BreedAbove

I’ve been taking my dog here for over two years now. I shopped around for different daycares in the area and BreedAbove is by far the best (she got warts at another place!). My dog, Yoshi, can be a handful. They have worked with me to get her in a good routine. The workers give me an update as to her day and if there are things she needs to work on. As a single person with a dog, it sometimes can be difficult to give her the attention she needs when I’m working long hours or have other obligations. A wonderful work opportunity came my way in the fall and the only reason I was able to accept it was because BreedAbove offered the taxi service.
It is expensive but you get what you pay for. I always trust she is being taken care of here.

It’s like Cheers for my little pup, where everybody knows her name. She has been going to BreedAbove for a few months now and she loves it! As soon as we pull up she cant wait to get out of the car. Everyone is very friendly and kind to my furry baby.
Also, their taxi service is very convenient on those busy days when we cant pick her up

We boarded our dog at BreedAbove over spring break, and sadly a day into his stay he came down with Giardia. The BreedAbove staff was terrific at communicating with our emergency contact and keeping her up to date with what was happening with our pup. Thankfully, our vet (Ann Arbor Animal Hospital) is right across the street and the staff took him there and stayed with our dog for hours while he was at the vet. Afterwards they kept our dog sequestered from the other pups while still providing him with play and exercise. BreedAbove also described how they cleaned up after he was sick, and it makes me feel good to know they work so hard to keep our dog and other clean. While BreedAbove does cost more than other dog boarders in the area, it’s good to know that it goes towards such superb service!

I thought that I really liked this place but a few months ago my 1 year old dog came down with kennel cough (just 2 months after she had her yearly vaccine!). The only place she had been going to with other dogs around was this place. I’ve never had a dog with kennel cough so for about a week she had the cough without me knowing what exactly it was. She went to BreedAbove twice during that time and no one said anything to me about kennel cough going around or that my dog was coughing unusually. I feel terrible because my dog probably infected a few other dogs and I could’ve prevented that had they said something to me. I’m really bummed because they were great with my dog and she seemed to really enjoy being there. I still haven’t decided if I will take her back or not. This place seems to be the best of the Ann Arbor options, I just wish they would’ve been more honest about the kennel cough that was going around.

This place is wonderful! Our dog absolutely loves coming for daycare here and has stayed over night numerous times while we have been out of town.
The daystay program is a great chance for our dog to socialize and get all his puppy energy out while also getting behavior training along the way. Dogs have to go through a ½ day of behavior testing before they can stay and play, which shows me that they really care about the health and safety of the dogs in their care. Both the front of the house staff and the trainers are wonderful to deal with and are always willing to impart information about how the day went and we always have a tired and happy puppy to take home at the end of the day.
The night stay program has also been a great resource for us. Our dog has stayed there twice now for about 10 days at a time and has also done shorter weekends there. The staff have never minded us calling to check in on how our dog is doing. Over this last 10 day stint, one of the trainers even emailed us pictures of our dog at play :) The staff are also very aware of their guests’ medical needs– our dog is heat sensitive and they make a point of letting us know that they will keep and eye out for him and keep his temp regulated on hot days.
All in all, very clean, competent and polite staff, wonderful facilities. This place has become one of the essential components of our dog’s wellbeing!

Our dog, a now-​10-​month-​old lab/​boxer/​cattle dog mix, has been attending BreedAbove’s DayStay Program a couple days a week for about a month. We love it. Honestly, we weren’t prepared for our dog’s energy level when we adopted him as a 6-​month-​old puppy, and we were struggling to give him multiple hours of exercise each day while also working on obedience and, well, holding down jobs!
Since he started going to BreedAbove, he’s become calmer and much better behaved and more relaxed around both our cats and dogs he meets on walks. (He’s always loved other dogs, but struggled to contain his excitement whenever he saw one.) While some of this is surely due to him growing older, I give a lot of credit to the folks at BreedAbove as well: they clearly understand and care about the animals. While more expensive than other options in the area, we really couldn’t be happier — highly recommended!

Had a pretty bad time with them. Not at all worth the cost… she was also rude to some of our friends who used them for bording. Stay away!

