Can I come tour the facility before I bring my dog?

Yes, we’d be excited to show you our clean, fun and safe facility. Please stop in during one of the following times: Mon – Fri, 10 am – 12:00 pm or Sat – Sun 10 am – 4 pm. You can also easily schedule a tour online.

If my dog already goes to daycare can I bring him to your facility?

We’d love to have you dog, however, he or she will still need to pass our compatibility evaluation.

How do I make reservations for daycare or lodging for my dog who has never been there before?

You can register online by filling out the registration forms, and providing us with all the proper health/vet documents required. You can also schedule a compatibility evaluation online to see if your dog will be a good fit. Once your dog has been approved you can register for both daycare and lodging online. We require all dogs that will be lodging with us come for a day of play so they’re familiar with the setting.

Why is your lobby closed for two hours each day?

We close our lobby to give dogs’ downtime, and allow our staff to do additional cleaning. It’s important to consider that dogs do need downtime, rest helps avoid accidental injury, or potentially becoming more aggressive. Some dogs can self-regulate rest while others may need to be placed in kennels to rest.

Are you open on holidays?

Yes, We are open 365 days a year.

How do I know my dog will be safe at the Dog Retreat & Spa?

We require all dogs to go through a compatibility evaluation. Dogs are separated by both size and temperament We have a low dog-to-leader ratio. All staff members are trained in first aid and CPR, and go through a dog behavior training program. We’ve designed our facility with all sized dogs in mind – every shape and size. At least one of our pet loving staff with be present with dogs in each designated play area.

What do I need to bring for my dog when they’re in daycare?

We require all dogs to have a quick release collar. No buckles are allowed. If they need food it must be bagged, and all medication must be in original packaging.

What is the difference between Daycare and Day Stay?

Day Stay may be a perfect option for the dog that did not do well with our compatibility evaluation, or has not been neutered or spayed, or may need extra attention. This may be for various reasons, health, age or injury. Daycare is for those dogs that do play well with others.

Will my dog adjust to doggy daycare/lodging? He’s never been away from home.

Most shy dogs, or dogs that haven’t been socialized enough, usually benefit tremendously from daycare. They become less shy, more socialized and have a great time! However, that said, NOT every dog is suited to the daycare setting. It’s our job to let you how your dog is doing and see what other options may work best to keep your dog happy. For ex: we offer one on one play or small group play or your dog may do best with an at home dog walker.

What if my dog is not neutered or spade what are my options

All dogs in daycare need to be neutered or spayed at six months. If you’re not comfortable with that, you could consider our Day Stay program.

What happens if I want to cancel my reservation for lodging?

Cancellations must be made within 48 hours of schedule stay. If less than 48 hours a flat fee of $55 will be charged. Cancellation during peak holidays must be made 10 days in advance of the stay. If cancellation is requested less than 10 days prior to stay you’d charged $150 dollar fee per animal.

Can I bring my own food?

You are required to bring your pets food. It’s much better for the pet to continue on their regular diet. All food must be placed in baggies for individual meals. For boarders, you are also welcome to bring a special blanket that will make them feel comfortable. No Rawhide, bullysticks or bones allowed.

What if my dog acts aggressively toward another dog while at The Dog Retreat?

If the act is mild, the dog will be placed in a timeout until she/he has calmed down. If the aggression causes harm to another dog, you will be responsible for any veterinary care for that dog and your dog will not be allowed back unless the behavior has been modified through training.

Can someone other than me pick up my dog?

Yes, but the person has to be listed on your account when you drop off the dog. They’ll have to show personal identification

My dog went to training but is still not trained. Can you help him/her?

We offer several different training classes to meet your needs; however, we cannot train your dog without your help. An owner must be willing to commit to a minimum of 10 minutes per day to be successful with training their dog.

Can I come tour the facility before I bring my dog?

Yes, we’d be excited to show you our clean, fun and safe facility while your dog is being evaluated. You can book a tour online through our registration portal.

If my dog already goes to daycare can I bring him to your facility?

We’d love to have your dog, however, he or she will still need to pass our compatibility evaluation before joining.

How do I make reservations for daycare or lodging for my dog who has never been there before?

You can register online by completing the registration forms and submitting the required vet documents. You may also call us to schedule a compatibility evaluation.

Why is your lobby closed for two hours each day?

We close our lobby daily to give dogs downtime and allow our staff to perform cleaning and maintenance. Rest periods help prevent fatigue and promote safety during playtime.

Are you open on holidays?

Yes, we are open 365 days a year. However, on certain holidays our lobby may be closed for drop-offs and pick-ups, and hours may vary.

How do I know my dog will be safe at the Dog Retreat & Spa?

All dogs must complete a compatibility evaluation and are grouped by size and temperament. Our trained staff maintain a low dog-to-leader ratio, and all are certified in pet first aid and CPR to ensure your dog’s safety.

What do I need to bring for my dog when they’re in daycare?

Please bring a quick-release collar. If your dog requires food or medication, ensure it’s labeled and medications are in their original packaging.

Will my dog adjust to doggy daycare/lodging? He’s never been away from home.

Most dogs adapt quickly and benefit from socialization in daycare. However, every dog is unique. If needed, we offer one-on-one or small group play options to ensure comfort and happiness.

What if my dog is not neutered or spayed? What are my options?

Dogs attending daycare must be neutered or spayed by 6–8 months of age. If not, you may consider our Day Stay program as an alternative.

What happens if I want to cancel my reservation for lodging?

