A recent email from founder Kari Strong shared news that a new dog daycare — Lil Doggie Den — is planning to open on July 14 in Beaumont Village. Strong reported that her facility is designed exclusively for small dogs, those under 25 pounds. Lil Doggie Den will offer an intentional enrichment-based environment tailored to the unique needs of petite pooches.
“We’re proud to be the first boutique dog daycare in the area focused entirely on small breeds,” Strong said.
Strong said Lil Doggie Den will be Portland’s first, and only, small-dog-only enrichment daycare. The daycare will provide personalized care, interactive play, and mental stimulation for the animals.
“Ours is not the chaotic all-day-play model,” Strong said. “We believe our model better supports long-term behavior and health.”
She explained that larger, mixed-size dog daycares often aren’t ideal for little dogs. Lil Doggie Den will fill that gap with calm, safe, personalized care.
“We will ensure every pup feels loved, secure, and engaged as part of our family,” Strong said.
Strong’s inspiration came from her own two small dogs, Ruby and Gus. She sought out a daycare facility where they could socialize with other small dogs.
“I wanted a place where my dogs would feel safe, comfortable, and loved, and focused on their physical, emotional, and mental well-being — a place where we all felt part of a larger community.”
When she found that nothing like that existed in Portland, Strong decided to take her 15 years of operational experience working for a major childcare corporation and transition her skills and drive to establishing Lil Doggie Den.
“Now, it is coming to life near my Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood, where my wife, Trina Ramirez, and I have lived for the last 12 years!”
Lil Doggie Den is located behind Hi-Hop Tavern at 3528 NE 50th Ave. A grand opening party is open to those who sign up at LilDoggieDen.com. For more information, follow the doggy daycare on Instagram @LilDoggieDen.