Downtown Dog Resort & Spa — Local services in Baltimore

I hate to leave poor reviews but another's poor experience inspired me to share mine as well. We brought our puppy here to try it out (first visit to any daycare) and were told in advance he'd need a temperament check to make sure it was safe (since we're waiting to neuter) and that the manager would be in to give us a tour and answer any questions.

Around noon we arrived and with a quick vaccination check the staff took our puppy back and asked us to fill out paperwork. We received very little explanation of what to expect and what was being done with our dog. When asked about the temperament check, the woman said "oh we'll know in the first few minutes if he's okay and he's fine." We asked if the manager was in for a your and she said "uhh he's not in yet." On a weekday the manager isn't in by noon? And that's it for the temperament check? 🤔

We too thought it was first time nerves leaving our baby for the very first time and noticed other happy customers so we agreed to the sudden "he gets a free half day of daycare, pick him up before 7," and left. Within minutes of discussing, we drove back and got him.

Here's why we won't be returning:

We weren't allowed to tour the facility without the manager; when we returned he was there, gave us an abbreviated tour and we were very disappointed. What we did see, sparked more questions and more concerns.

A lot of information was left out... Nowhere did we agree to caging our dog (apparently outdoor play ends and all dogs are put in a cage inside...!?) but we didn't learn about this until the manager pointed it out.

No cameras. Just Facebook posts. How do I know where my dog is ? If something happens (even an accident) how do we know what happened? Who's fault? And who's going to pay the bill to the vet hospital conveniently next door?

Incomplete and partial answers to our questions about how they operate.

Each staff member was very nice - they get points and a second star for at least that - and were very sweet to the dogs coming in. However, their attempts to relieve our anxieties...

We have boarded 2 of our pets here over the last several years with great success. There are different types of canine boarding available...basic boarding, resort rooms, and luxury suites. Lately, we have use the rooms for small dogs and while our dog definitely misses us (she generally returns a few pounds lighter-she doesn't eat as well when we are away), she seems safe, well cared-for, and clean. The youtube videos are a nice way of viewing her stay when we are traveling & last time, when I called to inquire how she was doing, the woman who answered the phone knew my dog by name. I believe the owner also plays a part in successful boarding. Know your dog's personality and comfort level with other dogs. Would your dog do best in a run by himself, in a group play environment, or feel safer in the quietness of a private room? It seems there are some unfavorable reviews for Downtown Dog Resort and Spa but I personally have never had a problem. Many of those reviews are older and it is absolutely good that people document their opinions as it gives the Boarding Resort an opportunity to make changes or perhaps adjust procedures. In my experience, the staff are efficient, friendly, and kind. My dog is returned to me clean, in good spirits, and the youtube videos show her active, alert, and responsive. (I have boarded elsewhere with VERY different results - my dog was shaking, urine soaked & was jittery for days afterwards-that OTHER LOCATION may have been a good match for dogs with a different personality, but not mine.) I fully intend to use Downtown Dog Resort & Spa in the future - when we returned from our last trip, they even offered to stay open a bit later so we may pick up Mimi after hours on a Sunday. We ended up flying back hours after they had closed and got her the next morning but the offer was greatly appreciated. Bottom line-ask whatever questions you have, request a tour, consider your dog's needs/wants/preferences, and board here...

I cannot say enough positive things about the Downtown Dog Resort and Spa. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and truly care about dogs. They take excellent care of my year old French Bulldog who LOVES it there!! They are very in tune and knowledgeable about the breed, will pull her inside if she gets too hot or over does it and give me updates about her improved interactions with other dogs (she doesn't have the best manners and wants to play with everyone!), who she likes to play with, and really know about all her quirks and nuances. I show up at all hours of the day to drop off or pick up and the place is always clean and the dogs who I see appear to be well taken care of. I've also seen how the staff interact with her on their videos and pictures, particularly when she isn't the subject of the photo/video but in the background. If she has had a particularly rambunctious day and has gotten especially dirty, they bath her free of charge. They also were over the top thoughtful and helpful during my pregnancy, often taking her in for me or bringing her out if they saw me pull up, boarded her with no notice when I had my daughter, and continue to remind me to call them when I get there so they can come out and get her so I don't have to disturb my baby to bring her in. There is another dog daycare literally 1/2 a block from my house but I wouldn't think of taking her anywhere else. In terms of the cost, I have found them to be comparable or less expensive compared to other facilities that offer less in terms of space, services, and boarding options. And they offer a discounted packages. Definitely check them out if you are looking for fun place...