About us
Furry Friends Resort provides San Diego pets owners with the peace of mind their pets will be cared for in a safe, fun, and loving environment that is as low-stress and fear-free as possible. Our guests' safety, health, and emotional well-being is our number one priority.
Dr. Lori Martin opened Furry Friends Resort in 2007 alongside her veterinary practice after seeing the need for a safe, luxury boarding option in East County San Diego that was closely connected to trusted veterinary care. Her mission was to give pet parents peace of mind while they were away. That mission continues today under the leadership of Stephanie Buys, who oversees daily operations and ensures every pet receives the same top-notch care. Dr. Martin (as well as Dr. Kanholm) remains actively involved, providing ongoing veterinary guidance and oversight for the well-being of our furry guests.
Fear-Free and Low-Stress Environment
Boarding your dog or cat can be very stressful, not only on you, but also on your pets. We take many extra measures to ensure a low-stress and fear-free environment for your pets while in our care:
-
We separate dog and cat environments completely, including separate entrances.
-
All guest rooms have clear plexiglass doors and indoor play areas have large open windows to ensure that your pet does not feel enclosed in a cage.
-
Several staff members are Fear-Free certified - an extensive certification program that provides training on recognizing signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in our pets and how to resolve these issues through different handling and environmental techniques.
-
We play iCalmDog and iCalmCat, clinically stress-reducing music for pets, continuously throughout the day.
-
We use Rescue, a cleaning product promoted by Fear-Free due to its high safety standards for pets.
-
We release Adaptil pheromones in the air to help reduce stress in our canines and Feliway pheromones to help reduce stress in our felines.
-
We monitor/record weight, exercise, eliminations, and physical and emotional health daily. Our veterinarian is intimately involved with day-to-day care and immediately notified of any problem, big or small.
Meet the Team
Owner
Stephanie B.
Stephanie was born and raised in El Cajon. Her lifelong passion for animals made her a natural for the veterinary field. She trained as a Veterinary Technician years ago at a large practice in El Cajon where she met Dr. Martin and many of our staff. After honing her skills, Stephanie left that hospital to manage a large boarding facility in East County. When Dr. Martin opened Furry Friends in 2007, she was the obvious choice to manage it, and has since become the official owner of FFR.
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT FFR:
Animals love unconditionally. I am blessed to be able to work with them every day.
PET CARE TIP:
Remember to love on your pets every day & be thankful for what they mean to you.
Veterinarian
Dr. Lori Martin, DVM
Dr. Martin was born in Spain during her father's deployment there, and came to San Diego when she was one year old. She grew up in San Carlos and graduated from Patrick Henry in 1983. She attended UC Davis and received her BS in Zoology in 1989 and her doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1994.
After returning to San Diego, Dr. Martin worked in a five-doctor practice in El Cajon for 11 years (3 years as an associate, 5 years as hospital director, and 3 years as medical director).
Dr. Martin realized her dream of owning her own hospital in April of 2006 when she established Cuyamaca Animal Hospital. One year later, she opened her luxury boarding facility, Furry Friends Resort.
Veterinarian
Dr. Alex Kanholm, DVM
Dr. Kanholm grew up in the Los Angeles suburb, La Canada, where his interest in veterinary medicine began. He started working as a kennel attendant at his family vet at 16 and has been working in the field ever since. He attended UCLA, where he completed an undergraduate degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and snowboarded competitively with the UCLA ski team.
He spent the next few years working as a vet technician and then completed his veterinary degree at UC Davis with an emphasis on small companion animal medicine in 2019. Dr. Kalhom came on as co-owner of Furry Friends in 2022 to help assist with veterinary care. In his free time, he loves hanging with his cats and Chihuahua, Minnie. He is also an avid snowboarder and has been enjoying the San Diego craft beer scene.
Co-Owner
Hayley B.
Hayley is Stephanie's little sister and has always wanted to work with animals since she was little. As soon as a spot opened up in 2016, we knew she would be a perfect addition to the team, and has since become co-owner of FFR as of 2024. She loves dogs, but her true love and passion is for cats. Hayley is on a mission to pet and love every cat she possibly can. She has two twin tortoiseshell shelter kitties named Sariah and Marley. She also has an adorable cocker spaniel named Lucy Diamond. Hayley enjoys shopping and spending hours loving on her cats. In her free time, she loves going to the beach, cuddling her cats, and watching Netflix.
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT FFR:
The excitement they get when they see you and getting to know their personalities.
PET CARE TIP:
Hayley believes in the power of socializing your puppy at an early age!
Resort Representative
Sherri B.
Sherri joined FFR in 2018 and we're so grateful for her! She was raised on farm and grew up around lots of animals, and spent her career in different animal and people caregiving. Sherri specializes in our overnight care, providing love and cuddles to those whom we know miss their families. She has a Pitbull/Chow mix named Chelsea, a momma's girl she saved her from a bad home at 4 weeks old. She also has a Golden named Buddy who has a HUGE heart and is compared to Elf from the movie because he's so full of love and life!
In her free time, she loves spending time with her family. She enjoys going on mountain picnics, hiking by waterfalls, gardening, and biking on the sand at dawn!
