Wagtime

Both my husband and I as well as our little Boston Terrier, Max, LOVE Wagtime. We stopped in one weekend day and were overwhelmed by how clean and updated their facility is, especially when compared to some of the other ones in DC.

Its updated, clean and inviting, both for people and dogs. We were granted an all-access pass to the whole place during our tour, an amenity a lot of cargeless places will not grant for one reason or another. I was impressed that the whole place is monitored with video cameras and that clients can log in during certain times to check on their four legged loved ones. The staff is friendly, knowlegeable and as far as I know ( know them all pretty well now since I am a "frequent flyer' at the establishment), they all have experience with dogs, either as owners themselves or as vet techs.

Max drags me down the street when we go to daycare and does a little happy dance outside of the door until we go in. Once inside he runs right upstairs to the little dog room where he happily plays with all of his friends. He is exhausted at the end of the day.

I am impressed with Wagtime and would highly recommend their services to everyone I know.

Posted 12/13/09 | Report Abuse

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I recently adopted a dog from wagtime. The Best experience ever. The Owners really care for the dogs. They let my dog go home with me with his favorite food, toys and a bed for no cost for the transition time. They were always there for me when I had a question. Their facility is awesome and the staff is great. If you want to adopt a dog, go to wagtime:)

Posted 12/12/09 | Report Abuse

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I purchased a 30-day day care package with Wagtime, which included complimentary pick and drop off service. For the first weeks, I did not utilize the pick up or drop off service and instead dropped off and picked up my dog myself.

On May 12, 2008, I called Wagtime and spoke to an employee to arrange for my dog to be picked up from my home in the morning. The pick up service was to occur every weekday beginning on May 15, 2008.

On May 15, 2008, my dog was picked by Amy, the employee at Wagtime who picks up and drops off the dogs. That evening, I picked up my dog from their main location and spoke with Amy. During our conversation, Amy asked me if my dog would be picked up everyday from that point forward. I confirmed that she was to be picked up everyday and stated I would call the day before if my dog did not need to be picked up for any reason. Amy stated that she understood and that she would see my dog the next morning. However, after having these numerous conversations to confirm the pick up service and to confirm I had taken the proper steps to arrange the pick up service; my dog was not picked up the next day, Friday, May 16, 2008. My dog was left alone for 10 hours. No one from the day care called to ask where she was or to notify me she was not picked up. When I came home and found her home, I was understandably concern and upset. My dog had not eaten in since I had left her to be picked up, 10 hours before. I immediately called Wagtime to find out what happened. No one initially answered, but Lisa Schreiber, the owner of Wagtime, called me back. I informed her that my dog was not picked up and was left alone for 10 hours without any food, water, or the ability to use the bathroom. Lisa stated she did not understand how this happened and stated she noticed my dog was not at daycare and did wonder where she was at. She stated she would call Amy to find out what occurred. A few minutes later, she called back and told me she could not reach Amy and told me she would call me on Monday after speaking to Amy to determine what happened. I told her that I wanted to make sure that this did not happen again and that I would await her call on Monday. I allowed my dog to be picked up on Monday because I believed Lisa was investigating what occurred and believed Lisa's assurances that this would never happen again. However, Lisa never called on Monday. On Tuesday, May 20, 2008, I again allowed my dog to be picked up because I still believed Lisa's assurances and believed she would call me to let me know what happened. After waiting for Lisa's call all day, I finally called Lisa at 6:24 pm. I asked Lisa whether she had an opportunity to speak to Amy to determine what happened. She stated that they do not place blame at their organization and that it was a simple mistake. I asked her how could she ensure this would never happen again if she would not determine where things went wrong and who was at fault. I informed her that this was not a simple mistake because this was a living being. I told her that I trusted Wagtime with my dog and because of this egregious error; my dog was left alone for 10 hours without my knowledge. I would have never left her alone like that.

