14200 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, Maryland 20613, United States
Text 240-305-0350 For Boarding - Daycare - Train
When Boarding
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an extra charge for walking or playtime for my dog?
No. While many kennels charge per walk or play session, all exercise, dog-to-dog socialization, and cuddle time at Dogtown are included in your daily boarding rate.
Why do I need to bring my dog's own food?
Switching a dog to kennel food and then back to t
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an extra charge for walking or playtime for my dog?
No. While many kennels charge per walk or play session, all exercise, dog-to-dog socialization, and cuddle time at Dogtown are included in your daily boarding rate.
Why do I need to bring my dog's own food?
Switching a dog to kennel food and then back to their own can cause digestive upset. Some dogs also struggle to eat unfamiliar food in a new environment. Bringing your dog's regular food, along with notes on their feeding schedule, helps us keep them happy and healthy.
Are baths required before I pick up my dog?
Baths are not required but are available for a minimal fee (see our pricing page). Your dog may get dirty while playing with new friends or splashing in the pool; if you request a bath, we will ensure it is completed shortly before your scheduled pickup.
When my dog is in his house, will he be disturbed by other dogs?
Each dog has a private house that opens to an individual run. Every run is separated by at least six feet from the next, which helps eliminate the stress of dogs agitating one another and ensures they can enjoy their quiet time.
Why do I need an appointment to drop off and pick up my dog?
We want to ensure you don't have to wait and that your dog isn't distracted by others during the transition. Appointments allow us to give you our undivided attention for any questions you may have.
Are the houses climate-controlled?
Yes. Each house features individual heating and air conditioning that can be adjusted based on breed and age. For example, Huskies may need less heat in the winter and cooler air in the summer. We tailor the environment to keep your dog comfortable in all seasons.
Is playtime supervised?
Playtime is always supervised by our staff to ensure all dogs play nicely. If a dog gets too rough, we are there to slow things down and maintain a safe environment.
Why do you feed twice per day?
Dogs often require more calories due to increased exercise and the excitement of boarding. Additionally, for larger breeds, feeding twice a day helps prevent bloat, which can occur if a dog eats one large meal too quickly.
If I get my dog trained at Dogtown, what can I expect?
During our 8-day boarded training, we focus on the fundamentals: Heel, Stay, Down, Stand, and Come. While we lay a strong foundation, please remember that consistency is key. Your dog will become truly reliable through continued practice and patience at home.
Can I call to check on my dog while they are boarding?
To ensure we spend as much time as possible caring for the dogs, we recommend against calling for routine updates. Rest assured, if there is any issue or concern regarding your dog, we will contact you immediately.
If my dog sleeps on a bed at the kennel, will he start doing it at home?
If your dog is not allowed on furniture at home, we recommend requesting a cot instead of a bed during their stay to maintain their home boundaries.
Why does my dog sleep so much after returning home?
Dogs are creatures of habit, and any change in routine can be tiring. Additionally, the high level of activity and play at Dogtown means they are often physically exhausted. They usually just need a few days of quiet at home to recover.
Why does my dog have loose stools after coming back from the kennel?
Stress and changes in routine can affect a dog's digestion, particularly for sensitive breeds like German Shepherds. This is common and usually disappears within a few days once the dog settles back into their home environment.
Do I still pay for the full day if I pick up early?
We count the day of arrival and the day of departure as full days. However, if you pick up by 10:30 or 11:00 AM and have requested a bath, we waive the boarding fee for that final day; you only pay for the bath. Please note that full-day charges always apply on Sundays and Holidays.
Why should I drop my dog off early on their first visit?
While not required, we recommend an early drop-off for first-time guests. This gives us more time to monitor your dog throughout the day and help them settle in comfortably.
Does my dog share a house with others?
Large and medium dogs receive their own private house and run. They only interact with other dogs during supervised playtime. However, if you have multiple dogs from the same family, they can share a house to reduce stress. For small dogs, we actually recommend they share a house with another friendly small dog, as they are highly social creatures. We never house small dogs with more than one other dog from a different family.
Why must I visit the kennel with my dog before the first stay?
A preliminary visit helps your dog become familiar with the environment, which significantly reduces their stress when they return to board. It also allows you to see our facilities and helps us ensure your dog is compatible with our staff and other guests.
Why can't I board a non-neutered dog?
Intact dogs can cause other dogs to become more inquisitive or territorial, which increases the risk of conflict. To maintain a peaceful environment for all guests, we require dogs to be neutered.
Why don't you accept aggressive dogs?
Because our policy emphasizes group exercise and socialization, we cannot safely accommodate dogs that are aggressive toward people or other animals. We recommend such dogs board at a facility that offers specialized, non-interactive care.
If my dog can't play with others, can I still board with you?
Yes. If your dog prefers their own company or isn't socialized, they can receive individual playtime for an additional fee.
Is my dog cared for on days you are closed to the public?
Absolutely. We are only closed to the public for drop-offs and pickups; our staff is on-site maintaining your dog’s regular feeding, exercise, and care routine 365 days a year.
Will my small dog be near the big dogs?
No. We have a dedicated small dog area that is completely isolated from the large dog play and boarding sections. This ensures our smaller guests feel secure and safe.
Is there a risk of injury during playtime?
While all playtime is strictly supervised, there is always a small risk of minor injury when dogs run and play at full speed. To eliminate this risk, you may opt for individual playtime for an extra fee of $5 per day.
Do you have a veterinarian on call?
Yes. We have a veterinarian on call at all times to handle any medical emergencies.
Do you live on the property?
Yes. We live on-site, providing 24-hour supervision and peace of mind.
How long is playtime?
Playtime duration varies based on several factors:
- Weather: We shorten sessions in extreme heat to prevent overheating.
- Capacity: We ensure every guest gets their turn in the yard.
- Pack Dynamics: We monitor energy levels to prevent "Alpha" behaviors from escalating.
- The Dog's Preference: Most dogs will signal they are finished by sitting on their porch and asking to go back inside.
What if the house is too small or I have multiple dogs?
You can easily upgrade to a larger suite for a small additional fee. Please refer to our main pricing page for specific rates.
Can I see a video of my dog’s stay?
Yes! For an extra charge, you can request a private video. We also occasionally post clips of our guests to our YouTube channel.
Can I bring chew bones or toys?
We ask that you do not bring toys or bones. Dogs can become possessive or protective over these items during group play, which can lead to fights. We find that socializing with other dogs provides all the entertainment they need!
Can my older dog with physical limitations still play?
Yes. We place older or less active dogs in their own "senior" playgroup. This allows them to socialize without the risk of being over-exerted by younger, high-energy dogs. There is no extra charge for this specialized grouping.description.