On a recent visit to Topanga Pet Resort, I did a triple take at a handsome German Shepherd. “Oh, you probably recognize her from television,” a staff member said in a whisper, and she was probably right.
Open since 2005, the luxury getaway for dogs is a home away from home for pets of celebrities as well as for a few pets famous in their own right. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga Pet Resort is a 6.5-acre hillside retreat in a neighborhood heavy on rock stars, sitcom actors and Oscar winners.
While the resort won’t say who its notable clients are, I did notice signed photos by some of my favorite entertainers–an iconic sitcom star and a chart-topping band of “brothers,” among others–in the main office off Old Topanga Road, across from CaliCamp and Mill Creek Equestrian Center. Cesar Millan has filmed there, and that episode’s featured dog, who was there for socialization training, liked the Topanga pack so much, he kept coming back.
Pet grooming and boarding is a $5.4 billion a year business in the U.S., according to a 2015 survey by the American Pet Products Association. In affluent areas like this one (Topanga Canyon is sandwiched between Malibu and Pacific Palisades), over-the-top amenities and preschool-like staff-to-pet ratios are the norm. “Guest” visits at a dog ranch can easily run into the thousands when a performer is on tour or on location, and it’s essential for the quality of care to match the price.
I talked to Topanga Pet Resort owner Keith Tomlinson, who runs the business with his wife, Pat, and live on property, about running one of L.A.’s premiere pet pampering outposts.
What sort of special attention to dogs get at the resort?
Some of our small dog condos have mini furniture, which is nice. All our dogs get bedding when they’re staying overnight but I was pretty excited when I found those miniature beds. We’re also committed to keeping the environment smelling fresh and also to using organic products whenever possible. We use natural herbs for disinfecting, which adds a wonderful thyme scent. That also lets us keep our grass for pets to run on without resorting to harsh chemicals. Vets ask where they can buy our natural products. We provide baths and nail trims and special time with the trainer, trips to the veterinarian and can accommodate special diet requests.
The scenery is pretty spectacular, too. We’re blessed to have a spectacular rock formation across the street that draws local artists and provides a picturesque background for our dogs playing in the yards. The play yards themselves are outdoors, under the oaks, and play times are scheduled for four sessions a day. Our staff-to-dog ratios are typically between 1-5 and 1-8.
With a high-profile client list, you must get some outlandish requests.
Probably my favorite is that several of our long-time customers have moved away but still bring their dogs to us. One client who now lives in Miami flies her dog out to us to board and then goes on to her destination. Quite a compliment to our staff.
What should pet owners look for when searching for a place to board?
First, ask for a meet and greet session. This should allow the owner to see the grounds, play yards, and indoor sleeping area. It’s important that facilities look and smell clean. This will also be a time to share shot record information and allow the dog to meet some of the other dogs in a controlled no-cost evaluation.
