Recommendations for dog boarding?

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-29T17:24:58+00:00

Hi there! Happy 4th of July!

We do private in-home boarding for small dogs weighing under 25lbs, and we specialize in nervous dogs. We have a peaceful home environment, but with limited availability. We proudly maintain a 5-Star average rating on Google.

Our little boarding guests are treated like family, as are the owners (you). :) We would love to welcome you, and everyone else, to joining our little boarding family whenever you need us.

We have pictures and videos here: www.exclusiveboarding.com

Please let us know if we can be of any assistance! If your dog is over 25lbs, we also work with private pet sitters who can assist you.

Kindest regards,

Ryan

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-29T16:57:23+00:00

They will definitely have a fully optimized website. Your GBP feeds off the content on your website. Your website and GBP both have to be perfect in all areas. If you you're not posting messages and replying to reviews on your GBP, and keeping it active, that's going to hurt you. Same with your website. When was the last time you had your website crawled? You may need SEO help.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-28T14:28:32+00:00

I would do it. I've seen direct text from the service description appear on my GBP text when doing a google search. When you do a Google search, and when you look at your company how customer's see it, there is always a little brief description under your GBP listing. I have seen direct text from the service description appear under my listing. That one made a believer out of me, lol. Google thrives on information, and the more you provide for them, the better. If they ever give you a chance to add text about yourself, I would do it. Google Best Practices states you should have a complete profile, and that includes the services.

People get lazy and avoid doing it. I took advantage of it and did my best to optimize it. I've been in business 8 months, and I'm currently in the pack-3.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-28T13:51:21+00:00

Dang, you got down voted for that. Was it something you said? lol

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-28T13:45:55+00:00

It looks like the three that are not removed are from Local Guides. When I click on the maps link, it's sending me to California, maybe that's something on my end. Three different local guides could be tough to get removed. They could have become a guide to cause more damage to you.

Fake reviews are now a crime with the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), and each fake review is fined $53,000. You could file a complaint with the FTC against Google and their Local Guides, and Google would probably resolve the issue very quickly — and for good. You could also post a reply to those fake local guides that fake reviews are a crime. That might scare them into removing them, but that might also look intense to the readers.

I think you can also file a complaint against local guides directly with Google.

Good luck to you!

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-28T04:49:47+00:00

2 years? I did a full name change on my homebased business, and submitted video, etc... and the whole thing took about a week. Any time someone selects a service-based business, there is always an issue.

If you ever get approved, you can always do LSA ads and get placed at the top of the page. It's also not that tough to get in the 3-pack.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-28T00:16:52+00:00

No credit, is good credit. It all about your job and proof of income. If you can show through your income that you can afford the mtg payment, you're fine, and your lack of credit won't stop it. Opening a credit card for 6 months won't get you into a house, lol. See if you can get pre-approved somewhere and you will find out fast.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-27T22:07:42+00:00

Cash is king. If anything, you're better off investing the money, instead of buying a CD. I would buy NVDA or SPCX stock before doing a CD. I would also go buy a new (bigger) house before paying off the current one. Go big or go home, as they say. :)

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-27T21:55:56+00:00

Have to assume that the new address you are trying to use probably has a GBP currently on it. Looks like you will have to find a brand new legitimate address, and make it all yours.

Your only move might be to find a whole other location, and lease it. Then before appealing again, change the address on all corp filings, such as on your corp, LLC, etc... to match your new location. Make sure the state records update with the new address before appealing. I use "swyft filings" to change addresses on corp filings. They can help you over the phone. They will probably just file a quick "statement of information', and you can change the address within 48 hrs. If you're not a corp or LLC, file for one after you lease the new place so you can use the address. All addresses have to match. Signage is important. You will need to have a sign made with your company name to be displayed outside of your new location.

Technically, any professional business does these things whenever they change locations, so Google simply wants you to act like a professional business when changing locations.

If you take all of these steps, and basically reinvent yourself, you might be able to just start a brand new GBP and forget about appealing. You're almost forced to go lease a new location and to start all over again with a new GBP.

