Nations Dog Services is located in Laguna Niguel, California.

Feel free to contact us anytime, at 949-249-DOGS.

Our Mission Statement

Nations Dog Services, a member of Pet Sitters International, has more than 20 years of accumulated experience. Our goal is to provide a wide variety of professional pet care services to South Orange Country communities from Newport Beach to San Clemente, and cities in between.

The Team at Nations Dog Services knows that dogs are more than just pets: they are members of our family. Dogs capture our hearts, share our homes and in many cases, are given the same status as our children. That's why choosing reliable and professional pet care is so important.

At Nations Dog Services, our mission is to be your leader in Professional Pet Care by providing reliable and convenient services from a knowledgeable and trustworthy team.

Biographies

Bobby Ernst, Owner

Bobby Ernst, Owner

Animals have always been a big part of my life. While my family always had pets, I gained a fundamental knowledge of animals from 4-H, where I spent most of my free time from the ages of 9 till 19. During that time, I learned how to train and show horses. However, I also worked with and showed a variety of other animals, including cows, llamas, goats and birds.

Another early educational and rewarding experience was working at the Clallum County Humane Society in Washington State. There, I gained experience in the care for all types of animals and I was quickly promoted to canine specialist. During the three years at the Humane Society, I became a 4-H leader. I also apprenticed under other trainers and handlers and I became Vice President of the Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club.

As a dog trainer, I owe a lot to my mentor, Jane Burkey. As Jane's apprentice, I had the opportunity to learn and show dogs in the United States and Canada. It was during the regular attendance of these events that I formed my philosophy and training method for show conformation, obedience, agility, and freestyle dancing. While my focus was on Great Danes, German Shepherds and Poodles, I also worked with almost all breeds of dogs.

In 2004, I moved to Orange County and concurrently worked at a veterinary office in Laguna Beach and trained hunter/jumper horses for John & Katie Burney, at Sycamore Trails, in San Juan Capistrano.

By 2005, I saw the need for reliable pet service providers in Orange County (particularly full service providers) and that's when my partner, Frank Thompson, and I, decided to open Nations Dog Services.

In addition to running Nations Dog Services, I also work three nights a week at Animal Urgent Care in Mission Viejo. Animal Urgent Care is an after hours emergency hospital.

Frank Thompson, Co-owner

I am a Health Physics Technician at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. After meeting Bobby Ernst, we decided to open Nations Dog Services, which resulted in building a second career in dog training, boarding, and assisting in professional handling.

Like Bobby, I also grew up with family pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits and snakes.

We recently acquired the title of "Champion" for our male Great Dane, Warrior, and we are in pursuit of the completion of our female Great Dane, Zara’s Championship. Our Great Danes are truly amazing companions; I can’t imagine a home without dogs!

Suzanne Wilson, Boarding Assistant

I have always worked with and had a great love for animals; there has never been a time in my life, when I didn't have pets and I couldn't imagine ever being without them. I firmly believe that every creature with a personality - is a person.

I started my career in animal care at the age of 16 when I worked at a feed and pet store. I gained lots of experience caring not only for dogs and cats who were there for grooming and boarding, but also for pigs, goats, chickens, ducklings and other various farm pets. On Sundays, when the store was closed, I was trusted with the key. It was my duty to visit the store in the morning and evening to feed all the store pets as well as the pets that were boarding. I also took all the dogs out for a walk. Since that time I have worked for PetCo, a daytime veterinary hospital and was employed for a six month stint at the Santa Ana Zoo. Since 2004 I have been enjoying the field of emergency veterinary medicine, which is where I met bobby two years ago! I have also been making long lasting furry friendships through pet sitting since 2003.

I have four furry children of my own: my cats, Mimi, Rosie and Libby, and a sweet little dog named Nugget. They are the joy of my life!

I hope that this blurb gives you a feel for who I am and what I am about… which is pets. Have a smiley day and if it isn’t all that smiley yet, I’m sure that hugging your pet will clear that right up.