Big Dog Walkin' – 'Cuz every dog is a Big Dog!

FOR THE DOGS

services for every size, personality, and energy level

Daycare

Run wild with friends at the park or get cozy on the couch, everything a dog could want!

Walks

You bring the leash, we bring the friends!

Boarding

Stay overnight with a human friend, lots of cuddles included!

LET OUTS

For those not quite ready to join the pack, we’re here for you too!

BATHS

For the daycare dogs who maybe love the dirt a little TOO much!

CAT VISITS

That’s right, we care for our feline friends too!

LIFE AT BIG DOG WALKIN'

Photos

For the Humans

Emily and Ian founded Big Dog Walkin' in Brighton, MA in 2011

Our passion is to provide
a better
dog care experience

We are a professional pet care company that provides walks, daycare, and overnight boarding. We service Allston/Brighton, Brookline, and Newton.

In Brighton our shop is set up like a large living room: complete with couches and room to wrestle, play, and behave like a dog! All of our team members are trained and experienced dog handlers who strive to provide the most professional and personalized care for your beloved canine.

We would love to meet you and your pup so contact us today!

Experience
We've got the know-how from living and working with dogs
Service
We make sure that you and your dog get exactly what you need
Communication
Transparency and honesty in communication is our goal.
Love
We do this because we love it and love to treat your best friend as our own!

Management Team

We are experienced dog owners, responsible dog care providers, and longtime dog lovers!

Emily Stefans

Owner, Co-Founder

Originally from Dedham, Emily graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Business Management & Entrepreneurship. Through partnership with co-owner Ian, BDW came to fruition in 2011.

Ian Kelly

Owner, Co-Founder

Originally from Brookline, Ian is a graduate of Boston College High School. He graduated from McDaniel College in 2002 and double majored in Business Management and Spanish.

Sarah

Daycare Manager

Originally from Bridgewater, Sarah joined BDW in 2014. She just graduated Mass College of Art and Design with a degree in Graphic Design. When she’s not at BDW she spends her time at home snuggling her three dogs, Peanut, Tia, and Watson.

Jake

CFO, Chief Fuzzy Officer

Jake is a 4 yo Goldendoodle with plenty of “Dood-tude” that comes with lots of experience regulating puppies, schmoozing new clients and socializing with new and old friends alike. His main function is supervising the human productivity at BDW.

Testimonials

What our clients have to say about BDW

Emily, Ian, Alana, and Lindsay have all been so welcoming and warm and have allowed our timid, sensitive, shy dog to blossom. In his first few days, he would anxiously approach the door of BDW with trepidation, particularly if he heard other dogs. Now, he makes a bee-line out of the car and toward BDW, wiggling and howling in happy anticipation of his day. It eases our minds greatly knowing that Ollie is in such good hands, and beyond being kept safe, we also know he is being engaged and enriched by the attention and interest all the staff have shown him.

The love of dogs is obvious and tangible at BDW, and it is the basis of such a wonderful environment created there. We recommend BDW so highly and are so grateful for their care of our Ollie.

Tricia H. (Ollie)

Daycare

Herby is so excited to go to “school” (i.e. doggy day care) each day when Big Dog Walkin’ pulls in our driveway. Emily, Ian and their outstanding team of employees treat our pets as they would their own. Their dedication and passion for their business shows through on every level. Big Dog Walkin’s facility is inviting, cheerful and immaculate. The daycare team at the shop are amazing!! No dog goes unattended and each and every dog looks so happy and excited to be there. Scheduling is a breeze and communication is SUPERB!!!

Laurie G. (Herby)

Daycare, Boarding

Our dog Penny hates to be alone, and was very anxious around other dogs when we first rescued her. She attends day care every Tuesday and Emily, Ian and their team have help immensely with both her general care and with her overall socialization. We’ve also used their boarding services and been thrilled – Penny isn’t a “sleep in a crate” kind of dog – she cuddles with us in bed every night. We were delighted to have her placed in a loving home while we were away – and they always provide lots of pictures of her having a great time.

I would recommend BDW to anyone looking for personalized and thoughtful care for their dogs. They have reasonable rates, great customer service and best of all I know they love Penny like she was one of their own!

Shannon D. (Penny)

Daycare, Boarding

Get in touch

Tell us which location and which services you are interested in!