It's only fitting that my first review of 2020 goes to Paws 'n Claws Girard, as they were also the…read morefirst business I interacted with in 2020. I moved to Erie about 5 months ago and needed a place to board my fur baby, Hermes, a Netherland Dwarf, while I visited my family in CA for 3 weeks. I was so fortunate to find Paws and Claws. Their Erie location doesn't board bunnies so I went with their Girard location. Let me tell you, it was a real trip dropping off Hermes for boarding. It was my first time driving in a snow storm and my car was stuck on the road before their driveway bc this CA girl has an Accord with no snow tires (I know, what was I thinking driving that type of car in a snow storm, but I had a flight to catch that same day and I had to drop Hermes off). Long story short, Patti and her husband were so understanding and willing to work with me to make sure Hermes made it safe and sound inside their boarding place. I had printed out all the necessary paperwork beforehand and even though it says to pay on the day of, I wasn't able to get inside their place to pay. Patti said not to worry about it and to call her when I'm safely back at my place to talk over the details. Shout out to their sweet neighbors (Hi if you see this!!) for helping me get back to Erie to help me make my flight that day (which at that time was in the next 2 hours... I know. I clearly underestimated the weather.) Despite the terrible weather, I was so lucky that day. Boarding price was affordable for Hermes - $8 a day and $5 per cleaning. I provided the cage, bedding, food and hay. I think without the food and hay is $12 per day, since Paws and Claws would have to order that themselves. Hermes was in great condition and it was clear he was very well taken care of. He seemed a little rounder when I picked him up, so I guess we both gained weight during the 3 week vacation haha. Patti was also so nice to offer her cell phone number to text her, since I was out of the country for about 2 weeks. On Paws and Claws' website, they specify which animals they can board at their 2 sites. The website is very informative and I didn't have to call in to ask many questions because it was pretty self-explanatory. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for boarding for their fur baby (or water baby, Idk.. lol bc I saw a fish tank there). Thank you Paws and Claws! *NTS: 1st review as Gold Elite!*

I am not a typical reviewer and I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to boarding.. it is…read moreimportant to me that my 2 closely bonded German Shepherds are kept together, have their favorite toys, and have food and water... that's really all I care about. The Paws n Claws Erie location recommended I make the further drive to the Girard location because it's better suited for larger dogs, with more space so they can be boarded together. I just recently boarded my dogs at the Girard location for the second time. They were boarded for 7 days and when my husband picked them up, no issues were mentioned.. this was expected since we didn't have any issues a few months ago when they were boarded here and have never had any issues with their behavior at any other boarding facilities. They are very socialized dogs. I later noticed that our bill was $100 higher than expected.. $600 instead of $500.. After calling, I was told by the owner that the dogs had been separated for unknown reasons so I was charged for 2 separate kennels. This was a shock to me since it was not communicated whatsoever.. I had further questions as to why they were separated and I did not feel heard or understood by the owner. My concerns were dismissed and I was told to call back and talk to the business manager when she was back the next morning since she may be able to tell me why.. Later that night I received a generic email notification that the extra charge was refunded. The manager called the next day and explained that my dogs were barking at other dogs passing by and roughhousing with each other, which led to the separation & relocation for safety reasons on the day they arrived. I understand the need for safety, however, rough housing and barking at other dogs is very typical behavior for german shepherds.. it is to be expected when first arriving in a new environment full of dogs. I was told that it is in the boarding contract that they have the right to separate the dogs. The last time I boarded them I was told they were very well behaved so this was all quite surprising to me. My dogs are best friends and the last thing I would want to do is have them be boarded in separate kennels for a week.. especially at an additional charge. All of these factors combined, I don't recommend this boarding facility for those with large energetic dogs. The communication issue was disappointing. I do appreciate that they refunded me the $100 charge due to the miscommunication, however being met with empathy by the owner would've made a huge difference to me. Leaving our dogs behind is hard enough for us, worrying about them barking at other dogs from their kennel or rough housing with each other is the last thing I want to be concerned about when boarding so I will not be returning.