Reviews
I adopted two 5 year old coonhounds over Thanksgiving weekend, 2017. Knowing they were smart and affectionate (and yes, all about the nose), I gladly brought them into my home, thinking since I have always had beagles, I understood hounds. As I left the shelter I was told the dogs didn't have house manners. I didn't even stop to think what that meant for my poochies - one a 40 pound female and the other a 50 pound male.
OMG.
The chaos that ensued over the next week was nothing short of devastation. Ceaseless pools of pee and huge piles of poop EVERYWHERE. Surfing the kitchen counters, shredding tablecloths, leaping over sofas and coffee tables (and knocking EVERYTHING over!) - it was simply a war zone. Dog walking…a combat experience. I came home injured and exhausted from almost 100 pounds of strong hounds pulling me and yanking me everywhere. I thought I had made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Guilt ridden that I didn't think I could be the 'forever home', I called my brother in Kansas and asked him to find a farmer that would take 2 wild coonhounds into his pack.
I also spoke with my vet, she recommended Best Buddies Pet Care for hound training (hounds are very sensitive and need a special touch). I felt so guilty, I felt like I needed to try training out. However, in my mind, I was convinced that adult coonhounds were untrainable, and that Sweetie and Roy would be heading to the Midwest by early January.
It's been 5 weeks, and while we still have a ways to go, I wouldn't dream of sending Sweetie Pie and Roy anywhere! With a long long long list of things I needed addressed, Kevin explained how to 'set my dogs up for success' and how to find ways to reward them for the behavior I want, vs them self-rewarding by doing what they want. Week by week, issues like counter surfing, pee/poop accidents, etc. diminished. No harshness, no 'breaking their spirit'. I can actually go to work, and not worry how destroyed my home will be when I return! With the behaviors changing, we can actually enjoy each other, and I now look forward to being their forever dog-mom!
So, for anyone who says adult dogs can't learn new behaviors…or that hounds are untrainable…or that you have to be harsh and break their spirit…wrong, wrong, and wrong. Kevin gives insights so that you understand how the dog is viewing things, and it's so much easier, then, to know what needs to be done! Kevin helped me understand everything from dog care to nutrition to play. He addressed every concern or need I had, and has been patient with both the dogs (and me), as Sweetie, Roy and I learned how to live together.
We are finally on a path that lets Sweetie, Roy and I be the family I intended!
– Beverly D. Claremont, CA
We met sitters Sara and Johana prior to our trip and introduced them to everyone during the “Meet and Greet” Best Buddies provided. The girls were friendly and obvious pet lovers, and stepped right into our guys routines. Needless to say our gang loved both of them! When we're gone we get updates and photos daily that just make us feel like we know what's going on and that everything is okay.
I know we made the right decision to pick Best Buddies when we return home from weeks away from the house and the cats meet us at the door calm, happy and blasé about our return!
If hotels give five stars to say they're great, I would give Best Buddies five paw prints!!"
– Susan S.
Claremont, CA
“I am delighted to have found Best Buddies Pet Care. They have exceeded my expectations in terms of honesty, reliability, responsibility and friendliness. It was obvious to me that they truly care about my animals as if they were their own. And I consider it a bonus that they have knowledge and training in veterinary science. I thought I was hiring a dog walker but I found so much more.”
– Billie C.
Upland, CA
“I have been with Best Buddies Pet Care from the start and it has grown in to a wonderful and caring organization that Amber and I love!”
– Ruth W.
San Dimas, CA
“The gals running Best Buddies Pet Care are the BEST! They are professional, caring and very reliable! They are highly responsive to our needs and extremely flexible with last minute changes. Their staff of pet sitters are as friendly, respectful and personable as they are. Their pricing is reasonable, especially for the quality of service provided. I do not hesitate to refer them to friends, family and co-workers in need of pet sitting. Our dogs love them and look forward to their daily visits. Happy dogs…happy dog owners!!!”
– Xuan O.
San Dimas, CA
“Monty's journey with Best Buddies Pet Care, since 2010 has been an absolute delight! We are thrilled how social Monty is and we attribute it to the care and affection of Best Buddies Pet Care has shown our dog. Everyone loves our dog and he is a joy to be around. We have total confidence in the care Monty is receiving and when Monty hears the car approaching, he jumps up and wags his tail. We know he will be in good hands and that means the world to us.”
