Yes! We welcome cats and dogs of all breeds. We ask about temperament and special needs to ensure the best experience for each pet in our care.

Yes! Pets that prefer to be alone or do not enjoy interactions with other animals can absolutely stay with us. Our one-on-one care model ensures they have individualized attention, enrichment, and walks without exposure to other pets, keeping them comfortable and stress-free.

Yes! Pets that are wary of strangers are accommodated with calm, gradual interactions. Our experienced team adjusts handling and enrichment to your pet’s comfort level, allowing them to feel safe, secure, and cared for throughout their stay.

We often board pets with a bite or scratch history. Safety is our top priority for all pets and staff, so animals with these histories are evaluated individually, and we create tailored care plans to ensure safe, supervised stays.

Open communication with the owner is required to develop the safest environment possible.

We do reserve the right to decline boarding if a pet’s aggression level is deemed unsafe for our team or for the animal themselves.

All pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations. Pets showing signs of airborne illness may be declined for care to protect everyone’s safety.

Dogs: Rabies, Bordatella, DHPPV, Leptospirosis (Canine Influenza is recommended but not required)

Cats: Rabies and FVRCP

​​​​​​​Proof of vaccinations and a rabies certificate is also required.

Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory infection in dogs that causes a persistent, dry cough and can sometimes include sneezing, nasal discharge, or mild lethargy. It is most commonly spread through contact with other dogs.

While there is always some risk of airborne illness whenever dogs are in a space where other dogs are or were present, the Malibu Coast Pet Retreat operates on a one-on-one care model rather than large playgroups. This individualized approach, combined with strict cleaning protocols and open-air spaces, significantly reduces the risk of airborne illnesses like kennel cough.

All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations, including Bordetella (a common vaccine for kennel cough), to ensure the safest possible environment for every guest.

​​​​​​​While no facility can guarantee zero risk, our practices are designed to minimize exposure and keep pets healthy, comfortable, and stress-free.

Cats can sometimes be susceptible to respiratory infections, which may cause sneezing, nasal discharge, or mild lethargy.

While there is always some risk if cats are in a space where other cats are or were present, each cat at the Malibu Coast Pet Retreat receives individualized, one-on-one care in private, climate-controlled suites, which greatly reduces exposure to airborne illnesses.

All cats must be up-to-date on vaccinations, including FVRCP and rabies, to ensure a safe environment for every guest.

​​​​​​​While no facility can completely eliminate risk, our strict hygiene protocols, monitored care, and individualized attention help keep cats healthy, comfortable, and stress-free throughout their stay.

Our team can administer any medications, injectable or oral, and provide specialized care such as bladder expressions, glucose monitoring, fluids, and more.

Any medical care will be conducted by a member of our trained hospital team.

​​​​​​​Please provide full instructions prior to arrival so we can ensure your pet receives the exact care they need.

Fresh water is always available, and meals are generally provided 1 to 4 times a day. Special diets and schedules can be accommodated with prior notice.

We do not. We believe a one-on-one structure where pets receive individual attention and care from humans provides pets and owners with a better care experience. This one-on-one structure allows us to truly get to know your pet and curate their stay specifically for them.

We do offer ‘Day Stays,’ which is our version of ‘Doggy Day Care.’ CLICK HERE to learn more.

It’s a common myth that dogs function like “pack animals” and require socialization with other dogs. While some dogs enjoy playing with others, many do not. Even dogs who enjoy canine companionship often thrive better in one-on-one interactions rather than in playgroups.

Playgroups or traditional “Doggy Day Care” can be overpacked, overstimulating, mentally exhausting, and improperly supervised, which can make the experience more stressful than enjoyable.

​​​​​​​For safe and positive socialization, we recommend coordinating play with one other dog at a time, in a space that the pet is familiar, while you are present.

Absolutely! Activities include puzzle toys, lick-mats, extra walks, human play time, one-on-one attention and more. CLICK HERE to learn more.

We do not offer training at our facility. CLICK HERE to see our ‘Friends and Partners’ page or contact us directly at (424) 402-1500 or petretreat@malibuvets.com for recommendations.

