Who We Are
Canine Cabana’s owners, Kendall Duncan and Angie Pickren, first met at Busch Gardens in 1997, as Zookeepers. After having the privilege of working with giraffes, lions, rhinos, hippos, dolphins, and great apes, they now have over 30 years of animal care expertise. Their knowledge of animal behavior, training, and animal care were used to start a new chapter in their lives. They chose to go back to the animal that started the passion, dogs! After years of designing and developing, they opened Canine Cabana on May 1, 2008. They now provide the highest quality care for every guest at every visit!
-
1997
Canine Cabana’s owners, Kendall Duncan and Angie Pickren, meet at Busch Gardens as Zookeepers. After having the privilege of working with giraffes, lions, rhinos, hippos, dolphins, and great apes, they now have over 30 years of animal care expertise.
-
2008
Canine Cabana opens on May 1, 2008. Their knowledge of animal behavior, training, and animal care were used to start a new chapter in their lives. They chose to go back to the animal that started the passion, dogs! After years of designing and developing, they opened Canine Cabana. They now provide the highest quality care for every guest at every visit!
-
2012
Canine Cabana is growing! Expanded lodging areas are added to accommodate all the new furry friends who are now part of the Canine Cabana family.
-
2020
Canine Cabana is awarded Business of the Year for the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce. We are so grateful for our amazing team, supportive community, and the clients that trust us every day to love and care for their four-legged family members!
-
2021
Doggies play and get dirty! Canine Cabana adds grooming to the available services. Pet parents love to pamper their pooches with our amazing groomer.
-
2023
Happy Canine Cabana’s 15th anniversary! Our team and customers are celebrating with an anniversary party. A second Canine Cabana location is also coming up! Stay tuned…
Our Mission
To provide a safe, active and healthy recreational environment that meets canine physical and behavioral needs, while improving the quality of life for both dogs and the owners who love them.
We are passionate about what we do and care deeply for the health and well-being of all dogs. This is not a business, this is our lifestyle, and dogs ARE our life. While at Canine Cabana, you can rest easy knowing your dog is getting plenty of care, attention and exercise while you are at work or away from home. We are proud to be part of you and your dog’s life and strive to contribute to the long-term wellness of your best friend. Canine Cabana will keep tails wagging and owners smiling.
Why We're Different
We know you have other choices for pet training and care, here’s why you should choose us:
- Book Service 24/7 Through Our Online Reservation System
- Highly Qualified, Leadership Staff with Animal Focused Degrees
- Free training consultation with first scheduled daycare visit
- Centrally Located with the most Extensive Hours
- Staff lives and works in our community
- Dog-Centric Monthly Events
- High Caregiver to Dog Ratio
- We feel like you do about dogs, we’ll treat them like our own
- Our fully staffed facility is open 365 days a year
Core Beliefs
Even during the developmental phases of Canine Cabana in 2007-2008, we understood the importance of integrating our love of animals with the trust that families and our community would place in us. We knew that our core beliefs would create a solid foundation for a successful, long-term business.:
- Provide the best care to every dog and the family that entrusts us with them
- Develop and support a loving, professional team
- Support our local community
Ten years later, we remain committed to all of these. In 2019 we will be highlighting each of these monthly. Our new #CabanaCares t-shirts allow our Cabana Families to continue to support us, our team and our community.
The Owners
I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology from The University of Florida (Go Gators!) and over 20 years of experience in the animal care industry. I started my career as an animal care specialist and trainer at Busch Gardens, Tampa working with exotic animals. That knowledge of animal behavior and training allowed me to expand into the pet care industry, co-founding Canine Cabana in 2008.
I have two amazing children and strongly believes in the importance of being actively involved in my community. From providing education about dog bite prevention and business development at local schools, to my involvement with many animal-focused groups in our area, the health, safety and well-being of pets is my number one concern!
I’m one of the co-founders of Canine Cabana. My love of animals, family and community is what prompted me to open Canine Cabana in 2008. Before that, I was an animal care specialist at Busch Gardens Tampa starting in 1995. I got to travel the country caring for exotic species like black rhinos, lions, hyenas, hippos, tigers, several large cats, and dolphins. I love animals of all types, but I especially LOVE DOGS! I’m proud to bring that experience and passion to the best doggie day care in Central Florida!
