Dogtopia is a national franchise chain, so the standards are set by corporate officials who have an interest in preserving their good name. If the franchise owners don't meet those standards, they can have their license to the name revoked. Therefore, its not surprising to see that this is a well-run establishment. Its is impeccably clean; has rooms segregrated not just by size of dog but by activity level of dog; offers an outdoor run area where the dogs can go 2 - 3x per day; and was very well-staffed with probably an average of 1.5 - 2 attendants per room (how do you have half a person? one person seemed to be a "runner" who went back and forth between the rooms, in addition to a seemingly dedicated front desk person). The rooms seemed large enough to handle the number of dogs per room. Even though 1 or 2 rooms seemed to have about 20 dogs in them, the constant human supervision did not leave me with any concerns about over-population of the pack (too large of a pack can actually stress a dog more than being alone, whereas human supervision usually mitigates anxious or aggressive dogs). I noticed that the humans in all of the rooms were also actually playing with the dogs, not just standing there playing with their iPhones (which I have seen in other places). There were also plenty of activity toys for climbing, plus plenty of balls and kongs and other such toys to keep the dogs busy. Dogtopia also provides a "nap time" in the middle of day, where the dogs go into crates for a an hour or two. The behavioural reason is because it gives the dogs some down time to relax in their own den. The practical reason for the business is that it allows the humans to clean. Lastly, I always prefer daycares that offer webcams and Dogtopia has them. If you are the kind of owner who gets separation anxiety while away from your dog, this will alleviate your concerns. I also think that the webcams are an unspoken quality assurance method. Afterall, employees are more likely to put their best foot forward if they know could be watched at anytime. Dogtopia is a good, safe, reliable and consistent level of quality. read more

I have been taking my dog, Jackson, to Dogtopia for over 3 years now. We absolutely love coming here. The staff are always warm and friendly (especially Juan, Wendy, and Regina) and you can tell they truly care about the dogs that come in. We started coming because my dog had a bad case of separation anxiety and was barking all day when left alone. Since spending time at Dogtopia he has worked through those issues. In fact, on the days that he spends at Dogtopia he's so exhausted from playing all day that he doesn't even mind some alone time in the evenings. Having access to a doggie spa is great as well. After dropping my dog off I know that he can have a bath and a nail trim and I don't have to struggle with him to try and do it myself. Another perk to the Dogtopia business model is the fact that they offer overnight boarding. Since Jackson is already familiar with the staff, the routine, and the environment, boarding him overnight while I go on travel for work is a breeze. He enjoys his "sleepovers" and I don't have to worry about finding a dogsitter or that he'll be traumatized by being in a cage for several days. Plus, the staff will administer medication if he needs it for some reason. Pricing is comparable with other doggie daycares in the area but if you buy the bulk passes you can save some money. Overall, I highly recommend this establishment and I have already recommended it to other friends and family! read more

I have boarded my 2 small dogs at Dogtopia on multiple occasions for about 10 days at a time. Although it is wrenching for me, it is GREAT for both dogs. One of my dogs is easily stressed and I know he is having a great time because he holds his tail up when he's happy and down when he's stressed, and the webcam proves that it's always up! I also love that the Pack Leaders (staff) always know when my dogs are exhausted from all their play time and need a break in the Lounge. I especially love when I see my people-oriented dog snuggled up with a "Pack Leader" on the futon in the Lounge - that's her bliss! Before Dogtopia existed I took a dog to another kennel where she developed skin lesions and blood in her stool as a reaction to stress. The vet bills and my guilt were huge. Dogtopia has offered me the opposite result. Contrary to many kennels, dogs can sleep with their own bedding and receive their familiar treats on any schedule requested. And, contrary to many kennels, the owner has devoted a lot of thought to how to make the environment both safe and healthy, installing special floors and airflow systems. I confess that I love how the Pack Leaders remember my dogs' names and even their personalities, but the real proof is in the fun I see on that webcam. read more

