Dog Boarding Facilities in Alberta

Richard Smurnik says:
2013-08-21 00:00:59

Awesome staff. Great facility. Great location. Love BowDog. Highly recommended. Best company of its type in Calgary. Use them all the time.

GJones says:
2013-07-13 18:19:31

These guys do it right. Lots of walks. Lots of socialization. Huge clean facility. Great staff. Number one in Calgary, bar none. Completely happy with them.

Rhino says:
2013-06-14 12:36:26

I use this facility on a weekly basis for the daycare service and I have to say that my dog is always happy (and tired) when she is picked up, all the people there know her by name and she is always happy to see them. The poeple that have rated this place as poor are out to lunch. The comments where a few of them have had their Dog come home with kennel cough and blame the facility, should be poin... view full comment

I use this facility on a weekly basis for the daycare service and I have to say that my dog is always happy (and tired) when she is picked up, all the people there know her by name and she is always happy to see them. The poeple that have rated this place as poor are out to lunch. The comments where a few of them have had their Dog come home with kennel cough and blame the facility, should be pointing their fingers at themselves...you should know as a responsible owner to have all of your dogs shots and vacinations up to date before having them solcialize with other dogs in a facility like this. Thos vet bills that you blame on Bow Dog are no ones fault but YOUR OWN!!! I would also like to mention to the people complaining about knicks and scrathes on your dog...GUESS WHAT THEY ARE ANIMALS AND THAT IS HOW THEY PLAY!!! Keep your toy/purse/mantle dogs at home, this isn't a spa for humans...it is for real dogs!!! This place is great and I wqould highly recommend it to anybody. view short comment

Tim K says:
2013-04-26 21:23:38

These guys are great. No complaints

Francis says:
2013-04-13 20:56:43

Love everything about Bowdog. My dogs get walked, the staff is great and the place is huge and clean. Highly recommended.

Ex employee says:
2013-02-25 14:30:47

I would avoid this place, they take Cesar Milan,s teachings to a whole other level. Your dog is basically ignored and only acknowledged if he's "not behaving" We are not allowed to speak to the dogs or show any affection.Medications are routinely missed and the staff are inexperienced kids.I truly felt sad for these dogs. I would never bring my dog here as he is part of my family.

Alli says:
2013-02-06 22:31:14

I drive all the way on from Strathmore just to take Jasper to Bowdog. He gets so excited when we pull up and he is so tuckered out after being there and playing that he spends the first day home sleeping.

Heather says:
2013-01-10 22:32:46

Bowdog is amazing in everyway possible! I have a "special" dog who is evolving every new day in daycare, I would and DO recommend Bowdog to everyone! The staff are amazing and have huge hearts! And I love the fact they work with the rescue groups in Calgary! Hands down... My dogs angels.

Alison says:
2013-01-10 02:33:50

We had a great experience at BowDog over the holidays, we screwed up our drop off date and they were super accommodating getting us in before our flight. Our dog slept for a few days afterwards he was so tired!

Harley says:
2013-01-07 13:46:27

Best facility in Calgary, bar none.

Tash says:
2013-01-06 01:32:28

I've been using their grooming services for about 1 year now. Been happy so far except for the fact that every time my 1 year old Maltese goes for a haircut the price goes up. Many of my friends use this facility and have said this to me too. So before my puppy's Xmas haircut I confirm a price upon booking. Well when I picked her up the price was again higher by another $5.00. This was without any... view full comment

I've been using their grooming services for about 1 year now. Been happy so far except for the fact that every time my 1 year old Maltese goes for a haircut the price goes up. Many of my friends use this facility and have said this to me too. So before my puppy's Xmas haircut I confirm a price upon booking. Well when I picked her up the price was again higher by another $5.00. This was without any notice. Well to make my experience even better my puppy suffered from kennel cough and I got a $200.00 vet bill on dec 22,2012. This is a transferable disease between dogs and just to inform you owners at bow dog my puppy isn't around ANY other dogs. I called an complained about how the dogs were not separated and what steps were done to keep these kennels sanitized? I till today haven't received a call back from no one! Disappointed and ill never go back! Thanks bow dog for your $80 haircut to my 8 pound dog( more than my own haircut) and for my wonderful $200.00 vet bill right before Xmas and lastly for ruining my puppy's and our Xmas! Shame on you guys!! view short comment

