We were looking for a doggy daycare due to our dogs isolation anxiety. When we called, happy dog,…read moreit was clear the owner loves dogs and loves what she does. She let us know about nap time and was willing to accommodate anything he needed if he was not able to rest independently. (He did great and Michelle was on top of his need the first day). We were able to get in for an interview/temperament test within a week even around a holiday And once we passed, we able to start right away. The owner is very responsive to any questions or concerns you have. Her staff love the dogs and your furry friend gets a big hello upon arrival. Our pup comes home happy but tired and ready for cuddles and rest. Also, the packages they offer are extremely fair and worth it. Thank you Happy Dog!

The first time I brought my dog for a boarding experience here, it was absolutely wonderful. I…read moreinteracted with a young woman who was absolutely lovely to talk to, very kind and clearly cares a lot about the dogs. At the end of the stay, my dog came home exhausted and happy, and I got to see some awesome pictures of his stay. The second time I brought my dog here a few months later, I was met by Michelle, the owner (she hadn't been there the first time when I dropped off, or during the temperament test). I will admit that I made a couple of mistakes here -- I was 15 minutes later than my anticipated drop-off time (but still within the drop-off window), and while I had seen an email from her when I booked my reservation, I missed the line at the bottom of the email with the link for my confirmation, and so I missed the info that was included through that link about how to prepare his food. This is entirely my mistake, I dropped the ball there by being distracted so I missed some important information that I should've known in advance. However, when I arrived with my dog, Michelle was clearly very irritated with me from the get-go. I apologized for being late, and tried to hand her my dog's food (I had put his meals in individual ziplock bags trying to make it easier, and put these inside a plastic container with his name and instructions written on it). Michelle scolded me for bringing a container and said she couldn't accept it; she took the ziplocks out and then scolded me for not writing his name on each bag, for separating out his food when they could have done it, for "bringing rawhide treats" even when I clarified that they were completely rawhide-free (she still refused to take them), for bringing his daily medication in his pill bottle (I had used an old pill bottle of his so it would have his name and dose on it, but she kept telling me she "couldn't be responsible for getting it back to me" even though I told her that was perfectly fine), etc etc. No matter how many times I tried to apologize and own up to my novice mistakes, she just kept circling and circling with her complaints. Now, I'll admit that I'm pretty sensitive and anxiously attached to my dog, and I was so shocked that I began to tear up as she continued to scold me (this feels so strange to write as a grown woman!). Michelle either didn't take a breath to notice or else just didn't care. I completely and wholeheartedly understand that she is running a serious business here, and takes the health and safety of our dogs very seriously which is why she has these rules. I am GLAD they have these rules. However, after I apologized the first 10-15 times and told her I understood, that I hadn't been told any of this the first time my dog boarded there so I didn't realize; I would expect her to ease up. I myself work as a manager at a preschool center, so a somewhat similar field, and I cannot IMAGINE ever talking to a parent/client the way she spoke to me. After she took my dog from me mid-scolding and left me standing at the door shocked and without getting to say goodbye before my first real time being away from my dog, I ended up sitting in my car for another 10 minutes just trying to compose myself. To top it off, my boyfriend was the one picking my dog up the next afternoon; he was coming directly from working in NYC, and was worried about traffic, so around 4:45 he called on his way to let her know his ETA was 5:45 but wanted to let her know JUST in case traffic pushed it past 6:00; Michelle told him firmly "You can get here anytime between 5 and 6." This feels like a pretty rude reaction to someone who is calling you well in advance as a precaution. In the end he did arrive around 5:45, but was reprimanded for not having our dog's leash (since he was coming from out of state, I'd think it's pretty obvious why that happened, but thankfully our dog is small enough to be carried). Happy Dog Pet Resort is excellent with dogs. The other staff that I met were friendly, kind, and compassionate. My dog was very happy there. Unfortunately, it's the owner Michelle that completely soured the experience for me and has left me looking for a new daycare center. I can't justify leaving my favorite being on the planet again with someone that could be so cold and compassionless.