My biggest love and passion are my husband Jay (who says that I am the “Purveyor of Fun”, ha ha ha), two children (Grady & Lily), and our three fur babies (Deuce, Gabby and Mae Lin). I’m so happy that you’ve found Canine Cabana! Your pets are very special to me and I want you to know that they are in the most careful, capable and loving hands while they are with us!
Kendall Duncan
Owner
I’m one of the co-founders of Canine Cabana. My love of animals, family and community is what prompted me to open Canine Cabana in 2008. Before that, I was an animal care specialist at Busch Gardens Tampa starting in 1995. I got to travel the country caring for exotic species like black rhinos, lions, hyenas, hippos, tigers, several large cats, and dolphins. I love animals of all types, but I especially LOVE DOGS! I’m proud to bring that experience and passion to the best doggie day care in Central Florida!
My biggest love and passion are my husband Jay (who says that I am the “Purveyor of Fun”, ha ha ha), two children (Grady & Lily), and our three fur babies (Deuce, Gabby and Mae Lin). I’m so happy that you’ve found Canine Cabana! Your pets are very special to me and I want you to know that they are in the most careful, capable and loving hands while they are with us!
Kayla
Facility Manager
Biography
I am the Facility Manager of Canine Cabana. I was actually a client before I joined Canine Cabana in 2018. I fell in love with the top quality care and mission and I just knew it was the best place for my terrier mix Luna. I have a degree in Mass Communications and over 11 years of customer care experience. Since working at Canine Cabana, I’ve gained so much knowledge about canine health and wellness and our community of Riverview.
My biggest supporter is my husband, Aaron. We are high school sweethearts! In my spare time I love to travel, attend concerts, and spend time with my family. I hope your furry family member gets to experience and love our beautiful facility just like I do!
Weston
Pet Care Manager
Biography
Hello! I am Weston, the Pet Care Manager at Canine Cabana. I have had the honor of working here since the age of 15, following in my older sister’s footsteps as she also started working here at the age of 15 and it was the first job for both of us. Canine Cabana has been the only job I have ever had, and I have climbed the ladder over the years here at Canine Cabana. My job here has honed my leadership skills as well as my people skills. I love seeing all the pups and pet parents come and go everyday knowing that we have had a positive impact on their lives! I have a black lab named Nettie who happens to be a guide dog drop out, and happens to be the best thing that the pandemic has brought to my girlfriend and I as she is our best friend. We believe she was meant to be ours. In my free time I like to do outdoor activities with my girlfriend and dog as well as play video games.
Chris
Dog Trainer
Biography
Hello everyone! I’m Chris, and I’ve been in the pet care industry for ruffly (lol) 10 years! I’ve always had an affinity with animals. When I started, I worked my way up from kennel cleaning to dog training. The most enjoyable moment in this field is strengthening the relationship between pets and parents through positive means. I have four dogs of my own Leia, Ace, Penelope, and Moose. In my free time, I enjoy walking trails, gardening, and the occasional strategy game. I look forward to working with you and your furry family member!
Melissa
Dog Trainer
Biography
Hello pet parents! My name is Melissa and although I may be the newest addition to the Canine Cabana family, I have been a professional animal trainer for the past 19+ years of my career. I grew up outside of Albany, NY where my love for animals first began. My early passion for animals brought me riding and training horses when I was growing up and after graduating college with a degree in psychology (focused on animal studies), I began my professional career working with marine mammals. With 6 years of experience learning and practicing positive reinforcement techniques with seals, sea lions, and dolphins, I transitioned to a private company working for the next 10 years training and performing alongside a variety of mammals, which focused mainly on rescued dogs and cats. I have spent almost 2 decades shaping my training style and techniques and am happy to be bringing that experience to Canine Cabana! I currently have one dog of my own, Cici a border collie/mastiff mix, and I look forward to meeting you and your furry companions!
Around Canine Cabana