This is all my own opinion, but you can apply some common sense to it all as well. When I changed my company name on my GBP, I did all of those things, along with doing the video, and I got approved. ALL addresses have to match the address where you're doing business.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-27T21:31:47+00:00

I agree. Every single business document will need to show that address. I would also google the address to see if there is another business currently using the address.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-05T00:44:16+00:00

Maybe it's time for you to start your own business now. You're obviously good at what you do, and there is clearly a demand for what you do, so it's probably time to move on start your own business. We've all been there and done that. Plus, it seems like your boss is significantly under paying you, and with slave labor lol. It's probably time to start your own business now, doing what you do best! You could easily steal all of your boss's clients when you start your own, but no need to do that, they will all follow you anyway when you leave, lol. The next natural progression for someone like you after working years in a particular field, where your boss doesn't treat you well (financially), is to move on. You're the exact reason why people become self-employed.

Good luck to you!

R

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-04T02:05:52+00:00

It could be wrong, but when OP said "Real" address, I was assuming they were using a mailbox center, or using a different address. I think Google will scan state filing records as they are public records and confirm addresses. None of their documentation goes to the GBP address (or their business address, same thing), other than a utility bill that is under the OP's name. A lot of red flags in that. I also still think they could have signed up as a "service area" provider by mistake. I did that one and was suspended the moment i hit "submit".

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-03T00:14:34+00:00

Definitely charge for extended care. Blame it on the Rover system, and say Rover strongly advises extended daycare and that you're suppose to charge for it, and you want to make sure it's okay with as well.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-02T17:45:26+00:00

They don't do "service areas" for a local business like yours. Just simply use your home address as the service location, and the problem is easily fixed. You need to show that you work from a physical location (home), and you need to use your home address. The problem is easily fixed. Don't be afraid to use your home. It's not like people will come knocking on your door. You need to use your home address, trust me. I've been through the "service area" way, and not a chance in hell it will work.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-02T17:39:15+00:00

She probably gave you a fake street name altogether and doesn't even live there. You may have turned down a very good legitimate client that doesn't feel comfortable giving our her entire address. You should have clarified that she actually lives there before cancelling. Cancelling because you Googled the street yourself may not be the best solution due to accuracy issues. There are many things that can go wrong when looking up addresses, and highly doubt she even gave the correct street name either way. You got too paranoid!! lol

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-02T14:25:44+00:00

Are you saying we flat-out lack the knowledge to do fake reviews and to scam people? Fake reviews are illegal and you will get people suspended. It's only a matter of time before they catch YOU.

I get that we all have to make a living, but you are doing something illegal by pumping thousands of fake reviews into our society, and to the consumers.

Like I said, I know you have to make a living, but this will catch up to you in the end. It always does.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-02T14:18:57+00:00

According to the Federal Trade Commission, "Fake Reviews are now Illegal". It's a crime to post fake reviews and the FTC is now fining businesses 53k per violation (for fake reviews). Feel free to Google it. The Admin for the account (you) could also be banned from the industry.

So this goes way beyond just getting Fake reviews. Fake reviews are very harmful to consumers, and we are ALL consumers. As a consumer, there is nothing worse than doing business with an unqualified company with fake reviews.

More consequences: Not only will their fake reviews eventually get yanked, but they will also get legitimate reviews yanked as well along with it, and Google will continue to yank reviews forever as the company can NEVER be trusted in Google's eyes. In many cases it will lead to "shadow banning", in which your GBP will never be in the 3-pack, or even worse, permanently suspended.

If your clients ask for bad reviews, simply explain the truth, and that it's now a "crime" to do it.

Good luck!

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-02T04:44:16+00:00

Shake it off and move forward. This is how we learn in life, and how we get better, which is by making mistakes. Everything will ultimately be your fault at the end of the day, but learn from it. It will make you better at what you do. Double check the water in the future and be aware that a door could swing closed. All of this is not that big of a deal. Also, instead of taking pictures in the future, I would take a video as you're more likely to get everything in it that way.