Extremely Disappointed - No Patience for Puppies or Professionalism…read more Honestly, this has been the worst daycare experience I've ever had--and I work at a vet clinic, so I'm familiar with the standards of care and behavior management expected around animals. On just my puppy's second half-day, I received a call saying he was being kicked out due to "anxiety." He's a 5-month-old puppy, still learning, and yes--he chews, like all puppies do. Instead of redirecting that behavior or giving him any sort of chance to adjust, the manager claimed he was "destroying property" by chewing the fence and decided he was not a good fit. I was told he was pacing and not playing with other dogs. But pacing doesn't necessarily mean anxiety, and he has never shown signs of anxiety in the month we've had him. In fact, during his first visit, the staff said he was sweet, well-behaved, and even called him their favorite. So which is it? It felt like a complete 180 overnight--with no attempt to work with him, redirect behaviors, or help him settle in. Puppies need time, patience, and structure--not to be written off after one or two short visits. The experience leads me to believe that the staff, especially the manager, may lack the proper training or understanding needed to support puppies still in their developmental stages. I truly hope they consider additional training in animal behavior and communication--because right now, it seems more about convenience than care.

Very disappointed that Peter is gone, however, Katie is still there and I'm glad…read more Jax can't wait for Katie to open the door and off he goes. It's close to home and it gives Jax time to run and burn off some energy. I don't have to worry about him while he's there. I would recommend You Lucky Dog to anyone! Thank you, Joanne

Imagine you have a 3yr old. Your searching for daycares he/she can attend. After extensive on-line…read moreresearch and reading reviews, you settle on a place Paws in Play. You make the appt for the live interview, to see if your 3yr old dog is a good fit for the daycare and if the daycare is good fit for your 3yr old dog. You walk in and everything looks ok. Your stopped at the front desk. The play area where your 3yr old will spend all of his days cannot be seen. After all your questions are answered and your feeling comfortable leaving your 3yr old at the daycare, you ask what you think would be a common question. When can I set up a time to view the area where my 3yr old will be for the next 8hrs, 3x per day? The area I'm paying for? You're then directed to go online and look at Facebook pics of the area.... I did that, but seeing the Statue of Liberty on a Facebook post is not quite the same as seeing her in person. And personally I'm just not comfortable leaving my 3yr old in a place that will not allow anyone EVER to see the space they are paying for. Suspect. Paws in Play has a policy that no owner can view the play area, EVER. Not off-peak time, not at closing, not before opening, not even Holidays. All of which I offered as possible viewing times. Suspect. Why you ask? They say to protect the dogs. Ok. Why do the dogs need protection from Humans? Paws in Play interview their dogs. I assume the dogs they accept are socialized to interact with not only each other but other humans? I wouldn't take my dog to a dog park if I knew he bit other dogs or humans. Ok policy is policy. I asked the owner if he would be willing to call me at a time where there are NO dogs at the daycare for me to view the space. And he still refused. Referred me to Facebook. Suspect. This policy and the owners refusal to accommodate what I believe is a reasonable request, while still honoring the spirit of the policy got me way too suspicious about what was back there in the play area where my dog would be. The possible condition of the area. I couldn't in good conscious leave my 3yr old at Area 51. Suspect. I would caution anyone who is thinking about Paws in Play. Anyone considering this daycare for their loved one would have to answer the question. How could you trust a daycare that forbids you to EVER see the space in person that 1. You are paying for. 2. That your leaving your loved one for days and hours. Are we putting our loved ones in Fort Knox? What is so bad back there that you don't want anyone to see? Suspect. As a business owner myself, I shared with the owner that I had called 6 other daycares just to see if this policy was common in that line of business. What I found? All 6 understood not letting the public in the area when there are a "ton" of dogs. But to not EVER be able to tour the facility? Even after hours "sounded weird". The owner harshly replied "I don't care what other people think" And from that reply it also appears that Paws in Play struggles with professionalism as well. Suspect. Sorry, I just don't trust Paws in Play. My dog is my child. I could never leave him in a space that the owner is adamant with me NEVER seeing.. Suspect.

