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.

Bag Packing for Your Dog Lodging Experience

Here at The Dog Retreat, we don’t just run a dog daycare Middlesex County; we have a range of services that can enhance you and your dog’s lives. Our lodging services are equipped with quality accommodation and passionate staff who are excited to meet your pups. Two of the greatest pleasures in life are having pets and traveling, although they don’t always mesh together so well. Where in the past we would’ve asked friends or family to care for our pets, nowadays, there are lodging services that can pamper our dogs. Although they can provide a range of creature comforts for our canines, they will still undoubtedly miss us, so you might want to send them with some comforts of their own. When packing your bags for time away, prepare a backpack with some of the following to enhance your dog lodging experience.

Dog Lodging that Smells Like Home

It’s common knowledge that dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate our world. So when we leave them in a foreign environment, it’s typical for them to feel nervous or uncomfortable at first. One way you can help your dog ground themselves in their new location to start feeling comfortable is by equipping them with familiar smells. Particular objects in your dog’s daily arsenal will be packed full of delicious homely smells, so consider packing the following in their travel bag.

Blanket

Whether they sleep on top or underneath it, most dogs will have a preferred piece of material that will typically be called their “blankie” by doting family members. These blankets will have a homely smell and a homely feeling, as dogs can be picky about what they sit or lay on. A dog’s blanket tends to get quite stinky and dirty, so be sure to clean it softly before packing it for time away. So don’t go overboard and wash out all the smells; a soft handwash or quick wash in a washing machine should do the trick.

Bed

Most dogs will be happy sleeping wherever, whether on your bed, lap, or even on the cold, hard ground. Although some dogs have a more refined standard regarding sleeping arrangements, the expensive bed from their owner has become the norm. In these cases, especially with smaller dogs (and thus smaller beds), it may be best to clean and pack these with their blanket.

Too Fun to Handle

Dogs are masters of entertaining themselves, a skill honed in living rooms and backyards over the past century. To enhance this alone time, owners often buy an array of toys the dog can play with to stave off boredom. While your dog will receive more facet ime in a lodging environment than when they’re left at home, they will still need to keep busy. Keeping your dog from boredom is where some of their favorite toys, especially those that incorporate a tasty treat, come into play.

Kong

Of all the different enrichment toys for cats and dogs, the Kong takes the cake as being the most entertaining for both the owner and dog alike. These funny-shaped toys can provide hours of entertainment, especially when stuffed with different tasty treats. As with the blanket and bed, your Kong may be quite dirty, so wash it before handing it over to us at our dog daycare Middlesex County.

Plush Buddy

While plush buddies are intended for young children, they have proven excellent toys and companions for our furry friends. If your pet has a plush buddy, you will want to pack it too. Otherwise, if they don’t, you could try introducing them to one before you go.

This can be further enhanced if you get your scent on the plush toy before giving it to them. Remember to wash the plush toy if your dog has had it before packing it (as with the Kong and bedding).

A Bunch of Munchies

Finally, while the doggy lodging will have food and snacks for your pup, you may also want to include their favorite treat. Be sure to only give enough for the time your dog is there to ensure they don’t get overfed, and write any instructions on the bag.

Dog Lodging Middlesex County | The Dog Retreat

The best way to ensure your dog’s comfort during their lodging experience is by finding a well-equipped daycare to meet their needs. The Dog Retreat & Spa here in Middlesex County has the best facilities and staff to make your dog feel at home. To learn about any other services you might want to include in their lodge, check our website, or contact us today for more information.