The creation of the LAUGHING DOG INN was born out of our stress and worry about leaving our dogs overnight at a boarding kennel. We feared 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,and welcoming with comfortable beds, air conditioning or heating as the weather requires. The little dogs have their own separate area to play in. There is a grooming area with a bathtub in case you decide you want your dog to receive a 'beauty treatment' before going home.
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. In fact, the ratio of staff to dogs is 1 person for every 7 dogs.
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 30 years of experience living with, training, breeding, and using dogs in her past career 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. Jessica loves being 'grandma,' and can be seen have conversations with the guests, often on her lap or sitting together on a bench.
The Laughing Dog Inn is extremely lucky to have Jennifer working as administrative supervisor. Jennifer was raised with collies and labs and considers dogs to be a vital part of her life. When she's not hanging out with humankinds best friend, she is busy stage managing at local community theaters
Amy is the personnel supervisor at the Inn. Not only is she great with people, she is a professional groomer as well, having had more than 9 years of experience in her profession. She is able to take a scraggly dog and create a work of art. Amy has the added attribute of being extremely gentle and patient with the dogs she grooms.
We love having Vanessa working at the Inn. She bring years of experience and a wonderful spirit in her work with dogs. Vanessa is a highly motivated college student who hopes to attend the Exotic Animal Program at Moorpark College. Vanessa has lots of love to share and the doggie guests are its' recipients.
Marty comes with more than two years of experience working at a large interactive kennel in LA. He has a gentle, firm way with dogs and they gravitate toward him.
Jackie works at the INN part-time and has a natural love for animals which manifests itself in whatever she does. Wherever Jackie is, you'll find a dog or two nestled under her feet! She's a great bather and luckily for the Inn, she's a terrific cleaner as well!!
We also are privileged to 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.