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT FFR:
I love seeing the spark in the pets' eyes when you earn their trust and reach their hearts.
PET CARE TIP:
Look deep into their eyes...their eyes do have a story to be told...you just have to have the time to feel it, grasp it and respond to it.
Resort Representative
Mary
Mary came to us just before the Pandemic hit and brought with her over 14 years of kennel and grooming experience. Mary has been certified in Canine First Aid & CPR and as a Veterinary Techniciain. In her prior life, Mary ran a successful Electronic Mfg Line before realizing that animals are and always will be her first love.
In her free time, she likes to 'hunt rocks' (Santee / Lakeside Rocks), crochet, and spend time with her adorable puppy, Cody.
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT FFR:
Meeting new dog friends on a daily basis.
PET CARE TIP:
Dogs are pack animals. They need to be a part of your family, so love them, and include them in as much as possible. They also have a much higher energy level than we do, so give them plenty of exercise!
Resort Representative
Ashley O.
Ashley is what we'd like to call a Furry Friends 'OG.' She worked with us from 2010 to 2019 and now she's back and we (and the pets) are SO happy! Furry Friends was Ashley's very first job. She left after nine years to expand her knowledge, and spent a year at a dog grooming salon to perfect her bathing skills! Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and son.
At home, Ashley has 4 dogs and a cat - all rescues who needed homes. She has Gracie the Pug, Tank the Shepherd Mix, Cabo the Shitzu, Nori the Malinois Mix, and Jim the old Domestic Short-Haired cat.
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT FFR:
Everything! "If you do something you love, you'll never work a day in your life."
PET CARE TIP:
There are no bad dogs. A little bit of love goes a long way.
Resort Representative
Samantha S.
Samantha has been with us since Feb, 2022 and came to us with lots of pet boarding and training experience. Fun fact: She helped a mama dog give birth to 9 puppies! So cool! She eventually wants to become a dog trainer. Outside of work, she enjoys trips to the beach and fantasy books!
At home, Samantha has a yellow lab named Shelby. She's a sweetheart towards family and loves making new friends.
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT FFR:
I have always loved animals since I was little. So having a job that not only supports my living but getting to care for wonderful pets is the best.
PET CARE TIP:
Exercise your dog, not only through physical activities but through mental stimulation with new tricks, games or puzzles.
Resort Representative
Keira C.
Keira joined the team last year and has become a true part of the FFR team! After she finishes her two years at Grossmont College, she hopes to transfer to Cal Poly SLO for pre-vet med. She has a labradoodle named Finley. He’s very chill and loves when we have people over to the house so he can get love and pets.
Outside of work, Keira enjoys baking, cooking, and playing soccer.
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT FFR:
I enjoy being around animals because of they're playfulness and their unconditional love.
PET CARE TIP:
Kennel training is very helpful regardless of dog breed/temperament.
Resort Representative
Kelly R.
Kelly brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in the pet care industry. Her background includes working in pet boarding facilities as well as nearly four years in a veterinary hospital setting. She holds certifications as a veterinary assistant and CPR-certified provider and is currently pursuing continuing education with plans to obtain her RVT license and advance into veterinary practice management.
At home, Kelly shares her life with three rescued cats—Minnis, Ollie, and Vibes—each with big personalities and plenty of zoomies to go around. When she’s not caring for animals, she enjoys pet sitting, attending concerts and family events, stand-up comedy, creative arts, and hosting themed nights like horror movie marathons, true crime binges, and Lord of the Rings marathons.
Fun fact: Kelly was born bilaterally hard of hearing and learned sign language before spoken English, which she picked up at four.
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT FFR:
Ensuring the pets' wellbeing and building a community with their owners.
PET CARE TIP:
Leash train first before buying and applying a harness. Learn to have your pet walk alongside you, not in front of you. It will help you be in control, and your dog will understand after some practice.
Resort Representative
Laura L.
Laura L. joined the FFR team in October, 2025 and brings a strong background in animal care and welfare. She previously worked with the Humane Society in Phoenix, Arizona for seven years and has additional experience at a large boarding facility in East County, giving her a well-rounded foundation in both rescue and pet care environments.
Laura shares her home with two male cats, Javiar and Hamish, as well as a guinea pig named Meek. Outside of work, she enjoys playing pool, listening to music, karaoke nights, and playing both the drums and guitar. Originally from England, Laura has a long-term goal of rehabilitating injured animals or continuing her work within pet rescue.
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT FFR:
Being in the pets' company and working to help anxious pets feel more comfortable and learning their personalities.
PET CARE TIP:
Lead your dogs without tension.
Resort Marketing Specialist
Mikaela V.
Mikaela was born and raised in San Diego. After graduating from Santana, she attended San Diego State University, where she earned a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. Mikaela joined the FFR team in the summer of 2014. After graduating from SDSU, she rejoined our team as our website and marketing specialist!
She has a little terrier named Wilson that LOVES playing endlessly at Furry Friends Resort!
Mikaela is our go-to person for all things marketing. If you want to work with FFR, please email mikaela@petmarketingunleashed.com.
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT FFR:
Having a place I trust with Wilson!
PET CARE TIP:
Dogs feed off of our energy. They are trying their best and not trying to spite you. They just need some support.