Rocky Knoll Dog Boarding

Isaac Heruth

2024-03

We've been boarding our three dogs frequently here since Josiah went into business. They were dog sitters for us years before that. Our dogs are always happy when we arrive, so its obvious they are treated well. Our dogs come home from Rocky Knoll smelling normal, unlike other kennels where cleanliness can be an issue. We've never had an injury to speak of. Our first dog suffered from terrible seizures, but they chose to board him at our request regardless. They require documentation on vaccines, and our dogs have never come home sick. We've never experienced scheduling errors, or miscommunication with Josiah. I did read a previous post about a dog that got away, which is unfortunate, but knowing Josiahs character, that's not something that will occur again. The dogs are walked regularly. I know that there are not many boarding providers around, so book ahead.

Camille Boman

2023-05

I would highly recommend Josiah and Rocky Knoll boarding! I left my Springer Spaniel there for the day while we went on some not-so-dog-friendly adventures. Bella seemed so happy and the pictures that we received were great. Josiah was so responsive and pleasant to work with.

Summer Phillips

2024-01

Took me a long time to write this. Boarded my dog back in August, they lost her in the woods around their home almost on day one of her scheduled 3 night stay. They did not have a system to contact me in an emergency and even though I had cell service, were unable to call and must not have even tried to text. They eventually emailed which I did not see, and also gave no indication of how serious it was. I called them 6 plus times on the day before pickup to check on her and figure out a possible later time for pickup (blissfully unaware at the time). Left a message and after the message they called me back around 15 minutes later, and similarly to the email really downplayed the severity of the situation. I was thankfully only a 20 minute drive away, so hopped in my car and got there as fast as I could. I initially presumed due to the downplaying, she was lost in a large fenced area and too skittish to be caught (she had been very skittish that week which I told them about on drop off). When I arrived there was no fenced area, one of the owners pointed to the other side of the road from there home, which was a large forest and said that’s where she had gone. I was devastated, he told me to call for her along the road, no direction other than that and took off in his vehicle to I guess look in another spot. I did until he came back, and then he took me to a neighbor way far out they thought they had seen her at around 4pm and spent a bunch of time there. We returned to the main road by there home and it was almost dark at this point and that’s when I asked where they had seen her most only to find out that where they had seen her most was also the last place they had seen her around 5pm, a full hour after the neighbor. It was just up the road where another road crossed. And thankfully that’s roughly where I found her, scared out of her mind, but not hurt. They did not charge me for what was essentially a horrific stay in the woods, they told me she slipped her collar (she had a harness that was apparently not on) and bolted. I would also like to point out that the dirt road they live on while I was searching had a decent amount of traffic that was generally faster than recommended and I was very concerned she could have run out and gotten hit.I hope since this happened they have implemented a better system for contacting the owner. And keep dogs in a fenced area and use the harnesses they tell you to bring. If you do board your dog here make sure you set something up for emergencies and be checking.

Kaylan Dix

2022-05

Rocky Knoll Dog Boarding is awesome! Josiah truly cares about all the animals he boards. He goes that extra mile to make sure the dogs are comfortable and happy. Our girl is a rescue and had a rough start in the world, so we used to worry about her in kennel/boarding situations. Rocky Knoll has laid all our worries to rest. We know she is is safe and well cared for when we board her at Rocky Knoll. We are regulars and will keep coming back when our dog is unable to accompany us on our camping trips. Thank you Josiah!

Liza Darlington

2023-05

Would definitely recommend Rocky Knoll! Josiah is very communicative and friendly. My dog was comfortable right from the start. He walked away with Josiah, no looking back! It was our first time boarding our young dog, so it was great to have such a warm and helpful environment. Thanks!