A 50% deposit is required for all overnight stays. Non-peak cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance to avoid forfeiting the deposit. During peak periods, deposits are non-refundable, and cancellations made within 10 days will be charged the full stay amount.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, bringing your pet’s own food is required to maintain their regular diet. Please portion food into labeled individual baggies. Boarders may bring a blanket for comfort, but rawhide, bully sticks, and bones are not allowed.

What if my dog acts aggressively toward another dog while at The Dog Retreat?

If aggression occurs, the dog will first be placed in a timeout. If the behavior results in harm to another dog, you will be responsible for veterinary costs and the dog may not return until behavior modification is demonstrated.

Can someone other than me pick up my dog?

Yes, but the designated person must be listed on your account and will need to show valid photo identification when picking up your dog.

My dog went to training but is still not trained. Can you help him/her?

We offer several training programs to help improve your dog’s behavior. However, consistent owner participation of at least 10 minutes per day is essential for lasting success.

Preparing your Pooch for Doggy Daycare

Published On: May 21, 2021Categories: Uncategorized

Sending your dog to daycare for the first time can be like sending your child to their first preschool or kindergarten. As their caregiver, you want to be sure that they’re on their best behavior, but also that they have fun. Anyone who’s ever been to our dog daycare in Waltham MA will know that we’re more than happy to help accommodate your pup’s personal needs.

Knowing how your dog behaves and which toys they respond to can be important before sending your dog to daycare. You’ll be able to inform the staff of your dog’s peculiarities, and leaving them there for several hours won’t be so nerve wracking.

Here are some tips for preparing your pooch for doggy daycare.

Have their Medical History Ready

Often referred to as the dog’s passport, the documents stating their medical history are of the utmost importance to doggy daycares. There are several things which they will need to look at:

Vaccination history – the daycare will require proof of vaccinations ahead of time
Spayed or neutered – they also will need to know whether your dog has been spayed or neutered by 1 year old
Flea and tick treatment – most daycares won’t explicitly state that your dog needs these, but they are expected in such social environments.

Take them to a Dog Park First

Before even considering sending your dog to dog daycare you should check whether or not they like being around other dogs. Depending on their breed or upbringing, some dogs feel more comfortable around people, or just around 1 or 2 other dogs. By taking your dog to a local dog park, especially at a peak time, you can gauge how your dog might respond in a daycare situation.

If your dog gets over excited around other dogs then this is probably a good sign, and daycare will help them to understand their boundaries. Otherwise if your dog is shy but seems like it wants to socialize, then take them to the park a few more times before considering daycare.

Start Building a Routine Around Dog Daycare

If you have time, it can be great for your dog if you start building a routine around daycare ahead of time. This means ensuring that they have had a decent-sized breakfast, done their morning business, and are clean of any mud or dirt. By setting this routine in place you and your dog will be able to adjust accordingly, and make daycare more comfortable for everyone.

Check Any Guidelines or Protocol

Prior to admitting your dog for daycare, you’ll need to read up on any of the guidelines or protocol. Here at the Dog Retreat we have several guidelines in place for the safety of our staff, the other dogs, and your dog. These guidelines are pretty similar to those you’ll see in any other dog daycare in Waltham MA or elsewhere).

Compatibility Evaluation Test

Before taking your dog, many daycares will do a compatibility evaluation test to see whether or not your dog will be safe and comfortable there.

Old Enough

Puppies need to be at least 14 weeks old, and have all the appropriate shots.

Spayed/Neutered

Dogs older than 6 months will need to be spayed or neutered before admittance.

Fully Vaccinated

All dogs must be current with all of their vaccinations, including canine influenza.

Check What Services Are Provided

Different daycares will offer different services, sometimes at a premium, sometimes included within the price. Check with any daycare service you consider for any other extras you may want, such as private space for your anxious dog, or short to long walks for bigger dogs.

A Day in the Life

You should also enquire about what each day typically entails at the daycare. Make sure that there’s a decent balance between playtime and rest time, as tired dogs can be grumpy, and no one wants to pick up a grumpy pooch to go home with.

Food and Drinks

Knowing whether or not the daycare provides food for your dog is also important, as you should modify their eating habits at home on those days to accommodate.

Daycare is Daycare, Training is Training

While there is generally a lot of crossover in daycare and dog training, they don’t necessarily come hand-in-hand. Once your dog starts going to daycare you can enquire with the staff about their habits and behavior. With professional advice you can begin training your dog to behave better when at daycare, otherwise enquire about training programs.

Dog Daycare Waltham MA

If you’re in the area, and unsure about any of these tips, then get in touch with us to see how we can help. We pride ourselves on being many of our furry client’s favorite places to be, and have plenty of amenities to keep them busy. We also offer pick up and drop off services to certain areas, so check out our website or give us a call today!

Preparing your Pooch for Doggy Daycare

Have their Medical History Ready

Take them to a Dog Park First

Start Building a Routine Around Dog Daycare

Check Any Guidelines or Protocol

Compatibility Evaluation Test

Old Enough

Spayed/Neutered

Fully Vaccinated

Check What Services Are Provided

A Day in the Life

Food and Drinks

Daycare is Daycare, Training is Training

Dog Daycare Waltham MA

(781) 604-7387

info@thedogretreat.com

781-548-3248

PhysicalRehab@TheDogRetreat.com

219 Bear Hill Rd, Waltham, MA, 02451

thedogretreatandspa

rehab_at_thedogretreat

The Dog Retreat & Spa- Waltham