DAWN PETER says:
2012-11-25 18:54:33

I have used Bow Dog a few times over the last couple of years. The service has deteriorated in the last 6 months or so. I was going to take my dogs there on the Thanksgiving weekend for Saturday and Sunday nights. I was told even though they had room I could not only board for the 2 nights that I would have to board Friday and pick them up on Tuesday by noon or be charged a day of daycare. T... view full comment

I have used Bow Dog a few times over the last couple of years. The service has deteriorated in the last 6 months or so. I was going to take my dogs there on the Thanksgiving weekend for Saturday and Sunday nights. I was told even though they had room I could not only board for the 2 nights that I would have to board Friday and pick them up on Tuesday by noon or be charged a day of daycare. This meant instead of paying for 2 nights it would be 4 nights and a day of daycare since we are both working during the day on Tuesday. When I expressed my opinion about this being a rip off I was told all kennels do this on the long weekend. I can tell you that is not true and I found a number of them that do not do this. We did not end up going away for the long weekend even though Bow Dog had room and the others were full. I did not want to pay their extortion! I did however keep my reservation that we had for our vacation we just returned from. I made a reservation for 8 nights for 2 dogs. I also set up for my dogs to be groomed before I returned. I set up for bath, deshedding, ears cleaned. Everything except for the nail trim as I do that myself and did it the day before we dropped them off. I had another appt booked for them elsewhere the week before but decided it would be more convenient to do it while they were there since I am very busy. We picked them up today. I paid the bill and asked if it included the grooming, she said yes it did. I checked my Bernese Mountain dog to see what kind of job they did. She still had matts and still did not smell good. I said how can she still have matts if she was groomed. The girl looks at the computer and tells me " YOU only booked a nail trim not a full groom" I do my own nail trims why would I book that. I did it the day before they went there. This tells me they did one of 2 things, either they charged for a service not provided or they trimmed my dogs so they bled since they were already trimmed. Either one is unacceptable. I cannot believe they did this. I had a conversation for at least 5 minutes on the phone with the person to book the grooming. Now I will have to book elsewhere and take time from my free time to have my dogs groomed when it should have been done. It makes me wonder what else they promised that they do that they lied about as well. Once they loose my respect and trust very hard to get it back. VERY VERY POOR SERVICE AND NO COMPENSATION EXCEPT TO SAY I CNAT DO ANYTHING BUT SAY SORRY. Will never use them again and will tell everyone I know and everyone I come in contact with at any dog park I go to about BOW DOG. view short comment

james smith says:
2012-11-04 21:24:51

Love Bowdog. Huge facility, lots of space. knowledgeable staff and they look after the dogs. any daycare / open concept facility that DOESN'T do naptime is jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of your dog. these guys do it all and they do it all very well. they are awesome

Susan says:
2012-09-09 15:13:04

I would like to draw your attention to a few things about Bowdog. Firstly, the dogs are crated from 10am-2pm daily, regardless of when they are dropped off. Secondly, they tell you that the daycare/boarding dogs are walked at least twice a day for 10-15 minutes at a time, but the truth is that they are walked for more like 5 minutes, however while waiting to go on a walk in the morning or after lu... view full comment

I would like to draw your attention to a few things about Bowdog. Firstly, the dogs are crated from 10am-2pm daily, regardless of when they are dropped off. Secondly, they tell you that the daycare/boarding dogs are walked at least twice a day for 10-15 minutes at a time, but the truth is that they are walked for more like 5 minutes, however while waiting to go on a walk in the morning or after lunch they sit in their crates for hours and often pee and poo the crate and have to sit in it...poor pups. Thirdly, being more of an open concept kennel they lack the resources to deal with problem dogs and the only option is to put them back into a crate. My dog has some crate anxiety and has come home with cuts on his nose from trying to escape from the crate...not right in my books. When Bowdog first opened the staff were very knowledgeable and would bring my dog up to the front and make him sit which a really liked. However, now the staff are very rushed and know little about his day. I would like a little honesty! In my opinion I think that the owners had a clear vision for their company, however over the past year or so they have let it slide and are more focused on $$$ in their pockets then than the welfare of the dogs in their care. They make you believe that your dog is in the best care possible but in reality they could do a whole lot better! Another note the business is closed on all Stat Holidays so their is no way to call and you can't pick up or drop off your dog. One thing is for sure I will never be bringing my dog back and neither should you! view short comment

