The concept of the LAUGHING DOG INN was born out of our stress and worry about leaving our dogs overnight at a boarding kennel. We worried they would be scared, wouldn’t eat, wouldn’t get the extra love and care they were used to. Over time our traveling decreased and we found that even going away for a night was emotionally trying. We asked ourselves over and over what we would need in a facility to feel good about leaving our canine companions and once we answered this, the INN was born.
When you enter the LAUGHING DOG INN, the first thing you’ll notice is the secure fencing, the indoor-outdoor runs, the large number of play areas. The inside of the INN is clean, safe, filled with toys, comfortable beds, and has climate control. The little dogs have their own separate area and are taken out individually because of their fragility. There is a grooming area with a bathtub in case you decide you want your dog to receive a 'beauty treatment' before going home. Recently a hydrosurge bathing machine was acquired so that dogs with dense coats could receive a super thorough wash and rinse. A great benefit of this is that it massages as it cleans, an especially nice treat for our older visitors.
The INN is small enough to make sure each dog gets known and treated in a unique and personalized fashion. There’s always an abundance of physical affection and warmth for each and every doggy visitor as well as lots of playtime activity. This is your dog’s home away from home.
The things you can’t see with the eye contribute to the quality of your dog’s stay here. Jessica Grahm, developer and owner of the INN lives on the premises and oversees all aspects of its functioning. She has had more than 20 years of experience living with, training, breeding, and using dogs in her own work as a psychotherapist. She has spent much of her adult life trying to understand the ways of dogs, an interest which is fueled by her love of them. Her experience with dogs is invaluable because when something isn’t right she is able to see it and respond quickly.
The Laughing Dog Inn is extremely lucky to have Jennifer working as staff supervisor. Jennifer was raised with collies and labs and considers dogs to be a vital part of her life. Soon she will be certified as a dog trainer. We look forward to her conducting classes in agility and obedience. When she's not hanging out with humankinds best friend, she is busy stage managing at local community theaters. Jennifer has been known to say that "my day isn't complete without a wet sloppy kiss, throwing a gooey tennis ball or just loving on a dog." Her vibrant, warm personality leaves everyone feeling happy and energized.
Lauren has been working at the Inn for about a year and is an invaluable member of our staff. She helps supervise new staff and also is in charge of overseeing and scheduling grooming. Lauren was raised with dogs and horses, and, needless to say, is very comfortable around them. She worked in the grooming department at Petco and learned there how to give great baths, blow drys and pedicures. She loves our doggy guests and they love her too.
We welcome Aggie and Vanessa to the staff of the Inn. They each bring years of experience working with dogs. Aggie was employed at the Camarillo Animal Shelter and as a grooming assistant prior to coming here. Vanessa is a highly motivated college student who worked part-time at Petsmart. Both Aggie and Vanessa have lots of love to share and the doggie guests are its' recipients.
We also work with a veterinarian, Brad Patterson, DVM, who is on call 24 hours a day and who lives about 7 minutes away from the INN. In the event of an emergency there’s no need to worry about who will take care of your beloved family pet. You can be assured that very competent care will be provided.
Appointments to see the LAUGHING DOG INN must be arranged in advance. If you wish to pay us a visit, you can call 1 (805) 798-2457 or 1 (805) 529-5421.
