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Debbie J.

Columbia, SC

5.0 out of 5 stars
•572 reviews
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Where a dog can be a dog!

Pet care experience

Do you have a social pup and hate the idea of a kennel? Let my place be your dog’s home away from home, where dogs are free to be dogs! No stressful, long, lonely hours of confinement and loud noises. I provide a real home environment with lots of playtime and affection. Dogs are family here and will spend time with other guest dogs, just playing and napping and going for walks. I grew up in Columbia, SC and have lived in my current home since 2002. I have over 30 years of experience caring for dogs, and I do this because I love it! Like you, I wasn’t crazy about the idea of leaving my pets in a kennel when I had to travel. At the time, in-home boarding was not a service readily offered. This gave me the idea to start offering this service to friends and family and through word of mouth, I’ve established relationships with many loyal pet owners who don’t want to have to worry about their pets while they’re traveling. Owners tell me their dogs get excited when they turn into my neighborhood because they know they’re going to have fun! I am insured, licensed, and certified in Pet First Aid and CPR. HOURS: Drop-offs and pick-ups by 2pm receive the nightly boarding rate (first time or infrequent guests must arrive by 2). My hours are by appointment only and normally range: Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 11pm - 6pm Note: My schedule fills quickly and I may not always be able to accommodate last minute requests or time changes. Requested drop off/pickup times should fall within a 30 minute window or may be narrowed down to suit my schedule. Your understanding and punctuality are appreciated! Additional fees will apply for the following: Pickups after 2pm Requests or extensions for nights when I am fully booked Late pickup or drop off While this started out as a fun part-time gig, it became my full-time profession in 2015. I have hosted over 500 individual guest dogs, becoming adept at interpreting and managing canine behavior. 90% of the dogs staying at any one time are repeat visitors and everyone is family! Nothing makes me happier than helping owners relax knowing that their dogs are loved, well-cared for, and having fun while they are gone. Why choose me? ~Your pup stays in a real home with daily life and routines that they are comfortable with ~Dogs are my full-time job and priority ~Your dog will be closely observed. Health, behavior, and stress levels can be detected and managed quickly ~Your dog will never be left alone at night ~Dogs are given free rein for the majority of the day with several hours of daily outdoor time ~I maintain a calm and clean environment. Your dog will not develop behavioral or anxiety issues that can arise from exposure to a loud, stressful kennel stay. ~No long, boring hours alone. Your dog will have opportunities for play and exercise throughout the day, mental stimulation, and healthy socialization with other dogs ~We practice impulse control and boundary training, necessary to living with a group ~Owners receive updates and pictures throughout the stay, and can check in anytime ~All guests have been thoroughly vetted and screened for health issues, aggression, and other nonsocial behaviors

Reviews

Delaney M.
Dog Boarding • Mar 03, 2024
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Monti and Winston have been going to Debbie’s for years! They get so excited when we turn into the neighborhood! Truly where dogs can be dogs!

Ed P.
Dog Boarding • Feb 21, 2024
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Tucker seemed to really enjoy himself and was comfortable in his surroundings.

Sherry O.
Dog Boarding • Jan 23, 2024
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Dogs had a great first stay!

Ruby P.
Dog Boarding • Jan 02, 2024
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Debbie is the best! Our pup loves to go hang out with her and her pups! I would definitely recommend Debbie to everyone!

About Debbie J.

