancel

Open app

Search

It's a Dog's Life

4.2 (112 reviews)
Open • 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Request information

Response time

2 hours

Response rate

30%

Services - It's a Dog's Life

Private dog training

Pet boarding

It's a Dog's Life Photos

Portfolio From The Business

Sponsored

Recommended Reviews - It's a Dog's Life

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Dog
Cerce H.

It truly is a dogs life, lots of friends to play with and plenty of fun to be had. Everyone loves our dogs, and works hard to ensure our best friends receive the very best care.

When we picked her up after 2 days at the kennel

Do not use this place. We took our dog here bc they were recommended by a different kennel. They informed me that they post on Instagram to give us updates of the dogs and the last post on Instagram is from 2017 so that was a lie number one. . I called to check on her and they said she has a LITTLE bit of separation anxiety but that was it they didn't go into a lot of detail. And then when we picked her up, this is how we picked up our dog. Her nose is cut up and it looks like she has a gash on her nose. We obviously got upset with the staff that was there because they didn't call us prior to us picking her up to inform us that our dog was injured. And then the first thing they said to us was that she ran into the door on the run that was line number two. , when we called bullshit, they then said well yeah she might've rubbed her nose a little bit on the kennel . A little???? When I finally got to talk to James the owner, he had no empathy for what happened to her face while I trusted them to take care of her. He proceeded to tell me that he doesn't think my dog is a good fit for the kennel like no shit James you will never take care of my dog. I would not trust this place to take care of a dog. I'm not someone that makes reviews because I don't even like yelp but i'm trying to help someone else so that they don't have to go through this traumatizing experience of picking up their loved one and having them be injured and then having the staff blame you and your dog for the dog being injured.

What a true relief to find It's a Dog's Life for Gracie! Everyone is kind, friendly and smiling and that goes a long way. Gracie starts whining when we turn onto Skillman and by the time we get there she can't wait to get out of the car. The staff is always happy to give you an update and it is also one stop for baths and nails! Do give it a try. Pamela

Mousie

I've been boarding my dog's at IDLP for over seven years. The staff is amazing and the facility is excellent. They put the dogs into play groups based on size and temperament. Karen's staff are not just good employees, but obvious dog lovers. My energetic 2yo mutt absolutely loves this place. Shout out to James, John, Chloe, Jasmine and Ingrid for caring for my "Mousie" so wonderfully. A+++

Our pack is grateful!! Joy-white Romeo-brown Adobe-grey and Bebe- Black and Tan
Melissa S.

I haven't taken my dogs here yet but if I ever need to, this is where they will go. I called when I was about to be evacuated due to wild fires and they were so accommodating and went above and beyond to make sure if I needed it, my dogs would have a safe place to go so it would be one less thing I would have to worry about if we had to evacuate and I am so grateful!!

Beautiful exterior and great accommodations for pups!
Kate M.

Thank you fellow Yelpers as I found this business on YELP:)! It was very promising from the beginning as it had great reviews, fair rates for nightly boarding and professional & nice people answering the phones. I also liked that the dogs get to roam around the property freely with the other dogs during the day and are only put in the "kennel type area" at night. Every time I drop off and pick up, I interact with friendly and professional employees which leave me feeling comfortable leaving my dog. I also have to give whoever gives the pups baths major props. My little guy was SO clean and fluffy when I picked him up- just like the groomers; actually better! I strongly recommend this business for dog boarding!

Happy dog at It's a Dog's life!

See all

25 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Cerce H.
45
38
16

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Karen D.

Karen D.

Helpful 6
Thanks 4
Love this 2
Oh no 2

8 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Karen D.

Karen D.

Helpful 6
Thanks 5
Love this 3
Oh no 4

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 5

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 5

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Eve R.
0
44
3

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Karen D.

Karen D.

Helpful 5
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 2

4 years ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 2
Love this 1
Oh no 2
Photo of Donna W.
304
25
5

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 4
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Eric P.
0
47
25

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 1

3 years ago

My Sally loves, loves, loves going to It's a Dog's Life. The staff is really great and they treat the dogs really well.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Great place run really well by local owner who takes great care. The only place o take my dogs when I go away

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jas C.
10
19
2

5 years ago

The best place to board your dog or take for daycare. Great staff, nice rustic location. The dogs all seem to have a lot of fun.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of J G.
0
4
0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of F C.
3
66
7

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Louisa B.
12
29
73

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

18 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of RJ R.
1
33
0

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Chris W.
31
189
15

17 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tara D.
49
13
1

11 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

8 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 3

Ask the Community - It's a Dog's Life

Review Highlights - It's a Dog's Life

“. They are so calm and organized here, Karen is truly a knowledgeable professional in the dog and staff world”

Mentioned in 18 reviews

Read more highlights

Cutie Pawz

Cutie Pawz

(27 reviews)

North Oakland

We recently moved back to the Bay Area and were really concerned about finding a responsible, safe…read morespace for our good boy to stay when we go out of town. We came across Cutie Paws online. Their reviews were good and they are close to us, so we booked a four night stay for the July 4th holiday weekend. Drop-off went great ...but I was still a bit worried since it was his first time there. My concerns were all swiftly put to rest. Wendy and Mantin took amazing care of our pup, sent photos and videos (their place is very cute and charming with a lovely backyard). We just picked him up and he is very happy and well cared for. I am so glad I found them and would recommend without hesitation.

I can't say enough good things about this boarding experience. My dog, Lola, can be a little…read moresensitive with new environments, but they treated her like she was part of their own family. From the moment I dropped her off, I felt completely at ease. They were attentive, communicative, and genuinely invested in her comfort and well-being. I received regular updates, photos, and notes about how she was settling in, which meant the world to me. It's clear they understand dogs on an individual level -- their personalities, quirks, and routines. When I picked Lola up, she was relaxed, happy, and clearly well cared for. No stress, no overwhelm -- just a tired pup who had a great time. The facility was clean, safe, and thoughtfully run, and I appreciated how organized and responsive the staff were. I absolutely recommend this place to anyone who wants their dog cared for with kindness, consistency, and real attention to detail. Lola will definitely be coming back!

It's a Dog's Life - pet_training - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...