Tripaway Reg'd Boarding Kennels

We have had our German shepherd mix at this kennel several times over the last few years. The staff are caring and knowledgeable and willingly share their time and advice regarding training our rescue. Our dog is very secure in this kennel and happily went into her pen with a recent visit. At times, the facility does smell like a kennel during seasonal peaks -- because it is one -- which is to be expected but I find the accommodation for our dog clean. Over our visits, they have gotten to know our pet and she is excited to see them on visiting. For customers that are concerned about their pet smelling like kennel on pick-up, I would recommend that you book their grooming services which are excellent. My dog has come back from grooming with a soft, puppy-fur coat, ears cleaned and nails clipped. There was one time where they were unable to groom our pet after a stay, but the kennel smell on her dissipated very quickly after pick-up. I am very happy with their service and care and would highly recommend this kennel to others whose well-being of their pets is of concern when dropping them off at a kennel. Amanda and Frank have become part of Jett's extended family.
https://youtu.be/TOGKLJ4q57c

My 2 senior dogs were left for 9 days while I travelled home for the holidays. When I returned to pick them up, I was informed they had Diarrhea during their stay. After putting them in my vehicle, I immediately smelled feces and realized they had patches of dried feces all over them. I had to drive with the windows down all the way home. When I contacted Frank, the owner, he admitted that returning my dogs covered in their own poop was unacceptable, but maintains he and his one other employee Amanda were two busy to properly clean them up. Frank refused to accept any responsibility and maintains that all kennels in Thunder Bay return dogs to their owners covered in urine and feces. I will NEVER use this kennel again. Such an appalling business they run and Frank, you should be ashamed of yourself.

I read a lot of reviews - some good some bad (the usual) - I like to try and make my own decision as I know that a lot of people will make mountains out of mole hills when they're mad about something. The owner of the kennel let me go and do a tour of the facility before I agreed to book my boys in - the staff was very friendly and knowledgable - we chatted and they knew about specific breed behaviours (which I think is important). The kennel smells like a kennel when you walk in - which is expected since that is what it is - but the facility itself is clean. I really liked how the bottom couple of feet of the kennels are tiled on the sides, so the dogs have privacy from their neighbours, the entire building itself is lifted off the ground, so the floors aren't cold and damp. We have a min pin and a standard long haired dachs and they have 24"x24" long beds which fit perfectly side by side in the larger kennel, and it left them plenty of room to play ! After readIng reviews I was expecting to pick them up smelling like pee - HOWEVER, that was not the case - they don't smell at all! They were both clean and dry and in great spirits ! The people who complained, their dogs obviously peed in their pen and then were walking through it or laid in it - which the employees can't really help . They have the option to have your dogs bathed before pick up - just make sure you book in advance. I am super weary about who watches our boys - and I felt good when I picked them up! We will definitely take the boys back there in the future, it was definitely a good experience.

The reviews you read here about people's dogs smelling to high heaven are true. I picked my dog up and couldn't believe the stench. It's obvious that he was left to lie in his own urine. All his toys had to be tossed. I have used another kennel repeatedly and was always pleased with their service. Lack of space and short notice forced me to use this kennel but it won't ever happen a second time.

We have been leaving our medium sized dog there for quite a few years now (at least 6 or more) and have never had a problem. There is a lot of loud barking when we arrive but that starts when it is time to take her back to her pen - it quits when we go back out to the front desk. The two people who man the desk have always been very friendly and helpful. At times there has been a slight odor but nothing that makes me want to take my dog and never go back. Their hours suit us when we have to go in early or leave a little later in the day. We do plan of using this kennel in the future.

I have been using this kennel quite regularly the past year (many weekends and long weekends). Amanda and Frank are very caring and go above and beyond with the care of my two dogs. They made sure my dog's ear was cleaned on a regular basis when he had a severe ear infection, and made sure he received all his medications even though Amanda has a severe allergy to one of the antibiotics. They are also a good source of information! I will continue to use this kennel as I trust them with the care of my two fur babies.

Staff were friendly on the phone and in person. My dog stayed for 6 days and was none worse for wear when she came home. She learned to love being outside during the day, something she's never enjoyed. Thanks, we will use the kennel again.