Sami says:
2012-07-27 03:17:09

Went on a tour of the facility with the owner/manager. Very unimpressed with her people skills AND dog skills. She was not welcoming at all and seemed a little too sure of herself. She had one of the dogs on leash and was extremely rough with it. (choking hard) That visit ensured I would never be taking my dog there.

John says:
2012-06-03 00:14:57

Warning: They do not require dogs to be up to date on shots. We left our dog there for a week while on vacation and when we came back she was sneezing mucus out of her right nostril. So the stay ended up costing us an extra $100 on a vet visit plus medication. She also had 2 scars about an inch long each plus a puncture wound in her gums. We know she is an active dog who plays vigorously, but I'm... view full comment

Warning: They do not require dogs to be up to date on shots. We left our dog there for a week while on vacation and when we came back she was sneezing mucus out of her right nostril. So the stay ended up costing us an extra $100 on a vet visit plus medication. She also had 2 scars about an inch long each plus a puncture wound in her gums. We know she is an active dog who plays vigorously, but I'm disappointed that they let the situation escalate to that level. She seemed to be happy and tired when we go her back so that's why I gave 2 stars instead of 1. view short comment

Rena says:
2012-04-22 23:46:51

We use BowDog's walking and grooming services and really adore both our walker and the quality of work their new groomer does! Their customer services is great, they always get back to be right away and all of the staff know my dog whether it's walking or at the groomers.

Rena M says:
2012-04-14 17:31:04

I recently tried BowDog because it was closer to work than our other daycare. Our portie has always been extremely anxious and suffered separation anxiety despite our efforts to work on it since she was a pup. We started using daycare because we couldn't leave her at home, she'd get so stressed she'd hurt or make herself sick. Using the other daycare, the problem always stayed the same. Since u... view full comment

I recently tried BowDog because it was closer to work than our other daycare. Our portie has always been extremely anxious and suffered separation anxiety despite our efforts to work on it since she was a pup. We started using daycare because we couldn't leave her at home, she'd get so stressed she'd hurt or make herself sick. Using the other daycare, the problem always stayed the same. Since using BowDog we noticed she's finally starting to come around and calm down, they said they think it's improved confidence in new environments, but I never thought it would make her life better at home. She used to run errands with us on weekends or evenings or we could hear her barking as we left the driveway...now she is content to lay down and stay home alone! It was an unintended but amazing benefit of switching daycares! Staff seem great and well informed. Very friendly and honest. view short comment

Alisha Foster says:
2012-01-04 13:49:20

I have had 2 bad experiences wih BowDog kennels and would not recommend anyone to take their pet there!! 1st Experience- I boarded my dog for a weekend to go on vacation. My vacation was cut short due to a family emergency...I went to the kennel to pick up my dg and expained to them what happened and they would not release my dog because pick up time was between 3 and 5 pm only and it was 2:15... view full comment

