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November 2022 by Elaine Chen
If you’re trying to find a day-care on your busy work days or a boarding service for upcoming trips, Velvet Coat is the place to go! But be aware, when you dial the number, Shannon has some important questions prepared for you. You might even have to drive up there for an initial consultation. You’ll have to give Shannon a through overview of your canine friend — how they are physically, emotionally and behaviourally.You’ll have to provide her with the updated vaccine records as well as information regarding the animal hospital you take your dog to, or the doctor your dog has been seeing, and what medications your dog is on. It will also be useful to share with Shannon some pictures and videos of your dog, so that she has a clearer sense of who they are and how they are.But, please, please don’t be discouraged! Shannon is doing this for the sake of your beloved canine friend and the health and safety of all the other dogs under her care. We all have very concrete sense of how infectious diseases work nowadays. I’m sure you don’t want your dog to get sick or have any potential unpleasant experience while you’re away. When in doubt, please kindly put yourself in the shoes of the others whose dogs are currently staying at Velvet Coat.As a socially responsible person who truly cares about their dog (and any cute little animals in general), you won’t have trouble answering those questions and getting all the necessary documents (e.g., vaccine certification). By now, you probably would have paid a visit to Velvet Coat. I’m sure you and your canine friend are equally impressed (perhaps by slightly different aspects). You’ll then have to get your friend’s luggage ready. Shannon will give you a clean container for the food and snack needed for the length of the stay. And she will be making a detailed list for every single thing you sent with your dog. Of course, you’re more than welcome to use your own container and make your own list.A large proportion of Shannon’s fringe and freezer is devoted to those who enjoy fresh food. So don’t hesitate to pack those in. A detailed feeding instruction will also be very helpful. If your dog is familiar with the slow-feeders or treat/food puzzles, free free to take them as well. Shannon will make sure your dog feels at home.There’re no cameras like some other dog kennels that keep dogs in crates most of the time. Rather, imagine your dog stays at this resort, where dogs of different sizes and preferences can be engaged in different activities (or simply lounging) at the same time in different places. And because everybody here have passed the “rigorous interviews”, you know it’s clean, safe and friendly. Your dog gets to join the club of their choice, and is very likely going to make great friends here. Shannon will send you some picture and videos along with informative reports of what your friend was busy with during the day. If she notices any health or behavioral issues, she’ll intervene to protect your dog as much as she can. Note that she asked for your vet’s information so if you happen to be long distance away, she can get in touch with your vet if necessary. Plus, Shannon worked as a vet tech for many years!Trust me, I was just as skeptical/confused in the beginning. It turned out, I became a much better care giver to my own dog through talking to and learning from Shannon. I will not consider a different place to send our dear canine friend. I’m grateful that we found Velvet Coat!
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August 2022 by Chris Head
Velvet Coat is truly a treat for both you and your dog - not only is the place stunningly beautiful, it’s made with dogs in mind, so there’s plenty to occupy them and never get bored. Each dog is very, very carefully vetted to make sure they’re a good fit for the place, the other dogs, and the proprietress, Shannon. Shannon knows her stuff - highly experienced with dogs and all other manner of critter; also very friendly and down-to-earth. Winston and I will miss the Velvet Coat very much since moving away!
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June 2021 by Michael L.
We just had our little Shih tzu groomed by Shannon. Our little guy is about 17 years old with one eye, a bad heart condition, and hears very little. He is a sweet little boy but has been through a lot of trauma in his life and does not like to be groomed at all! Shannon and her trusty sidekick Natalie we're so good to our little guy and cleaned him up so beautifully! The whole time soothing him and being conscious of his special needs and challenges. We couldn't feel better about having our little rescue dog in the hands of others! You should not hesitate to call Shannon and her company for your pets! Thank you Shannon and thank you Natalie for making our little guy feel so much better!
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April 2021 by Zachary S.
Called looking for some basic dog daycare. The representative on the phone was quite abrasive and dismissive. No thank you!
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April 2021 by Kathleen S.
