North Gate Kennels & Cattery - Walnut Creek, California

Rebecca G

I love the staff here. I have two rescue dogs, and the staff has always been respectful of my dogs’ needs. One of our dogs is very nervous, and has been treated with great care at this facility. We’ve brought our girls to this kennel for the past 4 years and will keep bringing them. They’re very patient with my nervous dog, and really care about helping her make progress with trusting new people.

Patricia Phaneuf

I've been bringing my dogs to this kennel for over 10 years 3 or 4 times a year. My dogs love it and they love the people here. I've never had a problem at all. They are super accomodating, always fit me in, always feed whatever diet I have my dogs on-even when it was raw food (which can be a PITA). I've come to know the people who watch over them and I know that my dogs are well cared for. When I come to pick them up they are happy to see me, but always stop to give the manager a goodbye kiss.

Kat Maloney

First off, I would like to start off this review by saying that I have chosen to board my dog here multiple times (I believe that my previous visit would be the fourth and LAST visit for my little dog). Sorry for the long review, but it's based on several visits and issues.

I first brought my dog to North Gate Kennels about 1 year ago. The kennel seemed decent, and the people on charge asked for vaccine records and everyone seemed competent. I boarded my dog twice last year (in February and March), and I would say that I was satisfied with the care that my little dog received during her stay. I felt comfortable leaving my dog with them.

I started having problems with this place the last 2 visits which were in February and March. During my visit in February, the older man who stays on the premises was holding my small dog who weighs about 5 pounds over a half-door (like a barn door) and was about to drop her on the ground before the receptionist grabbed her from him and brought her to me. I was mortified, so I paid the bill quickly so I could get out. I received a call the next day saying that I was overcharged, and I would be receiving a refund.

My most recent and LAST visit was just a couple of weeks ago. I needed to board my cat and my dog for this visit. Although I had reservations, when I arrived, they said that they did not have me on the books at all. The place reeked of urine, even more so than my last visit. When I called in to check up on my pets the day before I picked them up, I was given attitude and was told they were fine, but felt as though my call was unwelcome. When I picked up my pets at 3PM sharp when the place where reopened after lunch, I was told that I would be paying for another night. This was never communicated to me on the phone, nor was this an issue during previous visits.

In addition, my cat came home very oily and stressed, while my dog came home smelling like urine. My pets feeding instructions were not followed, as my cat came home with 2 extra cans of food, when there should have been none left. I was very unhappy to discover this when I got home.

In short, I would recommend avoiding this place as it is clear to me that they do not properly maintain the facility, they don't follow directions, and they give come with a bad attitude. Also, their staff changes often.

Ann Johnson

Too bad you have to tap 1 star just to be able to post a review. No excuse for the handling of that poor dog being ripped up by another dog in your care as posted on Facebook.
I hope that poor baby lives and that everyone researches carefully the facts before allowing you to 'board their pets with loving care as if they were at home.'
That's not how my dog is treated at home.
An honest answer to the owners would have been the least you could have provided.

Damon Smith

Kristen is awesome at North Gate Kennels she treats everyone's dog as if it was her own. She spends time with each and every dog there and all the dogs are very happy to see her when they get there. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to bring my dog to her facility and recommend North Gate to all my friends and family. Why anyone would give them less than a 5 star review can only be because they have either never been there and going off of one persons unfortunate incident that incurred or ignorance because a pet could not get better treatment anywhere else but North Gate and she even gives all the dogs a bath before they go home. Kristen your awesome and if i could give you 10 stars I would.

Susan Jenkins

My dog has stayed at North Gate Kennels many times and she loves it! The staff is incredibly friendly to everyone - people and pets alike.

I think it is ridiculous and disingenuous that many reviews here all reflect one incident and are in response to a Facebook post. If you've never boarded your pet here, don't write as if you know something -- because you don't! Many of the posts have the same wording and are simply cut and paste reviews. And to the person whose dog was involved in the incident, spend your time in a more productive way and not by inciting family, friends and complete strangers to try to destroy the facility's reputation because you're feeling vindictive.

Pynthia Bartley

I had to comment on the care that they provide for my German Sheparde "Storm". My dog has been going there since he was a puppy and had nothing but excellent care. Storm loves the staff and looks forward to going there for boarding. My only complaint is Storm likes to play with other dogs and tries to get out the kennel when on lockdown. He's come home with scratches on his snoot from trying to get out of the metal Kennel where he's kept. I board my dog at least 5 times a year with this facility. I'm not sure why all the negative comments. I would be distraught if something happened to him while in the care of this facility and I'm sorry for the animal that was injured. We must keep in mind that animals are territorial. The facility from my understanding have staff out in the yard keeping an eye out on the animals while they play. I often hear about these types of accidents occurring at dog parks, which often the owner is present; it's sometimes the nature of the beast. I have not ever had a bad experience with boarding my animal and he's three years old. Reviews are great to have and I'm not a person who normally writes reviews unless my experience is not a happy one. I think we as people need to trust our instinct and make the right decision that's best for our pets. I have recommended this place to my friends who also boards their animals with this facility and have heard nothing but good things about them. I will be boarding my dog this week for two weeks. I trust them with the care of my animal. I hope this review helps with giving you comfort and confidence that your pet will be in good hands.

Joe Paykel

Love this place always taken good care of my dog. He gets super excited to be there when we drop off, and comes home healthy and happy. Not sure what the negativity is about nor do I trust it.