We started taking our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lady to Dogtopia due to a recommendation from good friends who take their black lab there. We had previously taken her to a place in DC that boasts about their crate free boarding, which turned out not to be our best option. While we liked that she was not in a crate, we did not like that she was NEVER in a crate, meaning the dogs are just out in a room to play all day. Lady would be exhausted when she got home because she had not slept the entire time she was away. She also always smelled like disinfectant because I guess they just let the dogs go to the bathroom in the room and just spray the floor and dog down...GROSS! (the place we used to go to is called Happy Paws, btw). Dogtopia has a very scheduled routine which we really liked because it gives her time to sleep and play and gives her structure, which she is used to. My husband toured the facility and was really impressed with it, as well as the staff. We never actually got to log into the web cam because we were out of town and did not have internet access but the next time we take her we will definitely be logged in constantly! We felt very comfortable with her there and will definitely be taking her back! read more

We've been going to Dogtopia for almost three years. My two Boston Terriers absolutely LOVE going to daycare. They start getting excited when we turn onto the street, and they drag me in, yelping and jumping. They don't get that excited for anything else. If it makes them happy, I'm happy. And they come home exhausted after playing with their buddies all day. The staff know each dog by name. They are professional and courteous. And they're nice to chat with. They've taken great care of my dogs when they've had problems and have promptly alerted me, such as when I was out of town for work and one dog ran himself so ragged chasing Kongs that his paw pads became raw and they put balm on his paws and encouraged him to chill with the Lounge dogs. I love the report cards at the end of boarding stays. The web cams let me know that my boys are happy and well-treated, and watching them play is a great destresser. I don't worry about them at all while they're there. I've never smelled urine or feces at Dogtopia. It always smells fresh and clean. When dogs potty on the playroom floor, it is promptly cleaned up. Highly, highly recommended for daycare and boarding!! Take your dogs! They'll thank you! read more

I have been taking my pup Izzy to Dogtopia for both daycare and boarding since she was about 8 months old. I currently have just the one dog and I wanted to keep her socialized with other dogs and this seemed the best way to do that. She absolutely loves going there - gets so excited in the car when we are about a mile or so away from the facility - and can't wait to get inside! The staff are all incredibly welcoming and kind and seem to love my dog almost as much as I do. I love getting to check up on her on the webcam during the day too. And when I do go away and have her boarded there, it's nice being far away and still being able to see what she's up to. I never worry about her when she spends the nights there for boarding - I know that she is happy and well cared for. Picking her up after work and having a very tired dog is always a plus, especially on those nasty weather days when you would rather not have to walk them for a long time for exercise. I would highly recommend Dogtopia as a great place to bring your dog, both for socialization and for exercise. read more

I started taking my dog, a super high energy Husky/Aussie mix named Boudreaux, to Dogtopia a couple weeks ago, and he loves it. As soon as we turn onto Duke St, he gets very excited - even more than when we used to go to the dog park, probably because he gets to stay at Dogtopia all day. My dog has so much fun there, that even after playing all day, he doesn't want to go home. The people who work at Dogtopia are awesome - you can tell they love dogs, and they make sure everyone is in the appropriate room based on size and energy level. They also do little things that go a long way. When my wife dropped Boudreaux off with our 8 month old daughter in tow, she called ahead and they came out to the car to get the dog so she wouldn't have to deal with getting everyone out of the car on her own. I can honestly highly recommend Dogtopia to anyone looking for a great place to let their dog have fun all day. read more

I've been using Dogtopia of Alexandria since I got my current dog over 3 years ago and they are great. We use them daily and this includes an occasional overnight or week of boarding too. I'm certain they deserve credit for my pup being the most socialized dog I've ever owned. Every day I get updates as to his activity level and his play friends. The CCTV gives you a way to look in during the day. Using Dogtopia leaves us worry free while away from our pup. All the employees seem like dog people who understand what dog owners are going through when leaving their family members behind. Leaps and bounds better than any kennel style daily boarding. I totally support their "interview" process and making sure more aggressive or less social dogs are rejected to assure your pup the best experience while in their care. Thank you for everything. read more

