Finding care for Fido can be just as stressful as finding day care for the kids.
Whether you have human kids or your pets are your only “children,” there’s no denying that animals really are members of the family. After all, they wake up next to you, cuddle with you when you’re sad, and occasionally pester you to get their needs met, just like kids do. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that choosing a day care, dog walker, or dog sitter for your pet is a big decision.
Petsitters are a great option if you’re going away, but if you’re looking for regular care for your four-legged friend, consider doggy day care. These programs allow dogs to get dropped off and enjoy a full day of fun playing with other pups, while the humans are at work or running errands. Not only does your pup get out for the day, but he’s also taught manners and socialization, which will make your life easier when you take him for a walk or to the dog park. You can opt for doggy day care every day or just as an occasional treat to keep your pup entertained and help him get some exercise. After all, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
The Urban Hound
Address: 129 Malden St., Boston, MA 02118
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Off-hours pickup & drop-off can be arranged for a $25 fee.
Phone: 617-755-5775
Fees: Full day, $36
The Urban Hound bills itself as “the best thing to happen to your dog since coming to live with you.” Who can argue with that logic? This place is doggy paradise, with day care, grooming, a dog hotel, dog-walking services, and much more. While doggy day care is a relatively new phenomenon, the Urban Hound has been in business for 13 years, so you have the added assurance of knowing your pooch is in the care of people with lots of experience.
If you’re busy and shudder at the idea of driving to the Urban Hound’s South End location, this doggy day care has a major selling point: taxi service. That’s right! The Urban Hound will pick up your dog from locations in the South End, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South Boston, and the Seaport for a day of doggy fun. The service costs $12.50 each way, but considering the time and effort it will save you, we think it’s well worth the cost.
The Dog Port
Address: 236 Sumner St., Boston, MA 02128
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: 617-569-7678
Fees: Full day, $30 | Half-day (up to 5 hours), $20
The Dog Port is located in East Boston, just near the Seaport. Your dog will love being dropped off for a day of fun with her canine friends, and you’ll love picking up a dog that is exhausted from hours spent romping around. The Dog Port is smaller than many dog day cares in the city, so your pooch will receive extra-special attention.
The Dog Port also offers grooming two days a week by appointment, as well as individual dog-walking services — so there’s something for every dog and his human. From getting outside to playing with bubbles to attending dog birthday parties, your best friend will have plenty to do.
Boston Red Dog
Address: 274 Southampton St., Boston, MA 02118
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Early & late drop-offs available for an added charge.
Phone: 617-427-2220
Fees: Full day, $36 | Half-day, $27 | Discounts offered for additional dogs in the same family.
Boston Red Dog promotes itself as a doggy resort and spa, and as you would expect, this place is big. That means your dog will have plenty of options to find the day care group that best fits her needs. Dogs in day care are matched to a group based on size and temperament. Boston Red Dog is an indoor day care, but your pet will be having so much fun, she won’t miss being outside.
If you have a dog that doesn’t like being alone or a new puppy that needs to be constantly watched, you’ll love Red Dog’s option for Friday “date night” dog sitting. That’s right, your dog can continue her stay from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., and you can enjoy a night on the town without worrying about Fido. This service is for pets that are already involved with day care at Red Dog.
Boston Dog Company
Locations:
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555 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141
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2512 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: 617-858-3647
Fees: Full day, $30 | Half-day (up to 6 hours), $22 | One hour, $10
You’ve heard of competitive preschools; now we’re going to introduce you to a competitive doggy day care. That’s because the Boston Dog Company prides itself on accepting only the friendliest dogs, ensuring that all the pups that come to play have a great experience. Safety is a passion for the owner, whose own dog was attacked at day care as a pup.
But safety isn’t the only area where the Boston Dog Company has high standards. The day care makes sure that dogs get outside every two to three hours — way more than most facilities. This isn’t just great for exercise; it also gives your dog the chance to go to the bathroom outdoors to avoid confusing messages about going to the bathroom inside. The Boston Dog Company also offers vet checks, grooming, and dog-walking services, so it can become your one-stop shop for dog care.
Tails
Address: 385 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sunday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 617-942-7400
Fees: Full day, $39 | Up to 4 hours, $25 | Additional dogs, $25
You’ll know that your dog had a good time at Tails because her tail will be wagging nonstop after her visit. Tails doesn’t just have tons of other dogs to play with. The day care also offers a “dognasium” full of jungle gyms and toys designed with canines in mind. If you have a new addition, be sure to check out the Puppygarden, where dogs under 7 months old can romp around with other little ones.
Tails gets bonus points for being conveniently located in JP, but if you prefer not to add another drop-off to your morning routine, transportation can be arranged. If you’re a cat lover, take notice: Tails also provides in-home cat care, as well as dog-walking services and grooming for both cats and dogs.
What’s your favorite doggy day care around Boston? Tell us in the comments below!
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