Communication

299 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates

Skills

30 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs, has cats
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Debbie J. would like to know about your pet

We must schedule a meet and greet so that I can assess new dogs before accepting a reservation. Therefore I cannot take last minute requests (less than a week notice) or out-of-towners. Who is a good candidate for my place? ~Dogs that are well-socialized and enjoy being around other dogs ~Dogs that are house-trained (exceptions made for young puppies) ~Dogs that are not possessive or territorial with food, treats, toys, space, or humans ~Dogs that are spayed or neutered (exceptions made for young puppies) ~Dogs that can remain calm while crated, gated, or otherwise separated from me while I meet with other owners/guests, and/or at nighttime ~Dogs on the smaller side should be comfortable and confident around high energy dogs of all sizes ~Rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella must be current ~Dogs must be on a year-round flea program ~No escape artists (digging, climbing, dashing through open doors or gates and taking off) Please note:The meet and greet will last at least 30 min and isn’t a playdate but an opportunity for us both to ask questions and feel comfortable. I will assess how your dog greets my dogs, interacts with cats, and their overall behavior in a new environment. I may evaluate how they respond to commands when distracted, if they seem overly excited/stimulated/anxious and how well that behavior is managed. Dogs that display an intense level of hyperness, mania, escalation, or vocalization, as well as other nonsocial behaviors such as fear/nervousness or aggression, may be turned down or require a trial visit. Excepting puppies, my service is not to socialize your dog for you but to provide a fun environment for dogs that have a solid foundation of meeting new dogs and having experiences outside of the home. Being out of their routine is stressful enough, it's our responsibility as owners to set our dogs up for success!

A typical day

How will your dog spend his or her day? ~Supervised play with other dogs ~Fetch, chase, tug, and other games ~Water fun with hose, sprinkler, and doggie pool ~Walks in the neighborhood or to the park ~Variety of chew toys, bones, balls, squeakys and other toys ~Napping with friends, on couches, dog beds, floor…their choice ~Lots of belly rubs ~Treat time!

Services

Boarding
in the sitter's home
$35per night

Debbie can host

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Spayed and neutered dogs
No females in heat
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Calendar last updated 6 days ago
Debbie can host up to 10 pets per night
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Debbie J.

Communication

299 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates

Skills

30 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs, has cats
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Debbie J. would like to know about your pet

We must schedule a meet and greet so that I can assess new dogs before accepting a reservation. Therefore I cannot take last minute requests (less than a week notice) or out-of-towners. Who is a good candidate for my place? ~Dogs that are well-socialized and enjoy being around other dogs ~Dogs that are house-trained (exceptions made for young puppies) ~Dogs that are not possessive or territorial with food, treats, toys, space, or humans ~Dogs that are spayed or neutered (exceptions made for young puppies) ~Dogs that can remain calm while crated, gated, or otherwise separated from me while I meet with other owners/guests, and/or at nighttime ~Dogs on the smaller side should be comfortable and confident around high energy dogs of all sizes ~Rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella must be current ~Dogs must be on a year-round flea program ~No escape artists (digging, climbing, dashing through open doors or gates and taking off) Please note:The meet and greet will last at least 30 min and isn’t a playdate but an opportunity for us both to ask questions and feel comfortable. I will assess how your dog greets my dogs, interacts with cats, and their overall behavior in a new environment. I may evaluate how they respond to commands when distracted, if they seem overly excited/stimulated/anxious and how well that behavior is managed. Dogs that display an intense level of hyperness, mania, escalation, or vocalization, as well as other nonsocial behaviors such as fear/nervousness or aggression, may be turned down or require a trial visit. Excepting puppies, my service is not to socialize your dog for you but to provide a fun environment for dogs that have a solid foundation of meeting new dogs and having experiences outside of the home. Being out of their routine is stressful enough, it's our responsibility as owners to set our dogs up for success!

A typical day

How will your dog spend his or her day? ~Supervised play with other dogs ~Fetch, chase, tug, and other games ~Water fun with hose, sprinkler, and doggie pool ~Walks in the neighborhood or to the park ~Variety of chew toys, bones, balls, squeakys and other toys ~Napping with friends, on couches, dog beds, floor…their choice ~Lots of belly rubs ~Treat time!

Location

Columbia, SC

Debbie J.'s Neighborhood

Pets

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Debbie J.

Columbia, SC

5.0 out of 5 stars
•572 reviews