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FAQ
Questions, answered.
Everything pet parents usually ask before a first visit, plus the details on our newer services.
What are your hours, including drop-off and pick-up times?
We are open Monday to Friday 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Sunday is closed for daycare (overnight-stay pick-up and drop-off only). Weekday drop-off and pick-up windows are 6:30 – 9:30 AM, 12:00 – 1:00 PM and 4:00 – 6:30 PM; Saturday windows are 8:00 – 10:00 AM, 12:00 – 1:00 PM and 4:00 – 6:00 PM; Sunday overnight-stay windows are 8:00 – 10:00 AM and 4:00 – 6:00 PM.
What is the evaluation process, and why is it required?
Before enrolling in daycare, Dogtown Academy, overnight stays or walks, all dogs must complete a free evaluation. This includes a temperament test and a few hours of supervised interaction to ensure they are comfortable in our environment. This helps us maintain a safe and positive experience for all dogs in our care. Evaluations are conducted Monday through Friday between 6:30 and 9:30 AM by appointment. No evaluation is needed for grooming.
What vaccinations and paperwork are required for my dog to attend?
For the health and safety of all our guests, we require all dogs to be up to date on Rabies, Distemper (DHPP or equivalent) and Bordetella (kennel cough), and to have a current city dog license. Proof of vaccination and the license must be provided during your dog’s evaluation, along with the quick new customer form.
What should I bring when dropping off my dog for daycare or an overnight stay?
For daycare, you only need to bring your pup on a leash with a secure collar or harness. For overnight stays, you may bring their food (pre-portioned is preferred), any necessary medications, and a small comfort item like a blanket or toy. We provide comfortable bedding and plenty of enrichment activities.
Do you offer pick-up and drop-off?
Yes. The Dogtown Pup Van offers pick-up and drop-off for $10 each way in the Rockport, Gloucester, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea area. Not in the area? Ask us for pricing. Add the van when you book daycare, Academy or an overnight stay, or call the front desk.
How do you handle dogs with special behavioral needs?
We understand that some dogs may have specific behavioral tendencies, such as reactivity to certain dogs or anxiety in new environments. Our experienced staff carefully evaluates each dog’s behavior and tailors their experience accordingly. If your dog has special needs, please let us know in advance so we can provide the best care possible.
Do you offer training services?
Yes! Dogtown Professional Training, led by Gabriella Pope, our Director of Training & Canine Behaviorist, offers puppy school, basic and advanced obedience, confidence building, behavior modification, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen prep, our hybrid Canine Campus and one- or two-week board & train. Sessions start from $94. During the evaluation we can discuss training goals and recommend the best program for your pup.
How big are the playgroups?
Playgroups are small and matched by size, play style and temperament, typically 7 – 10 dogs, so every dog gets real socialization without being overwhelmed. Our 10,000 sq. ft. facility gives each group plenty of room to run, splash and rest.
What is the difference between Daycare and Dogtown Academy?
Daycare is supervised playgroup time with exercise, socialization and enrichment. Dogtown Academy is a structured daycare experience that adds training, enrichment, fitness and one-on-one trainer time, including a training session with our trainer, to build confidence, positive habits and everyday life skills.
Is there a membership for regular daycare dogs?
Yes. The Unlimited Daycare Membership is $700 per month and includes unlimited daycare Monday through Saturday, two enrichment sessions a month, 15% off grooming, priority holiday overnight-stay reservations and a birthday enrichment session. 5- and 10-packs are also available for daycare and Academy.
Can my dog get groomed while at daycare or during an overnight stay?
Yes. Dogtown Grooming is on site, so we can schedule a bath, full service groom or add-ons during a daycare day or before you pick up from an overnight stay. Just add it when you book. No evaluation is needed for grooming, and if you book your next appointment at pickup you save $5 off your next service.
Do I need an evaluation for grooming?
No. The free evaluation is only required for daycare, Dogtown Academy, overnight stays and walks. Grooming appointments for dogs and cats can be booked straight away online or in the Dogtown app.
Is cat grooming really low-stress?
Yes. Our internationally certified cat behavior specialists use gentle techniques to ensure every grooming session is calming, relaxing and tailored to your cat. Cats are groomed in a quiet space away from the dog areas, and every cat is evaluated prior to service to determine the appropriate treatment based on coat condition and temperament.
Do you offer dog walking?
Yes. Our team offers at-home walks of 20, 30 or 60 minutes ($25, $35 and $55), with 10- and 30-walk packs that save on a regular routine. Walks are led by Dogtown staff who know your dog, and you receive a photo after every outing. Availability depends on your address, so contact us to set up a schedule.
What is Dogtown Academy?
Dogtown Academy is a structured daycare experience combining training, enrichment, fitness, play and one-on-one trainer time to build confidence, positive habits and everyday life skills. Every Academy day includes a training session with our trainer. Full day $89, half day $69, with 5- and 10-packs available.
What enrichment add-ons can I book?
Frozen Kong ($6), homemade pupsicle ($6), puzzle game ($7), lick mat ($5), treadmill session ($10) and the sniff room ($7). Add-ons apply to daycare, Dogtown Academy and overnight stays, and can be booked directly through MoeGo, in the Dogtown app or at drop-off.
How do I get 15% off my first daycare visit?
Use coupon code FIRST15 at checkout when you book your first daycare visit online or through the Dogtown app. New customers should also complete the New Customer Form on this site before their evaluation.
Can my dog be part of my wedding?
Yes. Getting married and want your pup to be part of your big day? Book Dogtown’s Wedding Concierge and let us handle the details so your dog can be there for every special moment. Contact us with the date and venue.
Hours
When to drop off and pick up.
Business hours
Monday – Friday6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
SundayClosed for daycare · overnight-stay pick-up/drop-off only
Drop-off & pick-up windows
Monday – Friday6:30 – 9:30 AM · 12:00 – 1:00 PM · 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Saturday8:00 – 10:00 AM · 12:00 – 1:00 PM · 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday (overnight stays only)8:00 – 10:00 AM · 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Evaluations: Monday – Friday between 6:30 and 9:30 AM, by appointment.
Next step
Ready for a tail-wagging day?
Book online in a few taps, send the customer inquiry, or come see the facility for yourself. Every dog starts with a free evaluation. No evaluation needed for grooming.
- 01Free evaluationWeekdays 6:30 – 9:30 AM
- 02Book a dayOnline, in the app or by phone
- 03Play, rest, repeatReport card at pick-up