Renee Kaufman

2023-05

I was planning to drop off my dog for a day so we could enjoy some golf. The tee times available meant I wouldn't make it to pick up at a convenient time. Josiah was able to update our reservation and board our dog overnight. His communication was great throughout the process and I really liked that I could pay through an invoice delivered via email before pick up.Josiah is professional and clearly cares about animals.I recommend Rocky Knoll to everyone.

Chris Sapper

2022-05

Great experience with Rocky Knoll, highly recommended. We got married on the north shore and needed a place to board our dog for a few days. Josiah was responsive, easy to work with, and took great care of our dog for a fair price. Will definitely use again if needed. Thanks again Josiah!

eric spore

2022-05

On our recent trip up to the North Shore, our dog Rhubarb had a great stay with Rocky Knoll. She's kind of a nervous girl who's pretty attached to my partner and I but I felt very comfortable leaving her in Josiah's care. He was so warm with her even though she was a little barky with him.Josiah also went the extra mile: while we were searching for daycare places and messaging Rover sitters with no luck, he called us to let us know he squeeze us in after getting a last minute cancellation (previously he had been fully reserved).Long story short, this is a good, kind, trustworthy business that will take good care of your dog.

Tony Andrukaitis

2023-08

We left our two Weims for almost a week, and Josiah did a great job taking personal care of them. The best endorsement came from the dogs when we picked them up…they went today bye to Josiah and their tails were wagging. Thanks for taking care of our babies!

Molly LaFreniere

2021-05

Josiah was awesome with working with my nervous pups who have never been anywhere except with us. Our first family vacation was almost two weeks long and he kept the pups very comfortable and happy. They returned home to us in very good health and he did an amazing job with keeping us updated so we didn’t worry! Definitely would recommend this place as even my dogs were very comfortable with the facility and Josiah. Thank you so much!

Angie Dannewitz-Johnson

2021-05

We had a great experience with Josiah and Rocky Knoll. This was the first time kenneling our two huskies and I was nervous how they would respond. We could tell when picking them up by they're calm attitudes that they were comfortable and content while there. We had great communication with Josiah and he was flexible with our schedule. Would recommend to those headed to up the North Shore area that need a place to keep their furry family members happy and safe.

Julie Mooney

2021-05

This is a few months late, but I wanted to make sure we left a review...We needed a place to board our senior dog while we spent time in the Boundary Waters. Josiah completely understood that our sweet Lily was not only a pet but a dearly beloved member of our family. It was clear she was well taken care of in our absence. We would highly recommend Rocky Knoll! Thank you Josiah for your professionalism, compassion and taking care of our sweet, old Lily! It meant the world.

Rachael G

2021-05

My dog Stella loved her stay at Rocky Knoll! Josiah was very professional and responsive. I really felt my pet was taken care of. She had lots of play time and came home a tired and happy dog. Highly recommend!

Blake Koblick

2023-05

Our dogs stayed for a day while we were visiting the area. One of our dogs can be nervous around men but he immediately warmed to Josiah and we were able to enjoy our day knowing the dogs were in good hands. We picked up two happy and very tired dogs at the end of the day. If we return to the area we would definitely book here again.

Sue Hakes

2021-05

Josiah was friendly, professional and responsive from the original inquiry and reservation through drop off and pick up. The kennels and yard were very clean. Our 4-year old Shep/Husky mix doesn't stay in kennels very often so he gets anxious, but Josiah did his best to keep our dog safe and calm. It was clear our dog liked Josiah which made me feel good.

Susan Miller

2023-05

Our dog was well taken care of. I asked for pictures and received several each day. Josiah, (owner) seems kind and attentive. Dogs were able to play outside together (very important for my golden) with their electronic collars. Perfect for our dog who wants to roll around, sniff around and chew things off leash.

Jen Houchins

2022-05

I dropped my dogs off at Rocky Knoll Dog Boarding for a few hours while we went on a dog sled adventure at Points Unknown. Josiah responds to email quickly and understood the dogs needs. Definitely recommend if you are traveling through northern MN and need a safe place for your dog to stay for the day.

