iHow 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%82+44.7Reliability 24%78+18.9Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%8+0.6Craft & service penalty92−0.8Momentum penalty75−2.5Experts Score= 75Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.75SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#39 of 44 pet trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 12%
4.8★★★★★356 Google reviews · 24 photos
90%five-star reviews
4.60★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4.3%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate The Animal Keeper 4.8 out of 5 based on 356 reviews, with the owner responding to only 5 percent of comments. Positive feedback highlights punctual check-ins, flexible daily drop-off policies, and staff attention to specific pet needs like anxiety or medication. Services include boarding, day camp, grooming, and nail trims in enclosed suites with outdoor play areas. However, low-star reviews cite recurring issues with billing accuracy, staff rudeness, and instances where pets were neglected or returned with health problems.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 356 reviews (90% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 356 Google reviews (223 with written comments, 22 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 5% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 20, 2026.
Service: Pet Trainer serving Encinitas, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 1, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet trainers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach 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 craft & service; weakest: replies to reviews.
The Animal KeeperPet Trainers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 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.The Animal Keeper: 82/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.A
82
ReliabilityiReliability · 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.The Animal Keeper: 78/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.B
78
Craft & serviceiCraft & 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.The Animal Keeper: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
92
ValueiValue · 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.The Animal Keeper: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · 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.The Animal Keeper: 75/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
75
Replies to reviewsiReplies 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.The Animal Keeper: 8/100 on this factor. Category median: 56.F
8
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
356 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars32190%
4 stars247%
3 stars21%
2 stars31%
1 star62%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 223 written reviews
94%praise
Praise17694%
Complaints116%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price125%
Reasonable375%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude9450%
Would recommend2916%
Price & value1810%
Quality & results179%
Honesty & trust169%
Speed & response95%
Communication42%
What customers talk about
We read 223 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“When minor issues have come up, they handle it professionally and quickly.”
“We would definitely board them here again and highly recommend!”
“I would avoid this place.”
“Getting a bit pricey-but for peace of mind-totally worth it.”
“…rse of many visits, our grievances include discourteous office staff, overcharging on our bill, and most frustratingly, our dog being confined in a ro…”
“We had a great experience boarding our dogs, Kobe and Kona, for 3 nights.”
“We finally found a place that we trust for our little Bella, a toy poodle.”
“They have an efficient system to check in and out and the staff are very nice.”
“We are so glad we found him our stress when communicating with Blue is no longer there .”
People customers mention
Keepers9 reviews
Poway3 reviews
Kayla3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired The Animal Keeper for 2 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Jjeanne5 reviewsiTotal 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 3 months ago★★★★★
Thank you Ashley and Destiny for always making Bridget feel loved and cared for. Also there is NO ONE at Animal Keeper that doesnt make Bridget look forward to her time there -- This is one special place and so well run!!
+ Responsiveness+ Reliability+ Quality
CCgourneyLocal Guide · 9 reviewsiTotal 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 4 months ago★★★★★
We had a great experience boarding our dogs, Kobe and Kona, for 3 nights. Destiny made the whole process easy and reassuring. Kona has anxiety, so we’re always extra cautious about boarding, but Jill did private play sessions with him and took such great care of him! Anotjer staff member also spent time playing with…
RRichardLocal Guide · 424 reviewsiTotal 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 4 months ago★★★★★
Took good care of my dog and she came back super happy. Also had great experiences with day camp
HHeloisaLocal Guide · 54 reviewsiTotal 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. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Very nice place and staff! We like that the suites are totally enclosed. They offer different packages and are super sweet with the pets that like to be on their own. The groomer, Marlene, is very good too. We finally found a place that we trust for our little Bella, a toy poodle.
PPennyLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal 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 5 months ago★★★★★
Such a great place... My dog knows when we're getting close to the Animal Keeper and has no problem showing her excitement.
Reasonable priceDog daycare
VVeronica2 reviewsiTotal 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. · 8 months ago★★★★★
I cannot say enough good things about the Animal keeper Encinitas. We’ve been taking both of our dogs here (one for 1 year and one dog for 3 years) for boarding and playtime and have never had anything but exceptional service from the staff. When minor issues have come up, they handle it professionally and quickly.…
My dog was neglected, and was returned full of urine and feces.
Services: Other pet boarding
Response from the owner · 5 days ago
We’re sorry to hear that you left your experience feeling disappointed. At The Animal Keeper, we care deeply about every pet entrusted to us, and we take concerns about their care seriously.
During Verde’s one-night stay, she had several small urination accidents, which we understand can happen with an excited puppy. Our team made efforts to clean her up, and we communicated with you about the accidents at pickup. Although, we did not observe any feces while cleaning her.
We understand how important it is to feel confident that your puppy is comfortable, clean, and well cared for while away from home. We’re sorry that her departure did not meet your expectations.
