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 Dog for Lodging

Published On: March 21, 2022Categories: dog boarding

Are you concerned about finding someone to look after your dog when you go away for more than a couple of days? That’s why we recommend our dog boarding services in Waltham, MA.

Here are some tips on how you can prepare your dog for boarding, especially if it’s their first time.

What to Expect Before You Board Your Dog

To protect both the dogs at the daycare and the staff, rules are put in place that dictate a dog’s eligibility. These typically break down into a few categories: age, vaccination status, and a compatibility evaluation.

Age

Most daycares will require your puppy to be at least 14 to 18 weeks old for admission, this is usually related to the dog getting all of its vaccinations.

Vaccination Status

As with us humans, dogs require vaccines against various illnesses which can be easily transmitted, especially in an enclosed environment. Dog daycares will typically require your dog to be vaccinated for the following:

– Rabies

– Distemper/Parvo

– Bordetella

– Canine Influenza H3N8 and H3N2

You will need the veterinary records to prove that they’ve received these shots at least 10-14 days before admission.

Compatibility Evaluation

As the daycare will be responsible not only for your dog but all dogs in their care, often they will need to evaluate your dog’s compatibility. This is typically determined by their behavior, especially around other dogs, with most daycares denying access to aggressive dogs.

Before even considering lodging, it’s best to ensure that your dog will meet the above requirements, one way of doing so can also be beneficial in preparing your dog for a longer stay.

Consider Dog Daycare As An Alternative

If you’ve already found your ideal daycare, (those looking for a dog daycare in Waltham MA, ) then a great start is to register on our website, call to set up your dog’s evaluation and then start them with daycare. This allows your dog to acclimate to our staff and facility, and make the transition to overnight lodging much easier.

Tour before you Daycare

In some cases, especially with more nervous or attached dogs, you may want to tour the facility with the dog before you even board. This will help them start to build up a cache of smells and sights which they can become accustomed to in their own time.

Doggy Lodging Supplies

In the weeks leading up to the stay, you will want to identify which are your dog’s favorite toys and their favorite blanket. By packing these to go with your dog for their stay, they will have several reminders of you and hopefully won’t miss you as much. Although, with all the exciting activities packed into many dog daycare lodging stays, it may be hard for your dog to find time to miss anything.

Dietary Requirements

If your dog has specific dietary requirements, make sure to pack enough food for them during their stay. This may also include any specific treats which fit within their dietary requirements.

Additional Services to Consider

Dog lodging shouldn’t just be leaving a dog alone in a room or letting them roam free throughout the day to lock them up at night. Thankfully, many dog lodging services (including those at our dog daycare in Waltham MA) will give your dog plenty of playtime, and provide comfortable facilities for your dog. On top of this, they will usually allow the addition of other services, such as:

– Playtime with peanut butter filled Kong

– Teeth brushing

– Snacks

– Bathing

– Walks

If any of these are already part of their routine, then adding them to their stay may make it more comfortable and less stressful overall.

Premiere Dog Boarding in Waltham MA | The Dog Retreat

Done right, lodging can be a monumentally positive experience for you and your dog. They will socialize with other dogs and people and will learn that it’s okay to be without you for some time. Here at The Dog Retreat we pride ourselves on our facilities and services and know that your dog will have a great time under our care.

Preparing your Dog for Lodging

What to Expect Before You Board Your Dog

Age

Vaccination Status

Compatibility Evaluation

Consider Dog Daycare As An Alternative

Tour before you Daycare

Doggy Lodging Supplies

Dietary Requirements

Additional Services to Consider

Premiere Dog Boarding in Waltham MA | The Dog Retreat

(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