I don’t typically write reviews, but Raccoon River Kennels deserves the praise —this place is incredible! We’ve been using RRK for both daycare and boarding for over a year, and it has been nothing short of amazing for our high-energy retriever who lives for time with other dogs. Our pup knows exactly where we’re going the second I mention “friends,” and his excited circles and “talking” in the car can’t be contained - that alone tells me everything I need to know about how he’s treated when with his RRK family - but there is so much more that keeps me at ease. When we arrive, the staff excitedly greets our boy by name (and somehow they know every other dog’s name – and even the owner’s cars - which is seriously impressive). Our pup happily runs right in without looking back, and it’s evident from the moment you walk through the doors that the staff genuinely cares about every dog that comes in. The team has also been incredibly flexible and accommodating, especially when we’ve had last minute changes, which is such a gift with the schedule my family keeps. Katy, Alissa, Lexi, Samara, … the list of incredible people behind the doors of this facility goes on. I also respect and appreciate how seriously they take safety. We once tried to bring our pup in for a daycare day without realizing his vaccines had expired and we were rightfully turned away. The staff apologized for having to send us home but the entire situation only reassured me that the RRK family is committed to keeping all dogs safe and healthy. With our first pup, we never found a place we fully trusted and trips always came with added stress as a result. When we travel now, we have total peace of mind. We even get photos of our pup playing from the RRK staff - which makes each day away from him a little easier and keeps our kids happy knowing our pup is having a blast too. There just aren’t enough good things to say about RRK and the staff there. Our pup is happy and thriving each time we drop him off, and he comes homes completely exhausted – in the best way possible – as if he’s had a full vacation of fun, love, and social activity. If you’re looking for a place for daycare or boarding, it’s RRK. No question.
Kodiane Jernberg
Our dog Gus loves Raccoon River Kennel for boarding while we vacation and so do we! The staff is wonderful and the business is very professional and efficient. The kennel is very clean and our belongings and Gus come home clean and fresh smelling, unlike other kennels. We’ve used grooming services while boarding and have always been very happy.
Sandy Berg
The staff is nice and they seem like they truly care about the dogs and love their work. The facility is top notch. My dog is excited when we get there and exhausted when we go home.
Nick Keifer
My fur baby loves it here!
Shannon Harris
This is a great place to take your dogs for doggie daycare. My dogs loved it and were smiling from ear to ear. Thank you to all the care givers.
Christina Waite
I can’t say enough great things about Raccoon River Kennel. I have a very energetic, big, goofy dog who wasn’t getting enough exercise at home. Dori (Doris when she’s naughty) loves being able to run and play with all of her friends at daycare (we call it playcare). All of the ladies are so friendly and always happy. It is so nice to be greeted with a smile! There is no way you can wrong with Raccoon River Kennel. You just can’t!
Sarah Doherty
The absolute best in Des Moines! I’ve tried other daycares, but none of them provided the level of activity, engagement and care we get at RR. The facilities are amazing and the staff truly cares about the dogs on a personal level. The conversations I’ve had upon drop off and pick up show me they take the time to know each dog. This is a huge relief to know they care about his likes/dislikes, know what is unusual for him, and actually enjoy playing with him/provide him love during the day. My dog pulls us inside on play days and gives the staff “hugs” every chance he gets. It’s a little out of our way but it is well worth it. I’d highly recommend to anyone!
Betsy Robson
My dogs always receive excellent care. The staff is so friendly. It’s a great place for my pups.
jen brauch
Goji & Dieter had a wonderful experience! The staff is friendly, professional and truly cares for our dogs. It is clear that their reputation as the top kennel in Des Moines is well deserved. The boys look forward to many future stays!
Scott Duncan
Accepted our Lab on an emergent basis following a family health crisis. Could not have been nicer, kinder, or more accommodating.
Annette Phillips
Raccoon River kennels was great. I took my dog to two different places for a test run and both places did not want to keep him because they thought he was aggressive. Raccoon River Kennels knew how to work with him. He is not aggressive he just needs to warm up to you. They did an amazing job working with him and they had no issues whatsoever. If I ever need to board him again this is where I will be taking him.
Jeff
Clean, professional, and earnestly want to care for my pets. My dog cooper usually hates being boarded, but he seems to come home with more energy than other kennels we’ve boarded him at. Highly recommend.
Coleman Jackson
The entire process from check-in to pick-up was a smooth process. The convenience, the facility care, the pet care and grooming is impressive. The staff is amazing. Thank you. Beast Master and Beauti Queen. (Sharon LaVette)
Lavette Hardaway
We have boarded both of our dogs with Raccoon River Kennels. They have provided excellent care every time we've left our dogs with them. One of our dogs is frightened by thunderstorms and fireworks. Due to their location outside of the city, these noises have been less of a problem.
Charles Bischof
Love the staff! My dog has attended daycare there for several years. They love him as if he were their dog. They care for each dog the same way. The facility is clean and organized. Rates are the best in the area for daycare, for sure. Thanks to Tom, Katy. Keri and staff for being so great!
Melissa Nichols
These guys wear my dog out! She is exhausted when she gets home from Day Care (just the way we like it). Our extremely high energy dog has had trouble getting enough exercise at other daycare places in town, and has been anxious when we get back from out of town, but here she always seems to get the right amount of playtime and rest. Very friendly staff, everyone here is just super to work with.
Rick Manion
Our three dogs loved it here! We have boarded them before and had them at someone’s house through Rover. They came home from Racoon River Kennels clean, happy, and healthy. They also had a Sunday pickup window, and some boarding locations don’t.
Jordan Campbell
My dogs enjoy weekly daycare here. Raccoon River Kennels does a great job of taking care of your pups.
Alex Lefkow
Jackson liked them & had fun.Staff put my husband at ease with phone calls to check on him.
Sharon Pilcher
