I really wanted to love this place. The prices were much more reasonable than Petco and I love that they let the dogs run loose and not just stick them into a cage. Jackie, the groomer was an extremely nice woman and so friendly, both over the phone and in person. Unfortunately their cuts were horrible, uneven and blotchy. My pomeranian who is normally fluffy with soft fur, was shaved down so short. Not at all like the picture given. He looks like a small lamb and I hope it grows back normally. My other dog is an English springer spaniel. While her cut was not as bad, it was still very uneven. Both dogs had no shine to their coats. To make matters even worse, I'm positive they were denied water the entire time. Both dogs came home and lapped up bowl after bowl after bowl of water. Plus, they were exhausted. Barely able to keep their eyes open on the ride home. read more

Lord Charlton Kennels - Pomeranian after LCK grooming - Pet Sitting Near Me - Dumfries, Virginia

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This review is for their grooming services. I hate to have to write this, but I would feel bad for someone else to have the experience I had without being warned. We took my Pomeranian-Yorkie mix here to be fully groomed including bath, blow dry, customized cut, and nails. We went here because their prices were so good, and they were so close to my house. When we got to the place we felt very comfortable because the lady was sooo nice, which is why I feel bad writing this review. We picked up our dog, and were traumatized. She was absolutely butchered, I wanted to cry. Her fur was limp, like she wasn't blow dried, and it looked dried out, like she took a bath in the salty ocean... and... I can't even find the words to describe the cut. It was terribly uneven, her neck was dramatically shorter than the rest of the body (which was not even close to being evenly cut), and then her head was just a mop of limp flopped over hair (& she's half Pomeraninan! With normally poofy hair). I would love to have a picture of proof, but we were so upset we didn't even take her home, we went straight to Petsmart in Stafford to see if there was anything they could do. After the sympathies for our dog and our experience at LCK, PETSMART miraculously fixed her cut, shined up her coat, and we left very happy. I do not believe LCK has a licensed groomer, because I am convinced it wouldn't be possible for her to have done that bad of a job. However, because the woman is so nice, I would think about bringing my dog back for nails and anal glands, which she did a great job on. But it will have to be in about a year once I'm over this trauma. read more

If this review was based on the first two times we boarded our dog (a mature, intact male, Pit/R.Ridgeback) at Lord Charlton, there'd be another 2-3 stars up there. However, after our third time (Summer 2013) - the final time - the one star is only due to the friendliness of the staff, & the very competitive, boarding prices. Prior to us using Lord Charlton's, we boarded our dog at the Olde Town Pet Resort in Springfield (VA). They didn't do anything explicitly wrong to lose our business; it's just that Lord Charlton's was a much more convenient location, had more flexible drop off/pick up hours, and was half the price. Upon visiting the kennel that first time, it was evident where some of that major savings came from. Although it wasn't downright foul or anything, Lord Charlton's is no sparkling, multi-option "resort." It's a kennel. Having a dog who, during a camping trip, was once busted rolling through the tall grass, joyously smearing himself -from rooter-to-tooter!- with the Black bear poop hidden amongst the plump, green blades, we figured he wouldn't even notice the decrease in the amount of "sparkle" in this new environment. In both 2011 & 2012, our dog was returned to us both happy & healthy. In 2013, they not only lost us as a customer, but our friends' patronage, as well, since we always boarded our dogs (buddies) together. After dropping off the dogs last year, my husband mentioned that the place seemed somewhat grubbier. It wasn't so dirty that he didn't want to leave the dogs, but it was noticeable. What really concerned us, & why we no longer use them, was decided upon their return to our homes... ~ Both dogs were extremely, majorly STRESSED OUT. I'm talking that jittery, jumpy, whimpering, losing-of-the-fur kind of stressed. ~ Both dogs were extremely, majorly PARCHED. I mean, bowl after bowl after bowl of water was lapped up immediately upon entering our houses. Our dog just stood there, trembling, lapping up full, large, bowls of water! And then, at least for our dog, another three bowls were emptied before bedtime. ~ It was evident that neither dog had been given access to their bedding; beds which the staff claimed they'd be permitted to use, & was never a problem with prior visits. The bedding thing? On it's own, not a dealbreaker. The extreme stress & thirst, on the other hand, ARE, & we will not be needing the services of this kennel in the future. In fact, this year, we gave Waggie Walkies a try (A-MA-ZING!), & we'll be using them from now on. read more

