Frequently Asked Questions

Hours, Reservations & Cancellations

What are the hours of operation at Red Dog Boston?

Safety is our top priority at Red Dog and we are proud to provide our pet guests with a resort that is staffed with Pet Care Specialists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our lobby hours are:

Monday–Friday: 7am-7pm

Saturday: 8am-4pm

Sunday: 10am-4pm

Please note that our lobby is closed on major holidays and we are not able to do check-ins or check-outs on these days (New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day).

Our lobby will close at 2:00 p.m. on July 3rd, Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

 

How do I make a reservation at Red Dog?
Please login into your online portal, where you can request a reservation. You can also email or give us a call!  We are always happy to help! 
All dogs will need the required vaccines on file (Rabies, Distemper & Bordetella (every six months) to stay at Red Dog. Please submit these records to Red Dog at least 48 hours in advance for non-peak period stays and at least ten days in advance for peak period stays.
What if I need to cancel my pet's reservation?

For all non-holiday periods during the year, we request a 24-hour cancellation notice for all day appointments and overnight reservations.

Red Dog Requires a 72-hour cancellation notice for Overnight Stay reservations made over our Holiday Peak Periods.

Red Dog also requests 24-hour notice for any grooming appointment cancellation.

When is the last time I can check in my pet for overnight accommodations?

All pet guests must be checked into Red Dog no later than 6:30pm Monday-Friday and 3:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Any check-ins later than these listed times will be subject to a $25 Late Check-In Charge.

What do I need to make a reservation?
Please fill out a client reservation prior to overnight stay at Red Dog. All dogs will need the required vaccines (Rabies, Bordatella, & Distemper) to stay at Red Dog.

Red Dog also requires current vaccination documentation, which needs to be submitted to Red Dog at least 48hrs in advance for non-holiday stays and at least ten days in advance for holiday stays.

Can someone other than myself pick up my pet?

Yes, anyone is able to pick up your pet from Red Dog. We ask that the expected person’s name be noted in your account and must present a valid ID to us upon arrival.

Vaccination Requirements For All Guests

What vaccinations does my dog need?

All doggie guests are required to show proof of current Rabies (both one year and three-year vaccination are accepted), Distemper (both one year and three-year vaccination are accepted)  and Bordetella vaccines (every six months). These vaccinations are required for all services within both the Red Dog Resort & Spa.

What vaccinations does my cat need?

All cats will be required to show proof of current Rabies (both one year and three-year vaccination is accepted) and Distemper vaccine (yearly). These vaccinations are required for all services within both the Red Dog Resort & Spa.

Why does Red Dog require the Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccination every six months?
At Red Dog, we look forward to continuing the highest possible standards within our resorts and as such have made the following changes to our vaccination requirements. In order to protect all of our pet guests, Red Dog Pet Resort and Spa will now require the Bordetella vaccination be given every 6 months for all dogs visiting the resort.  

The Bordetella “kennel cough” vaccine, does not fully protect against the condition, however significant reduction in the spread and severity of the symptoms are seen with a biannual vaccination.  All dogs who attend daycare, overnight resorts, rescues or those that frequent dog parks are considered ‘high risk’ for this condition. Symptoms of Bordetella “Kennel Cough” can range from a dry, hacking cough and quickly worsen to pneumonia.

Please contact Boston Animal Hospital at (617)427-2210 for this fast and simple oral vaccination to be administered to your dog.

Tours & What to Bring

Can I take a tour of the resort?

Absolutely! We encourage all of our clients to take a tour of Red Dog to see the resort for themselves!  Taking a tour will give you the opportunity to choose your pet’s room type and see exactly what their day will look like when they stay over with us at Red Dog. Tours are given by appointment only Monday-Saturday. Please email us or give us a call to schedule your tour prior to your arrival to Red Dog.

To ensure the safety of all of our guests, we ask that your dog or cat stays home when joining us for a tour.

What do I bring with my pet when I check them in?

When checking-in to Red Dog, we ask that you please bring a flat buckle collar if your dog is participating in Lodge & Play (at an additional cost). No adjustable collars, please! If your dog is not participating in Lodge & Play, your collar and leash will be returned to you when you check-in. Please make sure to bring the collar and leash back with you for pickup.

You may also bring two toys and treats. All belongings should be marked with the guest’s first and last name. Some toys and treats may need prior approval from the Red Dog team during check-in.

Please leave any blankets or bedding home, as we provide guests with a blanket upon request. Premium bedding can be adding to any stay for an additional charge. 

All medication must be in the original container with the guest’s first and last name listed. Red Dog will administer the medication as it is directed on the original container. If the directions differ from what is listed, please bring a note from your veterinarian with the updated instructions for the medication.

Please note there will be an additional charge for administering all medications.

Visit our Canine & Feline Overnight Checklist for even more detailed instructions for your pet’s stay with us at Red Dog!

Canine overnight checklist >

Feline overnight checklist >

How should I pack my pet's medication?
All medication must be in the original container with the guest’s first and last name listed. Red Dog will administer the medication as it is directed on the original container. If the directions differ from what is listed, please bring a note from your veterinarian with the updated instructions for the medication.

