I have always had a lifelong interest in animals, I currently own 2 dogs and 3 cats. My dream growing up was to be a veterinarian, but with a weak stomach that dream ended rather quickly. I have been a dog lover my whole life & have had a house full of dogs for the past 15 years. Dogs are obviously my passion & after years in corporate America in an industry that just didn't fit, I was lucky enough to parlay my passion into a career.
Hi! My name is Jill and I have been working for DDG since 2010 and the Assistant Manager since 2018.
Hi! My name is Jill and I have been working for DDG since 2010 and the Assistant Manager since 2018.
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Dog Day Getaway Apple Valley offers a dog daycare facility that caters to your dog and other dogs throughout the local South Metro Twin Cities, MN area. You will enjoy bringing your dog here in the morning and watch as they take off with their tail wagging. Providing service for dogs (and their families) all throughout the Twin Cities, we want you to feel comfortable and confident in our experience and our facility.
The concept for Dog Day Getaway began when two aspiring entrepreneurs finally decided to escape the tedium of their everyday jobs and do something they truly loved for the first time in their lives-playing with dogs! It was this love of dogs, combined with their desire for independence, that made them see a new way to enjoy life, help their favorite four-legged friends and make a positive difference in pet owners' lives all over the area.
When your dog needs a break from their daily grind of naps, chasing cats, and dreaming about bacon, bring them over to Dog Day Getaway for an all-inclusive experience unlike anything else in the Twin Cities Metro Area. We feature a spacious 12,000 square foot facility where your dog can run, jump, wag, play and socialize like never before.
After visiting almost every doggy day care in the south metro, I finally found "the one". The staff at Dog Day Getaway is AMAZING! I love watching on the webcams and seeing all the staff interact with dogs. They are not just there just to clean up after them. They know the dogs by name. My dog is always ecstatic to be dropped off, and starts to get excited the second we turn down the street.
Reviews (23)
Jessica Yost
Jun 28, 2022
We had started to go to this place as we were trying to find a new daycare/boarding closer to our new home. Our puppy seemed like he was doing well as he normally does (we do lots of playgroups and have regularly attended other daycares in the metro) but then we were notified by one manager that he was starting to "stalk" and "hump". They said he could come back but would have to kick him out if it continued to happen.
We went back again and everything went fine and we heard from another employee that he was only doing it with one dog on the previous visit (not the story we were lead to believe previously.) We brought him back for another play date and when we came to pick him up, we were told that he was "stalking" again and they put him in one of the boarding cages all day.
They didn't call to let us know, they didn't even try to work with him, and they charged us for a full day of play. With him in a cage. Without notifying us. So unacceptable. The employee I talked to made it seem that they have too many dogs to manage and they just put him in the cage until we came to pick him up. If I had known that, I would have come immediately.
I also wonder why it only seems to happen at DDG? I've asked our other daycare places and they seemed very surprised to hear about this behavior/have never observed it from our puppy thus far. Could it be that they can't manage a group of dogs (especially a much too large group- she said it's about 100-120 dogs)? And then to charge for daycare when they just put him in a cage. Unprofessional and negligent. Inept staff. The kicker is they offered to have him come back and try again.we won't be back. Plenty of other great places to bring your dogs in the metro.
We went back again and everything went fine and we heard from another employee that he was only doing it with one dog on the previous visit (not the story we were lead to believe previously.) We brought him back for another play date and when we came to pick him up, we were told that he was "stalking" again and they put him in one of the boarding cages all day.
They didn't call to let us know, they didn't even try to work with him, and they charged us for a full day of play. With him in a cage. Without notifying us. So unacceptable. The employee I talked to made it seem that they have too many dogs to manage and they just put him in the cage until we came to pick him up. If I had known that, I would have come immediately.
I also wonder why it only seems to happen at DDG? I've asked our other daycare places and they seemed very surprised to hear about this behavior/have never observed it from our puppy thus far. Could it be that they can't manage a group of dogs (especially a much too large group- she said it's about 100-120 dogs)? And then to charge for daycare when they just put him in a cage. Unprofessional and negligent. Inept staff. The kicker is they offered to have him come back and try again.we won't be back. Plenty of other great places to bring your dogs in the metro.
Aime Brewer
May 25, 2022
I Absolutely love this daycare. The staff are so amazing here. Anytime I reach out they are so attentive to my questions and very straight forward. I truly wouldn't trust another daycare around the twin cities they truly are the best. They have the best staff. And they have an amazing self wash I love to use.
Lisa G.
Apr 10, 2022
Dog Day Getaway So we have two fur babies that we adore. We came to DDG as recommended by neighbor. We were looking for a way to socialize our dogs while giving my husband a bit of a break as he works from home. The staff is amazing and our Dakota ( Kota) as we call him, has a mom at daycare Jenn. He loves her! I love that our sensitive dog has found someone he adores when we are not there.
I feel like our dogs are taken care of the way we would take care of them. We just picked them up from boarding overnight and they actually gave them a rinse for us, no charge. All I can say is thank you for treating our dogs so well, and giving us peace of mind when we utilize your services. I would absolutely recommend DDG to all in need of a home away from home for your dogs. You guys are the best!
