Run by Dog Lovers...
For Dog Lovers
Welcome to Down to Earth Dogs
A safe space and fun-filled retreat for puppy socialization, structured play and relaxing rest time.
We treat your pet like family—because to us, they are. Our mission is to provide a loving, safe learning environment for your dog without the stress and noise of overcrowded facilities.
We believe dogs deserve a vacation too, and we pride ourselves on delivering a personalized, tailored experience where every pup feels right at home.
Hours of Operation
Sunday | Closed |
Monday | 7:30am - 6pm |
Tuesday | 7:30am - 6pm |
Wednesday | 7:30am - 6pm |
Thursday | 7:30am - 6pm |
Friday | 8:00am - 5:30pm |
Saturday | 9:00am - 4pm |
Founder & Owner of Down to Earth Dogs for 16+ years
• Professional Dog Trainer specializing in canine body language, puppy socialization, and balanced group dynamics
• Voted Top 5 Dog Boarding Business by San Diego City Voter A-List
• Featured Entrepreneur in SD Voyager Magazine
• Lifelong rescue advocate, active foster parent & adopter of over 30 animals
Our lives change the moment we bring a fur baby into our family. For Emily, that moment arrived in 2010 when she adopted Rodney, a shelter dog who had spent over nine months in a kennel and was facing euthanasia. Despite his fear-based behavioral challenges, Rodney possessed an extraordinary natural talent for reading dog body language and teaching gentle social boundaries to other pups. Together, Emily and Rodney laid the foundation for Down to Earth Dogs, with Rodney serving as the inspiration, co-teacher, and beloved mascot of the business.
Though Rodney passed in 2022, his legacy lives on in every dog we care for. Today, Emily continues her commitment to animal rescue alongside her daughter Bella—who has grown up with the business and helps lead daily operations—actively fostering animals in need and raising her current rescue, Kato, who brings endless joy and energy to the facility.
Having dedicated her career to animal welfare, volunteering with shelters across San Diego and Boston, Emily has built Down to Earth Dogs into one of San Diego’s most trusted boutique daycare and boarding retreats. To her floppy-eared guests, Emily isn't just a caregiver, she’s family, and their excited tail wags say it all.
Emily Keaney
Bella
Dog Lover, Daycare Leader & Canine Caregiver
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15+ Years of hands-on pet care experience
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Experienced & Trained in individualized canine care and behavior
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Core Team Member at Down to Earth Dogs for over 14 years
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Dedicated San Diego small business partner
Like her mom, Bella is a lifelong animal advocate, dog lover, and essential pillar of Down to Earth Dogs. Growing up alongside our original business mascot, Rodney, she learned the art of dog behavior and individualized care from a young age.
Having been involved in daycare and boarding operations since Down to Earth Dogs opened in 2010, Bella has grown up with the business—now 22, she brings a lifetime of hands-on experience, deep intuition, and a true passion for keeping every guest safe, happy, and well-cared for.
Dog Lover, Dog Daycare Expert, & Canine Caregiver
● 6+ years of professional dog care experience.
● Lifelong dog owner and dog lover.
● Point Loma Nazarene University graduate.
Drew is a true-blue dog enthusiast who’s spent her entire life as a proud owner of these cuddly creatures.
With over six years of professional expertise in dog care, Drew is one of the most experienced, passionate individuals who truly understands the importance of providing loving support to her canine students.
Drew
Lavelle
Canine Welfare & Safety Specialist
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Former Lieutenant & Animal Control Officer for San Diego County
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Expert Background in dog handling, safety, and welfare
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Lifelong Dog Lover & dedicated caregiver
With over 15 years of service as a City of Chula Vista Animal Control Officer and San Diego County Lieutenant Officer, Lavelle brings an extraordinary level of professional animal safety and welfare expertise to Down to Earth Dogs.
Having owned dogs his entire life, his intuition and devotion to animal care fit right in with our family-centered approach. Whether helping behind the scenes or spending time with our guests, Lavelle ensures every pup receives the highest standard of care and attention.