My puppy is currently SACKED THE EFF OUT next to me thanks to a wonderful day of play at BreedAbove. Hallelujah and glory be!
You see, he has some separation anxiety issues and is 110% anti-​crate (like, has full blown panic attacks with loss of bowel, shaking, and mouth foaming). He’s been doing okay left alone in the house uncrated for shorter periods of time but when we leave for longer stretches we need to take him somewhere so he’s not alone and bored (aka, destructive). So far that’s been my boyfriend and I’s parent’s houses for puppy sitting/​playdates. I knew that wasn’t going to be an option in every instance so I figured we should find a doggie daycare place in the area as a fall back spot/​a place where we can take him to play and socialize if we both have meetings or just want a full day to ourselves to enjoy the world sans puppy.
There’s a bit of a process to get your pup enrolled but it’s fairly simple. You have to fill out some paperwork on their website and drop it off to them (hard copy preferably since they need your signature). Then you need to drop them off on either a Monday or Tuesday for a half day of temperament testing. This is just to make sure your dog plays well with others and is placed in the right «play» group so he/​she won’t get injured or overwhelmed by other dogs. Once they pass this test they’re good to go and you can drop them off any time (just give them a heads up that you’re coming by) for either a half day (under 4 hours) or full day (4+) of play. You can even leave them there the rest of the day after their test if you’re like me and had some business to attend to for a few hours.
From my understanding the daily routine is like this – pups are given a morning play session then a lunch/​nap break and more play. During play the staff enforces basic manners like sit, stay, come, etc. We’ve just covered this in puppy obedience classes so I’m happy this is being reinforced with him out of the house as well. Pups are also broken into the aforementioned groups so they’re in the right playgroup. Nothing gets too rough or too wild.
The facility is really nice. Clean and open. It’s the dead of winter so I haven’t gotten to see the outdoor areas but I look forward to warmer weather to do that. The lobby also houses a store with all natural foods, toys, treats and more. The lobby also has ample seating and is just a very comfortable, inviting space.
Staff here is amazing. When I dropped off his paperwork I spoke to a really wonderful trainer who answered my questions and even gave me a rose (it was Valentine’s Day and they had a whole bunch of them they were handing out to guests as they left after picking up their pooches. So nice!). When I took him for his temperament test another staff person asked me questions, fawned over Oliver, and just had great energy (even at 7:30 am when I shlepped in basically half awake). When I spoke to her later in the day she filled me in on how the test went and how much they were loving having him in that day which made me SO happy and feel less guilty about spending the day away from him in meetings and running errands. When I picked him up they gave me a full report on his day (he didn’t stop playing ONCE. No naps, no lunch. Just non-​stop, excited play time. Bless his heart) and were very complimentary on his behavior. Whether or not they tell this to all the pet parents I appreciated hearing the praise! ;)
In addition to «DayStay» they also have training classes, one one one training sessions, workshops, and a «salon and spa» where they even offer anesthesia free teeth cleaning. I for sure will be taking advantage of that since my little dude wants nothing to do with a toothbrush! And finally they have an overnight facility for boarding if you’re out town. Through that all the dogs have their own space with a fancy bed, a movie night each night with snacks and snuggles, and someone onsite all night to make sure they’re all all right. We haven’t done this yet but in the future I’m sure we’ll also take advantage of overnights. I’ll update once we’ve had that experience.
Prices are a little higher but since we don’t need to send him in every day it’s doable for us. Also, if you buy a package ahead of time you can save money (20 days upfront saves you $ 5.50 a day, a total value of $ 110 saved) and it’s convenient because you can just drop them off and pick them up without needing to go through any payment/​billing.
Just an overall awesome place that I feel really looks out for my dog and treats him with the same amount of care and respect that we do at home. Fantastic!
And yes, I won’t lie, I’m also grateful that the little dude is so tuckered out that I can actually watch a movie tonight and write this review without having to stop every 2 minutes to find out what he’s gotten himself into! Thanks, BreedAbove!

We have a very spirited young dog, Daisy, who is 20 months old and her energy and enthusiasm sometimes overwhelms other dogs. We are having her spend some time with a one-​on-​one coach, Cynthia, to help her learn some impulse control and to be able to interact/​socialize in groups and with individual dogs successfully. After the first 4-​hour session with the coach, I noticed over the following days during walks with Daisy, that her leash walking had improved significantly. She does fine on the leash, sometimes pulls forward or lags behind but after that first session, she walked next to me on a loose leash for most of the walk. She also demonstrated a huge improvement in her behavior in a group of dogs after just two sessions. I’m very happy with the professionalism and quality work done by the trainers and staff/​caregivers.
Daisy also LOVES to go to Breed Above. She pulls me in the door (still working on the loose leash walking into Breed Above! :-)
We’ve been taking Daisy to Breed Above since she was about 4 months old and have been consistently happy with the care that she has gotten. She has stayed for overnights several times and has been in the play groups and I have always felt entirely comfortable leaving her there. The facility is spotlessly clean, the staff are professional and friendly and the dogs appear generally happy and relaxed. I have also observed the training and «manners lessons» occurring throughout the day during the day-​stay program.
We also took a course from Maria (the certified dog trainer on staff) called Adult Basic Manners and were very happy with it. We recieved a lot of valuable training information and practice time, and Daisy had definite improvements in her behavior from things that we learned in the class.
The only reason that I couldn’t give 5 stars is that for me and my financial situation, the cost for the day-​stay and overnight stays are a bit high, but for the training sessions with Cynthia and classes with Maria the cost is very reasonable considering the exceptional quality care and training that the dogs receive.

