Wagtime Too

Great service and great location. I really like the staff and the groomers are the best. They put these cute little bows on my pom’s ears and it just melts my heart. Prices are a little high, but so far, very worth it!

If I could give this place zero stars I would. I wish I had listened to the reviews on here prior to going. I thought these were cases out of the ordinary but I can tell you from firsthand experience this place is terrible. And the lack of professionalism is just icing on top of the cake. If you love your dog don’t send them here.
Looking back I should have read the signs, but as a new dog owner, I lacked the experience to realize this was a bad place for my dog. I have been informed by folk who’ve worked in the facility that they do not watch the dogs closely, they over pack the rooms so the dog’s frustrations run high with no outlet to release energy. There are toys out on the floor which often cause fights between dogs. And no one working there has dog training background, including the owner (who informed me of this herself). In addition, my dog picked up bad play behaviors, started getting protective over toys, and got upset very quickly when other dogs didn’t pick up his cues. All of these were new traits he displayed only after a couple months going to Wagtime.
In addition, I noticed when I pick up my dog the male handler would sometimes bring out my dog belly up and my dog wiggling uncomfortably to get out of that position, as if he was being dragged out against his will. Again at the time I thought perhaps my dog love playing so much that he did not want to leave. However now I realized it was the handlers treating the dog poorly, and this makes me truly question how he was handled when I was not there to see it.
Ultimately I stopped taking my dog to the daycare because of a tasteless email from Heather in charge of Customer Service that came out of the blue. I can only assume it was in response to a question I had sent days before about how to reserve boarding. The email cc’d owner, who called me the next day to apologize & express embarrassment for how the situation was handled, which I appreciated.
From this email you get a sense of the employees’s inattentiveness and unprofessional. First it stated my dog had become a problem, they had tried several solutions and nothing worked. Being this was the first I heard my dog was a problem I was shocked he was kicked out with no warning or that he was a problem. They said he was uncomfortable socializing with other dogs, unsure of how to greet dogs appropriately and initiates scuffles frequently. All which I discussed with the trainer I’d been working with and was informed this was not the case at all with my dog. He just gets into scuffles when a dog won’t leave him alone ignores his cues. I’m guessing no one was watching him and my dog felt ganged up. He is a very confident dog so he not going to take abuse and found that he had to protect himself.
They also said «When our handlers intervene, he will bite them.» To this I was shocked, concerned, and furious. How was I not immediately made aware that he biting people!!! (When discussing with the owner she stated this statement was a stretch from what really happened, that after being pulled apart he may spasm and bite the air but stop immediately if he accidentally has a person’s hand in his mouth. I was assured no one was really bitten). They also suggested he may benefit from some obedience and socialization training, which if they called me they would have known I was training him and could have worked on the very issues they were trying to find solutions for. Not to mention, my dog is a working dog and loves to learn, so it’s not training he needs but a handler that knows how to call out commands correctly. He had gone through obedience and since than completed multiple levels of agility and flyball classes.
Lastly, which I think is the most ridiculous thing they wrote in the email, they encouraged me to bring him in for their retail or grooming services; or take them up on dog walking and in-​home pet care… which that is so classy! Why would you think I want to use your other services after you could not once pick up the phone to call to discuss what you say is an ongoing problem with my dog, and so bad that you will not allow my dog at your daycar facility?! However you think I should spend more money at your boutique?! Talk about unprofessionalism.

Like I mentioned earlier, the owner actually called me to explained the email did not truly depict of what had happening. That my pup liked to play with the only one or two dogs, but sometimes a dog he didn’t want to play with would persistently pester him to play, he’d then get frustrated and let them know. Any experience handler should know this border collies behavior is common and easily addressed by redirecting attention if they start obsessing over one dog. On the call the owner admitted she and her staff were not dog trainers so they didn’t know what to do. If I knew the lack of dog experience here prior I would have never taken him. There are plenty of other places that actually hire trainers to work to floors with the dogs.

I’ve brought my dog, Maya (Papillon), to Wagtime Too a few times in the past. The shop has a friendly staff, a well-​stocked storefront, and Maya’s grooming was always done well; until a bad experience (poor grooming) a few months ago. Heather quickly responded to my message about the poor grooming and addressed my concerns. I appreciate her assistance.
Maya went back for another grooming today with Marlia and she came back looking great and happy. Thank you, Heather and Wagtime Too!