Betsy Jorgenson

2021-05

Communication, scheduling and details for our dogs' stay were all excellent. Josiah was very responsive to all the logistics and very welcoming to our dogs. They were happy when we picked them up - I could tell they had been in good hands. Everything went perfectly.

Terri Cermak

2022-05

Just picked up our young Jack Russell after 4 nights boarding at Rocky Knoll. This was her second time staying. Everything worked out great. Josiah is very responsive and attentive. We’re relieved to have such a great spot for boarding near our place on the north shore.

Kym Hughes

2021-05

Thanks for taking great care of our dog while we were in the area. Quick email response for reservations and available via phone as well for pick up and drop off. One thing I would suggest is a sign to let you know you have arrived at Rocky Knoll. Facilities are clean and air conditioned for a summer stay. I felt my pup was in good hands while we were away for her. Thanks Josiah!!

Tawny Greene

2022-05

While staying a few days in Grand Marais, my husband and I used doggy day care for our cavapoo. Josiah, the owner, was easy to work with and flexible. Our dog was calm and tired when we picked him up so it was evident he got good exercise while we were out for the day. Be aware that this kennel is about 11 miles from the town of Grand Marais so plan accordingly. Also, this is set up as a kennel and your dog will be taken out for exercise.

Mary Steele

2023-05

It is obvious the gentle owner of this business, Josiah, loves dogs. He understands they are part of the family. We felt they were safe and left in capable hands. Thanks for taking good care of our pups while we were in the BWCA!

John Olson

2022-05

Josiah does a great job. We have taken our dog there a number of times and Josiah is always very professional in our dealings. He cares for our dog well and we are repeat customers because of it.

Crys Lehman

2021-05

Josiah was an AWESOME dog host.The property and kennels were clean and well-maintained, with indoor and outdoor areas for the dogs to hang out.During one of the days our dog Boudreaux stayed with Josiah, we randomly ran into Josiah and Bou on a walk, and it was clear Bou was having a good time. (And also clear that Josiah meant what he said about taking the dogs on regular walks!)The final indicator that Bou enjoyed his stay: When we were leaving and Josiah walked away back to the house, Bou stared after him and whined! Clearly Bou made a buddy, which tells me Josiah walked him and played with him and spent time with him.Thanks again, Josiah! Highly recommend this boarding facility.

David Coleman

2021-05

Rocky Knoll is professional in every way. The owners are warm and hospitable, the kennels are clean and well-maintained, and their on-line admission and payment portals make this very easy. It was a three-week stay. I think our Welsh Terrier wants to return right now. Thank you.

Rachel Clapp

2021-05

We definitely recommend Rocky Knoll! This was a great place to leave our puppy for the day while we enjoyed snowboarding in Lutsen! Very professional, quick response time, and our dog came back exhausted from all the fun! Thanks Josiah!!

Chris Klinkhammer

2022-05

Josiah did a great job looking after our Suki Bear. Clean facilities and great care all around. You can tell he has a love for dogs and is very knowledgeable.

Nick Dangeur

2021-05

It's less like a kennel and more like you're leaving your dogs, (I have two) at someone's home, because the kennel is at their home. Josiah does a great job of caring for your pet with daily walks and attention. They even were out for a walk when I arrived to pick them up. My guys had exercise and daily activity. I know this because they slept the entire 5 hour drive home and we live on a farm. If you are up on the north shore, in the bwca or skiing at Lutsen, this is an excellent option to have local care for your dog. Highly recommend.

Brendan McMurrer

2022-05

We used Rocky Knoll to board our two boxers while we took a day trip to Isle Royale. It was easy, convenient, and Josiah took great care of our dogs.

Carol Wise

2021-05

Rocky Knoll took good care of my 10 year old, somewhat anxious dog while I spent the day hiking Isle Royale.Josiah was very professional and reassured me that my dog would be ok!