The people who'll know your dog by name.
Leaving your dog is easier when you know who's taking care of them. Our team is trained to Penny DiLoreto's standards, so the care stays calm, kind, and consistent, whether your dog comes in on a Tuesday or a Saturday.
The two who built it and still run it.
Penny and David DiLoreto opened Hot Diggity Dog Resort in Escondido in 2012 because they wanted something better for dogs. It started with grooming and training, and grew into boarding and daycare. What they were after hasn't changed: a warm, welcoming place where dogs of all sizes feel at home while their families are away.
Penny is a Master Groomer, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Animal Behaviorist, Veterinary Assistant, and author. You can explore Penny's books and her Amazon author page. David is Certified in Pet Nutrition and runs operations and the front desk, always with an eye on the health and wellbeing of every dog who stays with us.
Together, they've put together a team of caring people who treat your dog the way they'd want their own treated.
Behind every visit, a team that knows your dog.
Groomers, bathers, daycare and boarding staff, and the front desk. They know which dogs like a belly rub and which ones need a minute to warm up. Each brings their own strengths, and all of them work to the same standard.
Daycare & Boarding ManagerJustin
As the Daycare and Boarding Manager, Justin brings dedication, leadership, and a deep understanding of canine behavior to his role. He's never afraid to roll up his sleeves to keep his department running smoothly. Whether he's managing the daily flow of operations or stepping in to lend a hand with the dogs, Justin leads by example, and with heart.
He recognizes that no two dogs are alike and makes it a priority to learn each guest's needs, energy level, and personality. His calm presence and thoughtful approach help dogs feel safe, seen, and engaged in daycare and boarding.
His patience, consistency, and compassion make him a trusted favorite among both dogs and their humans.
Pet Care TechnicianDesiree
Currently studying to become a veterinary assistant, Desiree brings passion and purpose to her work. "I'm incredibly grateful that I get to be around dogs every day," she says. She takes great pride in keeping every guest happy, healthy, and cared for.
Desiree is known for her reliability, gentle nature, and calming presence. Whether she's tending to a nervous newcomer or offering extra snuggles to a senior pup, her compassion shines through.
When she's not working or studying, Desiree loves spending time with her own two dogs, Kora and Stella, or jogging through her neighborhood in the sunshine.
Front Desk Lead · Customer Service & Pet Care SpecialistMonique
Monique has always had a special love for dogs, "from their personalities to their sweetness." It shows in everything she does, whether she's giving baths in the back or greeting guests with a smile at the front desk.
Her favorite part of the job? "I love seeing all the dogs!" Every day brings a new set of wagging tails, and Monique is here for all of it.
A fun fact: Monique's three dogs are Baby, Mylah, and Simba, and one of our guests shares a name with them. If she could be any dog for a day, she'd be a Pit Bull, because she just loves them, or a Chihuahua, because "they're so little."
GroomerMariana
Mariana has loved dogs for as long as she can remember. "I decided to work with dogs so I could care for them and help in any way I can," she says. That dedication shows in the gentle, thoughtful way she connects with each guest.
Her favorite part of the team is the teamwork. "Everyone is so kind and always willing to help one another."
A fun fact she loves to share: dogs have as many as 300 million scent receptors in their noses, compared to about 5 million in humans. If she could be any dog for a day, she'd be a Pit Bull. "They're strong, fun, loving, and incredibly loyal."
Bather & Front Desk CoordinatorCameron
Cameron's love for animals took root at age five, when she got her very first dog. "After owning such a wonderful dog, I knew I could never live without one in my life."
She thrives on the positivity here. "My favorite part of being on the HDDR team is that everyone is so passionate. No matter what kind of day it is, the whole team shows up and gives their best."
Outside of work, Cameron is an avid baker and cook, with one twist: "I've never successfully made a pancake! I can bake croissants, macarons, and even beef wellingtons from scratch, but pancakes still get the best of me." Her dog for a day: a Pit Bull. "My first dog was a pit bull, and he was the most loving and protective companion I've ever had."
GroomerMadison
Madison didn't always think she was a "dog person." She believed she was more of a cat lover, until she welcomed her current dog into her life. That bond showed her how deeply she loves all dogs, and how meaningful it is to improve their lives the way they improve ours.
Her favorite thing about Hot Diggity is the people, and how eager everyone is to help, whether that's answering questions or lending a hand with a new puppy.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, painting, making jewelry, embroidery, writing, and anything weird or spooky. If she could be any dog for a day, she'd be a service dog, with a Basset Hound a close second.
Our mascot, in loving memoryPeanut
Peanut was our own Boston Terrier, and the face you see in our logo. He passed away a couple of years ago, but he's still the reason we care for your dog the way we do: the way we cared for him.
Pet Care TechnicianMireya
Mireya has been around dogs her whole life. “I’ve always loved dogs and being around dogs,” she says. “I’ve grown up with them my whole life.” So when it came time to choose her work, spending her days with dogs was an easy call.
Her favorite part of being on the Hot Diggity Dog Resort team? “Of course, all the dogs,” she says—but meeting new people comes in a close second. Between the wagging tails and the friendly faces at drop-off, every day brings someone new to get to know.
A fun fact guests might enjoy: Mireya once owned 13 cats and 4 dogs—all at the same time! “I love animals!” she says. Seventeen pets under one roof takes patience, a big heart, and a good sense of humor, and she brings all three to work every day.
If Mireya could be any dog for a day, she’d pick a Pit Bull, “because pit bulls are very loving dogs and love their people”—or a Pomeranian, “because they’re cute and spoiled!” That mix of loyalty and a little sass suits her well.
Mireya’s warmth and lifelong love of animals make her a natural fit for the HDDR family.
Why it feels like one team.
Your dog's day here is consistent because the whole team is trained to the same standard: Penny's. Continuous learning is part of everyone's job. So whoever is on shift, your dog gets the same care.
In their own words.
The webcams give me such peace of mind. I can check on my dogs anytime, and the training videos they send show me they're in good hands. They're not just a business - they really interact with and love the dogs.
I've never seen boarding like this anywhere else. It's not the typical kennel style - it's all suites. The indoor facility means my dogs are always comfortable, and the staff's expertise makes all the difference. Every dog that goes to Hot Diggity is more well-mannered than those that don't.
Come say hello. Bring your dog.
Every new dog starts with a Play Date, a full daycare day with our team. By pickup, we'll know your dog's name, their play style, and what makes their tail go. New clients get 10% off their first service. Love working with dogs? We're always glad to hear from people who'd fit right in.