Pets receive individualized attention and positive reinforcement. Quiet spaces, private suites or condos, and gradual exposure to enrichment and exercise help pets feel comfortable, safe, and happy during their stay.

‘Open-Air’ means that designated area benefits from fresh air flowing through the facility and noise reduction. This is due to our outer facility walls not attaching to our roof. (see photos)

All open-air spaces are climate-controlled with heating and cooling available at all times, and all spaces are secured inside our facility to ensure pet containment, safety, and comfort.

Clients enjoy our open-air spaces for the fresh Malibu air, low noise, sunshine, and all the benefits of being outside while staying safely indoors.

Yes, whether your pet is in an indoor suite, condo, or an open-air space, all areas are climate-controlled. We maintain comfortable temperatures around 70°F to ensure your pet stays cozy and safe year-round.

Our open-air track and play yards offer the feel of the outdoors with the safety and comfort of being inside. NFL-grade artificial turf with a full drainage system ensures a clean and happy space for multiple pets, rain or shine.

Our largest play yard contains our bult in sprinkler fire hydrant for warm weather activity and fun. SEE PHOTOS

Our three private open-air play yards are perfect for one-on-one time with a human, multi-dog family play, enrichment, and potty breaks. Soft turf and fun features, like the Fire Hydrant Water Feature, make play safe, engaging, and enjoyable.

Legacy Park is a large natural habitat park located next door to our facility where most of our daily walks take place. Pets enjoy fresh air, natural surroundings, and a change of scenery one-on-one with a human, exploring sights, smells, and a duck pond. CLICK HERE to learn more about the beautiful Legacy Park.

Yes! Our open-air track and play yards allow exercise and attention rain or shine as they are contained under our roof.

​​​​​​​During good weather, dogs are walked in Legacy park unless desired otherwise.

No! Every pet’s stay is carefully curated with five scheduled walks a day (or three walks for a “Day Stay”), along with periods of rest in between. Pets also receive one to four meals per day, which we can monitor to encourage appetite.

This structured routine promotes comfort, helps pets feel secure, and can be especially beneficial for pets with separation anxiety.

​​​​​​​We recommend booking enrichment sessions if you would like your pet to have more time outside their suite or additional one-on-one time with our team.

“No! We have an overnight staff who provides night time care to all pets at our facility.”

We offer full bathing services for dogs, including a full wash, dry, & brushing, gland expressions, nail trims, and ear cleaning. We do not provide haircuts.

All grooming is performed by our experienced team to ensure your pet looks and feels their best while maintaining a calm and comfortable experience.
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While our pet retreat does not offer cat grooming services, we can often coordinate care with the hospital while your cat is boarding at the retreat.

Yes! We provide skunk odor removal baths for pets using safe and effective solutions that neutralize odor while keeping your pet’s skin and coat healthy. For best results, we recommend booking multiple spa services over a few weeks to fully eliminate skunk odor

No. Flea baths alone do not provide the necessary treatment to eliminate or prevent fleas. We recommend speaking with your veterinarian about appropriate flea prevention and treatment options.

We ask you to provide food in an airtight container and medications inside their prescription bottles. We have a refrigerator, freezer, and microwave so food and medications of any kind can be dropped off. Treats are welcome, though we ask for no hard chews as they are a choking hazard (dental chews are okay).

Items like bowls, toys, bedding, blankets, or items that “smell like home” should be left at home. Glass or ceramic containers are not preferred. We will remove your pet’s personal collar, leash, and harness and use our own while they are staying with us.

Please do not bring medications inside pill organizers, bags, or containers outside their prescription bottle. We want to know the exact dosing amount and instructions. If the instruction differs from the bottle, we will have you fill out a form at drop-off, but we still prefer the medication inside the prescription bottle.

If you do not wish to bring food, we have a variety of in-house meal options for purchase.

Absolutely! Dog suites and cat condos are designed for comfort, safety, and relaxation, with comfortable bedding, climate control, and plenty of space to lounge or observe their surroundings.

Yes! We accommodate multiple pets from the same family, ensuring they can enjoy time together safely and comfortably in suites, play yards, and during walks.
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Cats and dogs must be boarded separately.