We have brought our dog once for daycare, and once for an overnight…read more The first red flag was the secrecy about the facilities. We were told when we called for our first daycare that we'd get a tour, but upon dropping our dog off we were told they don't do tours. Why? What is Paws in Play hiding? Daycare itself is fine. Our dog came back stinking, which isn't completely unexpected from daycare, but it isn't practical for us to use this place 2-3 times a week, because after a long day of work, the last thing we want to do is give our dog a bath. Our overnight experience was terrible. When I picked the dog up the staff member handed me his food bag, which was still nearly half full. I just expected them to say he was too busy/distracted/anxious to eat. But oh no, the staff member decided to lecture me about how I have provided far too much food and how I am overfeeding my dog. She condescendingly told me that he was overweight "chunky" and if I cared about him, I'd feed him an appropriate amount. Excuse me? What school gave you a veterinarian degree? Our dog is not only on-track according to growth charts, but we measure his food per our vet recommendations. He's a bulldog, those are rolls of skin, not fat! He's built differently. While I can 100% appreciate Paws In Play's attempt to care for my dog and "advocate" for his health, they were out of line. The appropriate thing to do would have been to follow our guidelines (especially since it was just a one-night boarding), and then politely make suggestions when we picked him up. This was our dogs first time doing an overnight, it was NOT the time to withhold his normal amount of food. He was probably anxious and confused just by being there; Paws In Play didn't need to create a scenario where he was potentially hungry too. Bottom line, they tried to come from an okay place, but their execution and attitude wasn't okay. I would only use this place in a pinch, when all other options weren't available (assuming they let us back after this review). Edit: I highly recommend Wetnoze Pet Concierge in Randolph. Tell them Kendra M. (Chalupa's Mom) sent you!

I absolutely love Canine College Resort and their amazing staff. My dog, DJ, was kicked out of…read morethree different groomers, and Canine College truly came to the rescue. I've been going to them for the past seven years, and I wouldn't trust anyone else. They are truly dog whisperers. DJ went from being a complete terror to becoming a sweet, well-loved poodle with the staff. I highly recommend Canine College to anyone looking for patient, caring, and skilled professionals for their dogs.

My dog has been going to canine College for about three years now. She's also going through some…read moretraining with Bruce. Go have a bad rap and my puppy is one of the sweetest dogs you ever wanna meet. This is all thanks to Bruce at Canine College. He goes there just about every day for daycare. And I wouldn't trust anybody else.

HomeTown Pet Resort is the doggy daycare where we took our beautiful Chocolate Labrador…read moreHuckleberry. He loved that place the employees who worked there and most of the other doggies. He would get very excited when it was time to go to this place. He would whimper as we got him into the car and on the way over, which was less than a mile from our house. The staff was always eager to greet him, and his tail would wag mightily. Sadly, we had to put Huckleberry down when he became quite sick. As I drive by this business now that Huckleberry is not around it makes me think of my beautiful Labrador. We will eventually get another dog, who will not replace huckleberry, but whom we will love very much I know. We will have our new dog have playgroup at HomeTown Pet Resort too. Whatever lovely dog we end up with I know we'll enjoy this establishment just as much as Huckleberry did. We are grateful to have HomeTown Pet Resort nearby to serve any dog that we might be lucky enough to share our lives with.

Our dog loved this place. They are very friendly. We came from out of state and needed a last…read moreminute place to let our puppy relax while we did the tourist thing.

Full disclosure - I question if it's kosher to even write this review because months after starting…read moredog training at Wicked Good Dog, my husband started doing part time dog walking for them. But, since we used their services for a while before that, and he won't be working there much longer since I got a full time job in his field, I think it's probably okay. We have an 8 year old rescue basset hound who is sweet but very stubborn. The training has been great for her. She started at level 1 and made it to level 3, but I think that's as far as she'll go! The levels are nice because each dog is able to progress at their own pace. The formal training is most evident when she's misbehaving and we can get her to sit or lie down in the middle of it, which calms her down and makes her more focused on responding to us. We've witnessed some pretty impressive improvements on the part of other dogs going through the levels at the same time - amazing how they all have their strengths and weaknesses! Even though the classes are group classes (unless you choose private training), Michelle is good about providing advice to each owner or owners in turn based on her observations of the training session, and based on descriptions of behaviors outside class. I think the group classes are better for our dog anyhow, since they're more fun for her, but also more distracting (she loves pretty much all other dogs) and therefore more challenging. We've also used their pet sitting services for our basset and two cats. For the dog, the prices are similar to in-home boarding that we've done, but with the cats added in, it's cost effective to have them come to the house. Plus they'll get the mail and such. Plus we don't have to drop off and pick up the dog before and after traveling, which can be a pain if we're boarding. Since they have a fair number of dog walkers and sitters, once you're in the system, you can get service on pretty short notice. For trickier to deal with dogs, I think Michelle does much of the walking and sitting services herself, if possible, and I know that she aims to put all the dog walkers through the dog training classes, so they're familiar with the basic principles of the clicker training approach. They also have doggie play groups, by size, which is a service we haven't used (yet), but may consider once we're no longer training regularly.

