I have never been so disgusted by a place. My family and I sent our Sealyham Terrier here for a TRIM and instead they took it upon themselves to shave him down completely. They absolutely destroyed his coat and coloring. Giving him razor burn all over his face and paws. When I asked for a refund, the manager was both rude and unprofessional. When she called, she already had an attitude stating that she wouldn't talk to me about my our dog. Then she proceeds to try and blame us for his hair cut by claiming that we don't take care of our dog and "bush him." Then to top everything off, she has the audacity to hang up on me when I told her there was no reason for him to come out looking like that. As you can see in the before photos he is completely maintained. These people should not be allowed near any dogs. read more

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Unfortunately, the manager is really rude. She doesn't seem to care for people, so I'm not sure how she can run a business that cares for pets. read more

I will never bring my dog to AVON Best Friends again; the receptionist was rude, condescending, smug, arrogant and accusatory. She questioned my pet caring abilities because I had to grab my dog's leash when my dog got away and was running in the direction of a car and the wooded area. My dog has run in the direction of cars before and actually has run under cars twice and I walked into traffic to rescue her. The receptionist told me this was no excuse to grab my dog's leash - that I needed to be "more caring," for my dog. read more

I was going to bring my dogs to this location however after seeing what you did on the recent posting from "Erika" I would never go this this establishment. The pictures are rather sad. What you did to that dog was abusive. You can see in some areas how close they trimmed this poor dog. You can see his skin. I feel awful for this dog. This is truly un-acceptable. read more

Have been coming here for play and boarding for years after a lot of shopping around. We love it, the big guy agrees....every day they treat our dog like their own, and only! They make him feel special read more

Best Friends Pet Hotel - Pet Groomers Near Me - Avon, Connecticut

I've taken 3 dogs to Best Friends over the last 20+ years. The staff has always been amazing! I know my dachshund is in good hands because she runs inside everytime she's there for boarding or day car. There's also a veterinary office onsite. read more

I really trust the staff to know and care for my dog. She is very well supervised at BF Avon and loves playing with her friends at doggy daycare. She also had a blast when she boarded overnight. read more

They have tried to overcharge me 4 out of the 4 times I have boarded my dog here. Excuses range from entering the wrong coupon into the system to mysterious "taxes and incidentals" and failing to opt out of a pet care insurance that I was never notified existed nor that I would be charged for. read more

My dog loves coming here which tells me she is well treated and has fun! I love that they send me a picture of her playing with her friends - usually arrives right around the time I'm really missing her.... A friend's daughter worked there during college breaks - so I knew that behind the scenes how well all the animals were cared for and how each got a lot of personal attention! read more

I had been taking my dog here and had an okay experience. Last Eater I signed up for a doggy Easter egg hunt. On the day of, I showed up to find that daycare was closed to non boarding dogs and the girl on duty had no idea such an event was on their calendar. When I called to speak to the manager the next week no one vet picked up the phone. As a result we took our business somewhere else. read more

It's Motel6 for animals -- you get what you pay for. I had needed to make a trip out of state over a holiday weekend on short notice (not a great start already). I had visited the Best Friends facility in Wethersfield previously and thought their facility looked pretty good -- quiet, clean, cats separated from dogs. The Avon location was all I could find to house my cat on such short notice, so I booked his stay. 1) Best Friends has one of the best/easiest websites to use, which is great. 2) In the week leading up to my trip, I called 4 times and left 2 messages. The phone was answered once, and no messages were returned. This was concerning, but as I didn't have another option, I went ahead with the stay. I visited the location in person to make sure they had all documentation and there wouldn't be any last-minute surprises. There is one person staffing the place with apparently no help. The employee was very nice and looked to be prioritizing the animals, which is good. 3) The cats are kept in a room behind the dogs. What this means is that your kitty is paraded past a kennel of bored and upset dogs before arriving at his/her little room. The only thing separating the cats from dogs is a door, and the noise from the dogs is pretty loud. 4) It looks like the animals are well-cared for overall. 3 stars rather than 2 because I can see that other locations are better, and I would consider trying those instead of this one. read more

This place has really gone downhill. I have boarded here many times, but never again. I normally have them give my dog a bath before coming home, but decided to skip it last time. When I picked up my dog, the manager said that his feet may be a little wet because they were "cleaning ". My german shepherd was wet on his entire underside. When I got him into the car, the horrible smell was overwhelming. Thankfully it was summer and I could keep the windows down all the way home. It was nauseating. I got him home and had to immediately give him a bath myself. He smelled like feces had been sprayed all over him. The car had to be cleaned and deodorized before anyone could use it again. Pretty obvious that my dog had been mistreated by the extreme uncleanliness he exhibited. Do yourselves a favor, next time you bring your dog there, skip the bath and see how your dog smells in reality. No wonder they offer a "free" stay on departure day if you purchase a bath... it helps cover up the smelly truth! read more

