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.

Daycare for Senior Dogs: Why Older Pups Can Benefit Too

Published On: February 12, 2025Categories: dog daycare

Young pretty woman in casual clothes hugs her beloved big dog while sitting on the sofa in the living room of her cozy house. Communication concept with animals

Is Your Senior Dog Getting the Socialization They Need?

As dogs age, their needs change—but their desire for companionship remains strong. While many pet owners believe doggy daycare is only for young, energetic pups, senior dogs can benefit just as much. Providing a safe and engaging environment, daycare for senior dogs offers gentle activities and socialization opportunities that enhance their quality of life. Keep reading to learn how The Dog Retreat & Spa ensures your aging pup stays happy, active, and well cared for.

The Benefits of Daycare for Senior Dogs

Older dogs may not have the same energy levels as their younger counterparts, but they still crave interaction and mental stimulation. A well-structured dog daycare provides a range of benefits for aging canines:

Socialization: Prevents loneliness and anxiety by allowing them to interact with other dogs and caregivers.
Gentle Exercise: Keeps joints flexible and prevents stiffness without overexertion.
Mental Stimulation: Engaging activities reduce boredom and cognitive decline.
Professional Supervision: Ensures your senior dog’s health and safety at all times.

We tailor our daycare program to meet the unique needs of older dogs, ensuring they remain comfortable and engaged. Our trained staff understands the specific care requirements of aging pups and works to provide a supportive environment where they can thrive.

Senior dogs often suffer from common health issues such as arthritis, vision impairment, and hearing loss. A high-quality daycare program takes these factors into account, offering safe play areas, easy access to water, and quiet spaces for rest. The Dog Retreat & Spa ensures that each dog receives personalized attention to meet their individual needs.

Socialization: A Key to a Happy Senior Dog

Just like humans, dogs thrive on companionship. As they age, they may lose some of their regular playmates or experience changes in their home environment. A well-monitored daycare setting allows them to:

Interact with dogs of similar temperaments
Enjoy supervised play without overwhelming younger, high-energy pups
Develop a sense of routine and security in a structured environment

Our team carefully monitors interactions to ensure that all dogs, regardless of age, are safe and comfortable. For senior dogs, controlled socialization can reduce feelings of isolation, help them maintain confidence, and even slow cognitive decline. They can also form gentle bonds with other older dogs, fostering a sense of companionship and security.

Gentle Activities for Aging Pups

Exercise is still important for senior dogs, but it must be adapted to their abilities. Our daycare includes:

Short, leisurely walks to keep muscles active
Interactive toys that stimulate their minds
Comfortable resting areas for necessary breaks
Water therapy (if applicable) to ease joint pain

By engaging in gentle activities, senior dogs can stay active without risk of injury or exhaustion. Activities such as puzzle toys, slow-paced group play, and gentle stretching exercises can help maintain mobility while preventing strain. We are committed to offering a balanced approach that combines engagement with plenty of rest to keep senior pups feeling their best.

Signs Your Senior Dog Could Benefit from Daycare

If you’re unsure whether daycare is right for your older pup, consider these signs:

Increased sleepiness or lack of motivation at home
Signs of loneliness or anxiety when left alone
Stiffness or weight gain due to inactivity
A desire to interact with other dogs but difficulty doing so in traditional settings

Senior dogs may also exhibit signs of boredom, such as destructive behavior or excessive barking when left alone. Daycare can provide a positive outlet for their energy and emotions, helping them feel more balanced and content. If any of these apply, The Dog Retreat & Spa offers a welcoming environment to keep your pup happy and engaged.

Give Your Senior Dog the Care They Deserve

Providing your older pup with daycare services can improve their quality of life, keeping them mentally and physically stimulated in a safe, loving environment. The Dog Retreat & Spa specializes in caring for senior dogs, offering gentle activities and the socialization they need to thrive.

If you’re looking for a compassionate, well-equipped daycare for your aging pup, we here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized daycare services and give your senior dog the enriching experience they deserve!

Daycare for Senior Dogs: Why Older Pups Can Benefit Too

Is Your Senior Dog Getting the Socialization They Need?

The Benefits of Daycare for Senior Dogs

Socialization: A Key to a Happy Senior Dog

Gentle Activities for Aging Pups

Signs Your Senior Dog Could Benefit from Daycare

Give Your Senior Dog the Care They Deserve

(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