I have had 2 bad experiences wih BowDog kennels and would not recommend anyone to take their pet there!! 1st Experience- I boarded my dog for a weekend to go on vacation. My vacation was cut short due to a family emergency...I went to the kennel to pick up my dg and expained to them what happened and they would not release my dog because pick up time was between 3 and 5 pm only and it was 2:15....So I had to wait until 3 to get my dog....so I could attend a loved one at the hospital!!! Experience #2- Booked reservations for the Dec 26th until 29th. We called the kennel on the 24, 25, and the 26th and left multiple messages trying to get a hold of someone because on their answering machine it said they were closed on the 26th. On the 26th we went to take the dogs there and yes they were infact closed. So I am curious...for those 3 and a half days that I called until fnally getting a hold of someone(since no one returned my calls)- leads me to believe that the kennel was left unattended for this period of time!!! After finally talking to someone on the 27th- I spoke with the manager, she asked my why would I book reservations on a day that they are closed Me: Why would you accept reservations for that day and cahrge my credit card if you are closed? I want my deposit back. Manager: It is against our policy to return your security deposit since you booked after Dec1. So not only after accepting my reservations- chargingmy credit card and their business making a mistake- they refused to return my deposit!!!! After complaining to the manager- she agreed to refund my deposit...took my credit card number and hung up on me. She was the rudest person ever!!! I hope no one ever takes their pet there...for boarding because I feel it is safe to say the dogs are left in the cages to fend fr themselves- because if people were in the building they would have recieved one of my 8 messages and returned my call to straighten out the problem. This place is horrible and I would recommend to never take your pet there!!! view short comment

Shannon says:
2012-01-03 14:55:20

This facility is great for dogs - our guy has behavioural issues that they know how to handle and manage beautifully. The exercise and socialization are great and I can't imagine a dog coming out of this place anything but tired and content. Wouldn't trust our guy anywhere else.

James K says:
2011-08-07 10:14:59

I use this facility regularly as well and completely agree with Ian. This place is for real dogs. They get walked, treadmilled, are socialized with all different breeds and are given leadership. Lots of space, a huge back yard (bigger than every other in town) great and very friendly staff. My two dogs are tired when they get home and love being dropped off here. The best facility in the city... view full comment

I use this facility regularly as well and completely agree with Ian. This place is for real dogs. They get walked, treadmilled, are socialized with all different breeds and are given leadership. Lots of space, a huge back yard (bigger than every other in town) great and very friendly staff. My two dogs are tired when they get home and love being dropped off here. The best facility in the city in my mind. I am glad the owners decided to open this placer for Calgary's dogs. view short comment

Ian says:
2011-06-06 02:04:38

I use this facility regularly and completely recommend it. In fact my daughter worked there for a while so I also have insider information. I'm sorry Jason's experience wasn't good - sounds like George is overfed, unfit and not exercised, and not socialized. My dog is tired when she comes home because this is an active facility. I also use Bowdog because they do treat the dogs as dogs, not humans,... view full comment

I use this facility regularly and completely recommend it. In fact my daughter worked there for a while so I also have insider information. I'm sorry Jason's experience wasn't good - sounds like George is overfed, unfit and not exercised, and not socialized. My dog is tired when she comes home because this is an active facility. I also use Bowdog because they do treat the dogs as dogs, not humans, and provide pack leadership. Bowdog is not for everyone, that's why there are caged facilities like the big petstores, and then also the humanizing dog-resorts where the attendants will read birthday cards to the dogs, on another one I know of where they show movies featuring dogs on the television. view short comment

Jason says:
2011-04-05 00:38:59

DO NOT GO TO THIS KENNEL.I brought my puppy, a year and 3 months named George to Bowdog for 4 days in March/2011. I came without warning a few hours before checkout. They brought him out and he could barely walk, his eyes bloodshot, and he could barely wag his tail. I didn't even recognize him at first. The handler choked him hard when he didn't sit on command(because he was walking towards me). T... view full comment

DO NOT GO TO THIS KENNEL.I brought my puppy, a year and 3 months named George to Bowdog for 4 days in March/2011. I came without warning a few hours before checkout. They brought him out and he could barely walk, his eyes bloodshot, and he could barely wag his tail. I didn't even recognize him at first. The handler choked him hard when he didn't sit on command(because he was walking towards me). They told me that he doesn't get fed for first time till early afternoon because all the dogs want to do is "play" when they wake up. YA RIGHT! First thing any dog wants to do is eat, they are hungry, these dogs go 14-16 hours without food. But instead they abuse my dog, and work him to death on a treadmill all day to tire him out. His spirit is broken, small noises scare him, it's been almost 2 weeks and he is still a different dog. And I'm afraid always will be, he doesn't trust me, and is obviously still depressed. DO NOT GO TO THIS KENNEL. view short comment