Harvesting Happiness: Our Mission is to Create a Haven Where Dogs Flourish and Dog Parents Breathe Easy

How Dog’s Day Farm Began

When I was 10, my parents faced a difficult decision: it was time to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Rusty. Despite his occasional misbehavior, Rusty held a special place in our hearts. But my parents chose not to reveal the painful truth to my brothers and me. Instead, they followed a well-worn path, one taken by many parents in similar circumstances: they assured us that Rusty was “going to a big farm where he would be happy.” As a child, I clung to that comforting image—the vision of Rusty running freely across vast fields, happy. It stuck with me over the years. Fast forward to today, and we’ve transformed that childhood dream into reality. Here, dogs experience the expanse and freedom of a country haven.

-Matt

Matt & Kelly Brown

Business Owners

Matt and Kelly both grew up in Montgomery County and now live with their three children, two dogs (Baer and Tess) and one cat (Sleepy) on a 25 acre farm in Gaithersburg, MD.

Matt and Kelly have a wealth of experience working with dogs, both individually and in group settings and have been managing large groups of dogs for several years. Matt left his thriving coffee business in 2010 to pursue his longtime dream of creating a farm for dogs to play. He gained some professional experience by assisting with puppy training at Your Dog’s Friend, a non-profit in Rockville, Maryland, and working at a small cage-free daycare. Kelly has years of experience with dogs, and has a background in childcare and small business. Besides helping to manage day-to-day operations, you might find her showing off her handy-woman skills, making repairs and picking-up slack around the farm. She is very excited about helping to watch over your pup. Matt and Kelly are also former volunteers at the Montgomery County Humane Society, caring for the shelter dogs.

“What can we say, we love dogs. So much so that we’ve made it our mission to provide the best care experience available for your pup. We are confident that you will be happy with your decision to give us the privilege of caring for your four-legged family member.”

-Matt & Kelly Brown

Sam Nichols

Co-Manager

Hello. My name is Sam and I have been part of the Dog’s Day Family since late 2017. I have a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. I obtained a Master of Public Administration from the University of Ohio in May 2022. My husband and I are the proud dog parents of Lewis & Mazie. I am originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but have lived in Maryland most of my life. My Dog’s Day experience began as a part-time job as I navigated my undergraduate journey. I have always had a love for animals, dogs especially. Working at the farm allowed me the flexibility to go to school full-time while still being employed, and working with animals. It was the perfect scenario. I initially had the intention to finish school and move on to different opportunities. However, as the years went on, I began taking on more responsibility at the farm, and with the help of Matt, Kelly, and my wonderful Co-manager Natalie, our professional dynamic evolved into a strong management system. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with such genuinely caring and talented individuals. I take pride in knowing our team goes the extra mile to create a safe and loving atmosphere for your pup when they are away from home. I am fascinated by dog language and their unique channels of communication. I learn something from every dog we have the privilege to care for. My happy place became my career and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with my Dog’s Day family!

Natalie Kelly

Co-Manager

Hi, I’m Natalie! I recently graduated from Towson University with a bachelors degree in Animal Behavior. Some of my prior experience working with dogs comes from working at another dog daycare and volunteering at the SPCA throughout high school. I love animals of all kinds, but dogs have always held a special place in my heart. When I was searching for a job, I knew I wanted to work with animals, but I did not expect to end up at a place that is such a perfect fit for me like Dog’s Day is! I look forward to coming to work every day, and what makes it even better is that I can bring my sidekicks Bonnie Rae (pictured) and Dorothy along with me. We absolutely love spending time at the farm and we are certain that your dog(s) would too!

Jess Kramer

Assistant Manager

Hi! My name is Jess Kramer and I have been a part of the Dog’s Day Team since April 2021 and I couldn’t be happier. I have two Samoyeds of my own that love coming to the farm as much as I do. My favorite part of my job is watching all the pups having the time of their lives running around and making their own little friendships. I’m studying to become a certified dog trainer and I’m excited to use the knowledge that I’m gaining in my day-to-day work at the farm!

Amy Matthews

Assistant Manager

Hello, I’m Amy! I joined the Dog’s Day Crew back in January 2022 after I moved to the Gaithersburg area with my partner and my cat, Tasha! Prior to that, I worked in the retail industry for several years. However, I felt I wasn’t doing what I truly wanted to do and I decided to pursue my passion of working in the animal care industry which led me to finding Dog’s Day Farm! As a teenager, one of my first jobs was an educator at a local zoo where I had the opportunity to work with some really cool animals and teach children about them! This sparked my interest in the animal care world and now working at Dog’s Day has made my passion a reality! I am currently studying to become a certified dog trainer through the Animal Behavior College and I am excited to see where this path takes me! Even though I don’t have any dogs of my own (not yet at least), I love all the dogs I get to work with at the farm as if they were my own!

Jenna Schneider

Assistant Manager

Hello, I’m Jenna. I have been part of the dogs day team since August of 2020. I graduated high school in 2021 and now I am studying to become a certified dog trainer. I have some prior experience working with dogs from dog sitting/walking for neighbors and volunteering at local adoption events. I love knowing that I get to spend my days working with so many of your amazing pups, as well as getting to bring my two fur babies, Bosley and Willow with me to enjoy some farm fun. Everyone at the farm has become a second family to me and hopefully it will be the same for you and your pups!

Vincent Brown

Farm Trips/Daycare Staff

Hi my name is Vinny, I am Matt’s brother. I joined the team at Dog’s Day in the summer of 2017, but was living at the original location on Exodus Dr. When it was created. I have been able to get to know and develop relationships with many of your dogs from the very beginning. When it came time for a career change after years in food service and catering, Dog’s Day was a great fit and a seamless and happy change! I am excited to be part of the staff and look forward to providing the best care possible for your pups!

Samantha Bailey

Hi, I’m Samantha. I am currently a senior at Damascus High School and will be graduating in June 2023! I plan to go to college in Maryland and major in Counseling and Human Services Psychology. I have lived in Damascus all my life. I have two dogs at home, Rocco (Golden Retriever), and Delilah (Rottweiler). They are both 11 years old. I love coming to work and getting to cuddle and pet the dogs. It definitely brightens up my mood each day. I love getting to know all the dogs that come to Dog’s Day individually, as well as getting to know their families.

Christian McKee-Alexander

Sydney Bartolich

Hi there! My name is Sydney, and I am currently a junior at The University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where I will receive my Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. I am originally from Kansas City, Missouri but moved to Maryland in 2013. Growing up, my family had two dogs; a German Shepherd/Boxer mix named Thatcher and a Rottweiler named Vader. Currently, we have two rescue cats. Rico and Remi, but I look forward to adopting a dog after I graduate. Despite not having a dog right now, I am grateful to get lots of cuddles, laughs, playtime and love from your adorable doggies! Joining the Dog’s Day Family has been nothing but incredible. I could not be happier than to work with such loving coworkers and take care of your sweet pups!