-Michelle Bowmer, Area Manager.
J
jeanne Burton5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews jeanne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you Ashley and Destiny for always making Bridget feel loved and cared for. Also there is NO ONE at Animal Keeper that doesnt make Bridget look forward to her time there -- This is one special place and so well run!!
Positive: Responsiveness, Reliability, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Jeanne, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. Longtime clients like you are the heart of The Animal Keeper, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued trust and support. It has been an honor to be a small but important part of your life. Destiny and Ashley will be so happy to know that their love, care, and professionalism have made such a positive impression. We look forward to seeing you and your furry family for many more happy visits!
C
Cgourney JohnsonLocal Guide · 9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cgourney has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had a great experience boarding our dogs, Kobe and Kona, for 3 nights. Destiny made the whole process easy and reassuring. Kona has anxiety, so we’re always extra cautious about boarding, but Jill did private play sessions with him and took such great care of him! Anotjer staff member also spent time playing with Kobe and made sure he got lots of attention.
Both dogs came home happy and well cared for. We would definitely board them here again and highly recommend!
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Hi Cgourney, thank you so much for taking the time to write this 5-star review! We know how nerve-racking it can be to leave our fur babies in the hands of other people's care whether is the 1st time or 15th time. And with that in mind, we are so glad to hear how pleased you as well as Kobe and Kona are with our staff and services. See you all again soon!
R
Richard MorrowLocal Guide · 424 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Richard has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Took good care of my dog and she came back super happy. Also had great experiences with day camp
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Hi Richard, it was our pleasure being able to take care of your pup. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to show you the quality of our services, the professionalism of our front staff and the care our camp attendants have for all our guests. See you again soon!
H
Heloisa TeymourianLocal Guide · 54 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Heloisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Very nice place and staff! We like that the suites are totally enclosed. They offer different packages and are super sweet with the pets that like to be on their own. The groomer, Marlene, is very good too. We finally found a place that we trust for our little Bella, a toy poodle.
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you so much, Heloisa, for your kind words and for trusting us with sweet Bella! Every dog has their own personality and routine, and tailoring each stay to their individual needs is something that truly sets our team apart. Marlene truly has some special skills and knows how to make Bella feel safe with her while she is getting the beauty treatment she deserves. We can’t wait to welcome her back for more pampering, cuddles, and tail wags!
P
PennyLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Penny has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Such a great place... My dog knows when we're getting close to the Animal Keeper and has no problem showing her excitement.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog daycare
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Hi Penny, we love hearing that! Sounds like she knows exactly where the fun begins. Thanks for trusting us with your sweet girl. We can’t wait to see her again! Have an amazing weekend.
T
Thomas Changaris10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Thomas has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Hi Thomas! Always a pleasure having Brooklyn with us! Our staff works so hard to keep all our guests comfortable and happy, and we're glad it shows. Thank you for this 5-star review, see you again soon.
V
Veronica M2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Veronica has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cannot say enough good things about the Animal keeper Encinitas. We’ve been taking both of our dogs here (one for 1 year and one dog for 3 years) for boarding and playtime and have never had anything but exceptional service from the staff. When minor issues have come up, they handle it professionally and quickly. When we pick up our dogs they are always happy and when we drop off, they run to the back ready for their stay! We hate not being able to bring our dogs on every trip, but can sleep well knowing they are very well taken care of here. Thank you all, so much. Maven and Johnny love you guys!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding, Dog daycare
Response from the owner · Edited 7 months ago
What an amazing 5-star review, Veronica! We are always so pleased to see Maven and Johnny coming in through our doors. And that is our purpose, to offer you peace of mind when they are away. We are incredibly grateful for our amazing team that provide all the right TLC for the pets that visit us. Thank you for your loyalty these past 3 years. It sounds easy, but they are built by doing the right thing day after day. See you guys again soon!
A
Angel NovaLocal Guide · 23 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Angel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Ashley at the front desk is always very polite and takes care of business! Great job!!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Other pet boarding
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Hi Angel! Thank you for trusting The Animal Keeper in Encinitas with your furry friend. We will make sure Ashley hears about your compliment. Ashley and the rest of our staff help create and maintain a clean, safe and fun space for everyone that visit us and we are glad their hard work shows. Thank you for this 5-star review and see you again soon!
S
Sean Kelley3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sean has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I was referred to Animal Keepers by a coworker. The facility made the intake process easy. Be it boarding or just day camp I have confidence that my dog will always be well taken care of.
Destiny and Austin were on top of any requests or questions that I had. They made sure his medications were administered appropriately and that he got plenty of attention.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Hi Sean! We are so very proud of each and every one of our amazing team. We will make sure Destiny and Austin hear about this compliment. We know they truly commit and care for all our furry clients. Thank you for your kind words and we look forward to seeing you and Rocco again soon!
