The Dog House, Portland OR

Our eight month old Choco Lab, Hank, had been going to The Dog House for about four months before we had to stop leaving him there. In a four week timeframe, he came home injured on three occasions. The staff, a revolving door of teens, isn't trained to de-escalate when the dogs become too rowdy. We completely understand that it's normal for dogs of this age and size to play rough, but to this frequency and severity of injury is neglectful.

We emailed them to inform them that 1) their staff couldn't tell us what happened, but instead responded to our questions by saying, "I don't know, I wasn't here" and offering no attempt at finding out. 2) We were going to have to take Hank elsewhere. Also, making it clear we weren't looking to be appeased with discounts or handouts.

We received no response.

It's very troubling that they have no interest in the a dog owner's concern for their "fur baby" or keeping business.

We weren't going to leave a review until we read The Dog House's owner's responses to some of the other reviews - absolutely appalling! The responses he gave to some of these reviews says it all. We're wishing we had looked a little closer before leaving Hank in their care.

Hope this helps.

To make a long review even longer: I've attached pictures of the first and last time that Hank left The Doghouse injured. Unfortunately, We didn't take pictures of the second incident when he had long scratches up and down his belly and in the groin area.

Considering the owner's gaslighting in previous responses, I've also included the e-mail that was sent to The Dog House.

We started out loving this place. Our dog George was able to spend some time there which helps since he has some separation anxiety. However, not sure what has changed, but the last few times we've brought George there, he's come home and had HORRIBLE diarrhea for days. At first we thought it was a coincidence, so we brought him back, but NOPE. I don't know if they just aren't cleaning it well enough, or what. But I am so disappointed now, to the point where I'm hesitant to bring him back. The staff are super nice, but they need to change something.

We utilized this wonderful facility for an overnight stopover of some pups on our road trip. The booking process and the staff on arrival were amazing! The dogs were happy and recharged when we collected them fist thing. I highly recommend this facility to anyone looking for some pet loving professionals) AMAZING!

My dog and I love The Dog House! Daycare is the best way for my dog to burn off some crazy puppy energy. Since he's been going, I can tell that he has learned how to socialize with other dogs and I give lots of credit to the caring staff at The Dog House. He gets so excited to see his favorite staff members when we get there and always comes home happy and tired. I love that I can have him bathed there before I pick him up, too!

I always love bringing my dog, Konrad here, and he loves it too! When we are getting ready to bring him in, we say: "Do you want to go to school? " And he of course gets super excited and jumps in the car. When we get there he knows right where the door is, and even has a favorite dog house employee (I'm sorry I forgot her name, but her hair is electric). Konrad is always so happy to see her and is nice and exhausted and happy when he gets home. Would and have recommended this place to friends.

My girl loves this place! They are super sweet and loving. She never wants to leave her friends. She's always got a lot of energy and is super clumsy. The Vet next door is really convenient too. I don't even need to be there for the appointment. They bend over backwards to make happy.
Love love love it here!

My dog knows when we are going to The Dog House. She starts jumping around and practically drags me in there. I wont go anywhere else.

When my flight was late, they took great care of her, no questions asked. I didn't leave enough food, but they took care of it. They love her there. We are lucky to have such great place in Portland.

My dogs love it here! So clean and doesnt smell like a kennel. The staff were very helpful in taking care of my hyper dogs. I dont know what I would do without them. My dogs have lots of energy and need a place they can run and play (not just sit in an empty room).

I took my dog here a long time ago and I wasn't impressed. Frankly, it stank.
I came recently and it is like a whole new place! The staff is well trained and they love love love my dog. I cant believe I didn't come back sooner. Lots more toys, new floors, and they even do walks now! I wont leave again!

NOT safe. Do not trust your dogs going here or daughters working here!
Unsafe environment. Etc.

This day care robbed me of $475. I purchased a 20 day daycare package for my dog on April 3rd. Work transferred me to Salem on the 5th. I did not use any days of the package. I called and left a message on April 10th attempting to get a refund, I received no response. I followed up again on April 29th, again no response. I arrived in person on May 13th and 14th trying to reach management. Once I was able to make contact, I explained the situation to the manager, who called the owner, and they told me that they would not refund my money, even though I did not (and would not) be using the service. They offered no explanation other than just outright telling me no. I said I would have no choice but to leave this review and the manager just shrugged her shoulders.

EDIT: I jumped through hoops and provided all the identifying information to obtain a refund. The business never provided one, even though I was told multiple times I would (also note it in the response to my review). I got my bank involved, filed a dispute, and provided all of the written correspondence with the owner. This matter has now been resolved.

Ridiculous.

They have breed restrictions here. Unlike most enlightened places that base it on the temperament test. Looked promising. I don't have a "bully breed" myself, but am not willing to support breed discrimination.

My dog has been coming to this place since he was just a little guy. He's grown up with the staff here and I'm just so thankful for The Dog House! I wish they were open for daycare on the weekends because I'd never take him anywhere else. I've used other daycares in and around the area and my dog doesn't like them even half as much. I HIGHLY recommend this place and the staff are all great.

I would tell anyone to never trust or recommend they bring any animal to this establishment! They leave the animals unattended and use chemicals that arent supposed to be used at all for domestic animals!

I don’t understand how people can give this place positive reviews. I’m a pet care provider and walk by this place daily. Dogs are constantly stress barking, the flooring in cement, they are completely under staffed for the amount of dogs they have, it smells, and I know two people that have worked there and have told me so many horror stories. Please avoid this place.

Our pups loved staying at the Dog House! They were able to take our dogs for boarding last minute and they came home happy and tired! We will definitely be back.