I feel like our dogs are taken care of the way we would take care of them. We just picked them up from boarding overnight and they actually gave them a rinse for us, no charge. All I can say is thank you for treating our dogs so well, and giving us peace of mind when we utilize your services. I would absolutely recommend DDG to all in need of a home away from home for your dogs. You guys are the best!
Gabrielle Deppa
Jan 15, 2022
Lovena Kabba
Nov 25, 2021
Overall great daycare and easy process! I would've given 5 stars but during pickup a staff member said in front of everyone "oh you're the dog with lots of scratches, she got those at home not here." We treat our dog like a princess, we love her so much and baby her (even though we shouldn't), so she never plays rough with dogs especially when we go to the dog park.
She feels most comfortable around humans than dogs. When we dropped her off she did not have any scratches, which is fine, it's one scratch. Dogs play and assert their dominance and we expect that kind of stuff at daycare, there's too many dogs to watch at once to blame anyone nor is it right to blame anyone. It was just offensive to say something like that in front of everyone assuming something you don't know.
It's like dropping off your child at daycare and picking them up with a bruise or scratches and blaming the parent as if they don't know their own kid was dropped off without any harm. I just did not like being put in that situation. Overall, I think this is a good daycare, most staff were respectable, you can watch your dog on the camera, and I loved being able to have the option of giving her a bath, getting her nails clipped and a brush out!
She feels most comfortable around humans than dogs. When we dropped her off she did not have any scratches, which is fine, it's one scratch. Dogs play and assert their dominance and we expect that kind of stuff at daycare, there's too many dogs to watch at once to blame anyone nor is it right to blame anyone. It was just offensive to say something like that in front of everyone assuming something you don't know.
It's like dropping off your child at daycare and picking them up with a bruise or scratches and blaming the parent as if they don't know their own kid was dropped off without any harm. I just did not like being put in that situation. Overall, I think this is a good daycare, most staff were respectable, you can watch your dog on the camera, and I loved being able to have the option of giving her a bath, getting her nails clipped and a brush out!
Thomas Gearman
Sep 27, 2021
Our experience at DDG has been wonderful. Both of our dogs love their daycare so much they fidget with excitement when we turn down the street they are located on. So cute! Love the staff and the facility is great. My wife watches the dogs remotely from work via the web cam service. I thought separation anxiety was a canine affliction? Turns out, it's the wifey!
Katy Mullen
Aug 21, 2021
Kyla Burgoyne
Apr 03, 2021
We have used Dog Day getaway for years. We currently use them for all of our boarding needs as well as daycare. Our puppy attends full day daycare 3 times per week. They group them appropriately with other dogs of same sizes and ages. It helps our dog burn off all of his puppy energy. I love that you can check in on your dog with the webcams throughout the day.
There reservation system is super easy to use to schedule or cancel daycare appointments. They offer discount daycare packages in bulk. We are very happy with Dog Day Getaway.
There reservation system is super easy to use to schedule or cancel daycare appointments. They offer discount daycare packages in bulk. We are very happy with Dog Day Getaway.
L. Futhey
Jan 21, 2021
We love DDG! Our dog Jax has been going here for about a year and he loves it. The employees that work at DDG are super friendly and are attentive to our dog's needs. Jax goes to daycare quite a few times out of the month and has been boarded as well. My husband and I definitely recommend DDG and our neighbor goes here as well. Also, they like to celebrate the holidays and take fun pictures of our dog. Thank you so much.
Isaiah Morrell
Feb 07, 2020
Leesa B.
Dec 10, 2019
Chris K.
Nov 11, 2019
This place is awesome! They are reasonably priced, they have great services, the staff is super friendly and the webcams let me see what my dog is up too. The best part is when we arrive my dog is excited to get to the play rooms. I have boarded my dog there for multiple night stays and couldn't be happier. If you love your dog take them here!
Steve K.
Jun 15, 2019
DDG hosts Doggie Play dates once to twice a month and it's great! They have three different groups of play dates: 1) 15-30 lbs 2) 15 lbs and under 3) Puppies We have two small dogs (2.5 lbs and 6.5 lwho need socialization with other dogs and this is a great opportunity to do so. Imagine bringing your small dog to a regular dog park. The big dogs would literally have the small dogs for lunch!
So they need a safe environment to socialize which this DDG Play Date allows. Furthermore it's indoors which is also great. Many small dogs really can't handle the Minnesota harsh winters so they need this kind of indoor play date. If you have a puppy or small dog under 30 lbs check out their small dog play dates. 2019 Update. This place is great. If you have smaller dogs, you should be come to these play dates.
So they need a safe environment to socialize which this DDG Play Date allows. Furthermore it's indoors which is also great. Many small dogs really can't handle the Minnesota harsh winters so they need this kind of indoor play date. If you have a puppy or small dog under 30 lbs check out their small dog play dates. 2019 Update. This place is great. If you have smaller dogs, you should be come to these play dates.
Emily H.
Jun 15, 2019
Sandra S.
