About Us

Our Mission

  • Lisa & Pepper
    Dog Days Ranch is committed to the emotional and physical recovery of the most disadvantaged and at risk dogs through compassionate, respectful treatment, a nurturing home, and humane, science-based training.
  • We are dedicated to the assurance of their lifelong happiness in a loving home through basic skills training, accurate matchmaking and ongoing support for their new family.


We envision the day when...

  • caring people don't feel compelled to surrender their dogs due to undesirable behavior because effective and humane training support is accessible and affordable in their own community.
  • a more accurate and deeper understanding of dog behavior prevails, which enhances our relationships with our dogs and prevents suffering of both dogs and people.
  • there exists a strong unified voice amongst those who care; whereby inhumane treatment of dogs will no longer be tolerated in the name of training, convenience or as a result of ignorance.
Lisa Plaza
Founder & Director
Dog Care & Training Manager

B.S. Psychology
Arizona State University

I've always been compelled to help animals in distress. I volunteered on elephant projects in Africa, at primate rescues and at the local humane society. When sweet dogs, confined to the shelter for months, lost their lives for stress related behavior, I vowed to find another way. I spent the next several years collecting information directly from respected, progressive SPCAs and rescue groups. I graduated with honors from the reputable San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, working directly with dogs in distress. What evolved is the innovative principles of Dog Days Ranch: Dog Cottages, Science Based Positive Training and Ongoing Support
Steve Fischer
Co-Founder & Ranch Manager

Steve & Lupi
Steve has been saving animal lives since he was a young boy. He's donated countless hours to animal rescue organizations, conceptualizing and building habitat, and caring for the animals. He has 40+years in the homebuilding industry, from business owner to Habitat for Humanity site supervisor to hands on building. Steve manages all aspects of our 77 acre Ranch homestead, from dog cottage design and infrastructure to responsible land stewardship.