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.

Our Charitable Work

If you have questions about donating please contact our team.

Existing Client Login

dog retreat & SPA

Why Donate to Our Local Dog Charity

There are always dogs and cats in need all over the country. We’ve chosen to donate a portion of our proceeds to our dog charity in Waltham, MA. If you have questions about donating please contact our team.

Baypath Humane Society Dog Charity

Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton is a dog charity in Waltham, that’s dedicated to providing shelter, care, humane treatment, and loving homes for stray and unwanted companion animals.

Visit their site

The Cat Connection

The Cat Connection is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit no-kill organization whose primary mission is to rescue abandoned, abused, unwanted, stray, neglected, and injured cats, and to facilitate their adoption into responsible permanent homes.

Visit their site

Please remember

Keep dogs on a non-retractable leash with a well-fitted harness or martingale.

We understand your dog may be great off-leash; however, with our facility located right next to a busy road and the highway, it is not worth the risk. Leash security is essential for everyone’s safety.

Give space to other dogs waiting outside the door.

Some dogs may be reactive,or nervous on leash. Please avoid leash greetings, even if dogs know each other from daycare. On-leash interactions can lead to barrier frustration, tension, or defensive behavior.

Call upon arrival for our Main Unit.

Our main-unit door is locked 24/7 for safety reasons.

When you arrive, please call, and a staff member will let you in.
The doorbell is for use during off-hours when phones are offline.

Supervise children closely.

Not all dogs are comfortable around children, and loud noises or quick movements can increase stress for pets waiting in the lobby or outside.

Please keep children calm, nearby, and supervised at all times.

Happy Clients

Customer Reviews

4.9 Based on 379 Reviews

Nancy S.

Our 11-year-old Havanese, Lulu, has been a weekly visitor to the Dog Retreat Physical Rehabilitation Center since January of 2024. We were referred by a veterinary orthopedic surgeon who felt that PT was worth trying before we resorted to surgery. We are so grateful that he was not only right, but that Amy, Kate and their crew gave Lulu her life back. While she might not be quite able to keep up with her 4-year-old “sister,” Lolli, she can now certainly chase and tumble around with her like a puppy. We continue our weekly appointments both to maintain all the progress she’s made and because Lulu really loves them. Honestly, I can not recommend the Center highly enough.

Nancy S.

Arti, Victoria & Jonathan

Everyone on the rehab team is so kind and so caring, our old girl doesn’t like many people but she absolutely LOVES them! She knows they’re there to help and really looks forward to her sessions. They’ve been a crucial part in improving her mobility and building strength to maintain a good quality of life! We’re grateful for the incredibly detailed and well tailored care she’s received over the last few years and are looking forward to many more together!!

Arti, Victoria & Jonathan

We have used the Dog Retreat & Spa for several years, both for day care and for grooming. Ed and Jalene and their staff are wonderful with our three dogs and have been very helpful to us as well

Juli, Joey, Bindi, & Boomerang

We have used the Dog Retreat & Spa for several years, both for day care and for grooming. Ed and Jalene and their staff are wonderful with our three dogs and have been very helpful to us as well, with training tips, equipment loans, etc. We live a mile away, but they are conveniently located on 128 for all you commuters. You won’t regret taking your dogs to this fabulous place. Our dogs are all happy AND stylish.

Juli, Joey, Bindi, & Boomerang

Pablo & Logan

So glad I found this place. I have a Samoyed that was in need of some serious grooming. I took him to two other places and both could not handle him which I understood since he is not a fan of the brush but I was not ready to allow him to be shaven quite yet. After searching around some more I found The Dog Retreat and Spa and decided to request an appointment online. I provided a quick description of our situation on their appointment request form (which probably came across as a desperate cry for help) and Jalene called me back immediately to tell me that they were more than willing to help and set me up with an appointment right away. Once there I was immediately impressed by the size of the facility, the cleanliness, and the professionalism of all the staff. I dropped my dog off with Jennifer who gave me a clear and straight forward description of everything she was going to do and informed me that I would get a text half hour before he was ready. Based on my last two experiences with groomers I was expecting that text to come an hour later along with a request to bring him back another time to finish. However that text would not come till way later. Jennifer was able to completely transform him! Jennifer succeeded where other had failed and seemed to have had no problems with getting him through his grooming. She even notified me of some concerning rashes on his stomach that are from a skin infection he developed and even though he was already being treated for it by our vet it is good to know they keep an eye out and inform people about stuff like this. I was amazed and could not be more impressed with how good she is at what she does and how professional this place is. My dog will be coming back every month and I would highly recommend this place to everybody.

Pablo & Logan

Astrid & Rocky

I recently took my little Rocky to a local groomer, and unfortunately, it was the worst grooming experience I’ve ever had. I was so upset that I immediately went online to look for help. That’s when Alyss reached out and mentioned that Kathy had an opening early the next morning and could work with Rocky to fix the mess. ( 1st pic) Taking that chance with Kathy turned out to be the *best* decision I could’ve made. She did an amazing job correcting what the previous groomer had done. Rocky came out looking great, and Alyss even mentioned he was a joy to work with. (2nd pic) I highly recommend any for any grooming services you need. They’re kind, professional, and truly care about your pet’s well-being!

Astrid & Rocky

Barb & Bill B

Jalene and Ed provided thoughtful, safe and loving care for our Aussie Riley for 10 years when we were away for up to two weeks. He adored them!

Our Charitable Work

dog retreat & SPA

Why Donate to Our Local Dog Charity

Baypath Humane Society Dog Charity

The Cat Connection

Please remember

Keep dogs on a non-retractable leash with a well-fitted harness or martingale.

Give space to other dogs waiting outside the door.

Call upon arrival for our Main Unit.

Supervise children closely.

Happy Clients

Customer Reviews

4.9

Based on 379 Reviews

Nancy S.

Arti, Victoria & Jonathan

Juli, Joey, Bindi, & Boomerang

Pablo & Logan

Astrid & Rocky

Barb & Bill B

Trish Mordas

Linda & Steven

Trish Mordas

Barb & Bill B

(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