Ian TolentinoLocal Guide · 87 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleBuko loves it here
Happy Dog Daycare Boarding and Grooming of Utica MI
How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%83+45.3Reliability 24%72+17.5Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Craft & service penalty96−0.4Momentum penalty90−1Experts Score= 83Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.83SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#34 of 80 daycare centersPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 58%
4.8 ★★★★★ 597 Google reviews · 23 photos
94%five-star reviews
4.78★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4.8%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
92%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review
Happy Dog Daycare Boarding and Grooming of Utica MI at a glance
Google reviewers rate the facility 4.8 out of 5 based on 597 reviews, with the owner responding to 92 percent of comments. Customers frequently praise the staff’s friendliness, the availability of extended hours and weekend services, and the quality of on-site grooming. Many note that dogs show high enthusiasm during drop-off and pick-up, while owners appreciate the personalized attention and communication regarding their pets' specific needs. However, several low-star reviews criticize inconsistent communication regarding behavioral issues, hygiene concerns, and perceived bias against certain dog breeds.
- Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 597 reviews (94% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 596 Google reviews (486 with written comments, 39 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 92% of reviews.
- Most recent review: October 31, 2026.
- Service: Daycare Center serving Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Data from Google, last updated October 31, 2026.
Score profile vs other daycare centers
Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Happy Dog Daycare Boarding and Grooming of Utica MI: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
83
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Happy Dog Daycare Boarding and Grooming of Utica MI: 72/100 on this factor. Category median: 76.B
72
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Happy Dog Daycare Boarding and Grooming of Utica MI: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
96
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Happy Dog Daycare Boarding and Grooming of Utica MI: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
100
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Happy Dog Daycare Boarding and Grooming of Utica MI: 90/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
90
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Happy Dog Daycare Boarding and Grooming of Utica MI: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 44.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
596 Google reviews we collected
- 5 stars56294%
- 4 stars132%
- 3 stars00%
- 2 stars20%
- 1 star193%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 486 written reviews
- Praise50896%
- Complaints234%
PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
- Great price2168%
- Reasonable929%
- Overpriced13%
- Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
- Staff & attitude20038%
- Would recommend14327%
- Honesty & trust5110%
- Quality & results509%
- Speed & response357%
- Communication285%
- Price & value245%
What customers talk about
We read 486 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The staff is all so friendly and my dog loves going there.”
“…the sudden nature of the way we were communicated with was extremely unprofessional by the owner.…”
“I definitely recommend Happy Dog Daycare to anyone looking for a place they can feel comfortable leaving their dog!”
“I give five stars for safety and concern for the health of the dogs they care for.”
“…soft and silky), daycare and enrichment sessions, love and care, and transparency are the best I've experienced.…”
“I also did a full groom for my German shepherd and they did a fantastic job!”
“We could never work with her before because she was bouncing off the walls.”
“I immediately searched for a new, loyal daycare to call home, and that's when I remembered that I passed by Happy Dog every day and never looked into them.”
“She has never showed signs of aggression, even when she was physically attacked by dogs at the dog park (2 different occasions).”
“The level of excitement he has coming here explains it all.”
“I loved that we didn’t pay for the first day of evaluation, I thought this was beyond fair.”
People customers mention
- Jim 68 reviews
- Dogs 7 reviews
- Jesse 5 reviews
- Paws 5 reviews
- Lounge 5 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Happy Dog Daycare Boarding and Grooming of Utica MI for 5 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Recent reviews
M1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Last Sunday, I suffered an emergency, and needed to go to ER. Knowing that ER visit typically means many-hour wait, & having no backup for a very ornery dog, I was desperate & called Happy Dog. Jim the owner not only readily agreed to board Jack for uncertain length of time, but offered to come pick him up, & drive…
KelliLocal Guide · 174 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a week ago★★★★★
Beanz and Diesel get so happy when we drive down Utica that we better be taking them to Happy Dog Daycare! 😆 They love it there! And we just love that!!
Dog boardingDog daycare
Sharon3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Courteous and respectful. They love all the dogs and go the extra step in making sure not only the dog but their owners are happy
Great priceDog daycare
Thomas5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I couldn’t recommend Happy Dog any more! The staff is all so friendly and my dog loves going there. I typically take him for daycare once a week. It means a lot when you run into staff members outside of work and they run up to your dog and remember his name and want to pet him. I also did a full groom for my German shepherd and they did a fantastic job!
Reasonable priceDog groomingDog daycare
vanessa7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
My dog and I have known the owner of Happy Dog Daycare for a couple of years now, and he’s genuinely a great guy who really cares about what he does. You can tell he puts a lot into making sure the dogs are happy, safe, and well taken care of. The staff is awesome too. They’re really great with the dogs. Jim and the…
Great priceDog boardingDog daycare
Jennifer9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
We’ve used for doggy daycare, boarding, and grooming for 2 different dogs and am always happy with the care that the dogs have received. Customer service from the staff is always exceptional, going above and beyond on several occasions.