I cannot say enough positive things about Dogtopia of Alexandria. Jeff and his staff are fantastic!! The one aspect of Dogtopia that I LOVE - besides the facility being so clean - is when I turn on the camera to see my dog and the staff is sitting on the floor playing with all the Diggs! There is nothing more reassuring to a dog parent then to see this type of interaction when they are seperated from their pup!! The staff is extremely friendly, they know the dogs names when you drop off your pet, they are accommodating to your needs as well as your pets, knowledgeable, caring...really I cannot say enough positive things about Dogtopia of Alexandria! By far the best place to board your dog in the area!! read more

Dogtopia was highly recommended to us over a year ago by a friend who is really particular about her dog...so I trust her opinion. And really glad that I did because we've been taking our dog there ever since. The staff is very compassionate about the dogs at this establishment and our dog LOVES them. We cannot say Dogtopia out loud in front of the dog because whenever he hears it, he thinks he's heading to Dogtopia. The dog practically drags us from the car to the entrance when we drop him off, and will run through the store front directly to the door that he knows leads to his puppy friends. Highly recommend Dogtopia. PS, Love the webcams! read more

We have been taking our two dogs to Dogtopia nearly everyday for the last 3 years. I love it as much now as the first day I dropped them off. And more importantly, THEY love it as much. They still pull me into the front door each morning like it's their first time. The staff really know and care about each dog. It is absolutely immaculate - in all this time - no fleas - nothing. I continue to be impressed at the level of service - first for the dogs - but second, and equally as important,for their clients.. I cannot recommend Dogtopia more highly. read more

We have brought our dog Piper in about 3 times now. We love that each time we check in that every dog is given the best care and attention from everyone at the front desk area and the back staff. The first day certificate is wonderful!! Its also a great ease to be able to check in on the online webcams to give a quick check in on how your dog is doing. Piper only has 3 legs and they are great at knowing when she needs to slow down and switch rooms and when she needs to get her crazy puppy energy out! Highly recommend Dogtopia in Alexandria!! read more

Whatever you do, do NOT listen to Hannah's review below and do not take your dog where she suggests. Dogtopia has webcams, and webcams can record. No reason to be concerned about how they treat your dog if they know you are watching at all times. The place Hannah mentioned below does NOT have cams. If you read the reviews if ADDO, dogs have been mauled there and the owner won't refund money when it happens (at least that's what more than 1 review says). Be happy with Dogtopia.... read more

During drop off for boarding, the staff was very helpful in determining the best options for the stay considering that one of my two dogs was experiencing problems with a rear foot. I appreciate all the available options from different play room activity levels all the way to private suites. Also like that our close friend is on record with Dogtopia and can pick up our dogs when we are not available. I will definitely use Dogtopia again. read more

We took our Huskie puppy to Dogtopia after being refused at another Day Care kennel. Apparentlyi Huskies have a reputation of not being social. She has been a happy and enthusiastic day care client since. They greet her by name every time we walk in the door - we often use Dogtopia 3 to 4 days per week. She is always excited about getting in the door when we get there to drop her off and comes home well excercised, happy, and hungry. read more

My little one goes to daycare a few times each week. I am constantly amazed at a number of things. 1. How do they keep that place so clean and free of the doggie smell? 2. How are they able to wear out my dog so much that he can barely lift his head on the way home? 3. How do they know not only my dog, but me by sight? They are truly top of the line. I highly recommend them for a personal experience for both you and your pet. read more

My Golden Retriever has been going to Dogtopia since they opened and loves it. She goes to daycare and has been boarded there as well. She gets lots of exercise while playing all day with her friends. The staff is as excited to see her and she is to see them. The facility is beautiful and clean and the staff is friendly and highly knowlegable about dogs. I feel my dog is in good hands at Dogtopia. read more

I visited Dogtopia unannounced beforehand and the manager and staff were very friendly and welcoming. I toured the facility which was quite clean with no unpleasant odor. They have large open rooms for the dogs to play and an outdoor area. I watched my dog play on the webcam while we were on our trip. I will certainly use them again in the future and would recommend them as well. read more

I have been taking Tyson to Dogtopia in Alexandria VA for a year and a half now. Dogtopia takes care of Tyson's daycare, and grooming needs. I have seen the folks at Dogtopia at various Events, and Tyson always runs over to say "Hi". Tyson is picky about who he likes. So to me this means he is cared for when he visits. Who Tyson likes I like. Recommend Dogtopia. read more