I would give them no stars if I could just for rudeness! Called to see if I could drop my dogs off for the day as we are staying at the campground and wanted to take our grandkids to a few sites in the area. (we are visiting from Utah) when I called and asked if I could board our dogs for the day and the women answered a very stern NO! She went on to explain she only takes her regular customers and then went on to explain we needed shot records (which I have) and there would be a test to see if the dogs were aggressive etc. (They aren't!) why she needed to go through all that if she wasn't going to take them is beyond me. If you don't take anyone but regulars than your ad should state so! Plus there is no need for being RUDE! She was not the least bit helpful or polite. Glad I couldn't leave my precious pets with her. Sure left a bad taste in my mouth!
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September 2020 by Craig L.
5 stars isn't enough. This is a doggie oasis in the Santa Cruz hills, and Shannon is a dog whisperer. When I moved to Santa Cruz earlier this year from NYC, I was looking for a good, reliable doggie daycare and boarding place to take my young rescue pup, Alfie. He had a place in Brooklyn that we loved, but now that we had moved across the country, so much of his training had disappeared during the move. I was worried that it would take another year to build up his confidence and training, but after just a few a days with Shannon, Speedy, and the pack, Alfie was back to his good boy self. Shannon is an amazing trainer and caretaker, and The Velvet Coat has become Alfie's home away from home.
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November 2019 by Joan T.
Shannon has a very special way with dogs. She totally gets them and always has a new tip for me in caring for my 13 year old miniature schnauzer, Freida. I have had dogs all my life and her knowledge never ceases to amaze me! The fact she was a vet tech for many years gives me a lot of confidence. She meticulously grooms my dog every six weeks and I have no hesitation in using her boarding services as she is impeccable with the care of each and every dog. I'm able to take my dog to work with me, otherwise she would be hanging out with Shannon in day care! Freida loves her!!
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June 2019 by Nathan C.
You couldn't dream of a better dog sitter/groomer. I've been taking my boy, Charlie here 5 days a week for a few months and I'm constantly impressed how well she treats him and the all the other dogs. Charlie plays and learns all day then comes home tired like me...and he's a 1yr old border collie-cattle dog.
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May 2019 by Jesse M.
Shannon bailed me out of a tough spot. I recently traveled down to Santa Cruz for my mother's funeral with my two dogs who were supposed to have a place with a family member. That plan fell through and I had to rush to find a place for my dogs the day of the service. Shannon took my dogs even though she already was fully occupied that day. She was sweet and even offered my wife and I some pointers on how to treat a skin rash that one of my dogs has. One of my dogs can be skiddish and aggressive and she put him at ease and became his friend easily, which I rarely see. Her facility is cozy and she has an amazing yard for doggies to play in. She allowed us to pick up our dogs late at night just to have them with us and then allowed us to drop them off in the mornings to stay with her all day. My dogs weren't all that happy to see us, it was like they were at a doggy chucky cheese and mom and dad came to pick them up and stop the fun. Shannon was awesome and we will be most definitely coming back to her the next time we're in town.
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November 2018 by Melissa S.
I want to give a big shout out to Shannon, who helped my cat Bobo so much today with a mobile grooming. Shannon was responsive friendly and informative, gave me a fair price and took care of my needs promptly. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again for my cat needs!
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February 2018 by Stephanie R.
Let me start by saying that The Velvet Coat is like doggie heaven, it's like Disneyland for dogs even! I love being able to drop Zoe off in the mornings and pick her up from work in the evening guilt free, but more importantly Zoe loves spending her days there! Shannon's Shangri-La : ) resort is incredibly beautiful and extremely clean. Better yet, the dogs have free rein of the grounds; it's like their second homes and one can surely tell that Shannon loves the dogs and her work. I love it when Zoe has had a particularly fun day romping with her friends and Shannon treats me with video clips : ) Above all, this was the best choice I could have made for my peace of mind and Zoe's well-being. You can't go wrong with The Velvet Coat. I vouch for it being a top-notch doggie resort!
