Dalton’s Cherrywood Kennel and Grooming

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. I didn’t even make it past the initial phone call! Below is a written message I sent to them on Facebook explaining my experience and their response. Prepare to be shocked!
My message:
Hello! My name is Christel and I was a potential new customer until yesterday when I called your facility. I have a 6 year old west highland terrier who I board a few times a year when we travel to NJ. There is a kennel there that I love and I have yet to find a place local that I can trust and use as much as the one in NJ. My friend referred me to call you guys as I have an upcoming trip and trying to avoid boarding my dog at the vet. When I called yesterday I informed the older woman I was talking too that I am a potential new customer and had some questions. She immediately said she doesn’t have time to answer my questions and told me to call back. When I repeated that I am a «new» customer she then asked about the type of dog I had and my travel dates. She said she «believed» those dates were available but didn’t have time to talk to me. When I said «no problem, if you think those dates are available I’ll stop in Saturday to check out the place in person». The woman told me that «Saturday’s are their busiest days and no one will have time for me.» I explained all I needed was 15 mins to checkout the facility, she said «that is way to long, they don’t have time for me, they have been in business 50 years and need to check in and care for their long time customers etc». The women repeated again she doesn’t have time for me and then hung up!!! I was so appalled. I have never been treated like that by the other kennel I use or anywhere for that fact. I hope the way your customer service representatives treat their human customers is not a reflection on how the animals are treated. I wanted to make you aware of this so the proper training can be given to your front facing staff so your business’ reputation remains in a positive light. Needless to say I told my friend who referred me about my experience and she was mortified and felt horrible. She assured me her dog does love it there. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Dalton’s Response:
Hello Christel,
Thank you for your message and I do take everything you said as a lesson for us. You have to admit that I asked you twice for your phone number to call you back. You declined to give to me, which I thought was rude of you. At the time you called we were extremely busy caring for our customers checking in. It is our policy to care for our dogs in the kennel and not take time away them to have a potential custermer come in to interview us. Kennel visits are not available during our busy times.
Our over 50year reputation speaks for itself.
If you are a potential new customer, be forewarned this is how you may be treated! Im sorry but if you think I’m going to just leave my dog at some place I haven’t checked out in person, think again! They just lost a potential new customer!

Hello Fellow Unilocalers,
I leave Dalton’s Cherrywood Kennel 2 stars. I brought my dog there twice and each time they are super friendly and sincere. I can tell the staff are dog lovers and I am sure they provide a lot of care and love for each dog. It is always nice to hear the staff getting excited when you walk through the door because they adore your dog. Who wouldn’t love that?! However, two things have left really bothered me.
1. They claim it is 35 dollars per night. However, this is not the case when you leave your dog there Saturday into Sunday. It costs 70 dollars to leave your dog there Saturday-​Sunday due to the fact they are only open 3pm-​5pm on Sunday’s so it counts as an extra day. I dropped him off for the night because it was worth 35 dollars to me to have him sleep over with his buddies and have a great time. It is NOT worth it to me to pay 70 dollars. I was kind of upset they didn’t specify this on their site. The woman explained to me that if you can’t pick the dog up before 11 AM they charge an extra day. How could I have picked my dog up at 11 AM on Sunday when they are closed? They ought to inform customers of this charge on their website.
2. It was storming the day I picked him up and my dog has a white coat. He was FILTHY when I picked him up. That really bothered me. She said he got into a puddle of mud and he was covered in mud so they «rinsed him». If the dog is already in the tub getting rinsed why not rinse all of the dirt out Better yet, why not add some soap??! If I give them a white dog at drop off, I expect a white dog at pick up. Imagine leaving your child at a daycare and picking them up and they have marker all over their face– you won’t be taking them back will you? Probably not. I can’t believe I paid 70 dollars and took him to a dog grooming place to sleep the night and he comes back filthy. Not only were his legs covered– his face too! That really bothered me.
Aside from those two incidents, I know they love dogs there and I’m sure Moon had a blast but it was a total inconvenience and not really worth it to go back.
Good luck!

I called early in the morning to have my dog boarded. They took down my name and number and told me they would call back in a few minutes. When they didn’t, I figured they were probably busy and I would hear back by the afternoon, which is why I called early. When I didn’t, I thought maybe my number was copied wrong and I sent an email on their dog boarding site with my correct information. I never heard back.
This to me is a reflection on how they would treaty pet if she were to board there, and I do not appreciate that. If they can’t take a few minutes to call someone back, then how could they take a few minutes to fees my dog or even car for her during her stay? Unacceptable.