We are comparing out pet boarding at Best Friends to the Barker lounge in Charleston SC, Fenway bark in Boston, MA and the Lush Puppy in Jupiter Fl where we have boarded our dogs before. Wow. No comparison to those places. Best friends is essentially a pound for dogs. The play area is a fenced in area about the size of a patio. The dogs are in tiny cages unless doubled up w their other dogs in the family. The pet webcams were offline too. The staff are friendly and our dogs survived but given the opportunity we will chose another place on the future. Our other experiences had staff w the dogs until 9 pm. This place shuts the door at 7 and comes back at 7. read more

If I could give a 0 star, I could .... Signed my dog up for their " Daycamp". First of all, what a mess that was but anyway. Dropped her off for her first day camp at this place and 30 mins later they called to tell me she was on by herself because she "failed" her evaluation. So my dog is stressed from the car ride, and I drop her off and you take her in to a room of barking dogs and expect her to acclimate within 10 mins! Won't be going there again! Professionals ? I think not. read more

I've been boarding my Beagle here for the last two years and I've never had an issue. The facilities look generally clean and well kept, and the staff seems genuinely caring towards our pets. Prices could be a little better in my opinion; that's my only complaint that the basic stay is $26/day. Adding on any playtime or grooming, mixed with a multi-day stay can really add up quickly. However, I really think this is the best place to board your pet in the area. read more

Best Friends Pet Hotel - Pet Groomers Near Me - Avon, Connecticut

This review is not directed at the staff (which are all friendly and helpful) but rather their policies. I used this boarder for over 4yrs for 2 dogs. "What they DONT tell you" The staff leaves each night when they close (5:30pm weekdays 4pm Saturdays) and do not return until the morning (7:30am). What this means for your dog is that they are expected to "use the bathroom" in their sleep area from 5:30pm on. Now if your dog is either crate trained or just well trained not to go indoors, your pet is sitting there in agony of having to use the bathroom. The reason I bring my animals there when I have overnight trips or occasions I can't be home for is to LET my dogs OUT to pee. The response I received when I politely asked for confirmation about these time frames from Jen the manager was "well have your dogs had any kidney or bladder infections?" This was the rather surprising response I got when I stated my dog was very well behaved and would hold it and not go to in its sleep area. This also explains why when you are boarding here they push bathing for your dogs on the last day as they are sitting in their own feces potentially from 6pm-8am (oh and I was explained they give them breakfast first, before going out to bathroom which is why you will get back most of the food you provide for a week stay) the way they word the grooming charges is by stating "the grooming charge cancels out the fee for the day of boarding." Only it doesn't. Because if I pick up my dogs before noon, I am not charged for the day anyhow and will still be charged the $30 for a bath, (no trimming hair or nail cutting included). Making it deceptive when they don't point this out when you specify you will return at 8am...knowing the grooming is infact additional and not canceling out day charge. Also, if you are boarding your pet for an extended time such as a week and do not add the "group play" or "walk" what you are getting for your base fee is your dog let out at 8am and 530pm. That means your dog sits in his area all those hours...with no interaction from other dogs or staff?? This is not the practices of other kennels. read more

Disclaimer: Unique (embarrassing) and crazy story - Was looking for a place to board our cat while my wife and I took a cross country road trip... and glad we picked this place! Very accommodating and friendly staff. We had to take a flight from San Diego to Boston and then drive to CT to drop our cat off. I was only going to be in CT for one day and fly back on Sunday. It was a Saturday and my flight into Boston was three hours late which would result in me not making it in time and not having a place to drop off our cat. I called stressed out and they were so accommodating and said that they would make sure someone was there 2 hours after closing...on a Saturday! 5 stars customer service and flexibility! Our cat was treated very well despite the real pain he can be when not used to his surroundings. They knew exactly how to handle him and when we picked him up he was happy and well taken care of. read more

Some of the reviews look great, but I left 2 messages and called 5 times and they never even returned my call. Not sure how they stay in business. Clearly they are not interested in new clients. read more

We had a great experience here. Unfortunately Brady our Lab/Great Dane mix is too big to bathe at our home and so we have visited a few different groomers; Best Friends is our favorite. The staff are super friendly and accomodating. Following his appointment, Brady didn't shed much for about three weeks (it was $10 extra for the de-shedding...SO WORTH IT). Best Friends is definitely our Go-To Groomer. Added bonus, they offer day care and boarding services and you recieve your first night free. They also have cameras and T.V.'s of the day care rooms which looked clean and all of the dogs looked happy. Also, the boarding room is visible from the reception area which looked clean and well kept. I would have no hesitations leaving him overnight if necessary. There are a few different locations, we go to the one in Rocky Hill. read more

