About Allie’s Walkabout

Who they are

Allie's Walkabout is at 2844 Crescent Springs Pike, Erlanger, KY 41018, and covers daycare, boarding, grooming, training and pet photography. The origin story is published in full:

"When Allie was 9 she asked her dad for spending money. Her father told her, 'no, but I will teach you how to earn money.' Neither of them had any idea how that moment would impact their family. Her dad told her to go knock on every door in their neighborhood to ask if they have a dog and to then offer to walk them. If they agree, charge $5 for a 20-minute walk. She and her younger brother left and when they came back, they had earned $7."

The site adds: "Since then, with the help of family, many friends, and now employees, Allie's Walkabout has grown to almost 7,000 customers and is as busy as ever." The family is named as "Audrey, David, Mary, Allie, & Simeon."

The facility

"We now operate on 4 beautiful acres just across the street from Tewes Poultry with 4 big interior play yards and 4 large exterior play yards for all your pups off leash care." Elsewhere the site gives the scale as "4.5 acres with a 9,000 sq. ft. facility, dogs enjoy eight total play yards (4 indoor and 4 outdoor)."

Dog training

Training is one of five listed services: "Whether you're looking to teach your dog some new tricks, address behavioral challenges, or simply strengthen your bond, we are here to help every step of the way." The site says it uses "positive reinforcement throughout our facility to build trust and strengthen the bond between our team and your pup."

Staff training and safety claims

Five specific claims are made: "Fear Free & PackPro certified staff trained to reduce stress and overstimulation"; "Over 100 hours of hands-on training before any team member leads a play yard"; "Supervised group play with dogs matched by size, play style, and temperament"; "24/7 staffing for all boarding guests so dogs are never left unattended"; and "CPR and First Aid certified team prepared to respond quickly in emergencies."

How you start

Daycare and boarding both have a required intake step. "All new daycare guests begin with a required Meet & Greet. Meet & Greets are four-hour introductory visits designed to help us understand your dog as an individual." For boarding: "First-time boarding begin with a required overnight boarding evaluation," during which staff observe how the dog "Engages with group play (at their own pace)," "Eats dinner comfortably," and "Sleeps and settles overnight."

The site is also candid about when it will say no: "Group play isn't right for every dog, and that's okay. Our priority is creating an experience your dog feels good about."

Hours

Lobby hours are Monday to Friday 6:30am to 7:00pm, Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday 2:00pm to 5:00pm.