The Dog Retreat and Spa
DaycareBoarding
Dogs Away score9.6 /10Exceptional · 428 reviews · top 14% in Boston
Sources
Behind the 9.6
- Reviews read
- 428 on Google
- Average stars
- 4.80 ★
- Rank
- #44 of 352 in Boston
- Ratings as of
- July–October 2026
Published rate$90 /nightFrom their website, 2026-09-09
$50middle $70$90
Above the Boston middle price
Sources
Behind the $90
- Source
- The Dog Retreat and Spa’s own website
- Checked on
- 2026-09-09
- Rate type
- First dog, standard night
“Lodging Options Boutique $90* a night ... Presidential $125* a night ... Full day: $50 (5 hours + )”Open their price page ↗
The Dog Retreat and Spa is a dog daycare in Waltham, MA, offering daycare & boarding. It scores 9.6/10 (exceptional) from 428 Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars — #44 of 352 in Boston. Its website lists boarding from $90–$125 per night and daycare from $50 per day. Of the 27 policies we check, its website states 16.
Staff on site overnightStated on the facility’s own website.
Vaccine rules publishedRequired: rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, canine influenza · Not mentioned: leptospirosis
All-day open playPlay model, per the facility.
Outdoor access: indoor outdoorPer the facility’s website.
Publishes its ratesQuoted below with a link to the source page.
Key facts
- Services
- DaycareBoardingGrooming Confirmed on their own website
- Type
- Dedicated facility
- Boarding rate
- $90–$125/night
- Daycare rate
- $50/day
- Open 24 hours
- No
- Rank in Boston
- #44 of 352
- Google rating
- ★4.8 (428)
- From downtown
- 10.6 mi
- Neighborhood
- West End
- Profile claimed on Google
- Yes
Policies & requirements
16/27
16 of the 27 policies owners ask about are published on their website.Checked on their website, 2026-10-20. Open a policy to see their exact words.
Admission requirements5 of 6 published
Vaccinations requiredRequired: rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, canine influenza · Not mentioned: leptospirosis
Their words
“Up-to-date on Rabies, DHPP, Canine influenza, and Bordetella”thedogretreat.com/dog-boarding-and-lodging/
Fecal / parasite testNegative test required
Their words
“Negative fecal test within past 12 months”thedogretreat.com/dog-boarding-and-lodging/
Spay / neuterRequired from 8 months
Their words
“We do not take unaltered dogs past 8 months old.”thedogretreat.com/dog-boarding-and-lodging/
Temperament evaluationRequired before a first stay
Their words
“Temperament evaluation & prior daycare required for all boarding dogs”thedogretreat.com/dog-boarding-and-lodging/
Vaccination recordsProof checked, not taken on word
Their words
“Vet records are required for all dogs staying, or playing, with us.”thedogretreat.com/policies-faqs/
Operations11 of 21 published
Staff on site overnightYes — a person is on site
Their words
“With 24/7 on-site staff and soothing bedtime music, we make your dog feel right at home”thedogretreat.com/dog-boarding-and-lodging/
Staff-to-dog ratio1:12-15 staff to dogs
Their words
“We keep a low staff-to-dog ratio of 1:12-15, giving you and your pet complete peace of mind.”thedogretreat.com/our-facility/
Play modelAll-day open play
Their words
“Full Day of Play in Daycare Every boarding stay includes all-day play with friends in our indoor & outdoor parks.”thedogretreat.com/dog-boarding-and-lodging/
Time out of their roomAll-day daycare play included with every boarding stay
Their words
“Full Day of Play in Daycare Every boarding stay includes all-day play with friends in our indoor & outdoor parks.”thedogretreat.com/dog-boarding-and-lodging/
Solo care for dogs who skip group playOffered
Their words
“we will be able to offer you other options of support, training, or private play.”thedogretreat.com/policies-faqs/
HousingSuite
Their words
“From private suites to cage-free cuddle spaces, our lodging is designed for total relaxation.”thedogretreat.com/?utm_campaign=gmb
Outdoor accessIndoor outdoor
Their words
“Multiple indoor & outdoor play parks keep pups active and happy.”thedogretreat.com/?utm_campaign=gmb
Climate controlClimate-controlled
Their words
“Premium Raised Beds & Climate-Controlled Suites Every dog enjoys a cozy, comfortable sleep space with year-round temperature control.”thedogretreat.com/dog-boarding-and-lodging/
Photo / report-card updatesYes
Their words
“Daily Photo Update Report Get a snapshot of your dog’s day because peace of mind matters.”thedogretreat.com/dog-boarding-and-lodging/
Injury / fight policyPublished
Their words
“What happens if my dog gets sick or injured at daycare? Our trained staff monitors dogs for signs of illness or injury. If an issue arises, the owner is contacted immediately, and appropriate care is provided, including emergency veterinary services if necessary.”thedogretreat.com/policies-faqs/
FeedingOwner's food required
Their words
“Lodging We require you to bring you own food. Quick changes to a dog’s diet can create upset stomach especially for first time clients.”thedogretreat.com/policies-faqs/
Show 11 policies not published on their website
Bordetella lead timeNot published on their website
Maximum playgroup sizeNot published on their website
Staff certificationNot published on their website
Groups separated byNot published on their website
CapacityNot published on their website
Live cameras for ownersNot published on their website
ToursNot published on their website
Veterinary accessNot published on their website
Administers medicationNot published on their website
AvailabilityNot published on their website
Online bookingNot published on their website
Policies change, so confirm anything that matters when you book. Items marked “described by reviewers” come from customers, not from the facility.