Dec 30, 2018
I am sad to say I took my puppy Of 4 months to DDGA. Being a small dog and puppy, the workers liked to pick him up (which I felt was sweet). On our 3rd visit there, one of the workers accidentally let my puppy jump from her arms (all of 6 pounds) from a 4 foot height. I understand accidents happen - that is not the issue. The problem is what ensued after his fall.
They called me to tell me what had happened as a 'courtesy'. I subsequently received a call from Nicole, one of the owners at my request. I requested that they pay to have my puppy checked out by my vet to make sure he was not injured or broke any bones. I was told that my request could open a can of worms and that I was welcome to have my puppy seen, but they would not pay for any vet visit because it was 'an accident' and their worker did nothing wrong.
I agree their worker did nothing wrong but the owner should have accepted liability for what happened at her establishment. Long and short of DDGA - it's a fun place for your dog to go but take your dogs there at your own risk - they will not offer any support to you if any injuries occur there. Pretty sad. Think twice about this establishment.
They called me to tell me what had happened as a 'courtesy'. I subsequently received a call from Nicole, one of the owners at my request. I requested that they pay to have my puppy checked out by my vet to make sure he was not injured or broke any bones. I was told that my request could open a can of worms and that I was welcome to have my puppy seen, but they would not pay for any vet visit because it was 'an accident' and their worker did nothing wrong.
I agree their worker did nothing wrong but the owner should have accepted liability for what happened at her establishment. Long and short of DDGA - it's a fun place for your dog to go but take your dogs there at your own risk - they will not offer any support to you if any injuries occur there. Pretty sad. Think twice about this establishment.
Catherine B.
Dec 27, 2018
Nate S.
Sep 29, 2018
Is your dog in need of some entertainment? Perhaps you're working long hours and don't have the time to exercise your dog. Dog Day Getaway offers a number of different environments depending on how active your dog is or if they simply need a break from play time. Their staff is amazingly friendly and always greets you with a smile. They even offer dog baths and nail trims! The icing on the cake are the web cams so you can check on your furry friend while they make some new friends.
Nick V.
Sep 24, 2018
We recently dropped our pup of for a five night stay as my wife and I adjusted to a new addition to our family. The care and thoughtfulness of DDG is spectacular! It really does feel like your dog is staying with family. Another huge pro is that your dog will get a ton of exercise and socializing with other dogs. This is very important to us and results in a sleepy, well behaved dog upon returning home. One more helpful hint- splurge on grooming prior to Pick-up; your dog will smell amazing and you will not regret it!
Trixie B.
Jun 20, 2018
I have heard from old neighbors who worked there that sometimes the shift lead, can't remember her name, started with E, like Ella or Emily is not that nice or respectful to the dogs or does not respect the owners wishes. She is rough with them and certainly does not seem like an animal lover. Apparently she puts bark collars on if the dog is "annoying her" even when owners signed a form saying they do not want bark collars used on their dog at any time.
She will put a dog in a room alone for hours (when the whole reason the dog is there is to not be alone.) This is horrible. They say she does it if dog is barking or humping. Or ya know, being a dog.rather than redirect or show the dog some attention and care. On the flip side, the neighbors say the vast majority love their jobs and the dogs they get to see all the time.
The staff does seem to know all the dogs, their names, their personalities and who they belong to. These good employees should definitely be paid more than they are, I've heard it's pretty low. Anyone who can show my dog love and attention like I do, deserves a raise and a huge thank you!
She will put a dog in a room alone for hours (when the whole reason the dog is there is to not be alone.) This is horrible. They say she does it if dog is barking or humping. Or ya know, being a dog.rather than redirect or show the dog some attention and care. On the flip side, the neighbors say the vast majority love their jobs and the dogs they get to see all the time.
The staff does seem to know all the dogs, their names, their personalities and who they belong to. These good employees should definitely be paid more than they are, I've heard it's pretty low. Anyone who can show my dog love and attention like I do, deserves a raise and a huge thank you!
Nicole P.
Dec 09, 2017
I really loved having my dogs stay at this place. I left for almost a week vacation out of country and I was able to view them on their live webcams the entire time. This gave me so much peace of mind. When I got back my pups were just so tired for all the excitement with meeting all the other dogs so they definitely got all the exercise they needed.
The staff is very friendly and the lobby is very cute and clean. I might not live in this location forever but as long as I do, this will be my dogs daycare/boarding facility.
The staff is very friendly and the lobby is very cute and clean. I might not live in this location forever but as long as I do, this will be my dogs daycare/boarding facility.
Rob L.
Jul 06, 2017
I've dropped my dog off with this company many times over the years and last couple times I got him back in a frightful state. He has low thyroid and must take thyroid pills. He is getting older and starting to have hip issues. Every day at home I walk him and he gets his pills and he's lively. The last few times I've gotten him back from Dog day getaway he's barely been able to walk and I have to lift him in the car which is a sign he wasn't getting his pills or getting around enough or both. This hasn't happened when I dropped him off with other companies or friends watching him for the week.
Dennis L.
Jul 10, 2015
Tiffany H.
Apr 03, 2015