Sept. 4, 2025

Warning: Your own home might seem like a letdown once your dog has stayed in a new business featuring bedroom suites while boarding, along with its other offerings.

Doggy Den Suites opened earlier this year at 3520 S. Gateway Lane just south of 41st Street along Interstate 29.

Owner Ann Anderson didn’t spare space for canine guests in developing the concept, which offers overnight stays in kennels or bedroom suites.

The suites include twin-sized beds, toys, TVs and windows so dogs can enjoy a view of the outside.

“I think the dogs really enjoy it because the suites are larger than most peoples’ bedrooms,” Anderson said with a laugh.

She has been in the canine industry for 25 years but didn’t call South Dakota home until 2020.

Anderson previously was a dog handler in cadaver and bloodhound work for agencies like the FBI and, from there, decided to pursue her own business in Southern California.

She opened her first facility 15 years ago in her hometown of Thousand Oaks, which is an hour northwest of Los Angeles.

“I originally started the business because so many people were asking for dog training,” Anderson said. “And because I was a canine handler, we started with a heavy focus on dog training.”

From there, after lots of requests, she added boarding to her services and opened the first facility where she could offer both. Eventually, the business evolved with doggy day care.

When COVID hit, Anderson moved to Sioux Falls with her son who plays hockey and, at the time, had more opportunities to play here. Her husband would continue to travel back and forth for work with their second son.

“I love Sioux Falls,” she said. “Everyone here is so nice. It has been a much better experience.”

After a few years, she decided the community needed Doggy Den Suites.

“We have a really big building,” she said. “We have over 13,000 square feet of indoor space, and dogs can go inside or outside during the day, use our agility equipment and more.”

The price of overnight stays also include doggy day care during the day.

“Dogs are only in their suites or kennels when they eat or sleep,” she said.

“In so many locations for boarding, it seems like you start with one price, and by the time you’re done – with all the add-ons – you’re at a much higher price. If you see $65 for a suite, per night, or $55 per kennel, per night, that’s the price (here).”

The price drops by $10 for additional dogs.

Guests can add services like a bath and blow-dry, which is discounted for dogs boarded more than two nights.

Doggy day care has been a popular service, and it doesn’t require a reservation. If you’re in the system and immunizations are up to date, you can drop off your dog anytime between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

“We treat your dog like it’s our dog,” Anderson said. “We try to go the extra mile whether it’s helping our customers out with various training tools, pampering or accommodations.”

Find information about Doggy Den Suites on its website, on Facebook or on Instagram.