Dog groomingDog boardingDog daycare
Jobs customers hired them for
| Job | Reviews | Category typical |
|---|---|---|
| Dog daycare | 36 | — |
| Dog boarding | 24 | — |
| Dog grooming | 16 | — |
| Dog boarding with training | 2 | — |
| Other pet boarding | 2 | — |
Compare with
Photos
Customer reviews
4.8 ★★★★★ 597 reviews on Google · rating breakdown
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Omar Zrien3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Omar has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleGreat service
- Price assessment: Great price
- Services: Dog daycare
Response from the owner · 6 days ago
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re glad you found Happy Dog to be a great value. Our goal is to make dependable dog care convenient and affordable for local families. At Happy Dog Daycare, Boarding & Grooming in Utica, we offer supervised group daycare, overnight boarding that includes daycare with staff on-site all night, and convenient transportation with arranged pick-up and drop-off services. Our hours—6 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends—make it easier to fit your dog’s care into a busy schedule. Thank you for supporting our locally owned business. We look forward to welcoming your pup back!
M Hsieh1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews M has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleLast Sunday, I suffered an emergency, and needed to go to ER. Knowing that ER visit typically means many-hour wait, & having no backup for a very ornery dog, I was desperate & called Happy Dog. Jim the owner not only readily agreed to board Jack for uncertain length of time, but offered to come pick him up, & drive me to ER! This was not the first time Jim has helped me out in tough spot. It is obvious that Jim and his staff care greatly about the dogs. They always try to accommodate best they can. The facility is clean, tidy, & spacious; the early intake hours SO convenient for folks who need to get to work. Prior to HD, it was a struggle getting dog to daycare b4 rushing off to work, sometimes requiring boarding the nite prior, or pre-book daycare days in advance. So grateful for Happy Dog!
Response from the owner · 6 days ago
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review. Being able to help you and make sure Jack was cared for during a difficult moment meant a lot to me. We truly appreciate the trust you place in our team. At Happy Dog Daycare and Boarding in Utica, we want to make life easier for dog owners—whether that means helping with unexpected boarding needs or offering convenient early drop-off hours for a busy workday. Thank you for your kind words about our staff and our clean, spacious facility. Jack is part of our Happy Dog family, and we’re grateful you both are, too. Wishing you well and looking forward to seeing you and Jack again! ❤️🐾 —Jim & the Happy Dog Team
Kelli ThomasLocal Guide · 174 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kelli has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleBeanz and Diesel get so happy when we drive down Utica that we better be taking them to Happy Dog Daycare! 😆 They love it there! And we just love that!!
- Services: Dog boarding, Dog daycare
Response from the owner · a year ago
That makes our day!! 😂 We absolutely love that Beanz and Diesel know exactly where they're headed — smart pups with great taste! 🐶🐶 We're so happy they love coming to Happy Dog, and we’re just as thrilled to have them with us. Thanks for sharing the joy — can’t wait to see those wagging tails again soon! 💛🐾
Sharon Toepel3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Sharon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleCourteous and respectful. They love all the dogs and go the extra step in making sure not only the dog but their owners are happy
- Price assessment: Great price
- Services: Dog daycare
Response from the owner · 6 days ago
Thank you, Sharon! Your kind words mean so much to us. At Happy Dog Daycare, Boarding & Grooming in Utica, we believe great customer service means treating both dogs and their owners with kindness, respect, and personal attention. As a locally owned business, we take time to get to know each dog and their family. From daycare supervised by trained K9 coaches to convenient hours, transportation, and overnight boarding with staff on-site all night, we work to make life easier for pet owners while giving their dogs loving care. We’re so glad you appreciate the value and extra effort our team provides. Thank you for being part of our Happy Dog family!
Mark T. Elliott6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mark has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleMy dog can’t wait to go there in the morning.
- Services: Dog daycare
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much, Mark! You are always such a pleasure to see, and we absolutely love having Quincy at Happy Dog! He is a wonderful part of our daycare family and brings so much happiness to our team. We truly appreciate you trusting Happy Dog for Quincy’s care and recommending our dog daycare in Utica, Michigan. We look forward to seeing you both again soon!
Thomas Verdura5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Thomas has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleI couldn’t recommend Happy Dog any more! The staff is all so friendly and my dog loves going there. I typically take him for daycare once a week. It means a lot when you run into staff members outside of work and they run up to your dog and remember his name and want to pet him. I also did a full groom for my German shepherd and they did a fantastic job!
