Our Team
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Jason Ripp
Owner. When Jason was looking for the perfect place to board his companion, 2-year-old husky, May, he came up feeling like there could be better. Something worthy of his best friend. Dog Dayz was the answer to the question: “Where would I want May to stay?" He packed it with ideal elements - a fun, clean, active, caring, comfortable, professional daycare and boarding kennel, with a groomer he trusts, close to Bozeman, and full of really great people. Then he threw in some extras, like daily mountain hikes for daycare dogs and boarders, extra social time, one-on-one time, spacious kennels, and quality overnight care. All part of the deal. No extra charges.
Jason's goal is to make a dog haven here in Bear Canyon, a doggie Disneyland, a cat retreat, and a home away from home.
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Renee Daniels-Mantle
General Manager. With 30 years in the Montana ranching and horse & hounds business, Renee comes to Dog Dayz with a deep connection to the Montana Way of life, and a love of the land, the people, and the animals who live here. She believes everything thrives with a purpose, including our pets. Whether it be as a trusted companion, a furry sidekick, or a working dog, her animals have been a vital part of her family and her businesses. Along with management and business development at Dog Dayz, Renee maintains her kennel full of foxhounds for Big Sky Hounds. When she's not at Dog Dayz loving your 4-legged friends, you'll find her riding to hounds, horseback somewhere, or guiding travelers on international horse and hound adventures,
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Emily Stephens
Pet Stylist. Emily Stephens has been training animals and handling dogs since 8 years old! And it shows. Her clients become family and they wouldn’t have anyone else groom their beloved furry companions. She has a special way about her because she spent a great deal of time figuring out how best to motivate and properly discipline different personalities in dogs, cats, and even horses. With her extensive experience studying veterinary medicine, handling rescues, working in doggie daycares, and being around dogs with anxiety and aggression issues, she can maneuver through the varying needs of her doggie clients. She can also help pet parents set boundaries and deal with less-than-ideal behaviors. Emily’s relationships with her four- and two-legged customers last years. She takes special care to ensure she gives back to animals.
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Conner Wise
Daycare Manager. Conner brings a deep passion for animals and a commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable stay for every pet in our care. With experience as a doggie daycare attendant and pet retail specialist, Conner has a strong foundation in animal care. At home, he lives with his wife Danielle, their dachshund Nellie, their cocker spaniel Sirius, and their cat Emily, who all keep life lively and fun. Outside of work, Conner enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and is an avid baseball fan. He is excited to be part of a team dedicated to providing the best possible experience for furry guests.
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Danielle Payne
Boarding Lead. Danielle grew up in Colorado surrounded by four dogs, which sparked her lifelong love for animals and deepened her appreciation for their care and companionship. With experience working with animals, she’s learned how to understand and connect with pets in meaningful ways. Danielle now shares her home with her husband Conner, their dachshund Nellie, cocker spaniel Sirius Black, and their cat Emily. In her free time, Danielle enjoys training her dogs in nose work and agility, strengthening their bonds while learning new skills. She also loves exploring Montana’s beautiful outdoors, whether hiking, kayaking or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Her experience and passion for animals drive her to contribute to a community that values the special connection between pets and their families.
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Dakota Banks
Overnight Attendant and Social Media Coordinator. Dakota grew up in New Mexico tagging along with her dad, who was a farrier and her mom, a veterinary assistant, learning about horse anatomy and animal behavior. They were constantly bringing home strays and at one point they had an assortment of over 50 animals. Dakota moved to Montana a few years ago after 10 years in management. customer service, and training. Now, in a addition to keeping the home fires burning overnight at Dog Dayz, she is mother to two homeschooled children, who she is teaching to love animals as much as she does. They have one family dog, Seamus, a 7 year old English lab/blue heeler mix she and her husbnad got the year they were married. They all spend lots of time outside exploring and learning.
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Summer Schroeder
Daycare and Boarding Assistant. Summer has fostered a deep passion for animals through years of working with shelter dogs and dog sitting for neighbors. She has two beloved family dogs back home in Oregon. She is a junior at Montana State University, pursuing a degree in Business Marketing with a minor in Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
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Lily Crummey
Daycare and Boarding Assistant. Lily grew up fostering dogs and dog sitting. A Sophomore at Montana State, she is pursuing a degree in Aviation and Fish and Wildlife Management. She has three dogs and a bunny back home in California.
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Jade Biitner
Overnight Attendant. Jade grew up in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California. She spent her summers backpacking with her dogs and volunteering at local animal shelters. She grew up around all types of animals, from the farm to the house and everything in between. Through pet sitting, shelters, and travel Jade has developed a deep passion for animals and hopes to have a future career with them. She is currently at freshman at MSU pursuing a degree in hospitality. Her favorite things to do include hiking, backpacking, running, and skiing.