Score & reviews
9.6ExceptionalDogs Away score
Higher is better. A score backed by more reviews is more reliable. Read the reviews on Google Maps. Data as of July–October 2026.
What reviewers mention most
dog retreat 37clean space 19clean facility 19responsive staff 10daily photo updates 7online booking 7daily report cards 5comfortable leaving dog 4
Topics extracted from public review text, with the number of reviews that mention each.
Booking terms & safety
- Checkout time
- Boarded dogs must be picked up by 10 a.m.; later is charged another day of daycareStated on their website
- Late pick-up
- Boarding pick-up after 10 a.m. is charged another day of daycareStated on their website
- Cancellation
- Cancel 48 hours ahead (10 days for holiday/peak stays) or the deposit is forfeitedStated on their website
- If a dog is sick
- Owner is contacted immediately if a dog gets sick or hurt; emergency vet care if necessaryStated on their website
- Collars
- Quick-release collars only: no buckles, chains or chokersStated on their website
In the facility’s own words, summarized. Confirm when you book.
Who they take & how they care
- Updates during a stay
- Daily photo update report during boardingStated on their website
- Senior dogs
- Boards senior dogs; asks owners to share care routines in advanceStated on their website
- Anxious or shy dogs
- Shy or anxious dogs are introduced gradually to smaller groups or quieter areasStated on their website
- Minimum age
- Boarding: dogs must be at least 4 months oldStated on their website
- Unaltered dogs & females in heat
- Does not take unaltered dogs older than 8 monthsStated on their website
In the facility’s own words, summarized. Confirm when you book.
Price history
| Year | Boarding | Daycare | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $85–$125/night | — | Archived page, 2025-03-23 |
| Now | $90–$125/night | $50/day | Their website, 2026-09-09 |
First-dog standard rate, lower end of any range. How this feeds the market trend: Dogs Away Boarding Price Index.
Hours
- Mon
- 7 AM–7 PM
- Tue
- 7 AM–7 PM
- Wed
- 7 AM–7 PM
- Thu
- 7 AM–7 PM
- Fri
- 7 AM–7 PM
- Sat
- 9 AM–5 PM
- Sun
- 10 AM–4 PM
From the public profile, July–October 2026. Drop-off and pick-up windows can be narrower; holiday hours vary.
For travelers
- BOS · Boston Logan
- 13 mi
- Weekday hours span
- 7 AM – 7 PM
- Open Sunday
- Yes
Straight-line miles, not driving distance. Hours span from the public profile; confirm drop-off and pick-up windows before a flight.
Location
219 Bear Hill Rd, Waltham, MA 02451
10.6 miles from downtown Boston · West End · Get directions
Amenities & details
Identifies as women-ownedOnsite servicesWheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lotWheelchair accessible restroomGender-neutral restroomLGBTQ+ friendlyTransgender safespaceOn-site parking
Self-reported on the business’s public profile.
Questions about The Dog Retreat and Spa
What services does The Dog Retreat and Spa offer?
The Dog Retreat and Spa is listed as a dog day care center in Waltham, MA, offering daycare, boarding.
How much does The Dog Retreat and Spa charge?
Its website lists overnight boarding at $90–$125 per night and daycare at $50 per day (first-dog standard rate, checked 2026-09-09). Holiday surcharges and add-ons vary; confirm when booking. The Boston median published boarding rate is $70/night.
What vaccines does The Dog Retreat and Spa require?
According to its website: Required: rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, canine influenza · Not mentioned: leptospirosis.
Is someone on site overnight at The Dog Retreat and Spa?
Yes — a person is on site, according to the facility's own website.
How does The Dog Retreat and Spa compare with other Boston facilities?
It ranks #44 of 352 in the Boston index by Dogs Away score (9.6/10, exceptional), based on 428 Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars.
Cite this record
Facts on this page are sourced line by line. To reference it:
The Dog Retreat and Spa, Waltham, MA. Dogs Away facility record, 2026-10-20. https://dogsaway.co/boston-ma/the-dog-retreat-and-spa/Similar places near Waltham
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