Business Details
Your Dog's Home Away From Home in Oakland
At Happy Hound, we have dedicated ourselves to providing exceptional care that promotes health, happiness, and well-being for dogs. Founded over three decades ago by Suzanne Golter, our facility combines extensive experience in canine behavior with a deep passion for animals. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to creating a safe, enriching environment where every dog receives personalized attention tailored to their unique needs. Recognized for outstanding service, we offer daycare, boarding, training, and grooming services designed to meet the diverse requirements of dogs at every life stage.Our approach emphasizes trust, transparency, and expertise, ensuring both pets and their owners feel confident in our care. With a focus on continuous improvement and client satisfaction, we maintain rigorous standards that reflect our core values of honesty and compassion. Our facility operates 365 days a year, accommodating busy schedules while prioritizing the comfort and safety of every dog in our care. Through decades of hands-on experience and a commitment to lifelong learning, we have established ourselves as a trusted leader in the pet services industry.
Services
Dog Daycare
Dog Boarding
Custom Dog Training
Grooming Services
Puppy Care
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of hands-on experience in canine care and behavior
- Personalized programs tailored to each dog's individual needs
- Award-winning facility with proven track record of excellence
- Skilled team trained in dog behavior and pack dynamics
- 24/7 availability with flexible drop-off/pickup options
Associations and certifications
- East Bay Express Best of the East Bay 2025 (Gold)
- East Bay Express Best of the East Bay 2025 (Silver)
What people say
Safe and healthy environment
Loves being here
Comfortable and happy
Absolute trust in staff
Great social life
Services
Dog Daycare
Our supervised daycare provides a safe environment for dogs to socialize and play while owners are away. With structured playgroups and individualized attention, we cater to dogs of all temperaments. Services include multiple play sessions daily, meal feeding options, and webcam monitoring during specified hours.
Dog Boarding
Overnight stays feature climate-controlled accommodations with soft bedding and calming music. Guests receive regular playtime, personalized feeding schedules, and enrichment activities. Special care options available for senior dogs and those with medical needs.
Custom Dog Training
Tailored programs focus on building confidence and improving communication between dogs and owners. Offerings include basic obedience, behavior modification, and advanced skill development through both day training and boarding training options.
Grooming Services
Professional grooming includes bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and breed-specific styling. We use premium products and offer specialized treatments for dogs with sensitive skin or specific coat requirements.
Puppy Care
Specialized care for young dogs includes socialization sessions, crate training, and age-appropriate playgroups. Services support early development through structured activities and individual attention from experienced staff.
People
Suzanne Golter
Owner & President
With over 30 years of experience raising and training animals, Suzanne founded Happy Hound based on her deep understanding of canine behavior and commitment to animal welfare. Her expertise in pack dynamics and dog training forms the foundation of our care approach.
Questions
What vaccinations are required for services?
Rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella vaccinations are required. Influenza vaccination is optional but recommended. Titers testing can be used as an alternative to proof of vaccinations.
Can I access webcams to check on my dog?
Yes, webcams operate daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm PST, allowing real-time viewing of play areas during specified hours.
What are the late pickup options?
Late pickup is available until 9:00pm daily with fees applying for pickups after standard hours. Premium late pickup incurs an $80 charge.
How are playgroups organized?
Dogs are assessed into appropriate playgroups based on temperament and size, with options for small dogs, active dogs, large breeds, and senior dogs.
What grooming services do you offer?
We provide full grooming services including baths, nail trims, ear cleaning, and breed-specific styling using premium products tailored to each dog's coat type.
Do you care for senior dogs?
Yes, our Lounge Around Town program offers specialized care for senior dogs with appropriate activities and accommodations to meet their specific needs.
Videos
Reviews (4)
John E.
Jun 14, 2022
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This is truly a fantastic groomer. My Rottweiler's been doggie-profiled everywhere I've taken her. Groomers would hear "Rottweiler" and respond "NO" - we can't help you. Needless to say, my poor girl had nails so long she could barely walk. To make matters worse, she is very sensitive when anyone touches her paws. She's such a sweetheart but no one could see that. ALL THAT CHANGED AT HAPPY HOUND!
In the past, we would have to drug her to have anyone cut her nails and groom her. Now I see why our vet highly recommended Happy Hound. I, too, recommend Happy Hound to everyone who has a pet. My dog is well groomed, trimmed nails and no longer drugged. Plus she is a happy hound when I pick her up. GREAT JOB EVERYONE!
In the past, we would have to drug her to have anyone cut her nails and groom her. Now I see why our vet highly recommended Happy Hound. I, too, recommend Happy Hound to everyone who has a pet. My dog is well groomed, trimmed nails and no longer drugged. Plus she is a happy hound when I pick her up. GREAT JOB EVERYONE!
Veronica Eady
Jun 05, 2022
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Delilah and I love Happy Hound. I first took her there for intensive training when she was a puppy. Since that time, Happy Hound has been her home away from home. She loves seeing her friends (canine and human) at daycare and when boarding. I know she's in good hands!
Mishell Ganchala
May 15, 2022
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The staff is amicable and informative. The assessment was fast, and we were given a facility tour. What I like about happy hound is that there are cameras where we can see how our dog interacts in daycare. This is helpful for us because we adopted, and we're told by the vet that we should socialize our dog with other dogs. We can see his progress and watch him enjoy the daycare. We are doing boarding for the first time, so we will have an updated review.
Frances Joe
Apr 28, 2022
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This review covers many years. I said goodbye to my dog recently and sad as I was, I knew she had a good life. It only made sense to reflect on how important Happy Hound was in her life. Pepper got care and necessary socializing at Happy Hound's daycare for 13 years - slowing down during COVID as she was ill. She also stayed overnights there when I was away and got occasional dental cleanings and baths.
Being a first time dog owner with an assertive Australian cattle dog, I received training at Happy Hound so that I was Pepper's leader rather than the other way around. Webcams in the play area allowed me to do a video check on my pet during the workday. Happy Hound's range of services was impressive and so was the front staff; they professional, communicative and friendly. I got reports after an overnight stay, after teeth cleaning, and if Pepper seemed under the weather during daycare. Questions about the pet or one's account were quickly answered. My thanks to Suzanne and her staff for their years of good care of Pepper.
Being a first time dog owner with an assertive Australian cattle dog, I received training at Happy Hound so that I was Pepper's leader rather than the other way around. Webcams in the play area allowed me to do a video check on my pet during the workday. Happy Hound's range of services was impressive and so was the front staff; they professional, communicative and friendly. I got reports after an overnight stay, after teeth cleaning, and if Pepper seemed under the weather during daycare. Questions about the pet or one's account were quickly answered. My thanks to Suzanne and her staff for their years of good care of Pepper.
