Frequently asked questions

We require a temperament evaluation for all dogs, which is a full-day of daycare. The full-day temperament evaluation is better than a short 15-minute visit because it allows timid dogs to warm up, excited dogs to calm down, and all dogs to show their true personalities over the course of the day. We watch for elevated levels of stress/anxiety (such as panting or barking excessively), interactions with dogs and humans (red flags are: baring teeth, growling, snapping, and any other acts of aggression), and the dog's general comfort level in the daycare space. ​ Please understand that our daycare environment may not be a good fit for your dog, and THAT'S OKAY! There are a lot of factors that go into a dog's success in any environment and how they interpret their world, and we always have to do what's best for each individual dog! If, for any reason, your dog does not thrive in daycare, we are more than happy to help you with some other options that might be a better fit! We are a resource for you and the dog community!

The first step would be going to the Client Sign In page on the website and creating a profile, which includes vaccinations of course. The vaccines we require are Rabies, Distemper (DHPP/DAPP) and Bordetella. And then you can select any day for your pup's first day and we will manually change the rate to $20 for you. Our first day is discounted to $20 and we use the day as a temperament evaluation. It includes an entire day of daycare, and is fully refundable if it turns out not to be a good fit for any reason.

We require a quick-release collar (the kind with the squeeze-release clasp pictured below.) and DO NOT accept buckle or over-the-head collars. No chain collars are permitted. Either a flat collar or a martingale collar will work. Please ensure your dog's collar is fitted properly at drop-off. For instructions on proper collar fittings, visit this website. Drop-off hours are 7:30 am - 10 am. I recommend an earlier drop-off when possible for your pup's first day because there will be fewer dogs in the building, making it less stressful. If that's not possible, that's OK -- anytime till 10 am will still work. We offer tours only between 8:00-8:30 am. We do not allow visitors into the play area after 8:30 am because there are more dogs present and it stresses them out and makes them bark and go a little crazy when strangers come in. Please, do not pet strange dogs because some are still learning how to interact with strangers. If you come outside of the 8-8:30 am window, don't worry! You'll definitely be able to follow along and see the space all day through our updates on our instagram/facebook stories!! @themindfulmuttboston() We recommend making drop-off "short and sweet" to limit your dog's anxiety. In our experience, drawing out a long goodbye, petting them over the gate, and talking to them in high-pitched, sad voices will increase their anxiety and cortisol levels, making it harder for them to relax and calm down. It's hard to drop your baby off on their first day, but I promise this is the best way for your dog's wellbeing. We allow new dogs to settle down for an hour or two (more if needed) in the office area before slowly introducing them to the larger play areas, and we do introductions to new dogs slowly. This way, they will have time to get their bearings and see the other dogs come in and out during drop-off hours. During their first day, we will not be focused too much on training new skills, but on letting them settle in and observing their reaction to the new environment and new dog friends. We look out for things like signs of anxiety or overstimulation (ex: excessive barking, humping, pacing, panting) as well as reactivity or fear (growling, snapping, tense body language, etc.). We want to make sure your pup not only enjoys the experience but that we provide the right amount of stimulation and structure for them! Pick-up hours are between 3 - 6:30 pm, but please be available beforehand in case you are needed for an earlier pick-up.

We require a quick-release collar (the kind with the squeeze-release clasp) and DO NOT accept buckle or over-the-head collars. Either a flat collar or martingale collar will work, but it must have the quick-release clasp. Please ensure your dog's collar is fit properly at drop-off. For instructions on proper collar fittings, visit this website.(https://dogswithoutborders.org/fostering/how-to-collars/#:~:text=Flat%20collars%20should%20be%20fit,feel%20snug%2C%20but%20not%20tight.) ​ If your dog eats lunch normally, you can bring their lunch. Please label with their name on the container/bag. At pick-up, remind us to return the container/bag for next time so we can do our best to limit waste. Any un-eaten food can be returned also. ​ DO NOT BRING TO DAYCARE any personal toys, beds, bowls, or other extra supplies as we have limited storage space.

The Unlimited Monthly Membership includes daycare, playgroups and first notice of The Mindful Mutt news and promotions. Reservations are still required since we only take a limited number of dogs each day. You're welcome to book a month or two in advance if you'd like!

Since we have a structured day program, we do not offer half days. We aim to have a calm environment in the middle of the day while we work on training with the dogs, and allow the dogs to rest and nap when needed. We do not want the door opening during the middle of the day (as you can imagine, it can get the dogs riled up!) so we do not offer half days.

Yes! We will happily add-on a bath so your dog returns to you smelling fresh and clean! Our bath service includes a light brushing, bath, towel dry and blow-dry. We use high-end Nature's Specialties shampoo which is a a pH-balanced, non-toxic, mild, moisturizing shampoo with aloe vera, silk proteins, and Vitamins A, D, and E. We do not provide other grooming services such as nail trims or de-matting at this time.