Dog Daycare FAQs
Welcome to the Dog Retreat & Spa in Waltham, MA. Here is our dog daycare FAQs to review before bringing us your loved one. For questions, contact us.
General Policies
Critical Safety Leash Rule SINCE WE ARE NEXT TO A HIGHWAY, ALL DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH AT ALL TIMES IN THE PARKING LOT, WALKING IN AND OUT OF OUR BUILDING, AND IN OUR LOBBY UNTIL ONE OF OUR LOVING STAFF CHECKS YOU IN. Collars All dogs must have quick release collars, NO BUCKLES, no chains, no chokers. Name tag must be attached or embroidered into his or her collar. Compatibility Evaluation All dogs must go through our COMPATIBILITY Evaluation in order to join our pack. This evaluation will allow us to place your dog in the best suited playgroup for his/her personality. During this process we will be able to tell you if your dog is not suited for group daycare. Further, we will be able to offer you other options of support, training, or private play. PLEASE NOTE: The evaluation is designed for your pet’s well-being. Not every dog is suited for daycare and lodging. We say this to keep your dog, other dogs and our staff safe. Online Waiver and Client Profile All clients will be required to fill out an on-line profile and waiver for their pet. This will ensure that we have all the information to care for your dog, as well as provide them services in case of an emergency. Vaccines Vet records are required for all dogs staying, or playing, with us. The following vaccines are required: Rabies, Distemper, Bordatella, Canine Flu, Clean Fecal. We also recommend that all dogs have some type of flea and tick prevention. Payments Payment is required at time of check-in, unless you’ve purchased prepaid packages. Cancellations Daycare reservations must be cancelled one day prior by 9:00 am or you will be charged for a full day of daycare.
All clients have the option for early drop off: 6:00 am to 7:00 am $10.00. Late night pick up: Although we’re staffed 24 hours a day, our lobby closes at 7:00 pm. For any pick-up after lobby hours up until 9:00 pm there will be a $25 late fee. After 9:00 pm your dog will be boarded until the following day at the regular lodging rate. All boarded dogs need to be picked up by 10:00 am. After that you’ll be charged for another day of daycare. Check-Out We require the name of person/s that are allowed to pick up your pet. You may list a few people in case of an emergency. They must show an ID at the time of pick-up. |
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Lodging
We require you to bring you own food. Quick changes to a dog’s diet can create upset stomach especially for first time clients. Please pre-bag dry food for each meal. If you use canned food, please provide sufficient quantity for your pets stay, with portion instructions. If you forget your food, we can use our “in-house food” at a $6.00 per day. You may also purchase food from our store. All dry food must be sent pre-bagged by the meal. If not, there is a bulk food charge of $5.00 per day. Personal Items We’re happy to have you bring a couple of your pets’ favorite things, if they’re lodging in private suite. Please do not bring, dog beds, bully sticks, or raw hides. Smaller food treats are okay. Our goal is to keep your pet's area as clean as possible, and not all dogs’ beds can be easily washed. Payment We require a credit card on file for dogs that will be staying with us. All Reservation will require a 50% deposit that will be charged to your credit card at the time of your booking. Check-in
All clients should build in some extra time at check-in to confirm we have all proper information that we need to provide the best care possible for your pet. Please note: Our lobby is closed on major holidays and we are not able to do check-ins or check-outs on these days. (New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) Check-Out
All boarded dogs need to be picked up no later than the times listed above. If later, client will be charged for an additional day of daycare. Please contact us at least one hour prior if you’d like to extend you’re dogs stay. Cancellations A 50% deposit is required for all scheduled overnight stays. During non-peak periods, you must cancel your reservation at least 72 hours in advance or your deposit will be forfeited. During peak periods, a 50%, non-refundable deposit is required. If the reservation is not cancelled within 10 days, the full amount of the stay will be charged to your credit card. |
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Daycare
Collars All dogs must have quick release collars, NO BUCKLES, no chains, no choker. Name tag must be attached or embroidered into collar. Food If your dog needs to be fed during the day, we require you to bring your own food. Quick changes to a dog’s diet can create upset stomach, especially for first time clients. Please pre-bag food by the meal. If you have cans, please bring entire can. If you forget your food, we can feed your pup our “house food” at $6.00 per meal or you can, purchase food from our store. Medications Please provide all medications in their original packages with instructions included. There will be a $5.00 daily charge to administer medications. Personal items No toys, beds or other personal items may be brought to daycare. Since we are next to a HIGHWAY, ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED IN OUR PARKING LOT AND WALKED INTO THE BUILDING AT ALL TIMES. STAY AND PLAY POLICIES: All clients will have had to read and sign our policies and liability rules… |
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Transportation
Cancellation of bus service must be made 24 hours prior to pick-up. You may cancel on-line. If not canceled prior guest will be charged a single ride. |
2023 Peak Holiday Dates:
- February Vacation 2/17 to 2/26
- April Vacation 4/14 to 4/23
- Memorial Day 5/26 to 5/29
- 4th of July 6/30 to 7/5
- Labor Day 9/1 to 9/5
- Thanksgiving 11/22 to 11/26
- Christmas ’23/New Years ’23 12/15 to 1/7/24
Our lobby will close at 3:00 p.m. on July 3rd, Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
We are closed for daycare, pickup and drop-off on all MA recognized Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Washington’s Birthday, Easter, Patriots Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas.
