The Dog Play Spot — Local services in Wilmington

Very well maintained facility that smells really good. First impression was great. At the last minute we had to board our two small pups for two nights. We dropped them off around 8:15am on a Saturday. It was understandably hectic with so many dogs coming in. We were told that they required a temperament test before they could do daycare & were advised that may take place by around 9:30am when other staff arrived & we would be called. 11:15am or so, I called to check on status. Was told they hadn’t gotten to it yet. 4:15pm I called again to check status, & was told they’ll get to it soon. In the meantime, our pups were left cooped up in a small kennel all day, but were taken out for potty breaks. Finally received a call around 5:20pm & advised that both passed the test & they would waive the first day fee since the day was almost over anyway. If I had been in town, I would have driven over there to pick them up. I noticed in the brochure that the “first day is free” for daycare, so this really wasn’t a favor. We don’t know if they were actually taken out to play the first day/evening, but that's what they promised. I just hated they stayed in their tiny kennel “all” day. When we watched them the next day on their webcam, we saw both of our dogs going to a staff member wanting to be picked up for attention, but they were ignored. We actually saw this on the webcam. They seemed to have a very full house of pups. We realize they can’t pick up every dog, but it would be nice if they would interact a little more with the smaller pups who are so easily overseen. This is a very well run operation & very clean. If I was in town, I would have run over there by lunchtime, but we were in Florida at the time. Staff are very cordial.

Update: I had to lower my star rating to 3 stars. Our dog sitter came by my house 5-23-23 & told us when she pick up our pups 5-7-23, our smallest one, 7.5 pounds, was hard to catch & it took three staff members to help. She messed up on herself due to nervousness & they had to wash her. It was extremely traumatic. This is not a place for temperamental pups at any time of day. We cautioned them of her sensitivities when we dropped them off, but it appears our concerns were ignored. ...

We have been taking our 2 year old Australian shepherd, Izzy, here for about a year and a half. The first few times she went she did not want to go. They would tell me she paid more attention to the humans than the dogs. She would stay by the doors trying to get out and walk the fence line looking for ways to escape. I asked if I should keep bringing her or just keep her at home. I didn’t want to stress her out. She’s a pretty anxious dog and definitely has separation anxiety so I wasn’t sure if daycare was right for her. One of the girls told me give it a few days and after 4 or 5 times we would know if she was going to calm down and enjoy day care or if she was going to be anxious every time she was there. On the 4th or 5th time there i had decided that this was the last day I was bringing her here. I felt too bad bringing her somewhere she didn’t want to b. I didn’t like that she wasn’t having a good time. That day I went to pick her up and they told me SHE HAD SO MUCH FUN TODAY!!! she had played with other dogs and even made a bestie for the day. The staff was so proud of her and so was I. Since that day Izzy LOVES going to daycare. When I tell her we are going she gets so excited. When we get there I cannot open the door fast enough for her! The staff here is kind and caring and you can see they love their jobs here and have fun being here. I love that they have cameras so I can check on her at any time and see what she’s up to. And although we have never had to board her I think it’s amazing that they have people here 24/7 so the dogs that are boarded have someone there with them. I know Izzy loves the pool as she comes home wet many days. I love the different activities they have throughout the week for the dogs and also the different holiday events and artwork they do. Recently they had a Halloween party that included costumes and photos. Izzy has also come home with really cute art projects. Also every so often while she’s there I will get a text with a photo of what she’s up to right then. We are moving to Nashville soon and I just hope to find a place like this out there that Izzy loves...

Daycare for dogs is great for young pups, to help get that puppy energy out, (& keep your shoes intact, lol). It's also great for dogs of any age, as getting along as a pack. The dogs learn from each other, & pick up good behavior from the pack, while unwanted behavior gets left behind when none of the other dogs aren't doing it. Ok...No more selling the idea of doggie-daycare, but if you're interested... This is THE Best doggie-daycare in the land! This place has everything!!! Grooming, training, boarding, cameras everywhere so you can check on your pup with your phone, and a great group of employees that LOVE the doggies, & take the time to make sure the pups feel loved, happy, & safe. Including a temperment test, to make sure the dogs will get along, & they're put in the right group for happy playing with friends. I could go on, & on about all the special things this place has for your furry kids... Like picture day! On special occasions, like birthdays, or holidays, they take pictures & send them to you! Even if it's just a regular day, but there's a cute moment, they'll try to take a picture... Having a picture of your pups, wearing reindeer antlers, & sitting on Santa's lap? Yep, they do that too, & not just for Christmas! Ok, I think I've made my point, or at least as much of my point as I'll get to, anyway. This place is big, & full of wonderful people, doggies, & lots of fun for the dogs... After having our pup in there, 3 half days a week for almost a year, I wouldn't take her anywhere else. If you do check it out... Tell 'em OLLIE sent ya!!! That's our chiweenie girl, & she loves to greet the new...