We've been using Best Friends since we moved here 12 years ago. Our previous dog, who was a very senior citizen was treated well and they always took great care of her. Our new dog Oskar, who we rescued last year loves it there. They take great care of him and I think he likes Jen more than he likes me. When we have a sudden change of plans and need to have him stay at the doggie hotel, they always find room for him. Don't hesitate to have them look after your dog. read more

Love Best Friends in Avon. Love the staff. Very professional and they take wonderful care of our precious Brussels griffon. They love him there and it's always easy to board him when we need to. I recommend them to anyone read more

I absolutely love Best Friends! My dog has been going there for 2 years now. He jumps out of the car and runs in each time! The staff is extremely energetic, welcoming, and kind. They greet my dog with a friendly smile and lots of care. When I pick him up, they tell me about his day and how he's been. The staff has always been helpful and generous. They offer the first visit for daycare and for overnight free. They often have specials and discounts on packages for daycare. I feel confident that my dog is well cared for, loved, and having a great time when he's at Best Friends. He comes home exhausted! read more

One-star review because of the number of hours the dogs are left alone in the kennels. Thirteen hours five days a week, and even more hours on the weekend. So, how stressful is that for a dog who is housebroken to try not to go to the bathroom in its run. The kennels are cold and depressing looking, but I'm not sure that is such an issue for a dog since they probably don't notice that. But, they do pay attention to being left alone, no one taking them out since that's a dog's basic need. Yes, the staff is super-nice. And my dog had a nice grooming. But, again, are we staffing for the comfort of the dogs or for the conveniece of the staff, owner and payroll expense? read more

Charlie is wonderfully taken care of.The staff are great and the groomer can work miracles with his long hair.

My dog Jake was being boarded at Best Friends of Avon when I adopted him 10 years ago. I have been bringing him here ever since for grooming and boarding. The staff is wonderful and the care is great. I know that he is well cared for when I am away. read more

I used to bring my childhood dog here for grooming and nail cutting and had pleasant experiences. So when my husband and I adopted a new puppy and had to go away for a few nights, it seemed like the right place to board our pet. It's not very close to our home, and in fact a little out of the way, but it's worth it to us to have our dog in great hands! The staff was friendly, the prices are fair (first night was free!), and the facility seemed clean. When we were away, we were pleasantly surprised with an e-mail from our pet letting us know he was doing fine. This was a really nice touch because it was our first time away from him and we were missing him like crazy! It included a picture of our pet. A funny story, though - the picture was of a different Yorkie and not our own...hehe...wish we saw our little boy, but it was kind of funny, and we appreciated the e-mail very much nonetheless. Since dogs can't speak in human language, you never really know for sure how their experience was, but when we picked him up he seemed happy, healthy, and clean. He also had gotten his nails trimmed while he was there, so that was nice (could have had him groomed too during his stay, but he was recently shaved down pretty short). There was a slight mix-up with some of his belongings and we forgot to get his tupperware container (for his food) back, but not a big deal. A convenient feature is that you can book your reservation online, which is exactly what I did. That was very nice. They also called to confirm his appointment, they were very accomodating (I made a last-minute reservation and there was no trouble at all - I even was able to drop him off RIGHT before 7 when they closed and they were still polite and took care of our pup!). Unfortunately our puppy will not be neutered for a few more weeks so he was unable to play with other dogs during day camp...looking forward to bringing him back once he's neutered so he can play with the others! Very pleased with this experience and I'm sure we will use Best Friends again in the future! read more

I've been kenneling my beagle mix here for 8 years whenever we go away for a long weekend or go to the Cape for a week in the summer. He is always happy to arrive, which tells me that he doesn't dread his time there. They always send me a picture of him while I'm away, which is cute. When I pick him up, they give me a full summary of how his behavior was during his stay, whether he ate his food or not, whether his elimination schedule was regular or "off," and he comes home clean, happy, without fleas/ticks, and relaxed. The staff there is pleasant and responsive. I couldn't recommend this place more highly. read more

My dog has been going for over a year. He's well taken care of. But recently multiple policies have changed with no prior announcement. 1. I show up with my dog, about to leave the country. They say, oh, he's a senior now so you have to pay for an extra service each day so he doesn't get sad and not eat. I ask, has he ever. OT eaten before? No, it's policy. Can I just pay for the extra service if he stops eating? No, it's policy. So I'm stuck, because I have to leave for the airport and have no other options. If I'd been told in advance, I would have found another arrangement. 2. They call me while I'm driving (at 70mph on the Interstate) and say they forgot to tell me there's a new policy and they need a deposit so I have to confirm my credit card. They want it right then. Never mind that a) they didn't announce the change in policy and b) they were the ones who forgot to collect the deposit. Of course I can't dig out my credit card at 70mph. But we really need it night now...I'm so sorry. read more