– Gail L.
Claremont, CA
“Nikki and Kimie are truly a God send. We were frantic a few years ago when I was scheduled for heart surgery in LA and did not have any idea what to do for our 3 inside fur people. Having someone new or a neighbor pet sit or boarding were all big NO'S! We met Nikki and Kimie about a month before my scheduled surgery through one of our neighbors who used them for dog walks and pet sleep overs. The rest is history and we and our dogs love them!”
– Melody S.
Pomona, CA
“Sadie knows when it's time for her walks and sits in her window, watching for Kimie or Nicole. When she sees one of them, she comes running down the stairs to greet them!”
– Dianne A.
Pomona, CA
“Love it! Best Buddies Pet Care provides a Five Star service!”
– Mirka E.
La Verne, CA
“Best Buddies Pet Care certainly exceeded my expectations!”
– Pat M.
La Verne, CA
"I have been searching for a long time to find an individual who would care for our animals the way we do, and I finally found her. Kimie stayed at our house, took care of our 4 horses, 2 dogs and a cat with the same love and ownership that we do. All the animals looked content each day we received a picture of them from Kimie, with a narrative of their daily activites. The house was left in impeccable shape. It is without hesitation that I recommend Best Buddies Pet Care for your pet sitting and training needs. Thank you Kimie, for all you did for our animals and for us!"
– Beth H.
Alta Loma
"I had a surgery scheduled and needed someone to take care of my cats while I was recovering from surgery. Best Buddies Pet Care were the Best! They always showed up when they promised to and fed my cats after cleaning up after them. I used them every day for several months and I highly recommend them. I had peace of mind knowing my cats were well taken care of."
– Ted R.
Glendora, CA
"Johana was wonderful and so are Nicole and Kimie the owners. Very responsive, very professional and my pets loved Johana looking after them. I am so glad they provide full overnight service. It's rare and it was ideal for my situation. I highly recommend Best Buddies Pet Care and I will certainly utilize their services in the future."
– Jose P.
La Verne, CA
"We just wanted to take a minute and let you know how wonderful both Johana and Sarah have been with our 'pet children'. Both my husband and I consider our pets to be our children and I am a typical 'worry wart' mother when I 'm away.
Both Johana and Sarah have been so wonderful with the pets, and taking everything I ask into consideration; they always let me know after they've been to the house for a visit and how the kittens, the dogs, and the bird are doing. They will usually send a picture or a short video of the critters as well. This was especially meaningful when shortly after Johana had been at the house sitting for our precious kitty, Smokie, last October. She sent me a video of Smokie. just a couple short weeks later, Smokie passed away and I have this wonderful video of her to cherish forever.
We adopted two kittens a couple months ago and Johana and Sarah came to meet them. They both were wonderful with the kittens and now that they've been here twice to look after them when we've been gone for a couple of days, the kittens have taken right to them. Both Johana and Sarah really have a way with the pets. Even our rescue Basset Hound who is very cautious of people and strangers, took to both girls.
I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have these two wonderful ladies to care for my little ones when I cannot be here. They both are a true asset and wonderful, caring gals.
We look forward to a long and lasting relationship with Johana, Sarah, and Best Buddies!!! Thank you again!"
– Cathy K.
La Verne, CA
"The care Catt gave my babies was great! Wrexx and Stella are American Bully/Dogo Argentino bred siblings I rescued from Ventura in Nov 2014, they had been in doggie jail for over 6 months when I made them my family. They had not been left with any "strangers" ever, but Catt calmed their fears, kept them safe, and fed and watered them to my specifications. Catt was the perfect match for my furry babies and I am very grateful. When I need a petsitter again, I would request Catt and Best Buddies Pet Care Services without hesitation. Thank you!"
– Jannise W.
San Dimas, CA
"Fernanda did a great job. The cat and house were in great shape upon our return. Fernanda sent notes and photos everyday and it was comforting to know the cat and the house were being well taken care of.
Thanks again! You provide stellar service!"
– Eileen G.
Claremont, CA
– Wendy F. Ontario, CA