All the Do Dog Day

Kerry Donovan has always loved animals and grew up surrounded by horses, dogs, cats and guinea pigs.

She opened her business, All the DO DOG DAY Doggie Daycare and Grooming in January of 2010.

Since then, she has had a steady flow of canine clients. All of the dogs in her care have the freedom to roam and play in the open spaces both outside in one of the four pens as well as inside the heated and air-conditioned environment.

Kerry offers grooming, daycare and even overnights for those enrolled in the daycare.

Kerry began her career teaching elementary school and moved on to an educational publishing company where she wrote curriculum and became the vice president of publishing.

After about 20 years there, she decided to start her own company writing designing and editing educational product.

A few years ago, when everyone experienced the economic downturn and schools could no longer afford to purchase the product, the work disappeared and Kerry decided to reinvent herself with a new career path.

She began photographing dogs at different daycares and selling the prints to the owners. She realized that there was a market for the dog daycare business and decided to open one. She has never looked back.

“We have a terrific location here, which is an added benefit," Donovan said. "This used to be a house, and we put in the ramp, driveway and all of the fencing so there are four outdoor pens and several rooms inside the building. We can accommodate 30 to 40 dogs, although no more than 30 is ideal."

If a dog arrives and Kerry feels the dog is aggressive, she will not hesitate to turn a dog away. She takes great pride in what she does and always puts the safety and concern for the dogs first.

“I spend time with each new dog and assess them with commands and attitude. We have a very open environment here and the dogs have to have a good temperament.  It can be a very scary thing for a dog to come to daycare. When they come I want them to be comfortable. I have a wonderful staff that works with me. It is a very daunting task to work in the yard with 10 to 12 dogs in the pen with you. You really have to be a ‘dog person,” Donovan said.

The goal for All the DO DOG DAY is to provide a facility for dogs to give them a true home away from home. There is a full-time groomer and several part time staff that help in the yard. There are beginner and intermediate obedience classes as well as a separate area for puppies up to 6 months old. 

Kerry is so dedicated to her canines that she often sleeps over with them and can be found here six days each week only taking one day off for herself.

“Most people don’t understand the enormous amount of work it takes to run this type of business," she said. "I’m up at 5 a.m. and don’t stop until I go to sleep at 9 p.m. I guess my ego gets in the way as I feel that no one can do this job better than I can. I do love it, and I’m as healthy as a horse."

So many of Kerry’s friends have been made through the business. The dogs’ owners have become like a family to her. After all, she has been entrusted with the care of their furry family members.

All the DO DOG DAY Daycare and Grooming is conveniently located near the at 296 Walnut Street. For more information, email info@dodogday.com.