Built by handlers, not a desk.
We started Fur Real Dog because we believed dog care should be built on relationships, not transactions. Experienced handlers who know your dog by name, not an app that sends a stranger.
4 dogs max daycare. 5 max per walker. Quality doesn't scale infinitely.
Sterling's Story
I grew up with a German Shepherd and had a Pit Bull in my adult years — dogs have always been family. While working as a social worker for the Bellevue School District, I started watching dogs out of my house in Kirkland. What began as a side gig turned into over 300 dogs, hundreds of 5-star reviews, and a roster of repeat clients who kept coming back.
When our lease ended and the landlord sold the house, I kept going — boarding dogs with friends and family, walking dogs, house sitting. I wasn't going to stop just because the setup changed. A longtime client and friend whose Rottweiler-Shepherd mix I've watched 10+ times offered to partner up: he'd handle the tech side and help grow the business while I run ops. I said, "I'm all in." And here we are.
I know the trust it takes to hand over your pup. I'm committed to making sure you're beyond happy with the experience. You'll see the fun your dog has through timely photos and videos — and people tell me when their dog gets home after staying with me, they happy-sleep for days. That's what I like to hear.
Dogs Watched
Hundreds of Reviews
Our Core Values
These aren't just words on a wall — they guide every walk, every daycare session, and every moment your dog spends with us.
Trust Above All
Every decision, policy, and interaction is built on earning and keeping trust. We know pet parents are handing over a family member.
Quality Over Volume
Small groups, vetted dogs, experienced handlers. We don't take every dog with a pulse — we take dogs we can genuinely care for well.
Transparency & Communication
Photos, updates, and honest conversations. No surprises. If something happens, you hear it from us first.
Professionalism with Warmth
We run a tight operation, but we're not cold about it. Dogs and their people deserve to feel welcomed, known, and valued.
Reliability Is Non-Negotiable
We show up. Every time. On time. Consistency is the foundation of trust.
How We Compare
| Fur Real Dog | Rover / Wag | Franchise Daycare | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Membership-based | Marketplace / gig | Drop-in |
| Handler quality | Tiered, experienced, retained | Random, high turnover | Entry-level staff |
| Group size | 4 max daycare, 5 max walks | 1-on-1 (in theory) | 20–40+ dogs |
| Communication | Photos, videos, reports — every time | Depends on the sitter | Generic group photo (maybe) |
| Dog vetting | Meet & greet + temperament rating | None | Basic intake form |
| Responsiveness | Direct relationship, fast replies | Platform-mediated, often slow | Front desk bottleneck |
Dogs We've Cared For
"I want your dog to say 'I want to stay with Fur Real Dog' every single time."
Sterling Brown
Founder, Fur Real Dog
Ready to see the difference?
Every membership starts with a meet & greet. Tell us about your dog and we'll take it from there.