Four Paws Boarding and Pet Salon

I booked a week’s stay for my dog back in August, based purely on the reviews on Unilocal and pictures I saw online. From what I saw online, the dogs have a nice crate-​free environment. An outdoors area to play every day. My dog was adopted from a shelter and she seemed so scared when I saw her in that loud room, stuck in her crate that I didn’t want her to worry that she was being left again so this seemed like a great option. Once we made the drive in to Destin (we are many states away), I couldn’t believe it.
First off, I was given times that drop off was available. Having never boarded, I thought this might be normal practice. When I arrived, no one was at the building. The dogs were in the room seen on the pictures but they were in it (large and small mixed together), all alone. I saw urine and feces on the floor. I realized really quickly, this was not a place for my dog, crate-​free or not.
I spent about ten minutes walking around the building, seeing firsthand, conditions that I didn’t want my dog to be a part of (and I felt bad for the poor dogs that were scratching on the glass door just looking for some interaction). I called a competitor to try to make last minute plans elsewhere and they were booked. I told them the situation and they said they regularly field calls from people who encounter the same thing. They shared with me the name and number of an animal hospital that had boarding and told me they would write my information down in case anything opened up.
By this time, an employee had driven up in a truck (child in the passenger seat) and he was ready for me to hand over my dog. I told him I had a change of plans… he asked why. I told him I didn’t like that the dogs were in the room, alone like that. I told him that I thought someone would be here with them. He told me they do have people there (there wasn’t anyone there). The doors were locked and no one answered my knock. He unlocked the doors when he got there, and locked them back up when I changed my mind (and he prepared to leave again).
I am one to take negative reviews with a grain of salt — some people are just too hard to please — and I took an earlier review as such. This is one I HAD to write in hopes that other families aren’t left showing up to Four Paws with the sudden realization that they’ve booked a place that leaves their family pets unattended. Four Paws is very inexpensive compared to other places, and now I see why. This experience also made me realize that I NEVER want to book a vacation somewhere that is NOT pet friendly.

I have nothing but good things to report about Belle La’s brief stay with Four Paws.
Although we had to go pick up Belle La and take her to the vet they made arrangements with, it was not their fault that Belle La was so anxious and did not adjust. Belle is not use to being boarded and just didn’t do well. We so much appreciate the fact that Billie and J.D. recognized that Belle’ La was not going to get any less anxious after trying various scenarios to make her more comfortable. Thank you so much for caring!

Owners are very nice & my pups were in good spirits after their grooming & another time after a full day of daycare. The facility is very clean, safe & well-​organized. Prices are good too. I just moved to Destin & Four Paws was highly recommended!

This was our first experience with this business. After much research and such we decided to use this service when we went out of town for the weekend a few weeks ago.
I checked out the place and talked with one of the owners, Billie. She was very nice and got us signed up easily. She answered my questions and I felt confidence that my pup was going to be in good hands here.
I was right! J.D. and his wife Billie went out of their way to make sure that my pup had a comfortable and enjoyable stay while we were away. J.D. even called me before we got back with a positive update on how my pup was doing.
I am very pleased with my overall experience with this business and would recommend them to anyone that needs to board their dog.

I don’t think I even have to respond to your comment for people to realize how unprofessional and strange you are. But I will say that, obviously, we brought plenty of food for our dog– dry and wet. We included a few cans of wet food only so a little could be mixed with his dry food if he wasn’t eating. Why would I give you a fake number? That doesn’t even make sense. And I did call to check on him. Twice. No answer. Also, our dog wasn’t nearly 15– but I’m glad you decided to make up some random details to plead your case. And yes, curious Unilocalers– please do take a look at my other reviews. I’ve given plenty of great, positive reviews when businesses have deserved them. These people are clearly just a little on the crazy side.

Another visit to Okaloosa Island for us last week and another visit for Buddy to Four Paws! J.D. definitely remembered Buddy and Buddy was glad to be back.
Same great owner… same great location. J.D. was very accommodating to our leaving on a Sunday morning and met us there to pick up the Bud. As before, at our request, Buddy had been bathed and clipped prior to being picked up.
Our dog is 14 yrs old now and definitely has his senior moments :) We had no qualms about leaving him in J.D.‘s care. Quality boarding for your dog! Highly recommended!

Let me begin by saying that not many groomers will do cats, and the job was eventually done.
HOWEVER, I made an appointment and drove an hour with my cat, only to arrive and hear «oh, yeah, I guess it’s Tuesday… well, our groomer isn’t here, they went to Crestview to groom». WHAT? So, four hours later I call to check on the cat, and am rudely told that they’ll call me when he’s done. NINE hours later, I arrive to retrieve my cat, who has been completely shaved. Which is not what we asked for. So I paid my 90 $ and laughed it off, because he looks ridiculous.

Vacationing in Destin for a week, I wanted a place there to board my dog.
I loved Four Paws! Much less expensive than in Atlanta, PLUS much better, as far as my 13-​year-​old Australian Shepherd is concerned.
First, the owners, Jeff and Billie, were great taking time to talk with me the month before we came. They are very serious about their business… and about their clients.
Then, they treated my old fella great. When I picked him up, he was actually doing better than when I left him! He didn’t over-​play like he’ll do in Atlanta, and hurt himself. They obviously gave him his medicines regularly.
He got to run free and interact with other dogs. BEST, he was kept inside, which is good in that baking Florida heat… he’s not cut out for it.
They’ll also let you «check your dog out» if you want to get him for the day and take him to the beach or something.
Ideally, the house we vacation in would allow pets. But, the next best thing, I am convinced, is Four Paws for boarding.