The Grinning Dog
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    • Daily Schedule
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    • Daycare
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  • Who We Are
    • Join Our Team!
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    • Alison - Founder
    • Emmy - Groomer
    • Diane
    • Olivia
    • Basil
    • Christy
    • Morgan
    • Beth
    • Kelsey
    • Zhenya
    • Laurie
    • Briar
    • Brendan
    • Delaney
  • Client Portal

​OVERNIGHTS

​Safe, calm and quiet overnight care.
Caretakers live on site.
Outdoor play and access throughout the day....

Is this a fit for my dog?

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  We are a rather unconventional boarding facility in that we allow dogs to play together and, when appropriate, swim and hike off leash in our NaturePark and on our trails. This is an ideal scenario for some dogs and not at all safe or well suited for others. The dogs that do best here are social with other dogs, can rest quietly during down time, and are trustworthy with humans. 
                 
  


Acclimation and Daycare.... Dogs specialize in attachment. The hardest part about being boarded is being away from their families with no other attachments in place.  We believe that raising and training any dog should consist of teaching life skills beyond the usual Sit, Lie Down and Heel... crucially, self-confidence while separated from owners. Many dogs have no practice at this until, suddenly, one day they must be left and are sometimes quite traumatized. A program of gradual familiarization and regular daycare visits helps prepare them for an enjoyable boarding experience when you need to go away. Your dog will thank you for it.

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MORE....
More Photos

​​​While there's nothing like actually coming to visit, these photos should help give a sense of where your dog might rest, sleep and play while staying with us.
Enjoy!
Daily Schedule

What to bring
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  • Bring anything that you think will add to your dog's sense of comfort and security, but nothing valuable or irreplaceable.​
  • It's best to stick with  tried and true foods and snacks to minimize gastric upset.
  • Write out anything you think we should know about your dog. Too much information is better than too little!

Food 
  • Kibble: should arrive in a large Zip-Loc type bag. Please pack enough for several extra feedings in case your return is delayed.
  • Cans: should arrive labeled and unopened. We do have refrigeration available for cans we open here.
  • Raw food:  While we appreciate the potential health benefits of feeding homemade diets and raw bones, we prefer to limit our staff's handling of raw meat and bones. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, please save raw foods and bones for home. If raw feeding is necessary, it must arrive packed in individual, labelled, leak proof, meal sized portions. We are able to freeze and refrigerate as required.
  • Treats, cookies, chewies: bring along any treats that your dog is used to (this isn't the time to introduce novelty to their diets!). Some dogs won't spend much time on their normal chew toys because they are so involved with their playmates.
Medication
  • Please bring in original prescription container whenever possible! Label with the dog's name, name of medication, and dosing instructions. Include several extra doses in case of pick up delay.
Bedding
  •  Blankets and "loveys": While we have plenty of clean bedding here, most dogs take great comfort from curling up at night with something that smells like home. This could include a blanket, towel, worn t-shirt, or an old pillowcase you've slept on. Please don't bring anything of value. Sometimes a dog that never chews at home will when in a new environment, and we aren't able to replace bedding brought from home.​
Health requirements
Vaccines 
Current Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines required.
Fecal Exams
Required for each new client and then annually thereafter.

Municipal Dog License

Required annually by state law.
​

Please make sure we have updated veterinary information emailed from your vet before the first stay with us.​

Please note: 
Some vaccines (Bordetella in particular) are not always effective against all varieties of the virus. We are vigilant about both the health of our clients and the cleanliness of our facility, but much like children in a school setting, your dogs' risk of exposure to whatever is "going around" is increased in any "high density" social environment. We are not liable for vaccine failure.
Rates
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Pick up/Drop off Hours
Regular hours keep the dogs calmer.
Morning drop off often helps your dog settle in better

Mo - Sat: 7:30-9:30 and 4:00-6:00 pm
Sunday : 4:00-6 pm ONLY
More About Our Hours
Holiday Closures
​We are here caring for the dogs, but closed to humans!
​
Christmas Day
New Years Day
Memorial Day
​July 4th
​Labor Day
​Thanksgiving Day

​
CANCELLATION POLICY
Our Cancellation Policy is Voluntary
We never overbook as a hedge against cancellations and are careful to staff appropriately to keep dog/human ratios low, so last-minute changes wreak considerable havoc on our financial forecasting. We ask our clients, if they are able, to consider paying for all or part of the reservation we've set aside for their dogs. Just let us know how/if you’d like to contribute and we’ll take it from there!
Fine print
Please thoroughly read our Fine Print page about the risks inherent in allowing your dog to  attend a daycare, boarding kennel or dog park. You will be asked to sign contracts outlining  your and our responsibilities and liabilities.

Location

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Alison and her staff provided exceptional care to not only my dog but also to me..." A. B.

"
The best. Alison and her staff are terrific. My dog, Rem, hadn't spent any time boarded before we got here and he loved it there. I don't know how the dogs are all so calm, but they are. I'm lucky this is near by me. " Betsy N.

"
We miss him, but we never worry about him when he's there. Wonderfully competent crew. Beautiful surroundings." Bruce K.
​
See More Reviews

Contact Us


​250 Southampton Rd.
​Westhampton, Ma. 01027
USA
​
[email protected]
​
413 527-3652
  • HOME
    • Hours
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Staff Gratuities
    • Gift Cards
    • The Fine Print
  • Tour
  • Reviews
  • What We Do
    • Daily Schedule
    • The NaturePark
    • Daycare
    • Boarding
    • Custom Care
    • Members-Only Dog Park
    • Rates
  • Who We Are
    • Join Our Team!
    • Staff Gratuities
    • Alison - Founder
    • Emmy - Groomer
    • Diane
    • Olivia
    • Basil
    • Christy
    • Morgan
    • Beth
    • Kelsey
    • Zhenya
    • Laurie
    • Briar
    • Brendan
    • Delaney
  • Client Portal