Home Away From Home

Michelle Wolfe

2024-04

We took our 'inherited' older blind/deaf dog there after his previous groomer had passed. We were hesitant as he is special needs and tends to be a shy boy. They were absolutely fantastic starting from the booking down to the groom. They updated me throughout the day on how he was doing, and kept me reassured the whole time. When it was time to pick up Joe, he was like a brand new pup! He was such a handsome boy and he was so excited to be feeling so fresh and clean. We will definitely be taking our old boy there again. Staff was amazing! Thank you!

Kristofer Merrion

2024-03

Nothing but good things to say!We have been taking our dogs here for about a year now, based on a neighbor’s recommendation and are very pleased with each visit! HAFH’s boarding, daycare, and grooming are great services. Our dogs come home well socialized and tired from play in daycare. The boarding is wonderful when we can’t take them with us, and they even have a big van that they can come pick up your pets if needed! The onsite grooming is also great, especially when combined at the end of a boarding or daycare. The dogs come back very well cared for! The staff have always been polite and professional, in person and on the phone, and are great people who care about the pets they’re watching. Couldn’t recommend them more!

Ethan G

2024-02

We’ve been very disappointed with HAFH after using them several times.-We had our dog groomed, they said they did everything, including nail trimming. When we got him home we realized they didn’t trim his nails. We called, they finally admitted they didn’t trim his nails, and they refused to lower the price at all.-Every time we picked up our dog from daycare they gave feedback about his behavior that was very uncharacteristic. I think they either mixed him up or made things up. They mixed up his leash several times, it usually came back with another dog’s name on it.-We had to cancel boarding because our 6 month old daughter got so sick we couldn’t go out of town. Because they require 48 hours notice, they charged 50% of the cost. I understand it’s their policy but I hoped that given the circumstances and our repeat business they would be flexible or apply the deposit to our next boarding.After these experiences we will avoid HAFH and recommend you do as well.

Mark Rynn

2024-02

Absolutely fantastic customer service, and even better service for my dog. I use their services often for when I am out of town or need a daycare, and they are fantastic every single time. They really show they care about the animals they work with and will even take time to give my dog a quick bath if she's played too much throughout the day! My dog also always comes home happy and ready for a looong nap after playing all day. Highly recommend their services for any of your pets needs.

Kris Salazar

2023-11

Wonderful staff, I felt very comfortable my baby here for the weekend. They assured me that she would be well taken care of, and she was. They were quick to respond when I asked how she was doing, and even sent me videos of her playing outside. I was nervous to take her because sometimes my Doberman gets snappy with other dogs. But they kept her alone, and still let her outside to play. I didn’t have to worry about a thing the whole time she was here and I thank you for that.

Kaitlin C.

2023-11

Unfortunately, Home Away from Home did not have the best interest of my dog at heart. The groomer shaved my husky without consulting me and caused damage to his skin. When I asked to speak with the groomer, she refused to return my phone calls. They risked the health and mental wellbeing of my dog, and I would not recommend trusting them with your dog.

Trin Terrance

2022-05

We’ve brought our dogs here for years. Around 4 years ago Home Away From Home suffered a major fire in the building, and since, they have rebuilt and come such a long way. Our Aussie Shepherd Haku loves it here, and the staff know and love him. He always comes back to us clean and happy with a fresh grooming when we pick him up. It’s just a very personal experience with Home Away From Home. Joel obviously loves dogs, and has made his passion his career. Five stars from a loyal customer.

chamene blanco

2023-05

I am absolutely so disappointed that I brought my beautiful little rabbit Bambi to this establishment.The front desk was very rude and told me that our rabbit was stressed out and started biting her fur because we were late picking her up. She has never done that ever. When they brought her out she was missing a chunk of hair and stress shedding her hair was falling out please see picture. The front desk person also charged my card without asking. She was also very unprofessional saying that she will sue me because we told her that we were going to give them a bad review. Absolutely a horrible person. I can’t tell you how distressing this experience was.

Alejandro Reggeti

2024-02

My dog has never been a fan of these boarding places in general, but I'm almost certain he felt hot the entire time he was there because he would not stop drinking water the moment we picked him up. Forthermore there is no transparency on how the facility actually looks. Last and absolutely not least, our dog was acting downright scared when we picked him up, not nervous like he usually gets, but scared. Left him here once and will never do so again.*Edit* To add on to the shady practices, they respond on here saying they don't have me on their records, thus suggesting my review is not appropriate. I did keep my dog there once, I hope they've improved their practices for the sake of the dogs people still leave here, but beware of them trying to manipulate honest reviews.