Compatibility Evaluation
All dogs must pass our compatibility evaluation.
This evaluation will allow us to place your dog in the best suited playgroup for his/her personality. During this process we will be able to tell you if your dog is not suited for group daycare and offer you other options of support, training, or private play.
PLEASE NOTE: The evaluation is designed for your pet’s well-being. Not every dog is suited for daycare. We say this to keep with one goal in mind the happiness of each dog we meet.
Due to the COVID crisis we are currently not giving tours of our facility until further notice. Sorry for any inconvenience. Please call with any questions.
Schedule a tour to see what your dog is missing. We’ll show you around our state of the art facility, indoor and outdoor play yards, lodging areas, share what’s coming next, and answer any questions you may have.
Due to the COVID crisis we are currently not giving tours of our facility until further notice. Unless you are fully vaccinated and boosted and wear a mask.
Q: Can I come tour the facility before I bring my dog?
A: Yes, we’d be excited to show you our clean, fun and safe facility while your dog is being evaluated.
Book a Tour |
Q: If my dog already goes to daycare can I bring him to your facility?
A: We’d love to have you dog, however, he or she will still need to pass our compatibility evaluation.
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Q: How do I make reservations for daycare or lodging for my dog who has never been there before?
A: 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 should read “by calling us.”
Schedule Compatibility Evaluation |
Q: Why is your lobby closed for two hours each day?
A: 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.
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Q: Are you open on holidays?
A: Yes, We are open 365 days a year. However, there are specific holidays that our lobby is closed for drop-offs and pick-ups. In addition, the hours may vary.
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Q: How do I know my dog will be safe at the Dog Retreat & Spa?
A: 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.” WITH “All play areas will have our pet loving staff with them so that we have only 12-15 dogs per person.
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Q: What do I need to bring for my dog when they’re in daycare?
A: We require all dogs to have a quick release collar. If they need food it must be bagged, and labelled with the name of your dog and all medication must be in original packaging.
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Q: Will my dog adjust to doggy daycare/lodging? He’s never been away from home.
A: 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 know how your dog is doing and see what other options may work best to keep your dog happy. For example: we offer one-on-one play or small group play or your dog may do best with an at home dog walker.
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Q: What if my dog is not neutered or spade what are my options
A: All dogs in daycare need to be neutered or spayed at 6-8 months. If you’re not comfortable with that, you could consider our Day Stay program.
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Q: What happens if I want to cancel my reservation for lodging?
A: A 50% deposit is required for all scheduled overnight stays. During non-peak periods, you must cancel your reservation at least 72 hours in advance or your deposit will be forfeited. During peak periods, a 50%, non-refundable deposit is required. If the reservation is not cancelled within 10 days, the full amount of the stay will be charged to your credit card.
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Q: Can I bring my own food?
A: 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.
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Q: What if my dog acts aggressively toward another dog while at The Dog Retreat?
A: 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.
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Q: Can someone other than me pick up my dog?
A: Yes, but the person has to be listed on your account when you drop off the dog. They’ll have to show personal identification
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Q: My dog went to training but is still not trained. Can you help him/her?
A: 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.
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