FAQ

Daycare at Dogtopia of Downtown D.C. provides your dog with opportunities for exercise, socialization, learning, and mental stimulation in a safe, supervised environment. Regular attendance helps establish a healthy routine, build confidence, and develop positive social skills. Your pup gets to enjoy time with furry friends while you enjoy peace of mind knowing they’re cared for.

Dogtopia of Downtown D.C. offers more than a place for dogs to play. Our daycare experience focuses on canine wellness through exercise, education, socialization, and enrichment. Dogs enjoy climate-controlled playrooms, supervised activities with trained Canine Coaches, scheduled rest periods, and live webcams. At participating locations, our DASH activity monitor also helps Pet Parents see how active their dogs are throughout the day.

A Meet & Greet is your dog’s introduction to Dogtopia of Downtown D.C. During this evaluation, our trained team gets to know your dog’s temperament, comfort level, and interactions with other dogs. The initial assessment typically takes approximately 20–30 minutes. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about our facility, safety practices, and daycare programs.

Daycare pricing varies by location and enrollment plan. We offer options designed to accommodate different schedules and needs. Check out current pricing, enrollment options, and the benefits included in each plan on our Dogtopia of Downtown D.C. pricing page. 

Please note, at this location a $55 Meet & Greet fee applies to all non-residents of D.C. (out-of-towners).

Dogs must be current on Rabies, DHPP/DHLPP (Distemper/Parvovirus), and Bordetella vaccinations. Some locations also require canine influenza vaccination. Proof of vaccination is required before participating in daycare or boarding. Please contact your local Dogtopia for specific requirements.

Yes. Dogtopia’s general policy requires dogs seven months and older to be spayed or neutered to participate in daycare or boarding. This helps maintain a comfortable, safe group-play environment. Contact your local Dogtopia if you have questions about your puppy’s eligibility.

Yes! Dogs are grouped based on their size, temperament, and preferred play style to create compatible playgroups. As your dog grows, gains confidence, or develops new play preferences, our team may recommend a different playroom to ensure the best experience.

At Dogtopia of Downtown D.C., your dog’s safety, health, and well-being are our top priorities. Every team member completes comprehensive training in canine behavior, safety, and emergency response before caring for our pups, including online instruction in pet first aid and CPR. Our trained Canine Coaches know how to recognize early signs of stress, illness, injury, or discomfort and are prepared to respond quickly and calmly when needed. If a medical concern arises, our team promptly contacts Pet Parents and coordinates veterinary care when necessary, following established emergency procedures. Through ongoing training, attentive supervision, and clear safety protocols, we strive to provide a safe, caring environment where every dog can play, learn, and thrive!

Absolutely! Dogtopia offers live webcams so Pet Parents can check in on their dogs during designated playroom hours. You can access available webcams through the Dogtopia mobile app and watch your pup enjoying time with their furry friends.

Dogtopia boarding combines overnight accommodations with the benefits of dog daycare. Rather than spending most of the day in a kennel, eligible dogs enjoy supervised socialization, exercise, and playtime with furry friends. It’s a fun, enriching experience that helps keep your dog active while you’re away.

All dogs must successfully complete a Meet & Greet before boarding at Dogtopia of Downtown D.C.. We strongly recommend that your pup attend at least one full day of daycare, preferably three, before their first overnight stay. This helps them become familiar with our team, playrooms, furry friends, and daily routine so they feel more comfortable and confident during their stay.

For your dog’s safety and well-being, all boarding Pet Parents must designate a local emergency contact who is available to pick up their dog if needed, including situations where a pup becomes too anxious or stressed to comfortably continue their stay. Our goal is to ensure every dog has a safe, happy, and positive boarding experience!

We recommend reserving your dog’s boarding stay as early as possible, especially during holidays, school vacations, and popular travel periods. Boarding availability can fill quickly, so planning ahead helps secure your pup’s spot. Contact your local Dogtopia to check availability and reservation requirements.

Yes! Dogtopia of Downtown D.C. offers a variety of spa services to help your pup look and feel their best. Services may include baths, nail trims, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and brush-outs. Full-service grooming is available at select locations. Contact your local Dogtopia to learn which services are offered.

Regular daycare helps dogs stay physically active, mentally stimulated, and socially engaged. Exercise supports physical fitness, while supervised play and enrichment activities provide opportunities to practice social skills and build confidence. A consistent daycare routine can also help dogs use their energy in positive, productive ways.

At Dogtopia of Downtown D.C., we’re excited to offer DASH, an innovative activity monitor that helps Pet Parents stay connected to their dog’s health and wellness! This lightweight, playroom-approved device attaches to your pup’s collar or harness and tracks movement, distance traveled, rest periods, and activity levels throughout the day—both at Dogtopia and at home. DASH provides valuable insights into your dog’s daily exercise, helping you better understand their activity patterns and overall well-being.

Booking is easy! You can contact your local Dogtopia or use the Dogtopia mobile app to request daycare, boarding, and spa appointments. New daycare and boarding guests must first complete a Meet & Greet. Once your dog passes the Meet & Greet , you can manage appointment requests and view upcoming visits through the app.