Waltham facilities
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The Dog Retreat and Spa

219 Bear Hill Rd, Waltham, MA 02451

4.8
421 Google reviews
Cage-freeStaff overnightOutdoor yardAccepts puppiesMedication adminGroomingTrainingClimate controlledOvernight potty breaksOnline booking

Overview

The Dog Retreat and Spa is a 20,000 sq ft luxury dog boarding and daycare facility in Waltham, MA offering overnight lodging, daycare, grooming, and physical rehabilitation services. Staffed 24/7 with a 1:12-15 staff-to-dog ratio, the facility features indoor play parks with cushioned flooring, outdoor yards with underground dig-proof mesh, and a high-flow air system with UV sanitization. They require a compatibility evaluation for all dogs and administer medications for a $5 daily fee.

Amenities & Policies

Cage-free
Webcam
Staff overnight
Outdoor yard
Pool / water play
Small dog area
Accepts puppies
Reactive breeds
Medication adminExtra fee
Grooming
Training
Climate controlled
Overnight potty breaks
Online booking
Spay/neuter required
Temperament test

Dog-to-staff ratio: 1:12-15

Required vaccinations: Rabies, Distemper, Bordatella, Canine Flu, Clean Fecal

Policies & Details

Hours & Billing

Drop-off hours:6am-7am (early drop-off $10)
Pick-up hours:7am-7pm
Checkout time:10am
Late pick-up fee:$25 after 7pm, after 9pm dog boards until next day
Billing method:Per night

Cancellation & Deposits

Cancellation notice:1 day notice
Cancellation penalty:Daycare: charged for full day if cancelled after 9am day prior; Lodging deposit forfeited if cancelled less than 72 hours in advance (non-peak)
Deposit required50% of stay

Care & Play

Group play
Solo play
Daily updatesFree
Comfort items allowed
Feeding policy:Owner provides food

Safety & Emergency

Emergency vet protocol:Nearby clinic
Emergency vet cost:Owner

Extras

Senior dog accommodations
Owner operated

What Reviews Say

418 reviews analyzed

The Dog Retreat and Spa is overwhelmingly loved by clients, with 95%+ 5-star reviews praising the clean facility, caring staff, and excellent dog socialization. The owners Jalene and Ed are hands-on and frequently praised. However, there are notable concerns: some customers felt nickel-and-dimed by unexpected fees, communication about charges could improve, and a few incidents (kennel cough, tapeworm exposure, aggressive staff interaction) occurred. The facility excels at handling anxious dogs and provides excellent communication via report cards and photos. Value for money is the weakest area due to premium pricing.

Dog happiness
4.9
Cleanliness
4.9
Staff
4.8
Facility
4.8
Safety
4.5
Drop-off / pickup
4.5
Communication
4.3
Value
3.8

People love

Clean, state-of-the-art facility(85)Caring, friendly staff(120)Dog loves attending - excited to go(95)Report cards and photo updates(65)Great for anxious or shy dogs(35)Owners are hands-on and knowledgeable(45)

Staff shoutouts

Jalene(95 mentions)Ed(55 mentions)Kathy(12 mentions)Jennifer(8 mentions)Alice(6 mentions)Alyss(5 mentions)Kasey(4 mentions)Sophie(4 mentions)

Worth noting

Kennel cough outbreak after boarding

We have dropped 2 of our dogs there to stay for 5 days and when we picked them up they didn't look normal... they told us he has a KENNEL COUGH.

Tapeworm exposure incident

When I asked if my dog could have gotten it she actually laughed.

Aggressive staff interaction in parking lot

A member of their staff aggressively approached us in the parking lot. Immediately began accosting and threatening us...

Customer relationship terminated after disputing charges

Don't ever disagree with a charge from the groomer, or your 3 1/2 year relationship will be immediately terminated.

Pricing and hidden fees(8 mentions)

They nickel and dime you for additional fees without warning.

Communication about charges and services(5 mentions)

I am asking for more communication about the additional charge and stay information during check-in.

Dog not accepted after evaluation(4 mentions)

They reported that she barked when dogs approached her, and did not interact with any of the dogs.

Inconsistent grooming results(3 mentions)

The last two times he's been his coat wasn't even and it looked like he barely had any hair cut.

Required multiple daycare visits before boarding(2 mentions)

The receptionist required MULTIPLE days of day care to be considered for boarding.

Owner replies to 98% of reviewsAvg response: 1dprofessional tone185 repeat customers

Top Rated

4.8 stars from 421+ reviews

This facility has earned a Top Rated badge for maintaining a 4.8-star rating across 421 reviews.

At a Glance

Google rating
4.8/ 5
Review score
4.6/ 5
Amenities10 of 14
Reviews421
Repeat customersNumber of reviews that mention returning or being a regular customer.185

Dog-to-staff ratio

1:12-15

Pricing

Contact facility for pricing

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