The Dog Stop - Richmond VA — Local services in Glen Allen

I have mixed feeling about this place as things were good until they weren’t. i’ve boarded my dog here a couple times before and hadn’t really had any issues outside of some minor scratches on my dog which I just I assumed was from some rough playing. but this time was the first time I had an issue.

I got a call early in the morning saying my dog was attacked and that he had about a half an inch long rip in his ear and apparently it was bleeding to the point that they had to take him to an emergency vet. granted these things happen from time to time but I do feel like there could’ve been some common curtesy given by the asst manager and owner.

Every time they’d mention how they were concerned about my dogs well-being they would immediately follow it up by reminding me of the waiver I signed and how they had no liability for any vet bills/damages, but thankfully the owner of the dog who attacked mine was generous enough to cover the vet fees for my dog. I understand it’s in their waiver that they aren’t responsible for things of this nature, but I do think showing some common curtesy would go a long way. whether it be putting some money towards my dogs vet bill or even taking a few bucks off the cost of boarding I think any small gesture like that would’ve went a long way with me having a more positive outlook on how the situation was handled.

I kind of look at it like you go to restaurant and u don’t have a enjoyable experience, they’re not obligated to give you a refund or anything but most of the time they try to accommodate you by offering you something else or knocking some money off the bill.

I just think they could’ve made some effort to try remedy the situation. all they had to offer me was apologies and multiple reminders of waiver that I signed and how any damages/fees need to be handled with the other pets owner. and that’s not to mention the fact I had to cancel a vacation I had planned to come pick up my dog, so there was a couple hundred dollars that i’m on the hook for , due to the hotel I had to cancel.

So yea if your boarding here just be aware of what’s in the waiver you signed and if you happen to run into a situation similar to mine, your going to be on the hook for everything. I will say the employees that i’ve encountered on my multiple visits there were pleasant and seem to really love and care for the dogs but unfortunately the way upper management handled this situation left a sour taste in my mouth. so needless to say I won’t be bring my dog back...

"On 11/10, I dropped by very large, high-energy golden retriever off at the boarding school with a harness that I use to safely keep control of my dog. The boarding school removed the harness as per their policy, but I did ask them to put the harness back on for pick-up at 6:30. When I went to pick my dog up, the harness was not placed back on him. Being high-energy, not finished with his training, and less than a year old, my dog was jumping up excitedly on other people, and without his harness I had to physically restrain him by basically hugging the dog and gently pushing him toward the ground so I could get his harness back on without him potentially hurting someone else by jumping up. I eventually got his harness back on and left the boarding school. Later, an officer arrived at my home to check on the welfare of my dog, because the staff at the boarding school called with concerns that I was abusing my dog. I am a first-time dog owner and am doing everything right by putting my dog through training and making sure he's well cared for when I am unavailable to do it myself. I have never abused my dog. I was highly upset that instead of speaking with me privately, an officer was sent to my home. The officer ultimately cleared me and said there were no signs of neglect or abuse to my dog, but I feel like my morality and judgement were called into question unfairly by the staff at this boarding school and I am very upset that they would immediately jump to such an extreme conclusion. It is for this reason and the staff's extreme reaction to an innocent attempt to calm my enthusiastic puppy that I will no longer be taking my dog to this boarding school. I hope in the future the staff takes the time to gather evidence of abusive behavior or signs of abuse before making such a severe accusations and reporting someone to...

I loved EVERYTHING about my first experience with The Dog Stop from beginning to end. We were boarding our senior dog for an out-of-town long weekend trip. Our regular boarder accidently doubled booked us and cancelled the stay a few short days in advance of us going out of town. As you can imagine, I was more than a little panicky. In steps our hero to the rescue--The Dog Stop! From my very first contact they assured me NO PROBLEM, they could definitely accommodate us. WHEW!! The day of drop off only increased my peace of mind--as soon as I said my dog's name they were so excited to see him, they knew exactly who we were because we were expected!! Like a host at a gathering, the party was incomplete without us. Their streamlined online process makes it so easy to know all of your pets needs long before you arrive, which also really speeds up the check-in process. Upon our return they never skipped a beat with their genuine enthusiasm and could actually tell me about my dog's experience without having to look at notes on a chart. It felt to me like he was on a little vaca of his own;) He was also upgraded to a kennel that had a walk in entry--at no extra charge--because his arthritis sometimes makes him cranky when being lifted. But don't worry--they don't get left in their quarters for long--boarding includes doggie daycare and also camera access for those who like to peek in on their poochies while away. Cannot say enough great things about our experience. I had to give them a 10 because it was the highest rating available. If it were up to me I'd say it's more...