On Bainbridge, finding a taxi can be challenging…for humans. But not so much for canines. If your dog needs a ride, Run Dog Run (RDR) of Kingston covers everything from pet transportation to overnight boarding, and will even throw your dog a birthday party.
Serving Kitsap County, Run Dog Run touts itself as a premium dog wellness service. The climate-controlled facility has 15 staff members, ranging from professional dog trainers and groomers to those studying to become veterinarians. Their menu of services reads like a day at the spa: Pet Taxi, $12 each way; full-day daycare, $39; overnight crate boarding, $75 or $89 for a Pup Studio; bath/blow dry $75 to $110; partial Artistic Dye $70; and training, $80 an hour.
“Ever since I was a teenager, I wanted to own a business,” said owner Ella Irwin. “I love dogs. I didn’t want it to just be a place where you leave your dog. I knew it had to be high in safety and customer service.” Needing boarding for her own dogs, she realized the importance of socializing dogs early and letting them release their energy. Then, right before the COVID pandemic, an opportunity arose for her to buy Run Dog Run.
Irwin said her facility’s differentiating factor is that it’s disinfected to the same level as veterinary offices. Run Dog Run works with the local fire department to keep the environment safe and boarded dogs have 24/7 companionship. “For transportation, we’ve invested in high-quality vehicles and employees with clean-driving records,” she said.
Her advice to dog owners: “Look into the benefits of daycare,” she said. “It’s never too late. Invest in dog training. Don’t wait until your dog is exhibiting bad behavior to start looking for a trainer.”
