Sophie, the family dog who inspired Stay and Play Dog Care, enjoying the outdoor environment

Where Dogs Come First

Founded in 2006, Stay and Play Dog Care started as a heartfelt way to provide a safe and loving place for dogs right in our home.

  • Family-run, personalized care
  • Born from a passion for dogs

Where tails wag in the heart of the Redwoods.

Learn More About Donna →

How It All Began

A Passion Born From Love & Care

In 2006, Stay and Play Dog Care began from a passion for dogs and a simple request from local families:

Training Sophie

It all began when Donna took our dog Sophie to Sally Palmer's training classes. What started as basic training quickly became a passion, and Donna soon found herself assisting in classes and learning the foundations of structured, balanced dog training.

Sophie the dog learning obedience at Sally Palmer's training classes, where Donna began her journey in dog training

Dogs Became Our Guests

As people saw the trust and care Donna built with their dogs, they began asking if their dogs could stay at our home while they were away. What started as babysitting soon grew into something much more meaningful.

Multiple dogs enjoying supervised playtime together at Stay and Play, demonstrating the safe group environment Donna created for guest dogs

Welcoming the Next Generation

Years later, Donna's journey with dogs continues to grow. Welcoming a new dog into her life is a reminder that learning, patience, and connection never stop. Every dog—whether family or guest—is treated with the same care and respect.

Donna sitting outdoors with Zander, her new dog, demonstrating her continued commitment to learning and connecting with dogs

A Commitment That Never Stops

Even today, Donna remains deeply committed to refining her approach to dog care and training. With decades of hands-on experience, she focuses on clear communication, healthy boundaries, and helping dogs feel confident and secure.

Donna actively training and working with multiple dogs, demonstrating her hands-on approach to clear communication and building confidence in dogs

A Safe & Loving Place Was Born in the Heart of the Redwoods

By connecting with local dog owners and providing personalized care, Donna transformed a love for dogs into a family business where dogs truly feel at home.

  • Always connected to animals
  • Decades of training & experience
  • Personalized, home-based care
  • A small family business built on passion

Donna

Donna with multiple dogs in the backyard play area surrounded by redwood trees at Stay and Play Dog Care

What Our Families Say

"Donna has taken care of Riley since he was a puppy. He is overjoyed in the car as we approach her house, and I can tell how much he loves his time there. He receives the very best personal care from Donna and her staff."

— Doreen Blumenfeld, Riley's owner

"This is a very ‘homey' environment for my dogs, and they walk in happy with their tails wagging. They always come home better behaved, too!"

— Shannon

"My dog spent over a year in the shelter before we adopted him. He was stressed and in need of rehabilitation. After socializing him at Stay and Play Dog Care he became very well balanced and much happier and playful."