I took my dog here over the Columbus Day weekend for boarding and grooming. When we got there the lady running the desk was totally scattered and couldn’t remember what paperwork I needed. I was reassured by the woman who took my dog outside to the rest of the dogs; she explained the kennels vs the yard.
When I picked my dog up a few days later, the lady at the desk (same one) questioned why I hadn’t taught my dog to stand still during grooming. (He tends to sit or lay down because he’s an old dog and doesn’t like scissors or noises.) I replied that that’s why I take him to a groomer.
That night, my dog wouldn’t eat and threw up what little food was in his stomach. I had to take him to the vet, who suggested that he had gotten sick from the stress of going to this kennel. As a disclaimer, he was up to date on all vaccines and regularly went to a kennel where he had no problems.
I will not be returning to Dalton’s with my dog.

Took my puppy in for the first time at this location to get a hair cut and although he came out looking fine they were very rude when I picked him up. He does get nervous in unfamiliar situations but it is unacceptable to tell anyone how a dog was driving you crazy and getting on your nerves especially to his owner. I was definitely overcharged and won’t be going back. I will definitely be discouraging friends and family to take their pets here.

We have taken both our last dog, Murphy and current dog, Tini, to Daltons. When I call to schedule boarding they know from caller ID who I am and who my dog is without me saying. They always greet her by name and me with a smile. In 2009 we went on a 6 week road trip and left my dog with Daltons. She got sick while she was there… they took such good care of her and kept us up to date on EVERYTHING! They were wonderful! I have nothing but good things to say about the kennel and it’s staff. My dog loves going there and always has fun!

Just signed up my dog to board here. What a great place. I feel so much better about having to board my dog knowing he will be able to go here. I know he’s going to be well taken care of. Everyone there is so nice and they def love the dogs there like they are their own.

We just had our dog groomed there for get first time today and she looks fabulous!!! Just in time for Easter :). Recommend this place highly!

We have two Maltese that we bring here to get groomed. I have to say that this is my favorite place. They do an amazing job with both dogs and are always happy to accommodate my busy schedule. We are fortunate to find this place and the workers have always been consistent with great haircuts and always call me before they have a change or want to do something different …

We love Daltons and the employees here. We would never go anywhere else. Carrie and the crew are so caring and so much fun to deal with. Our little lucy can have attitude but when she goes to Daltons she is so happy. When we tell her she’s going to see Carrie she is so excited. (Yes she is that smart). She is always perfectly groomed and must be beautiful before Carrie will allow anyone to bring her out. Carrie and the whole staff are very into their jobs and you can tell. Thanks guys. We would never go anywhere else for boarding, grooming or daycare.

I can’t believe all the positive reviews here. We brought our dog, a very friendly, mellow beagle mix to the kennel a few times. The first 2 times were for weekends and it was fine. The third time was for a week during spring break. They had taken in so many animals, I think a lot more than they could effectively care for. When we picked up our dog, he was so nervous and unhappy, so unlike him. We later realized he had scratches on him, probably from other dogs. It was probably a week before he had his appetite back but he continued to be nervous and skittish around people for many months, especially males. When we mentioned our experience to others, especially people connected to animals (groomer, pet supply store), we heard many negative things about overcrowding, staff’s attitude, the way animals are treated… The assessment was they used to be good, they’ve gone downhill over the years and are coasting by on their old reputation and willingness to take animals when other kennels are full.

I have used their boarding. My dogs seemed to like them. Comparable pricing.
I would recommend.
You can tell the staff likes dogs.

DO NOT GO TO DALTON KENNELS!!! This is the biggest mistake that i ever made. when i got home i looked at my dog and he had a bruise on his nose and back leg (which had his dried blood on it) because of some other dog. the people are supposed to watch the dogs becuase then they cant kill each other. im positive that there are MUCH better places anywhere else! This is NOT THE PLACE TO GO!!! Trust me!

Pip loves to go for his haircut with Carrie she always does such a good job and Pip is never upset about going there !
Thanks Carrie!!!

I love Dalton’s. I drive almost an hour to take my Airedale to be groomed here by the amazing Carrie, and, we leave Sparkle here during summer vacations. They are terrific and really nice people. I’m grateful to have found them.

This place is the best place to bring your ADHD lab. Our lab Brody can’t wait to go to daycare and hates leaving. He is always tired for days when he comes home. Daltons does a great job and has a great staff!!!