She accused me of being unreasonable. She stated her clients were happy with her and that this had never happened before. I stated that I also was a client and was dissatisfied. I then stated this situation happened and it needed to be addressed to ensure this would not happen again. I asked her if anyone was going to be reprimanded. She rudely stated no. Seeing the cavalier manner they viewed this egregious mistake, I asked Lisa how many days my dog had left on her daycare package and stated that this day would be the last day my dog would be at Wagtime. At that moment, Lisa began screaming at me. She was so loud that other people around me could here every word she said over the phone. She accused me of being mean and hurtful. I asked her why she was becoming so emotional and yelling at me. She stated I provoked it because I kept at her. She yelled that I was being unfair and that they made one mistake. She yelled she could not believe I wanted to take my dog out of the day care because of this mistake. She then stated that she understood that maybe I am perfect at work, but they were only humans. I stated that she was an owner of a business and that I could not believe she was speaking to a client in such a manner. Again, she said I provoked it. She continued to scream at me and told me that I made her distraught. I was appalled and in disbelief, as were the people who surrounded me who heard her scream at me through my handset. She then handed the phone to Ofer Khal, an owner or manager, and stated that she did not want to talk to me anymore.

I was shocked and appalled by the situation. Do not use.

Posted 05/20/08 | Report Abuse

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I've been a Wagtime customer for years and specifically chose them after touring the alternative, Dogs by Day, on the same day. While Dogs by Day may have a more "professional" looking atmosphere, I was not particulary impressed by the formal, cold and pretentious attendant. Conversely, at Wagtime I was greeted by several dogs (yes, they allow smaller, non-aggressive dogs in the lobby) as well as the owner, who had tons of valuable information about dog behavior as well as health and nutrition. The place was buzzing with activity and felt as comfortable as being in someone's house. I don't know what kind of house the previous reviewer lives in but my house is filled with lots of non-dog-friendly things at their reach and I haven't killed them yet. Also, Wagtime promotes itself as a cageless boarding/daycare facility and I believe if you did not want your dog to interact with other dogs, perhaps this isn't the best option for you -- this is why they have you sign a release. Regardless of whether there is someone watching them at all times, dogs by instinct will bite and gnaw on things and each other. My dogs are always excited to go back every day!!!! I think the previous reviewer is a little bit more emotionally traumatized than his dog . . .

Posted 09/04/07 | Report Abuse

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I post this as a pet owner who has put their trust in a daycare and want to warn others of the dangers imposed by this place.

I have a 1 year old beagle who is sweeter than ever and has never been aggressive.

He's gone to several daycares, and most recently goes to Wag Time due to convenience since it's near my apartment.

Over the weekend, the 3/4 nylon collar that my dog has warn for many months was chewed off of him, specifically through the thick part that is double-layered. I expressed concern with one of the owners and he indicated that this happens a lot and is just dogs playing. I was naive and trusted his judgement since it is his business and he knows dogs well.

I took my dog back and specifically asked that the collar be taken off while he's there. The employee agreed to it (I asked her both when making the reservation and when dropping him off.)

I went to pick up my dog last night and the new collar had once again been chewed to the point where if I removed it, it would have not been able to be connected again (belt-type loop collar.)

I expressed concern once again and was told by the other owner that the dogs have to wear their collars when they are there.

Why wasn't I told this when I requested he not wear it and I was told that was okay?

Additionally, the owner said that it's just a matter of fact that this happens and that owners have to replace their collars all of the time.

Even the employee that was working there this morning agreed that the first collar incident had to happen over time due to the thickness and durability of the collar. I understand dogs my nip at other collars, but this had to happen over a period of time with no supervision.

The dogs are also allowed to roam freely in the front and my dog has many time picked up toys from the shelves, money left on the countery by employees, and other objects left around. Many times they have only one employee working, and that one employee is not always able to supervise the dogs.

I tried to level with the owner, and her only response is that maybe Wag Time wasn't for me.

If it's not a safe place for my one year old beagle pup that has never had aggression or any other type of issue, then I think it's obvious that the issue is with Wag Time and their stubborn owners.

PEOPLE THINKING ABOUT GOING TO WAG TIME FOR THE FIRST TIME: If you love your dog, which I know you all do, PLEASE try out the other day cares (Dogs by Day, City Dogs, Dogg-ma, or Petsmart Pet Hotel.) I've only been to Petsmart and Dogs by Day since this incident to check them out and realize there is a whole better world out there, and they're about the same price for much greater value.

For instance, they have no dogs running around in the front, able to urinate on store products, eat things on the ground, etc and they have cameras AND people monitoring the play areas.

I can only imagine what my pup went through as that first collar was being constantly chewed on by another dog. Physical and Emotional damage could have (and may have) been done.

Posted 08/02/07 | Report Abuse

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