I am a avid pet lover. Who loves my Dallas to life. And I’m very particular to whom I entrust his grooming care to. I was referred to Wagtime and from the moment I walked in the door. I WAS IN DOGGIE HEAVEN. From the Customer Service on the phone to the last GN and Thank You very much for coming. THIS is the best by Far… Kudos. Wagtime. You have my support

WORST, EVER!
I took my dog in for grooming and daycare. Upon getting her home, I noticed a nasty film and flaking on her, not to mention, her face was trimmed unevenly. Later that evening I noticed that she would not stop scratching and biting her feet. The next day she started having accidents in the house, she NEVER poops in the house. Long story short – She left with a botched cut a parasite and a nasty virus. I followed up with customer service for a refund which I believe was completely justified in this instance. She offered be a free daycare and a 50% off grooming. So let’s go over this: Botched cut and a dog that returned to me sick – Why on earth would I bring my pet back to you? The owner, never even bothered to return a call and declined a refund or to even speak with me directly.
If you care about your pet, I’d advise you to walk right past Wagtime, both of them!
If I could create a star that looks like a zero as a rating – That’s what I’d give them. NOTHING! ZILCH!

We use Wagtime as our backup doggy daycare (a sitter cares for our large dogs on other days). Our feelings are mixed. On the one hand, our dogs seem to like Wagtime, and they haven’t come home with an injury yet. They are always tired and happy after a day of playing.
On the other hand, this daycare is a markedly less awesome than the one we frequented before moving to DC. Here are some ways in which Wagtime doesn’t quite measure up:
— The people at the front desk don’t seem to know our dogs. At our last place, every employee knew every dog, and we got detailed reports on how our dogs did when we picked them up in the evening. We felt that we could trust the daycare because the employees kept such a close eye on everything.
— The hours are inconvenient. Our previous daycare had 24-​hour pickup and drop-​off, plus a variety of packages to cater to every daycare need (6 hour days, 12 hour days, second-​shift daycare, etc.). Wagtime has only one option: early morning to mid-​evening.
— The dogs don’t spend much (any?) time outside. At our last daycare, the dogs rotated through various rooms and regularly played outside, where they could take care of business. My dogs always come home from Wagtime smelling vaguely like urine and a floral-​scented cleaner.
— Dropping off and picking up the dogs is time-​consuming. At the old place, we could do drop-​off and pickup from our car, and the employees called for our dogs as soon as they saw us arrive (yet another advantage of having the employees know each dog’s name and owner).
In short, Wagtime is good enough, but there are other daycares out there that do better. It’s time for some competition in the DC doggy daycare market!

Would not recommend. Wish I had read these reviews before bringing my 11y/​o Boston Terrier to the trial day. To the point: He came home with a scratch under his left eye (BT’s have sensitive eyes anyway) and both eyes were blood shot red, this usually happens if he is under stress but I didn’t notice the scratch until I got him home, I would have really appreciated a phone call when the incident happened especially since they were recommending he not use their daycare, I had NO PROBLEM with that recommendation believe me. What I did have a problem with is not only did no one call me to say there was a problem so I could be there pronto, but I waited there to speak to someone about it because they started saying or tap dancing «Didn’t you get a phone call? So and so should have text you. I think he/​she sent you and email». After waiting long enough and nobody coming out to talk to me, we left. About two hours after I got home the email arrived claiming my 11y/​o fully trained by the US Army Military Police K-​9 unit over a decade ago boston terrier was untrained and needed socialization with other dogs. Excuse me? He has been in sooo many daycares during my years of service I can’t even count them all. And he is at the dog park on Bolling Airforce Base every morning 10 – 12 just playing away. He has never been aggressive to other animals or humans. The aggressive dog they described in their email that attacked dogs in all the play areas, was just not my 11y/​o Boston Terrier, not sure what dog they were describing but it definitely was not mine. Luckily my GF is a Veterinarian, she has taken care of his eye (not sure why they didn’t inform me about this deep scratch when I picked him up). He is rambunctious and things do happen, but the way this was handled from top to bottom is unacceptable. On the bright side I feel like we dodged a serious bullet, as I travel a lot and would not want to leave him in that place at all. The email also mentioned that he is not a «Bad Dog» that said it all for me, is there a such thing as a bad dog? Irresponsible people yes, bad dogs NO! The email will not be dignified with a response, pet parents beware.
Army Strong!