Breed Above is an absolutely amazing boarding location for your pets! My dog is like my child and I felt absolutely comfortable leaving her here while I was out of town for an extended trip.
I decided to look more into them when I saw how much effort was given to getting to know each dog as an individual (because, just like people, each dog is very unique and they understand and appreciate that). They pay attention to the specifics: what toys they like, where they like to be pet, what they don’t like, what makes them uncomfortable — a truly in-​depth personality assessment.
We toured the facility before booking the stay and the owner took us throughout the entire facility. We saw dogs being boarded and staff attending to them as we walked around. It was really nice to see them in action and you could tell they were doing a wonderful job; everyone who works here seems to be a true dog lover and that is a MUST for me!
From the moment I walked in the door I felt completely comfortable leaving my dog in their care and I knew she would feel safe, which was what was MOST important for me! They are VERY flexible and willing to meet the needs of each dog. They go above and beyond to make the stay as normal and familiar as possible for the dogs which just speaks to how in tune they are with these animals and their needs.
Admittedly Breed Above is pricey, but I feel the cost is absolutely worth every penny. The facility is clean, safe, and, honestly, it is just beautiful. I was almost jealous of my dog’s accommodations (and my accommodations cost a lot more)!

Very expensive. We had our 1-​year-​old, very energetic pup stay here for an extended weekend. We were willing to spend the $ 60+/night boarding fee because this place advertises that they train the dogs while boarding them, and our dog was still learning to socialize. (Side note: We personally cared less about the «amenities» that this place has (day spa, real beds w/​tvs for the dogs), but I guess some people would feel that those extras make the steep prices worth it.)
When I came to pick our dog up after the 5-​day stay, the owner of the place came out and told me that our dog had displayed aggressive behavior (no other dog expert — or any other person — has made this claim), and that they had isolated her for the last 2 – 3 days of the stay. They took her for walks and played with her, but kept her from playing with other dogs. Our dog has never shown aggression towards another dog, but she does have a lot of energy and needs A LOT of exercise. So not only did they not help her learn to socialize with other dogs, they also kept her from letting out her energy.
I was already upset with Breed Above for isolating my dog for the weekend without calling to tell us that she wasn’t playing up to their standards, but then the owner tried to upsell me on (very expensive) 1:1 coaching to help our dog learn how to play with other dogs.
I was not there that weekend to witness my dog’s behavior, so I can’t for sure say that they were in the wrong for «isolating» her. However, I would have appreciated a phone call during the weekend, as well as a bit more effort on their part to allow our dog to socialize.
This place seems to be a favorite for people who want their pets to be pampered with luxury. For those who have dogs that like to run and wrestle and behave like, well, dogs, there are more suitable (and affordable) alternatives.

We’ve been taking our boy, Brinks, here for over a year. We visited several facilities prior to choosing BreedAbove. Many facilities just had pens or rooms where the dogs would chase each other all day or they would let them roll in mud in a yard that was not cleaned of waste. We were looking for a place with higher standards. When we met the staff here we knew they would care for Brinks the way we do. The facility is clean and safe. They listen to special requests for daycare and overnight boarding… this was particularly nice when we boarded Brinks for the 1^st time and I was a nervous wreck leaving him.
One of the most important requirements for a daycare for us was a facility that had experience with large or giant breed dogs. BreedAbove has played an important role in raising a well-​socialized, well-​behaved pup. They are careful not to overextend playtime and they give individual attention to all of the «kids» that attend. We trust BreedAbove and highly recommend them to others.

