Northridge & the San Fernando Valley · Since 2020
MarPaws is small-group daycare, overnight boarding, walks, hikes and baths run out of Mariam's home in Northridge — with photos and videos sent to you all day long.
A real houseCouch time, a yard, and a bed — no crates or concrete runs.
Small groups onlyA handful of dogs at a time so everyone gets watched.
Photos & videos dailyYou see your dog's day while it's happening.
Se habla españolCall, text or write to Mariam in English or Spanish.
What MarPaws offers
Mix and match — plenty of dogs come for daycare during the week and board when their family travels.
Drop off on your way to work and pick up a tired, happy dog. Play sessions are broken up with naps, water breaks and shade so nobody burns out by noon.
Home-style boarding for weekends, holidays and long trips. Your dog keeps their own food and routine, sleeps inside, and gets the same attention they'd get from you.
Midday and evening walks around the neighborhood for dogs who just need to get out, stretch and sniff.
Longer trail outings for high-energy dogs who need more than a lap of the block to settle down.
A warm bath and towel dry so your dog goes home clean — nice to add to the end of a boarding stay.
Can't get away? Mariam can collect your dog and bring them home again, available locally for an added fee.
Rates depend on your dog and the length of stay. Text (805) 708-2672 for a quote — Zelle and Venmo accepted.
Meet the owner
I've been sitting and walking dogs for more than five years — and every one of them has been treated like one of mine.
Dogs are part of my family.
Mariam, owner of MarPaws
MarPaws started the way most good things do: friends and family asking if I could watch their dog for a weekend. One dog turned into a few. Word got around Northridge, and by 2020 what had been a favor for people I knew had become a real business with a name on it — mine, with the dogs' paws on the end of it.
The idea behind it has never changed. Dogs should get the same joy, safety and comfort with me that they get at home. That's why there are no kennels here and no concrete runs. Dogs come into the house. They nap on the couch, follow me around the yard, eat their own food on their own schedule, and sleep inside where someone is close by.
Keeping the group small is the whole trick. It's how I can tell you what your dog ate, who they played with and how they slept — and send you the photos and videos while it's happening, instead of a text at the end of the week. It's the thing my clients mention most, and it's the part I'd want if I were the one dropping my dog off.
These days MarPaws looks after dogs from all over Northridge and LA County — puppies on their first night away, seniors who need their medication on time, and nervous dogs who just need someone to sit on the floor with them for a while.
Watching dogs for friends and family around the neighborhood — no website, no name, just people who knew their dog would be looked after properly.
Enough dog parents were asking that it stopped being a favor and became a business — built around one rule: dogs stay in a home, not a kennel.
Daycare, boarding, walks, hikes and baths for dogs across Northridge and LA County — with a five-star record and a lot of repeat visitors.
What the day looks like
Dogs do best on a rhythm. Here's roughly how ours runs — adjusted for puppies, seniors and anyone who needs a slower pace.
Early drop-offs, breakfast for the boarders, and the first trip out to the yard.
The best stretch of the day — running, wrestling and exploring in small, well-matched groups.
Everyone settles inside out of the heat. Walks and hikes go out for the dogs on a walking plan.
Back outside for more play, plus one-on-one time for the dogs who'd rather skip the crowd.
Meals on your dog's own schedule, medication if needed, then TV-time sprawled on the floor.
Last potty break and bed — inside, warm, and never alone.
The pack
See the latest on Instagram @marpawws — there are 113 more on Yelp.
What dog parents say
Every review below is from her Yelp page or her Nextdoor recommendations.
Our one-year-old puppy boarded for six days — his first time ever. Mariam was professional and personal, and she sent pictures and videos the whole time. Our mini dachshund loved his new friends. He'll definitely be back for daycare and boarding.
An astounding experience boarding our Anatolian Shepherd, Izzy. Mariam and Jason are kind and professional, they really understand dogs and their needs, and the boarding space is well designed.
We were looking for a boarding situation that would suit our senior dog. We found Marpawws online and could not be happier.
I found Marpawws on the Thumbtack app a year ago. After reading all the positive reviews I sent a message, and Mariam responded immediately.
So glad to have found such a safe, reliable and well-run place to leave our dog when we are out of town.
Exceptional dog walking — our pets come back calm, balanced and happy.
Follow along
The daily photos and videos live on Instagram and TikTok. The reviews live on Yelp and Nextdoor.
Where MarPaws works
MarPaws is a home business, so the exact address is shared once your meet & greet is booked. Most families come from Northridge and the surrounding Valley, and pickup and drop-off is available locally for an added fee.
Traveling further? MarPaws has cared for dogs from Pacific Palisades and Beverly Hills too — just ask.
Boarding pickups and drop-offs happen inside these hours.
Good to know
No. MarPaws is home-based. Dogs live in the house — on the couch, in the yard, and sleeping wherever they're most comfortable. There are no crates or runs unless your dog actually prefers one.
Yes, and often. Mariam sends photos and videos throughout the stay so you can see how your dog is settling in. It's the thing reviewers mention most.
Current vaccination records, your dog's own food and feeding schedule, any medication with instructions, their bed or blanket if it helps them settle, and an emergency contact plus your vet's details.
Both. Puppies get shorter play sessions and more rest, and seniors get a quieter corner, slower walks and help with medication.
That's what the meet & greet is for. If group play isn't right, Mariam can keep your dog separate and give them one-on-one time instead — just say so upfront.
For ordinary weekends a week or two is usually fine. Holidays fill early, so reach out as soon as you know your dates.
Yes — call, text or email in English or Spanish, whichever is easier for you.
Zelle and Venmo.
Let's get started
Every new dog comes by first so they can sniff around, meet Mariam and see the space. It's free, it takes about twenty minutes, and it's the best way to know MarPaws is the right fit.