- Price assessment: Reasonable price
- Services: Dog grooming, Dog daycare
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and for trusting Happy Dog with your pup! It means a lot to hear that he loves coming to daycare each week. Our team really does get to know the dogs in our care, so hearing that our staff recognizes him outside of Happy Dog and gets excited to see him makes us smile! We’re also so happy to hear that you were pleased with your German Shepherd’s full groom. Our grooming team works hard to make every dog look and feel their best. Thank you for choosing Happy Dog for dog daycare and dog grooming in Utica, Michigan. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you and your pup again soon! 🐾❤️ — The Happy Dog Team
James GordonLocal Guide · 66 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews James has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleWhere do I start? I only make reviews if necessary, and this is absolutely one of those times. My now 1.5-year-old American Bully has been attending Happy Dog for almost a year now. As a first-time animal/dog owner, getting accustomed to the ropes was a challenge. Needing to attend a work trip, I boarded my then-pup at another facility that I believe inflicted harm and fear on my dog. I immediately searched for a new, loyal daycare to call home, and that's when I remembered that I passed by Happy Dog every day and never looked into them. As soon as we entered, we met Jenny, who inquired about, learned about, educated, and assured me that the standards Happy Dog Daycare sets are ones to remember. I'm glad to say that my very rambunctious big "little" guy (thinks he's tiny but loves to jump and throw himself on you) and I now call this great team family! His lethal tail and butt get to wagging with excitement, ready to enjoy his best life. We continue to meet great people: my girl Jenny, who keeps me on my P's and Q's; Pete, co-owner, and Alex are such awesome guys; and I can't forget the man, the myth, the legend Jim, the owner. The detailed attention, grooming (my dog has crazy allergies and coat issues who's now soft and silky), daycare and enrichment sessions, love and care, and transparency are the best I've experienced. Thank you for all you do to ensure we can handle our daily duties without worry for our furbabies. We love you, Happy Dog Daycare Family!
- Price assessment: Reasonable price
- Services: Dog grooming, Dog boarding, Dog daycare
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a heartfelt review! ❤️ Your words truly mean the world to our entire Happy Dog Daycare family. We’re especially grateful that you trusted us with your big “little” guy after a difficult experience. Knowing that he now walks through our doors with excitement, wagging tail and ready to enjoy his day is exactly why we do what we do! 🐾 From dog daycare and enrichment sessions to grooming and personalized care, our goal has always been to create a safe, loving, and transparent environment where every dog—and every pet parent—feels like family. It makes us so happy to hear that his coat and allergy-related skin issues have improved and that he’s feeling his best! Jenny, Pete, Alex, Jim, and the entire Happy Dog team are incredibly thankful to be part of your family’s journey. We appreciate your trust, your kind words, and the opportunity to care for your boy. ❤️ Here’s to many more tail wags, adventures, enrichment days, grooming sessions, and happy memories together! Thank you for choosing Happy Dog Daycare—we’re so lucky to have you both as part of our family! 🐶💙
vanessa h7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews vanessa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleMy dog and I have known the owner of Happy Dog Daycare for a couple of years now, and he’s genuinely a great guy who really cares about what he does. You can tell he puts a lot into making sure the dogs are happy, safe, and well taken care of. The staff is awesome too. They’re really great with the dogs. Jim and the entire staff treat the dogs like their own. I definitely recommend Happy Dog Daycare to anyone looking for a place they can feel comfortable leaving their dog!
- Price assessment: Great price
- Services: Dog boarding, Dog daycare
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and recommendation! 🐾❤️ It truly means a lot to Jim and our entire Happy Dog Daycare team. We’re so grateful that you and your pup have been part of the Happy Dog family for the past couple of years. We take great pride in creating a safe, loving, and welcoming environment where dogs can feel comfortable, happy, and cared for just like they’re at home. Whether your pup is joining us for dog daycare or dog boarding, our goal is always to provide the same level of attention, care, and love. We’re lucky to have such a dedicated team that genuinely enjoys getting to know every dog that walks through our doors. Thank you again for trusting Happy Dog Daycare with your furry family member and for recommending us to other pet parents looking for dependable, loving dog daycare and boarding. We truly appreciate you! 🐶💙
Jennifer Cox9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jennifer has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleWe’ve used for doggy daycare, boarding, and grooming for 2 different dogs and am always happy with the care that the dogs have received. Customer service from the staff is always exceptional, going above and beyond on several occasions.
- Services: Dog grooming, Dog boarding, Dog daycare
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🐾 We’re so happy to hear that both of your dogs have had such great experiences with us at Happy Dog Daycare, Boarding & Grooming in Utica. It means a lot to know that you’ve trusted us for dog daycare, boarding, and grooming and that our team has consistently provided exceptional care and customer service. Going above and beyond for the dogs in our care—and for their families—is something we truly take pride in. Thank you for trusting us with Ghost over the years. We appreciate your continued support more than you know! ❤️🐶
Happy Dog Daycare Boarding and Grooming of Utica MI on Google Maps →
Business details
- Address: 6833 Auburn Rd, Utica, MI 48317
- Phone: (586) 991-5370
- Website: happydogosh.com
- Service area: Auburn Hills, MI