HI Neighbors,
I just wanted to let everyone know that after years, 5 total of taking my dogs to Wagtime and Wagtime Too I had an incident in which (I won’t post the disturbing picture), my very active dog Hudson came back with a severe injury while my wife and I were abroad. While their staff manager Becky was responsive and they were able to take our dog into our vet (Atlas Vet) several days after his wound became an infection, through communication ownership denied any fault whatsoever.
My goal was not to place blame, it was based on suggestion from our veterinary that Wagtime help pay for some of Hudsons treatments (Wagtime was happy to charge me emergency Vet visits, premium holiday rates, etc) and to alert Wagtime so that the staff could be aware of such incidents in the future.
As a dog owner, and a large one at that, I can tell you that accidents happen all the time. Our dogs horrible wound are also things that can happen (this type is rare) and you can’t watch a dog 100% of the time and expect no accidents to happen. What I did expect out of this business was an apology and a mere offer (even if it had been symbolic) to help with treatment for an accident that happened during their watch. I got the complete opposite.
So, as a solutions oriented individual, I’ve been informed and I also ask for feedback, about a service, called Dog Vacay, which could be an alternative for those of us with dogs. If anyone knows of any other services or places to board (safe places) their pets, please let me know as I would not (and I did for many years) recommend Wagtime, which is unfortunate due to it’s convenient location.

I will try to keep this short. As a beloved dog owner I would not consider my dogs to stay at this facility. First I called before I actually visited the facility. During the phone call I received attitude from Heather as she have me the rates of stay before I would even consider the place. She constantly talked and then over talked me before I got a chance to discuss my pet needs. Again, as a beloved dog owner a person would spend what they can to see that their beloved animal is in good hands and is safe. I paid an I schedule visit to get a tour and the first impression was didn’t I speak to you yesterday. Shocking yes and I am here now to visit your facility. Again Over talking and not assessing my pet needs I was quoted the rates. Give me an f’ing break!!! What ever it takes for my precious babies to be in good hands period! I don’t want to hear about the damn rates I want to know what can your facility provide me a a pet owner for my dogs comfort. After looking at the area, neighborhood etc. I would NEVER have my babies stay there even for day care!!! The customer service was awful to make like we are poor and can not afford the facility. Give me an f’ing break. Wagtime too I suggest you train your employees better customer service skills. Train the inn keepers to clean up! The smell just walking in the facility almost made me throw up. PERIOD!!!

I wanted to like this place, but I cannot recommend it. I brought my dog here for an initial evaluation, and MY DOG ESCAPED the day care area… TWICE!
The staff member at the front desk was very laid back about taking my dog into the play area, and without paying any attention, she let my dog run right back out of the play area into the main lobby (which consists of a pet store). I should have left then, but I thought it might have been a fluke, so the staff member again brought my dog back to the play area. Well, the staff member paid no attention to my dog (again), and when she opened the door to let another dog into the area, my dog and two other dogs escaped the play area!
I was freaking out, but I had heard such good things about the NW location that I just wanted my dog to pass the initial eval here. Anyway, some manager lady then came out and forced me to buy one of their collars before taking my dog back (for a third time) to the play area. *I called earlier about what I needed to bring, and no one told me I needed a specific collar. I brought my dog in a harness.* Anyway, the manager showed no concern AT ALL about the fact that my dog had gotten out of the play area TWICE at this point! She just laughed and said she would alert the staff that my dog was «a fast little jumper.» WHAT?!
I am thankful for three things. First, I was there to witness (and catch) my dog when she got out of the play area. Second, there is a metal gate that sets the pet store/​reception area apart from the door to the street outside. Third, now my dog can try out the NW location (which I’m skeptical about if it’s anything like this place).
I don’t like the setup of this place one bit. There is one door between the register and the play area, which has only a HALF door blocking the dogs from the door leading to the reception/​pet store area. My dog has been to several day cares before, and she has NEVER attempted to escape (let alone successfully have done so). Something is very wrong here, and I will not be bringing my dog back.

This is an extremely well run small business, that cares deeply about dogs. They are committed to rescues and have numerous rescues at any given time at their own expense. I have been dealing with this business, first at Shaw and now at the Too facility for almost 4 years. I am very comfortable recommending their services.
Regarding some of the negative comments:
1. Clothes are pricey — honest, talk to them and determine how many rescues they are boarding on that particular day. They handle food, shelter and medical for abused dogs that they take in for adoption. I purposely buy as much as I can — it doesn’t hurt that the quality is great.
2. Staff not always friendly — well, maybe consider the time of day and the multiple things going on. They know me and I don’t always get a hi when I walk in because they are dealing with multiple other things. Sincerely, just a great caring bunch.
3. The dog that got away — not good. I do not know the circumstances but believe that ocurred shortly after opening the Too location. I know in the initial months they were working through where the little, medium and big dogs would go and the routes between each. Since then they have a bunch of safeguards in place. Not good — absolutely agreed, but I can only recommend that you go to the facility, get a walk through and see if it is safe enough for you.
I have two bad schnauzers and I simply could not do it without them.
Thanks!