Our dogs Toby and Sammi have been going here since they were 7 and now they're 14. They go twice a…read moreweek with transport and love it. When they are dropped off the smile on their faces and so much talkative barking on them makes us smile. They are so excited each day going there. The staff are accomadating to my schedule and take such great care of our prescious babies. That's important to us.

We were repeat customers of Shipyard Dog. Before our young dog, we entrusted our elderly dog to the…read morefacility for daycare and boarding for several months before she passed away. We returned because we had previously had a positive experience. We appreciated the cleanliness of the facility, the convenience of the online reservation system, and, most importantly, we trusted them with our pets. Our young dog began attending at approximately four months of age, and for several months everything went well. This spring, we were told he had been "humpy and displaying dominance" during a previously scheduled boarding over school vacation. We immediately followed Shipyard's recommendation upon returning by temporarily removing him from daycare, having him neutered as soon as possible, observing the recommended recovery period, and even offering to pursue additional training if needed. After doing exactly what was asked, Shipyard accepted additional boarding reservations, giving us every reason to believe he remained an appropriate candidate for their program and that any concerns had been adequately addressed. While returning home from a recent trip, we received another message stating that our dog had "incited an altercation" and now needed to be removed from the facility for several months. This meant coming home and unexpectedly needing to start over in finding future boarding after relying on Shipyard Dog for our travel needs, which had recently increased due to a death in our family. After reviewing the 13-second video provided, I was left with more questions than answers. The footage did not clearly demonstrate to me that our dog was solely to blame for the altercation, nor was I given any objective explanation regarding the specific behaviors that led to that conclusion or what "improvement" would actually look like for him to return. From the video, our dog appeared increasingly overstimulated. He was open-mouth panting, sat down while several dogs continued to approach him, and rather than the interaction de-escalating, additional dogs continued to converge around him until a fifth dog approached him directly face-to-face, at which point he reacted. I was also surprised that there appeared to be no consideration of simply removing him from the playgroup or modifying his boarding experience, particularly given that he had been recently neutered, before deciding to dismiss him from the program for a "few months." The video also showed two playgroup monitors nearby before the interaction escalated. What ultimately led us to make other arrangements was the complete breakdown in communication. At no point were we told that our dog's place, even as a boarding customer, was in jeopardy despite accepting four future boarding reservations throughout the summer. When I raised concerns about how this was handled, I received no response. When you board your dog, you should be able to travel, even under difficult family circumstances, knowing your pet's needs are being thoughtfully managed. Instead, we were left worrying about unexpected behavior messages while traveling and scrambling to find new boarding arrangements afterward. I recognize that every facility has the right to determine which dogs are the best fit for its program. My purpose in sharing this review is not to dispute that right, but to help other owners understand our experience. I encourage readers to draw their own conclusions. If you rely on a boarding facility for travel, I encourage you to ask detailed questions about how behavioral concerns are managed, how much communication you can expect if concerns arise, and what alternatives are considered before a dog is removed from the program. Those answers may ultimately determine whether a facility is the right fit for your family.

It's an amazing facility for Daycare and Boarding. A very happy place with well behaved four…read morelegged customers. Well staffed and very safe. My pup loves it here!

This is by far my favorite place to bring my dog to get his nails done! We have been going here for…read morealmost a year. Amanda is amazing. Even though my dog is difficult, she is always welcoming. The other employees are also friendly and understanding of my dog's needs. Whenever we walk in we are kindly greeted and whoever is at the front desk will go get Amanda for us without even needing to ask! My dog is a very anxious pup, we have been kicked out and turned away from other groomers. I was bringing him to the vet for his nails for a while but it was very inconvenient with their business hours and honestly the vet even struggled with him. Amanda is confident and caring with my dog which is exactly what he needs. A million thanks to Amanda and the Dog House!

I can't say enough good things about The Dog House. I have been bringing my puggle here for day…read morecare, overnight care, and bathing for the past 11 years, and he is always excited to go. I ask him if he wants to go play with the doggies, and he jumps up and down and races to get in the car! A couple of years ago, I added a small min pin to our menagerie and wasn't sure how he'd do with so many other dogs, but he also loves going. The staff is genuinely affectionate with the dogs. My dogs always greet the staff with wagging tails and get lots of petting and attention. Amanda does a really great job not only looking after them but with their bathing and grooming. The owner, Steven, is great, and my dogs are crazy about him.