Breed Above is an amazing facility! My black lab is SO happy to go and play there and I have piece of mind that she is being well cared for. After having bad experiences with the prior daycares, it was important that we find the right «school» for our puppy.
To start, this place really gets to know your dog — what they like, what makes them uncomfortable — a several hour long personality assessment takes place. They also had us fill out extensive paperwork so that they have our input as well. Additionally, they are very particular about making sure that shots are up to date and dogs are cared for appropriately.
This facility has a curriculum which is great — i giggle about the fact that my dog has a curriculum, but it seems to work well for them. they work daily on obedience and try to get the dogs to have basic manners. They redirect behavior and are positive reinforcement oriented. The dogs come in the AM and play in their designated play group (which they determine based on who attends that day and what your dog prefers) and then at lunch time, if your dog eats lunch, they can eat and then they have a nap time. The dogs get their own mat to lay on and relax for a while. They use the same philosophy that parents often use with toddlers — if toddlers don’t get rest midday, they are terrors — so are dogs! then in the afternoon, they have more time to play. When it is time to pick up, the dogs get wiped down and then they go home. it is really nice that the dog doesn’t smell like pee/​poop/​nasty when I pick her up… Another touch that I really appreciate is that the handler spends 5 minutes with you when you pick up — they communicate what happened during the day, what your dog really enjoyed or if there were any concerns. This really makes me feel good that she is being monitored and cared for to the level that I feel she deserves.
This company also seems to hire really strong associates. They come ready to work and interact with the dogs. They also all look clean and well dressed (not the «just-​released-​from-​prison-​look» I had become accustomed to at our old facility).
I can’t say enough good stuff about this place! I am really appreciative that I know Chelsea is having a great time in a safe, clean environment, surrounded by true dog lovers. Worth every penny!

So expensive for a place that has absolutely no grass for the dogs to play on. The former parking lot they use is just awful for the dogs. No comfortable place to lie down or to play. Super hot on the paws even with the cheap awning over head, in the summer and no real room to run. The dogs all looked miserable– when I visited. The staff are so snooty and rude! I think they believe the people are a breed above the dogs… not so much. They are treated like cattle. This p;ace is just awful! I I will NEVER send my dogs there, I want much better for them.

We call BreedAbove our «doggy daycare,» but that doesn’t even begin to describe what this company does.
We’ve been bringing our 2 year-​old rescue dog, Amos, to Jocelyn and her crew since we first adopted him as a stray from the Huron Valley Humane Society. They were quick to figure out Amos’s issues (severe separation anxiety) and work with him to make him more comfortable and secure.
We love taking Amos to them 1 – 2 times a week for their «daystay» program, after which he always comes home happy and exhausted. And their «nightstay» program is worth every penny. My poor clingy dog has been treated phenomenally well by this staff, where they go so far as to sleep on the floor with him when he won’t settle down in his «suite».
This is a company that will go above and beyond for their clients and their pets. Customer service is clearly their priority, and their love of dogs shines through in everything they do. I am so grateful for BreedAbove.

We have been taking our now 14.6 year old dog to Breed Above for more than a year on a drop in basis. We purchased a multiple visit package that worked out well. The staff has never turned us away even with short notice, and they have consistently given our old fella tender loving care. He loves going to Breed Above and we love knowing that he is safe and well cared for when we have to be away.

I love breed above. My dog is shy and ever since going there she has opened up. They really care and my dog always comes back satisfied :)

Breed Above is absolutely amazing. Our Leonberger puppy goes twice a week for play days, and can hardly wait to get there. The staff know each and every dog as well as their little peculiarities, and take great pains to meet any special needs or requests. Everyone knows both your name and your dog’s name, which i find absolutely amazing. The dogs in the play area that I see when I am dropping off or picking up, are having a wonderful, well-​supervised time. I am so glad that we have this facility in Ann Arbor. It has been a real blessing on many occasions when we want to have a safe and secure (but fun) place to leave our dog for a period of time during the day. SUPER place. Could not be better!

We’ve been bringing our puppy (who is now seven months old) to Breed Above for their «Day Stay» program for the last four months.
It’s a relief knowing that our dog is in good hands on our longest and busiest days. Their hours make it very easy for us to drop her off before work and to pick her up after — even when we have early or late meetings.
On our tour, we were able to check the entire place out, and I was AMAZED by how clean and orderly it was — we’ve been to doggie daycares before that were, quite frankly, a little scary, but Breed Above’s facility is lovely! We love that there’s both indoor and outdoor space, and that they cater to each dog’s individual needs.
The price is a little steeper than some doggie daycares, but the comparison of quality makes that point absolutely moot.
The staff is always friendly to us, but, even more importantly, they’re FANTASTIC with our dog.
She’s so ECSTATIC on her «school» days that she’s even figured out what the word means! She can’t wait into the building and check in with all of her friends. When she comes home, she spends the rest of night happily and peacefully sleeping off all the fun she’s had.
Additionally, they do a wonderful job of teaching her household manners and socializing her with both people and other dogs, giving her both the opportunity to both play AND learn.
We love that they have a mini-​store up front, and only wish that they carried our brand! If they carried Acana and/​or Orijen, we’d definitely make our purchases there (particularly when we forget to pack her lunch)! We’re also looking forward to their upcoming coffee bar.
We recommend Breed Above to ANYONE who asks. With as much as our dog loves it, we’re sure to come back for years and years!