Jade Chen never imagined her life would be filled with wagging tails and furry companions. As a child, a terrifying encounter with a neighborhood dog left her with a deep-seated fear of the very creatures she would one day come to adore. “When I was five,” she recalls, “I was chased by a dog and nearly bitten. That experience stayed with me for years.” But life has a way of turning fears into passions, and for Jade, the transformation began with Bella, her sister’s dog. Spending time with Bella opened Jade’s eyes to the loving and playful nature of dogs. “I discovered how incredibly loving, sweet, and funny dogs can be,” she says with a smile. This newfound love soon paved the way for Pupmont Premium In-Home Dog Boarding, a dog care service she runs with her husband Jeff Miller to focus on providing intimate, personalized care. What started as a casual side gig to earn extra income has evolved into a beloved business, where the primary mission is to offer a home away from home for dogs in San Mateo, California.
Pupmont’s unique approach to dog care is its size—or rather, its intentional lack of size. Unlike larger facilities that might house dozens of dogs, Pupmont limits its residents to just three dogs at a time, occasionally expanding to four during peak holiday periods. This decision wasn’t made in pursuit of exclusivity but rather from a deep understanding of what some dogs truly need. “We’ve heard stories from dog parents about their previous boarding experiences,” Jade shares. “Dogs who didn’t enjoy or couldn’t relax in larger, noisier facilities.”
These tales of stressed and anxious dogs returning home from high-volume environments underscored the importance of Pupmont’s mission: to provide a tranquil, personalized experience. By staying small, Jade and her partner can offer their canine guests the kind of individual attention that ensures each dog feels like part of the family.
The personalized touch at Pupmont extends beyond mere numbers. Each dog enjoys a variety of enrichment activities tailored to their personality and preferences. From neighborhood walks and treat scavenger hunts to puzzle toys and frozen lick mats, the activities are designed to engage and relax. And for those dogs who prefer a simpler life, they can find a comfortable spot to curl up for a nap or enjoy some quiet cuddles. One of Jade’s favorite moments comes at night, when the house quiets down and the dogs settle in for bedtime. “Before bedtime, we like to spend some quiet time with the dogs,” she explains. “We’ll sit with them, give them belly rubs, talk softly to them, and sometimes even tell them bedtime stories.”
The name Pupmont itself reflects the elevated experience the business aims to provide. Formerly known as Retired Couple Pet Care, the rebranding to Pupmont signifies a summit-like experience in dog care, akin to reaching the peak of a mountain. “If Everest is the summit of mountains,” Jade notes, “Pupmont is the summit of dog care: the best version of what boarding can be.” This philosophy is woven into every aspect of the business, from the premium orthopedic memory foam beds to the Pet CPR certification and local licensing.
Situated in San Mateo, Pupmont serves families throughout the Peninsula, with some clients traveling from as far as San Francisco and San Jose to ensure their pets receive the care they deserve. Jade and Jeff have created more than just a business; they’ve built a haven for dogs who thrive in a quieter, more personal environment. Jeff, in particular, spends a lot of time playing with and entertaining the dogs. Jade quips, “We jokingly say that Jade is the CEO, chief enrichment officer and that Jeff is the CRO, the chief roughhousing officer.” As Pupmont continues to grow, Jade remains committed to keeping it small, providing the kind of care that makes both dogs and their owners feel at ease. Her story is a reminder that sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we never expected to take…