McKenna's home environment
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McKenna

Certified Trainer with 20+ Years of Fostering & Care Experience

5.0
2 reviews
Costa Mesa, CA

Hi there, my name is McKenna, and dogs are my everything! In addition to always growing up with at least one dog in the home at all times, I started caring for other dogs from a young age! When I was a teenager I started fostering for a non-profit dog rescueโ€” it was my responsibility to look after pups and help train them in obedience & household manners while they waited for forever homes. In 2012, I became a positive reinforcement trainer at a large pet store chain, and helped families train & build bonds with their loving companions. I began pet-sitting professionally around that same time, offering clients peace of mind when they needed someone to look after their pups ๐Ÿถ! I currently have three of my own dogs, who are great with doggie-visitors. I am still involved in fostering, and occasionally have one in my care while they wait for their happily ever after. Dogs are my everything ๐Ÿ’• Iโ€™ve been caring for dogs for over 20 years - I started fostering for rescue around age 15, and professionally I have 15+ years of experience. Iโ€™ve worked with all ages and have special experience with medical needs, fearful dogs, reactive dogs, and aggression (though I wonโ€™t interact with my own dogs or other clientsโ€™ dogs during stays). What makes my care style unique? Staying with me & my pack is like a daycare experience, but controlled, peaceful, and not overwhelming. My home offers a safe space for pups who may be more timid around other dogs so they can build up their confidence, while also offering playful dogs the opportunity to socialize with stable, well-mannered resident dogs.

Inside McKenna's Retreat

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71 photos

Ruh-Roh Badges

Driven by real client experiences
New Sitter

New Sitter

Highly-rated sitter joining Ruh-Roh Retreat with proven track record. Platform achievement badges earned after first 10 stays.

Pricing & Discounts

Services

  • Dog Boarding$65/night
    • Puppy (under 1 yr)$75/night
    • Additional dog$55/night
  • Doggy Daycare$50/day
    • Puppy (under 1 yr)$57/day
    • Additional dog$45/day

Discounts

Length of Stay

  • 7+ nights8% off

Extended Care / Late Pickup

  • Up to 2 hours lateNo charge
  • 2+ to 6 hours late50% of base rate
  • More than 6 hours late100% of base rate

Cancellation Policy

  • 7+ days beforeFree cancellation
  • 3-6 days before50% fee
  • 0-2 days before100% fee

Care Style

๐ŸŒSlow introductions with new dogs
๐Ÿ•Safe social play when appropriate
๐Ÿ“–Body language interpretation
๐Ÿง Canine behavior expertise
๐ŸคRespects each dogโ€™s boundaries
๐Ÿ“…Consistent daily routines

Key Skills

๐Ÿ†20+ years experience
๐ŸŽ“Professional dog training certification
๐ŸถPuppy care expert (under 1 year)
๐ŸฆฎLarge breed specialist (50+ lbs)
๐Ÿ˜ฐAnxious/reactive dog experience
๐ŸŽ“Dog Trainer

Home Environment

๐ŸกSingle-Family Home
๐Ÿ“1,800+ sq ft
๐ŸšญNon-Smoking
๐ŸšชDedicated dog room/space
๐Ÿ”’Fully fenced backyard
๐ŸŒฟLarge backyard (1,000+ sq ft)

Vacation-Style Add-ons

  • Pick-Up ServiceWeโ€™ll pick up from your home
    $20
  • Drop-Off ServiceWeโ€™ll bring your pup back to your home
    $20
  • Park Walk30-min walk at a local park
    $20
  • Sniffari Adventure Walk60-min outing, scent focused.
    $35
  • Bath & shampooHypoallergenic shampoo
    $20

Verified Reviews

R

Raymond F.

Apr 12, 2026

We left our senior chihuahua, Chico, with McKenna for a couple of days and she was absolutely wonderful. She has a great dog-friendly backyard that Chico loved exploring (always supervised), and he was safe and secure in a kennel at night. Chico can be very picky and difficult when it comes to taking medication but McKenna has a ton of experience and made sure he got everything he needed. She also kept us updated with photos throughout his stay which we really appreciated. Thank you, McKenna for taking such great care of our little guy!

M

Michelle D.

Mar 31, 2026

McKenna took great care of my two dogs, Brody and Remy. She was very careful to ensure that both dogs felt comfortable with her, her home, and the other dogs. She provided detailed updates along with photos and videos. I could tell that she cared a lot about how the dogs felt and keeping me updated on their progress throughout their stay. I loved that she had a yard for the dogs. Both dogs came home happy after!