Doggie Daycare, Day Stay and Unspayed/Unneutered Guests

What is the difference between daycare and day stay?
Our Doggie Daycare program is where dogs are grouped by activity level and interaction with other dogs, to play in our indoor/outdoor play areas. All dogs are required to complete an evaluation before being placed in a play group.

Day Stay is a great alternative option for pet guests that are not a good match for Doggie Daycare. Dogs that do not pass the Daycare evaluation will be placed into Day Stay instead.

Some of the factors that may require Day Stay for your dog:

  • Dogs that do not pass the Daycare Evaluation
  • Aggressive dogs that do not play well with other dogs
  • Decreased mobility issues
  • Unneutered males and unspayed females over 6 months
  • Shy or uncomfortable dogs in group settings
If I decide to participate in daycare or an overnight stay and I can’t be home for my pets dropoff can you hold a spare set of keys to let my dog in?
Yes, Red Dog is bonded and insured to hold client’s keys. All client keys are securely locked up in a safe box within the resort.
Can unneutered or unspayed dogs over six months of age attend daycare?
All dogs over the age of six months must be spayed or neutered in order to participate in Red Dog daycare. However, we do offer fun alternatives for dog’s who may go through this procedure later on. Day Stay is a great option for dogs over six months of age that are not neutered or spayed!

Overnight Stays

What is always included in an overnight stay for my dog?
  • Lots of love and attention
  • 24/7 care
  • 2-3 meals per day as instructed by their owners
  • Water freshened throughout the day
  • 4 potty breaks outside each day
  • Raised bedding with optional blanket
  • Our standard suites provide television and music for your dog’s enjoyment
  • All guests receive a report card when checking-out from Red Dog
What is always included in an overnight stay for my cat?
  • Lots of love and attention
  • 24/7 care
  • 2-3 meals per day as instructed by their owners
  • Water freshened throughout the day
  • Purrfectly snuggly bedding
  • Soothing music throughout the day and night
  • Report Card when checking-out

Grooming

Do you groom cats?

Yes! We love when cats come visit us at our spa! Our cat groomer is only available on certain days though, so please contact us for availability.

May I schedule a grooming appointment for my dog or cat even if he/she is not staying in the resort?

Any dog or cat can be groomed whether or not they are staying over with us at Red Dog. Please call us to make an appointment or login into your pet portal.

All spa guests are required to show proof of current Rabies (both one year and three-year vaccination are accepted), Distemper (both one year and three-year vaccination are accepted) and Bordetella vaccines (every six months).  These vaccinations are required for all services within both the Red Dog Resort & Spa.

What is the difference between a Basic Bath & Brush, a Bath Brush & Nails and a Complete Groom with Haircut?
Visit our Salon & Spa page for details on all of our services!

Red Dog Basic Bath & Brush

Red Dog Basic Bath & Brush For dogs who are bathed often! Cleansing bubble bath, fluff-dry, brush out and ear cleaning that will leave your dog feeling fresh and clean. Ideal for dogs who are heading home from an overnight stay at Red Dog

Red Dog Bath, Brush & Nails

Red Dog Bath, Brush & Nails Deep cleansing massage bubble bath with a moisturizing shampoo, fluff-dry and thorough brush out, nail trim and ear cleaning. This service does not include a haircut. Ask about upgrading to our Deluxe Bath & Brush Package at a discounted rate!

Red Dog Complete Groom & Haircut

Therapeutic bath, fluff-dry, thorough brush out, nail trim and ear cleaning. This service includes a face, feet, sanitary or full-body haircut. Ask about our special shampoo treatments and add-ons!

Do I have to make an appointment for a nail trim or nail grind?
It is always encouraged to call ahead to schedule a nail trim or nail grind at Red Dog. Our groomers are only available on certain days and times of the week and we would hate for you to make a trip to Red Dog if they are unavailable.
Please remember to bring proof of your pet’s current Rabies (both one year and three-year vaccination are accepted), Distemper (both one year and three-year vaccination are accepted) and Bordetella vaccines (every six months).  These vaccinations are required for all services within both the Red Dog Resort & Spa.

What happens if I need my dog completed by a specific time?
We always try our best to accommodate pickup time requests. Please be sure to let your groomer know if you need your pet ready to be picked up by a specific time to ensure that they are able to accommodate your request.
How much will my pet’s grooming appointment cost?

All Spa Service prices are based on breed, coat condition, approximate weight, and behavior of your pet during their grooming appointment and are determined by your groomer. Please give us a call to schedule a time to meet with our Salon & Spa Team and to receive a free estimate.

Aquatics

What if my dog doesn't know how to swim?

We offer a 20-minute introductory swim lesson in our Aquatic Center. This introduction gets your dog comfortable with the water through guided instruction.

My dog just had surgery, can I make him a swimming appointment?

If your dog has any medical condition, injury or pre/post-operative needs, we’ll need a note from your veterinarian clearing your dog for activity. We highly encourage you to contact our onsite Pet Rehabilitation Center located at Boston Animal Hospital – https://bostonanimalhosp.com/pet-rehabilitation-center/ for all of your pet’s post-op recovery needs.