Cindy Gonzalez

2018-05

After adopting my dog from the SPCA I was hesitant to take my pup to any groomer. After doing some research and asking friends/family I decided to make an appointment and bring him in. Joi was helpful with setting up an appointment and all the staff including the groomer were fantastic. The whole experience was easy and hassle free, not to mention the groomer did a great job. I am so glad I found this place and will continue to bring him in!

Elissa Stein

2020-05

Home away from home is by far the best place for your fur babies. Wonderful location, loving and caring owners and staff great prices not to mention awesome grooming services.We will definitely be back. Skittles loves you all.

Jason Bram

2023-05

Pretty good first experience here! They were very communicative after I made the reservation request and the process was relatively easy. Just a bit of entering info online and sending over vaccination records. They are reasonably priced and Jasmine was very nice when we dropped off our dogs for doggy day care. When we picked them up a few hours later, they were fine and we will be using them again the next time we need doggy day care in the Monterey/Carmel area.

Say

2023-07

Can't say anything yet since we decided not to board our dogs here. We are new to the area and we were looking for a place to board our dogs, the nice lady on the phone was so friendly, and really happy to answer all our questions. I like it when someone is dedicated and happy to their job. Can't wait to board our dogs here.

Brett Young

2023-09

Rude employees, entitled parking of company vehicle. Am employee blocked my drivers side door by parking so close to my car I ultimately had to enter my vehicle from the opposite side. When I asked an employee if they could move the van, they said no because the driver had gone home. I suggested that surely there must be a spare set of keys and she rudely said it was with the owner whom she did not offer to contact. She said having extras would be a security risk and then said “the driver was able to get out of the van” which tells me she fully knew how close they’d parked. Weird that it’s cool to park a company commercial vehicle on Monterey city streets overnight. My friend’s dog broke their front teeth in the care of this business when they left him in a cage for an extended timeframe. So apparently these people not only act like they OWN the public parking spaces in front of their business but also have can’t be trusted to keep pets safe. I would not take my business here.

Shelby Hutto

2023-05

We put our pup in daycare for the first time ever while we were visiting Monterey for a weekend trip recently. We were kind of nervous because she had never been boarded or in daycare, but HAFH was so awesome! They were so caring and patient with our questions. Our dog had a great time and was in a great mood when we picked her up and got home. We would definitely be a returning customer.

Denice Jones

2020-05

Great accommodations. Very good at making you feel good about leaving your furbaby. Great price considering it was a holiday weekend. Would highly recommend to others.

Samantha Bryan

2022-05

Do not send your pets here! Me and my husband left our three animals ( 1 dog and 2 cats) with them for a week and came back to them having lost approximately 3 pounds each. The cats food containers had the exact measurements for feeding, the scoop used for portioning them out, and how often they were to be fed. It was clear from the containers that several feedings were missed. For the dog, we gave slightly more than was needed and almost half of it was still in the container after pick up, it should be noted that our dog doesn't let food remain in the bowl for more than 10 minutes after being handed out, so this was a major red flag.In addition to this, we were also charged double even though when I made the reservation I called to ensure that both the price quoted and the information was correct. My husband called when the second charge of 300 was taken out and after the employee contacted the owner, we were told there was nothing to be done, because we weren't charged correctly in the beginning, despite what we had been told. Honestly if Google had the option for a negative amount of stars for a place I would freely give it as it came highly recommended by many of the reviews here, we thought our pets would be well taken care of and couldn't be more wrong. Always tour the facility and see how the other animals act, that will be how yours react.

Enrique Villarreal

2023-05

Horrible experience this afternoon. Went to have my dog groomed. I was sent a text to pick her up at 3pm, and she was going to sit in a kennel because she didn’t like the blower dryer. I texted right back that I would just pick her up, and don’t want her in a kennel wet or damp. Once I arrived, 8 minutes later no one answers the door, or phone. I called and texted, with no response for over an hour. In addition to that, I could hear our dog barking the whole time (video attached). She is not even a year old, and does not like being alone, which was made very clear. Come to find out as I was waiting outside, the staff had actually just left the building for this amount of time. Once I asked the staff about this, all I was asked was about payment and it was completely ignored about my concern. I will never go hear again, and I highly recommend you don’t as well. My husband and I own two businesses locally, and we would never treat our customers this way or any animal.

