Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Dog Daycare, Boarding & Training Services in Tampa
Founded in 1995 by Mike and Wendy Pape, KETCH has established itself as Tampa Bay's premier destination for dog daycare, boarding, and training. Our owners bring decades of national recognition in obedience, agility, and herding, combining expertise to create a facility that prioritizes both canine well-being and owner education. With over 30,000 sq ft of secure, dog-safe space, we offer structured playgroups, 24/7 supervised care, and customized training programs tailored to all breeds and temperaments.Our mission focuses on fostering lifelong bonds between pets and owners through evidence-based training methods and transparent communication. The facility maintains rigorous cleanliness standards, padded flooring for joint protection, and a country-like setting that minimizes stress while maximizing comfort. As active participants in dog sports, our team stays at the forefront of industry advancements to deliver cutting-edge solutions for behavioral challenges and skill development.
Services
Daycare
Boarding
Obedience Training
Agility Training
Flyball Classes
Herding Training
Private Lessons
Group Training
Behavior Modification
Housebreaking Services
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in dog training and behavior modification
- Our facility includes 30,000 sq ft of secure, padded play areas for safety
- Award-winning trainers with national recognition in multiple dog sports
- 24/7 supervision with breed-specific playgroup management
- Customized training programs addressing obedience, agility, and herding needs
What people say
Wonderful facility
Knowledgeable staff
Dogs love it
Effective training
Clean environment
Services
Daycare
Our daycare program provides structured socialization in 30,000 sq ft of secure play areas. Dogs are grouped by size and temperament with 24/7 staff supervision. Padded flooring protects joints while tunnels and mazes stimulate mental engagement. Daily walks and quiet rest areas ensure balanced activity levels for optimal canine well-being.
Boarding
Overnight guests enjoy the same supervised playgroups and padded flooring as daycare clients. Kennels are sanitized daily with owner-provided bedding and food. Evening walks and behavior monitoring ensure comfort. Optional grooming services maintain your dog's appearance during extended stays in our secure, stress-free environment.
Obedience Training
We offer progressive obedience courses from puppy basics to advanced commands. Certified trainers use positive reinforcement techniques tailored to individual learning styles. Group classes build social skills while private sessions address specific behavioral challenges. Curriculum emphasizes practical skills for real-world application in home and public settings.
Agility Training
Our agility program develops physical coordination through obstacle courses featuring jumps, tunnels, and balance equipment. Training improves handler-dog communication while building confidence. Participants prepare for competitive events or casual skill development in a supportive environment that celebrates incremental progress.
Private Lessons
One-on-one sessions address specific training goals with customized lesson plans. Experienced instructors provide focused attention for behavior modification, competition preparation, or specialized skill development. Flexible scheduling accommodates unique needs while maintaining our commitment to positive, science-based training methods.
People
Wendy Pape
Trainer/Owner
Co-founder Wendy Pape brings decades of national recognition in dog training. Her expertise spans obedience, agility, and herding disciplines. She develops curriculum that balances technical skill with relationship-building, emphasizing positive reinforcement techniques that strengthen human-canine partnerships through structured, engaging activities.
Mike Pape
Trainer/Owner
Mike Pape co-founded KETCH with extensive experience in canine behavior and competition. His training approach focuses on understanding individual learning styles while maintaining high ethical standards. He specializes in advanced obedience techniques and mentorship programs for both dogs and their handlers.
Questions
What services does KETCH offer for dogs?
We provide daycare, boarding, obedience training, agility courses, flyball classes, herding instruction, and private training sessions tailored to all breeds and skill levels.
Are the play areas safe for dogs?
Our 30,000 sq ft facility features padded flooring to protect joints, secure enclosures, and 24/7 staff supervision. Playgroups are carefully matched by size and temperament for optimal safety.
How does the boarding process work?
Boarding requires pre-registration with owner-provided bedding and food. Guests enjoy the same playgroups as daycare clients, with evening walks and behavior monitoring during 12-hour care periods.
What training methods are used?
We employ positive reinforcement techniques focusing on clear communication and mutual understanding. Training avoids punitive measures, emphasizing reward-based learning that strengthens human-canine relationships through consistent, science-backed approaches.
Can I schedule weekend appointments?
Weekend services are available by appointment only. Please contact us directly to arrange Saturday or Sunday visits for daycare, boarding, or training consultations.
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Reviews (7)
Valentina Diamante
Jun 16, 2022
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First time day care for a 9 year old dog aggressive pointer. Great service, my dog was not anxious at pick up. First time day care ever
Val Diamante
Dec 15, 2021
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They are the best. My dog is reactive and a scape artist. Sadly he can't play with the other dogs but they make sure he is happy and safe. Always take great care of my dog
Lindsay Wassell
Oct 22, 2021
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We love Ketch. We've used them for training, doggy daycare, and extended stays when out of town. Our Aussie pup absolutely loves this place. Maybe more than home.
Theresa Psilopoulos
May 01, 2021
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Your dog will be well cared for and loved here. My son has taken his dog for herding and loved it. It was necessary for him to take his dog for daycare. They have great program, lots of play. Highly recommend.
Mags Brekka
Jan 11, 2021
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My amstaff/lab mix loves going to KETCH! She always has a blast! The staff are great and always love seeing her. They also offer grooming services which is a plus!
Jeff Cain
Apr 27, 2019
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Mike was a fun and knowledgeable trainer, and when we use their daycare services for our pup he is happy and worn out! Highly recommended!
Linda Buxton
Jan 04, 2019
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My Keeshond, Wookee, has been going to Ketch for daycare and boarding since he was a 6 mo. old pup. He learned social skills and the joy of being around other dogs which make him a great companion. Wookee loves going to Ketch and I love knowing he is well taken care of when we are away. When he had some urinary issues and we were on vacation the staff and Wendy sorted out a protocol that helped alleviate his problem.
I was able to email Wendy and stay in touch the entire time I was away. Ketch is a great place for dogs and I have sent many friends and their dogs there. Always get rave reviews from people who take my advice.
I was able to email Wendy and stay in touch the entire time I was away. Ketch is a great place for dogs and I have sent many friends and their dogs there. Always get rave reviews from people who take my advice.