I found out about Wagtime because they partner with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue where I adopted one of my dogs. I started using Wagtime when they donated a free haircut and day of play to a Washington Humane Society raffle (which I won). I have now used Wagtime Too for their boarding services (over Christmas break), daycare services and grooming services.
They provide great customer service and my dogs really enjoyed their time. One of my dogs is somewhat anxious and does not like being around large dogs (despite weighing 50 pounds), and Wagtime was quick to put her with smaller dogs which I loved. They are comparable to most places in DC in terms of pricing, but if you buy a package, their boarding cost ends up being significantly less than most places. I love their location because I live right by the baseball stadium.

A huge thank you to the staff at Wagtime Too! My little girl loves going there, and comes back exhausted and happy. We’ve needed that this cold winter. I love that they know my dog by name when she walks in the door, even though she isn’t there often. One employee even stopped us on a walk one day to say hello to my pooch because she recognized her from day care. That is great service! Also, they are always happy to give me a quick review of her day.

We went here after purchasing a Living Social.
They carry all sorts of toys, food, treats, and cute sweaters, coats, jackets for your little guy/​gal.
The owner is friendly and helpful without being over-​attentive.
A little on the pricey side ($ 34 for a sweater!), but you really find unique clothing and toys.

Doggy day care, pet spa and doggy products. My hard-​to-​handle pooch had the quickest, easiest «pawdicure» here. They clearly really like your dog.

I think we found the right spot for our baby (yes, he’s a dog)! Like most people we love our dog and wants the BEST for his care.
We have been to Wagtime to purchase food and toys but this past weekend was the first time we left him for overnight care. I am very please with the staff. They are very patient and kind. They even let me see the area where they will keep my pup. It shows when people enjoy what they do for living.
Only one thing I can think for improvement is to have webcam available for me to view my boy when I am out of town.

Wagtime & Wagtime Too are the best! We adopted our dog from a rescue organization that Wagtime helps support (Lucky Dog Animal Rescue), and we are so impressed by their commitment to these adorable pups. Not only do they board rescues waiting for new homes, but they are so invested in these dogs even after adoption. Our rescue dog is a high-​spirited Flat-​Coat Retriever who used to call Wagtime home. Whenever we bring him in now, not only do they remember him each time, but they treat him like a king with hugs, kisses, and so many compliments! He absolutely loves it there and will bust down the door trying to get in.
I’m sure that you can find cheaper alternatives for pet supplies, but they are so knowledgeable and are so good in ensuring that what we buy is right for our dog, everything from harnesses to dog treats. Sure, we could find a cheaper harness elsewhere, but where are you going to find someone to take the time to make sure it fits your dog exactly and order it in the exact color that you want, if it’s not available?
We have utilized Wagtime Too for daily walks, grooming, and doggy day care. Our walker (Jerome) leaves us nice notes every time he walks him with quick updates on what happened during their walk. Our pooch looked (and smelled) like a brand new dog after being groomed, and he is completely tuckered out and super happy every time he leaves doggy day care.
I could ramble on and on, but I think that’s enough. Yes, it’s not the cheapest option, but you can’t help but want to support a local organization that is so committed to the happiness of their customers (both canine and human).

We’re relatively new pet owners (as of October), but in that time, it feels like we’ve experienced the full range of possible service where pets are concerned. We initially got our dog (a yellow lab mix) from a rescue who had boarded him here previously. It’s easy to see why they use Wagtime.
Not only did the staff recognize our pup from his time as a rescue, they were beyond friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. In the times we’ve gone here, we’ve gotten world class service, great advice and some of the nicest folks I’ve had the pleasure of talking to in DC.
We recently boarded him for the first time while we had some work done on our house, and the experience could not possibly have been more positive. This store absolutely has another two very loyal, very happy customers.

I went to Wagtime Too to use a voucher I had purchased.
The sales clerk was very knowledgeable about the products.
I was impressed how clean and well organized the retail portion of the store was. Although, the store is more focused on dogs (as the name implies); Wagtime Too does offer a good selection of products for cats. They have more toys for cats than food. However, the store clerk assured me that the food the store sells for cats was of the uttmost quality. My only suggestion is I wish they carried scratching posts. I would prefer to go to Wagtime Too than travel to somewhere like Pet Smart to pick it up.