I have worked part time at Elkins for over twenty years, first for the Elkin Family and then the second owners, who have been there for 16 years. The new owners have made many improvements in the kennel and maintain it very well. It seems like someone is out there every week installing an improvement or maintaining the establishment. There are several of us who have worked here for more than 10 years. I am here on a weekly basis and have never seen any of the things described by ex-employees. It just isn't true. I've never seen a critter in or around the kennel that I haven't seen in my own back yard here in Spring. These people making the comments must be very envious of the success and financial security of the owners.I tried to get information from the Houston SPCA like described in the one post. They told me that they never give any information whatsoever to the public about their investigations. They said the statement must be a fabrication. Anyone who wants to use this kennel should do so without hesitation, and by all means drop by for a tour. Marie H.

I am a current employee of Elkin Pet care and I truely enjoy my job. I spend my day meeting new clients and seeing returning clients come again and again. Playing with the dogs and cats is so much fun. I love to watch the trainer he is so good with even the unsure dogs. The groomer is the best he is very particular which results in a great groom and he is always making me laugh. The kennel staff is always prompt coming to work and are eager to care for the pets that are boarding. I have worked at other kennels and I would leave work day after day upset but not now. I would be glad to give you a tour any day any time. We keep our kennels clean, our guests happy and our clients are more like our friends! Not every place is for everyone but as a dog owner who treats my little man like a child even if i didnt work here I would leave him in a heartbeat.Way to go ELkin pet care you have been around for years and you will be around for years to come. :-)

I have been working for Elkin for over 10 years showing and grooming the Elkin/Carillon Bedlington Terriers. I also drive 4 hours to groom customer dogs. I have never seen any of the issues that are being spoken about in the other reviews. I am going to address the issues. The AC/Heat is definitely working in fact there are 2 window units and a central heat and air unit and they have been working for as long as I have been with the kennels. When customers pay for this service, they receive it. Playtime, WOW! The employees at times argue about who is going to play with whom. The animals who pay for playtime are exhausted and need a good nap when the employees are done playing with the dogs. I periodically bring my show Airedale Terrier with me and when we are there the staff play with him. No there isn't one person hired to do playtime, everyone plays with the animals. Even the cats get played with; they too have to play. Elkin Kennels is never without a groomer when there are dogs booked for grooming. They are probably one of the only Boarding Kennels who groom on Sunday. When I am at the kennel, all the employees are very happy to be at the kennel and do take pride in their jobs. I don't know why someone would think the owner would make things uncomfortable for an employee especially in front of customers. The owners are great people to work for and I think most of the negative comments are from a disgruntled employee. That just tells me they enjoyed their job, but had done something wrong and was asked to leave. The pets are Elkins are very well taken care of and are the kennels main concern.

I never post to these sites, but I see so many bad postings here, I feel the need to defend Elkins. My dog is groomed there about every 6 weeks, for about 7 years now. This is the only place she will go that she seems calm and relaxed instead of shaking the whole time. The people are always pleasant and I have never seen them without water or staff. I have no experience with boarding here, but what I have seen is great!

We've boarded our dogs 3 times here. The first time we had all 4 here and didn't suspect anything. The time before this last time our German Shepherd came back to us with his face distorted with hives and was swollen. We figured he had an allergic reaction to the shampoo that was used on him for a bath. This last time he stayed by himself at Elkin Kennels for one night. When we picked him up, he acted strangely and seemed scared. The owner said to us "He's a headcase, you know." When we got him home we saw two marks on his front legs after we noticed he was limping, like he was struck with a thin stick or something. We don't know what happened to him there, but we do suspect some foul actions. Our dogs will not be returning to Elkin ever again.