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.

Why a Dog Daycare Is A More Suitable Option than Friends or Family

Published On: September 30, 2021Categories: Uncategorized

Having a dog nowadays comes with a level of responsibility that didn’t exist in the past. This is due to the fact that people expect dog owners to look after their dog to the highest degree, noting that they deserve a good quality of life. In turn, this has brought about the existence of services like a doggy daycare which can look after your dog for a day or longer.

While we often rely on friends and family for support in our daily lives, there is only so much that they can do to help us. Some things we require may be beyond their abilities, but due to the nature of your relationship with them, they may feel obliged to do it anyway. This can be exemplified by asking them to look after your dog, and then finding out that they didn’t look after them as much as you asked afterwards. Having run a doggy daycare in Waltham MA for some time now, we’ve seen how this can affect relationships.

So here’s a look at the reasons why a dog daycare may be more suitable temporary accommodation than your friends or family members.

Friend or Family Home May be Unprepared to Look after your Dog

This will likely be the most common problem people face when asking friends or family to look after their dog. This is because both the interior and exterior of a house needs to be prepared before a dog is allowed to roam. There may be precious items which can be damaged, or potentially harmful things which the dog may mistake for food. Asking a friend or family member to look after your dog is also asking them to completely change their space to accommodate your pooch. While some people may be more than happy to do so, you may find that they agree to it begrudgingly and resent you for it.

A daycare however, like our doggy daycare in Waltham MA, is purpose-built to look after, feed, clean, walk, and entertain dogs.

Your Friend or Family Member May Not Be Good with Dogs

Just like looking after a pup requires you to make changes to your home space, the person looking after the pup may also need to change their typical behavior. If they’re used to life without a dog, then introducing a dog into their life, even only for a short while, then the changes required may be monumental. In some cases people will only like a dog when it’s under someone else’s care or supervision, and these people cannot be blamed for feeling that way.

Instead of forcing someone who may not be keen to look after your dog, taking them to a dog daycare can ensure they’re around people who are both professionally trained to look after your dog, and also happy to be around them.

You Can Pay a Daycare to Do More

When it comes to leaving your dog with a friend, you may give them instructions for looking after the dog with no guarantee that it will actually happen. Whereas if you take your dog to a dog daycare you will be able to pay for any extra services your dog may require, guaranteeing that they will happen. These services can include:

Play time with other dogs
Giving them treats and snacks
Taking them for a walk
Training them
Spending facetime with them
Pickup and dropoff services

These services can ensure that your pup is being exercised and entertained each day, which will make the whole experience better for them.

How Putting your Dog in Daycare Can Preserve your Relationships

If you’ve ever fallen out with a friend, you’ll know that it’s something that one should generally avoid at all costs, as friends are completely invaluable in our lives. By asking a friend or family member to look after your dog without checking they are actually comfortable in doing so, you may be setting yourself up for a falling out. Our dogs are more than just pets, they’re part of the family, and any negligence shown towards them can feel similar to negligence towards our own children. Although it may not be their fault that they didn’t have time or the desire to take your dog for a walk or feed them appropriately. By cutting out the opportunity for a breakdown and contacting our dog daycare in Waltham MA or one in your area, you can preserve your relationships with friends and family.

Doggy Daycare in Waltham MA

The Dog Retreat can and will take extra special care of your extra special friend! We want pet owners to know that when they drop their dog off with us that they’re sending them somewhere where experienced professionals can calm, comfort, and ensure your pet has the best time while you’re away!

Why a Dog Daycare Is A More Suitable Option than Friends or Family

Friend or Family Home May be Unprepared to Look after your Dog

Your Friend or Family Member May Not Be Good with Dogs

You Can Pay a Daycare to Do More

How Putting your Dog in Daycare Can Preserve your Relationships

Doggy Daycare in 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