A Cautionary Experience - Please Visit Before You Commit…read more
["Dog recovering after eating toxic material at boarding facility" In the news, January 2025. See image in post for link]
I rarely leave critical reviews, but as a devoted pet parent, I feel a responsibility to share my experience at Puppy Manor in hopes it helps others make an informed decision.
While I was initially drawn in by the promise of open land and splash pads, what I observed in reality was quite different. Yes, there is a splash pad--but I also saw multiple dogs standing on a large, dry asphalt area as the afternoon heat began rising. I expressed concern and was reassured the staff wets the ground as it gets hotter. Still, it was concerning, especially in Florida's climate.
There's also a significant grassy area where dogs play, which sounds ideal--until you're pulling burrs, burdock seeds, and foxtails out of your dog's fur every day. While I want my dog to have fun like anyone else's, I also believe daycare should be both safe and reasonably maintained. There was no sign that the dogs' time in muddy, debris-filled fields was limited, nor any clear effort to improve the space.
Despite being told the facility was "under renovation," I saw little evidence of actual improvements. The outdoor drop-off and pickup has a very industrial and dated look to it. On one visit, I waited with another dog owner for nearly five minutes or longer--no one was at the front, and no one responded to us. We knocked on doors with no luck. Only after the other owner called the facility's phone number did a staff member (Vince) appear and tell us she (he) had been making dinner. Meanwhile, we knew the dogs were crated and ready to go--there is simply no excuse for no one being available to release pets to their owners. That experience alone left a lasting impression.
The staff dynamic is inconsistent. Brianna, while sweet, often seemed distracted and disconnected in conversation. Vince, on the other hand, was kind, helpful, and clearly loves the animals in her care. I truly appreciated the adorable photos she sent me--it made me feel, at least for a moment, that my pup was happy and being looked after. The pictures were so cute. But even with those thoughtful touches, my gut just didn't feel right the longer I continued bringing my dog there.
I never felt fully at ease leaving my dog here, and to me, that says everything. It reminded me of the uneasy feeling you get when leaving your child somewhere you're not fully confident in. I've taken my dog to several daycares across Tampa Bay and beyond--this one gave me the least peace of mind.
Before enrolling, I strongly recommend stopping by unannounced, outside of the 1:00-3:00 PM "nap time." Ask yourself: are the dogs lounging calmly in the advertised "acres of land" with attentive staff, or is a single person sitting in a chair watching over ten or more dogs? My observations leaned heavily toward the latter.
Also, be sure to ask detailed questions about pricing. While Puppy Manor does not offer grooming services, they charge $30 for a very basic bath--no brushing or extras. Even with that option, I still found myself bathing my dog almost every day because of how dirty she came home. Their prices are not significantly lower than other, far better-kept facilities.
I even reinjured my back twice just trying to wash and rinse my medium-haired dog after daycare. She sleeps in bed with me, and I simply couldn't bring her in the house in the condition she was in after pickup. I truly admire pet parents who don't mind muddy paws on their carpets or furniture--but for me, home is a place of comfort and cleanliness. While I absolutely know she's a dog, I still expect her to come home somewhat clean.
Lastly, I encourage potential clients to view online reviews and photos with a healthy dose of skepticism. My direct experience didn't align with what I saw online, and it made me question whether the glowing reviews were from verified pet owners. Puppy Manor looks nothing like the curated images on Google.
If you love your pet as much as I do mine, I sincerely recommend exploring other options. Cost matters--but so does cleanliness, communication, and the peace of knowing your dog is truly cared for.
