Frequently Asked Questions

Our evaluation process is to determine whether your dog is comfortable in our busy group environment.  We strongly believe that there is no such thing as a bad breed or a bad dog, but not every dog is suited for our play groups.  We take our canine guests’ safety very seriously, so each potential guest must complete an evaluation to ensure that they are a good fit.  And although our process is more intensive when we first meet a client, we continue to evaluate all dogs for as long as they are a daycare client at Town Dog.

We look for dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs, particularly in a large group; dogs who are able to read & respond to the social cues of other dogs; and dogs who are able to settle down in a busy environment  both in and outside of a crate.  

Yes, the initial phone consultation & trial day are by appointment.  The charge for the consultation & trial day is $45 or $80 for 2 dogs from the same family. To make a reservation, complete a profile on our platform and make an appointment for an initial phone consultation.  After we speak with you by phone, we will set up a trial day at a mutually convenient time.  Do not hesitate to phone us at 978-783-3069 if you have questions or would like assistance. 

No.  Only clients who are interested in our Daycare or Boarding services need to be evaluated.

Town Dog has 3 different play groups Monday – Friday.  On average, each of our 3 playgroups have 30 dogs or roughly 90 total.  We separate the dogs into the different playgroups based on size, age and play temperament. 

We require are daycare dogs to attend at least 2X a month and in some instances we may require that your dog attend more frequently.   We believe that structure, consistency and routine builds confidence in dogs.  The dogs get to know our staff and other dogs – which helps to reduce stress and uncertainties.

Dogs that do not attend daycare regularly are more likely to have issues such as separation anxiety, over-stimulation, stress and/or intolerance for play group environment.  These are all safety concerns and often the reason why a dog may age out of daycare.

Yes!  We require puppies be at least 14 weeks old and fully vaccinated before attending daycare. Puppies over 6 months old must be spayed or neutered.

Yes!  Crates are an important part of our daycare & boarding curriculum.  Crates are on the floor and available to use throughout the day and night.  Crates are a great tool to help our canine guests settle through-out the day and to nurture a calm state of mind.  

Yes! Our caring staff stay with the dogs, most often stretched out on a bed surrounded by their furry friends.

Yes! Our boarding services are reserved for our daycare dogs so we might not be the best fit if you seek primarily boarding services. To keep the experience fun and familiar for your dog, Town Dog requires all boarding clients to bring their dogs to daycare at a minimum at least 2X a month and a few times immediately ahead of their overnight stay.

Dogs can be sensitive to changes in diets so we require that owner pre-portion and pre-package each of their dog’s meals for their boarding stay.  We have a refrigerator and freezer dedicated to our boarding guests so we can accommodate all kinds of diets.  Note that owner provided bulk food will result in an additional charge of $5 per day.  

Yes! Book an appointment for a bath or groom during your dog’s last day and enjoy an extended stay on us ($35 value)!

No, the grooming salon welcomes grooming only clients.

Grooming appointments can be scheduled in person, by email or by phone.   We do not offer online scheduling. 

Yes!  It is best to schedule your dog’s bath or groom ahead of their daycare or boarding visit.  However, we maintain a daily a la carte list that our stylists work through if they have the time.  Just let the staff know at drop off if you want your dog to get a bath or haircut, nail trim, nail file or ear clean.

Daycare plus a Bath or Groom:   Cost of full bath or groom plus $32 for a day of daycare

Board, Bath, or Groom: Book an appointment for a bath or groom during your dog’s last day and enjoy an extended stay on us ($35 value)!

We do not offer “walk in” nail trims at this time.  However, if you would like to have your dog’s nails trimmed, feel free to phone us at 978-783-3069 and ask us if any of the stylists have time for a nail trim or nail file.   If they do, we will schedule a nail trim as an appointment. 

Dogs who attend daycare must be current on rabies, distemper, and bordetella.  We require proof of vaccination prior to your dog’s initial visit.

Dogs who board with us are also daycare clients.  They must be current on rabies, distemper, and bordetella.  We require proof of vaccination prior to your dog’s initial visit.

Dogs who are exclusively grooming clients must be current and provide proof of rabies vaccination prior to their initial appointment.  Dogs who use our daycare and boarding services as well as grooming must be current on rabies, distemper, and bordetella vaccinations.

Daycare & Boarding:  Puppies who use our daycare and boarding services must be at least 14 weeks old and fully vaccinated.

Grooming Salon:  Puppies 6 months or older must be current and provide proof of rabies vaccination.   We do not require rabies vaccinations for puppies younger than 6 months.