Pet Services in Milwaukie

After their owners drop them off, dogs rush into the indoor playroom at The Dog House Doggie Daycare & Boarding, where they greet new friends before challenging old pack mates to games of chase. They romp for hours around the 2,000-square-foot play space, which is outfitted with a ramp and separate sections for large, small, less-active, and slinky dogs. A ventilation system specifically designed for pets keeps the air clean and comfortable. It's clear that dog owners designed this canine utopia, which also includes boarding service 365 nights a year, as well as a grooming zone with self-service or professional washes, tooth brushes, and nail trims. Many on staff are certified in Red Cross first aid and CPR for dogs.



Judy Brawley's lifelong passion for horses inspired her and her team of experienced trainers to foster sturdy bonds between horse and rider. Farm managers live on the premises, facilitating around-the-clock care, and a cadre of vets, dentists, and massage therapists monitors horses’ health and weeds out egotistical centaurs that attempt to infiltrate their ranks. Students learn proper riding techniques as they navigate the indoor and outdoor arenas of the 100-acre facility. Groomed bridle trails weave around pine and cherry trees, providing idyllic confines to bond with steeds and empathize with their desires to invent a trendy pair of high-heeled hooves.

Tanis, Egypt. 1937. Indiana Jones descends into the fabled Well of the Souls, and lands in a slithering knot of black asps. The swashbuckler is struck dumb with terror, managing only to mutter the now iconic phrase: “Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?” Indiana Jones is not alone in his phobia. Tim Criswell hopes to change that.

Though the House of Reptiles founder doesn’t deny snakes’ potential to inflict harm, he hopes to foster in the public a more nuanced understanding of reptiles. He has amassed dozens of snakes over the years, including exotic specimens such as the indochinese spitting cobra, reticulated gila monster, and black mamba. He houses these serpents in his reptile museum, which was spotlighted in the Times not only for its exotic-species collection, but also for its mission to educate the public about the oft-feared-but-seldom-understood reptiles.

In addition to the museum, House of Reptiles features a retail store staffed by expert snake handlers, who draw upon years of experience to advise fledgling snake owners on proper care. Dozens of snakes are also available for purchase, giving animal lovers new friends who don't insist on cuddling every night.

Westside Stables’ trainer and instructor, Katie, started riding at age 4. By the time she was 8, she was participating in jumping and showing events when most kids her age were just starting to neigh on command. Today, she passes on the knowledge she learned during more than 10 years of training to a new generation of horse pilots who take lessons atop friendly and patient horses. Westside Stables also plays host to two summer camps for children aged 5–15, which include riding lessons tailored to campers’ age and ability, lessons on horsemanship, and arts and crafts activities, which taunt horses via the campers’ wanton use of their opposable thumbs.