We left our dog at this kennel for a few days over the long week-end. When I picked my dog up, I could hardly take a breath the smell was so horrid in the front desk area. My dog smelled so bad of urine and carried the smell of the kennel that we had to drive with all the windows open and keep the dog off the seats. His ears were down, he looked unwell, dry nose, urine was very concentrated. We had to bath him for a total of 3 times and I can still smell the kennel on him. His blanket was urine soaked and everything that we left with him had to be thrown out. The next day he woke with a horrible barking cough and had difficulty stopping. The vet diagnosed him with Kennel Cough.

I will never go back.

my large dog was well cared for and in good spirits after a 6 day visit. I did do a test 1 night stay before I decided to use the kennel. I will continue to use this facility.
I feel they truly care for the animals well being; there is rather a lot of constant barking... perhaps they should play soft music or explore some way to sooth the noisy dogs.

Ihave been using this kennel for 5 years and am very happy with, the clean tile kennels the friendly staff +my 130 pound dog loves going. Very good kennel

After checking out a few places we decided to leave our dog at Tripaway when staying in Thunder Bay for a few days. The two people I talked to on the phone were very friendly and helpful in answering all of my questions. When we dropped her off (she's a medium sized dog) we were impressed with how clean the pen was and how organized everything was. We brought her blanket and a lounge chair for her (that's what she usually sleeps on) and there was plenty of room for them.
When we picked her up it was early (which we also liked because we could head for home early) and she was happy to see us of course but didn't seem like her vacation was anything other than another adventure. She didn't smell, her blanket didn't smell and she had eaten her food and been given her treats. We are definitely going to be using this kennel the next time we are in Thunder Bay.

When i first viewed the kennel, i was told my two dogs would be put on the side with the smaller breed dogs, as my dogs are timid and scare easily with larger breed dogs. When i brought them there, they were put on the side with the large breed dogs, and the other dogs were non stop barking. The owner didn't even ask me for the paperwork for proof of the dogs immunizations, which made me wonder if the other dogs were properly vaccinated. When i picked my dogs up, they wouldn't come out for the other employee, i believe the groomer, and i had to go back there and get them. My dogs were outside, up against the fence, scared and shaking. There was so much feces, which obviously hadn't been picked up the whole time i was away, and the dogs had to walk/lay in it, if they went outside. I was assured that my bedding would be washed, it wasn't, and it smelled of urine. The dogs weren't fed the proper amount of food, fed way too much, my dogs weren't given any of the treats i brought, nor any of their toys. All still left in the bag, the way i brought them. My dogs were so thirsty when they got home. My one dog i believe caught something as well, possibly kennel cough. Sounds like a hoarse cough and his nose is continuously running. Please do not bring your pets here. My dogs are a part of my family, and this is extremely upsetting. Never again.

My dog is 15 years old and has a hard time hearing and her sight is not very good. I needed to place her in care while I went away on a 2 day vacation. The owners allowed us to bring her own bed and blankets so she felt at home. When I picked her up she was in very good spirits and did not looked very happy. I was very pleased with their service, they had even washed her blanket.

my dogs smelled of urine and feces when we picked them up. the food we had left was untouched, our golden doodle lost 5lbs the week she was there.

NEVER AGAIN. they leave the poor dogs in the pitch black. he came out smelling of urine and had yellow feet. his bed and blankets were soaked with urine also. he was desperately thirsty and when he got outside he had a good 10 minute run. he was so happy to be outside. the dogs really don't stop barking there. this place should be reported and shut down. cruel people.

wonderful & pets are cared for with love/ They even give medication at no extra charge
Love all the Ceramic Tiled inside rooms for all the dogs & cats & the dogs have connecting outdoor runs
Love the place & Elvis Loves Frank ( owner) with over 40 years experience training & showing dogs
Amanda is a great groomer with so much patience with her Doggie & Cat clients
They also raise Silky Terrior puppies
A special place for my best friend when have to go away

Karen

My dog is always happy to go there, they treat her really well and I have nothing bad to say about them. Its clean and I recommend it to everybody I know.

Never again - will I board my dog with this kennel - My dog came back dirty (smelling of urine) - and he was shaking. I don't think the dogs stop barking there - it's like doggy prison!

VERY CLEAN. VERY ACCOMIDATING IN HAVING MY TWO DOGS FACE EACHOTHER WHEN OUT IN THE YARD. I ALWAYS CHOOSE THIS PLACE FOR MY SANDY AND MISTY.