Best Friends is a wonderful kennel and overall pet care center. Jen, the manager, is smart, kind and throughout. Her staff is beyond sweet and loving. I drive almost an hour out of my way to bring my beautiful dog to them and only use them to kennel her. She has been kenneled there for 12 years now and she is all the better for it. When she returns home, she is so calm, well cared for, and well loved. We have always had a positive experience and recommend them all the time. We have full confidence that Best Friends is the best friend to our dog Blueberry. read more

Great service for home pet care Entirely better than West Hartford Pet Sitters who are essentially crooks running a scam to fleece trusting customers read more

They are wonderful and caring. My dogs love going there and I would highly recommend them for all your doggy daycare and boarding needs. I have used other companies in the area and Best Friends are far superior. I HIGHLY recommend them! read more

They are the best -- for grooming and boarding! 'Been bringing my dogs here for years. They even get excited about coming here (which is the true test!). read more

They were the best and made me feel like we were in such good hands. My 12 year old anxious and arthritic Border Collie stayed the weekend, and they were fantastic to her. She usually hates people, but their gentle and professional manner allowed them to see the little sweetie inside of her. They also groomed her for the first time in her life (I usually brush and bathe her when necessary) and she typically hates the process. They went slow and stayed in her comfort level. She did great and looks amazing! Kept her Border Collie essence, but cleaned her up to her best little self. Highly recommend. read more

I use the grooming service for my cats. Natalie, the groomer I use is wonderful. My cats always look great after she gets through with the Most! read more

Do not go to the best friends pet hotel in avon they are putting your dogs in danger allowing dogs to board who don't have updated vaccines they are allowing dogs into there group play that are not fixed when I brought my dog in I was told that the dogs had to be fixed and that the vaccines had to be up to dated but that's a joke the new manager is a joke he doesn't ask for vaccines I knew my dog was over due from the email I got when I booked so I had the vaccines record in my pocket he checked me in but never asked for them it's sad when the customer is more on top of things then the person that is supose to be watching your dog long story short don't go to avon best friends your dogs are in danger don't go if you want a sick dog then go in if you want your dog to be Healthy then don't go to avon best friends read more

While "Body's" parents were getting married, he spent 2 days at Best Friends in Avon. I went to pick up Brody up and he was brought out to me after a 10 minute wait. The gentlemen must of seen the look on my face as he said "Brody may be a little wet because he was in the pool". Brody was wet, filthy with clumps of dirt all over him and his under belly hair was matted. When we returned home we needed to give him a bath outside and spent over an hour to get the mattes out of his hair. Best Friends should be embarrassed on how they "Took care" of Brody. read more

Where do l start . I dropped my 2 year shepherd/lab named warren at this place . Warren was there Thursday September 25 th / Monday the 29th . When l picked up warren on monday he didn't look good at all . Come to find out after being at the vet today Wednesday October 1st , he had lost 7lbs and was dehydrated from his stay . Didn't get a straight answer from the manager jen , the girl that was there on monday morning told me warren ate all of his food then jen said he didn't eat at all very confused . So , asked for help with the shots warren needs for his dehydration jen told me they can't help me out at all , l told her l don't have the money for Warrens shots and got sorry we can't help you ! I called the corporate office today waiting for the ceo Molly to get back to me go figure she didn't call me back ! Over all warren is sick needs shots that l can't afford right now , My dog was fine when l dropped him off last week now I'm so upset about the way this whole thing went down today , l was just asking for some help because I'm unemployed at this time ! I highly wouldn't recommend this place , and that manager needs to go !!!!! I hoping to hear back from the corporate office tomorrow and molly the ceo . read more

We have been using Best Friends Kennel for over 10 years now. They have wonderful staff and take very good care of our dogs. You can tell that the staff love their jobs being with the dog. We would recommend Best Friends in Avon to anyone. read more

Our dog, Emma, has some special needs and Jenn and her staff handle these needs perfectly. We leave our 10 year old mix here for minimum 10 days at least twice a year. We have complete confidence that Emma will be in good health upon our return. Geographically, this is not the most convenient kennel for us but, by far it is the best. Thanks to all at Best Friends Avon! read more

I've been bringing my husky to Best Friends for the last few years and my dog and myself both love it!! They know him by name and are so friendly and excited to see him every time he goes there (and he is excited to see them too!). I recently moved so I had to start bringing him somewhere closer, but I try and bring him back from time to time (even though it's a little farther) so that he can see his friends. They also send emails with a picture attached so that you know your dog is having a good time while you're away. Love this place! read more