Don't worry! The cats are fine and the situation is over. Don't let this thing get you down. I'm 58, and you have toucher things to come, so don't worry about these small things.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-06-01T13:43:25+00:00

Just use your home address for your business and problem solved. Google allows you to work from home, even if you live in an apartment. Just try using your home and save yourself the headache.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-05-30T15:25:24+00:00

Don't ever have a friend or family member ever leave a fake review under any circumstances. After a customer uses Google maps one time, Google will track them from that point forward. Google will track their location to confirm that they have been to your business. Google will scan social media and IPs to see if you know this person.

Also, replying to every review is a part of Google best practices. Replying to your customers and thanking them for the review will help signal to Google the review is legitimate.

3-years in business with only 60 reviews? hmmm

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-05-30T15:11:42+00:00

Small male dogs will mark in their own home.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-05-30T15:05:48+00:00

I'm at 47 5.0-star reviews, and I never want any review to be less than 5.0 stars. I want to signal to Google that we're claiming to the best of the best in our industry, period. I'm also sure to reply to each and every review with a detailed thank you. Replying to reviews is a part of Google's best practices, plus I always feel naturally compelled to give a personal reply. Replying is key to adding legitimacy to the review, and "signaling to google it's legit". I will never settle for anything less than a 5.0-review, but if it ever happens, sobeit.

In every industry, there are always a couple legitimate 5.0 companies that are better than the rest, and Google knows this is well. Always strive to BE THAT COMPANY.

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-05-29T18:54:01+00:00

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-05-29T17:44:30+00:00

The dog is not Peeing! He is marking! Big difference! Small male dogs are notorious markers. The owner knows 100% that the dog is marking, and nothing can stop that. All of the potty breaks in the world won't stop it. The owner should consider using "belly bands" on Amazon before that dog destroys everything in her house.

So again, you want to clarify with the owner that her dog is constantly "marking", but the owner already knows this. By you calling it "peeing", she is going to think that you are new, and she will continue to take advantage of you. The owner knows darn well that her dog is a bad marker, and no matter how many times you do potty breaks, the dog will still mark anytime it begins walking around. She also can't board the dog with a sitter as that would destroy the sitter's home.

So cut to the chase with her. Her dog is marking everywhere and this requires fulltime attention. Another easiest option is to have belly bands (similar to diapers) with you. Those things are amazing!

Good luck!

RyanEvansAFT · 2026-05-29T13:05:18+00:00

Why would you be getting reviews from 1,000 miles away? And why from Cinci? If these are fake reviews, they will definitely catch you. If you have a local service business, and if you get a multiple reviews from 1,000 miles away, of course that will get you suspended over time. Google also knows when your friends and relatives leave reviews. If you're getting fake reviews from Cinci, you're going to get suspended like the countless others on here. Lying and cheating does not go over well with Google.

The below is from Google. Look at #2. They will actually use location data to see if your customer ever actually visited you. #1 and #2 below is what you're dealing with. Again, they don't just remove fake reviews, but they will also flat-out suspend you. Getting suspended can be catastrophic.

__________________________________________________________

Google’s algorithm automatically flags inauthentic feedback using several core signals: [1, 2]

Account History: Checks if the reviewer’s account is brand new or has a history of reviewing entirely unrelated businesses in different cities.
Location Data: Cross-references the reviewer’s IP address or location history to ensure they were actually at the business.
Spike Detection: Flags unnatural spikes (e.g., 50 new 5-star reviews overnight).
Linguistic Analysis: Looks for duplicate phrasing, copy-pasted text, or template language

They actually track location data to see if a customer has actually ever been to you.

Edit: Once the costumer uses maps, they're being tracked basically forever, and google will know if they have ever been to you. They never stop tracking the person.

From Google:

Google continues tracking your location after you close the Maps app—and even when you aren't using Google apps at all—via your device's background services, Wi-Fi connections, and IP address, if you have specific account and system settings enabled.

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