William Pernik

2023-05

It has been two weeks now, and my wife and I are still in shock from the “grooming” service. Our one and a half year old collie was brought in for a normal grooming, and, like many long haired dogs, did have some mats. Apparently, these “groomers” have no idea how to handle a long haired dog like a collie and had decided - without asking us! - to shave her. As a result the backside and the tail got shaved and the dog’s coat has been completely ruined. The dog’s belly, “pants”, and tail were shaved, and genital area exposed. It was shaved to the skin, not trimmed. My wife was in so much shock that she actually paid for this travesty and came home in tears. We are all quite upset about this. I’ve had collies for more than twenty years and have NEVER seen anything like that. I never thought I would meet a groomer who I would need to ask in advance to not shave a collie. It will now take many months for this to grow back. Appalling, thoughtless, and lazy job. It’s affected the dog and the family. I will never bring her back here. It was our first and last time at “home” away from home.

Tiffany Garrett

2021-05

My little Yorkie and I had an awesome and amazing grooming experience with Home away from Home today. Joel and his staff are very friendly, accommodating and the customer service was excellent! I will definitely be bringing back my little girl for future grooming services. Thank you so much for such a positive experience.

bruno lemgruber

2024-01

Super friendly people took care of our dog for her first time in a daycare

Jordie Young

2021-05

Absolutely love this place and recommend them to anyone needing grooming, boarding, or daycare services. During the wildfires my family had to evacuate and we have two dogs and three cats. Thankfully we just ended up needing to board the cats and Joel and his staff were amazing in making sure they were well cared for and loved while we dealt with the stress of evacuation. Can't thank them enough for all that they did!!!

Scott Dimler

2022-05

These guys are the best in Monterey for your pets! I've been taking my dog to them for the past 3 years and I've never been disappointed. Joel is a great owner and him and the staff always make sure every pet is well taken care of.

Rebecca Glasgow

2020-05

The groomers here are spectacular! I have a geriatric dog and they go above and beyond to make sure she is comfortable the entire time. Rather than rushing, they take their time and make sure my sweet old girl gets to rest in between different parts of the grooming process. She has come home happy, less exhausted, and looking beautiful each time! I highly recommend their grooming services!

michael overby

2021-05

Great place to board your dog when your on vacation or just out of town for the weekend! Super friendly dog loving workers give great care and provide lots of play time for your pup. I also like having my dog washed and his nails cut as well. They always do a great job with my black lab and poodle mix Charlie! I highly recommend their services!

Kitty Osburn

2021-05

We had to board our kitty for about a month while we waited for housing. Staff was very friendly and helpful in setting everything up and working with us. They took great care of our pet, and made sure she was happy. We'll definitely come back if the need arises.

Kristin Weatherby

2022-05

Dropped my kittens off here while we were visiting Monterey for the weekend. When I went to pick up my kittens on Sunday, I arrived at 9:55am to avoid being charged a late pick up fee. When we arrived there was a dog who had just been dropped off for daycare but was having a difficult time getting in the building so the worker had to console the dog to get him inside. This took about 5-7 minutes. By the time she was done with the dog and was getting ready to check us out it was already 10:15am. I was then charged a fee for not picking up my pets by 10am when I tried saying something the workers there handed us our kittens and their stuff and pretty much shut the door on us. How can you charge a customer a late fee when your employee was the reason we didn't get our kittens until after 10am?

Benjamin Forest

2022-05

I came to HAFH boarding with a unique situation that required flexibility and special care. Joel and his amazing staff handled everything with compassion and always put the dog’s well-being first.These guys are very busy right now — but they are busy because the care!

Dustin Tharrett

2021-05

The ONLY place I feel comfortable leaving my pet at for a trip out of town! From the friendly staff, easy of scheduling, even practicing safe COVID procedures, and most importantly my dog loves her time there! Home Away From Home allows me to travel with piece of mind that my furry friend is being well taken care of.

M

2023-10

My skittish cat does great here. The staff love her. Only people who love animals work here from what I’ve seen.