Pros: The facility is on a decent size plot and provides kennels that allow the dogs to go outside. They said they let the dogs out at least 4-5 times a day. Their prices are usually better than the kennels in the surrounding area and stayed a little late when I hit traffic trying to pick my dogs up. Cons: The inside smelled of animal urine and feces; like they don't clean as well and often as they should. My dog peed on the front desk, another sign they don't clean the area enough. Second, my dogs came out smelling like urine and skinnier than when they went in (stayed only 2 nights). Both of these are no go's for me. I will not be using this kennel again. read more

We recently boarded our bulldog here for 3 days while we made a quick road trip for a friend's wedding. They were all very helpful and kind from the start (despite the fact that our reservation was made at the very last possible minute!!). We spoke with Megan and she assured us that our puppy would be plenty loved, cared for and played with while we were away. They surely did not disappoint, he was quite pooped out (no pun intended! lol) by time we picked him up. They even took a pic to share with us on Facebook while we were away! I guess the only real reason why I'm not giving 5 stars is because I didn't get to have a proper look around before or after we picked him up so I couldn't really tell of the conditions he was in for the majority of the time. Sufficed to say they couldn't have been that bad as he looked exactly as we left him with a fresh bath to boot! Lastly, Megan called me to check in with how he was doing a few days after we picked him up! This type of concern will always leave a lasting impression! We will definitely be returning. The prices were awesome, the hours were very flexible and we can't beat the proximity to our home! read more

They literally waited until 1pm the day before my week long out of town trip to tell me they could not board my Yorkie. She is not an outside dog and I was told before this would NOT be a problem an.d that she could just stay in a larger crate. Completely unprofessional!! read more

This is an amazing kennel.... I stoped by to see how this kennel was beore boarding my boxer. The kennel was very clean, cleaner smelling that any other place I visited. Patti the owner is a dog traniner and truely loves dogs. I feel very comfortable bording my boxer here, and would not go anywhere else. My boxer came home fitter than when she was droped off, so I know she had lots of play time!!! They do not charge extra fees for playtime and such. The second time I brought my boxer I noticed that she was excited about coming back. That says it all. Patti even sends out youtube video's of your dog while you are on vacation. That is so cool. read more

Horrible! I've been using this kennel for years and hadn't had any issues. I don't know what's happened! I board my dog here for 2 weeks in April. When I picked him up he'd lost nearly 10 Ibs. and was in horrible condition. They claim he just got a lot of exercise. No way! read more

The people at Lord Charlton are very nice and helpful. It's a rough looking kennel from the outside, but know my dog is in good hands. My dog did come home with some bad behavior that we are trying to break him from now. It is reasonably priced kennel. read more

Our two dogs have boarded here twice in the past year. The first time, one of our dogs came home with kennel cough, but the kennel did warn us another dog had come in with the cough. They also provided us with additional information regarding kennel cough, so we were able to get this taken care of immediately. The second time was during our holiday vacation. Our pups were boarded for nearly 2 weeks, and boy was I heartbroken! I am attached to my beagles, Princess and Atticus, and I did not know how they would do. Well, let me tell you, they had a fabulous time! The kennel was kind enough to post pictures of them on their Facebook page, and they did not mind when we called to check in on them a few times. Princess is a bit picky with other dogs, but they were able to accommodate to her behavior. They also gave them a nice bath before we picked them up, and they smelled fabulous! Lord Charlton is possibly the only place I feel comfortable boarding my dogs. They also called after we picked them up to make sure the dogs were doing well. Fabulous customer service! Thank you, Lord Charlton! read more

I had my cat boarded here for about nine days, recently. When I first called to see about scheduling it, I was nervous. I adopted my cat from a shelter and was worried about how she'd handle it. I spoke with Megan who absolutely relieved my worries. She explained to me how much they love the animals, play with them, take care of them, etc. I felt happy when I went to drop her off. I have to be honest, I was pretty much gagging on the smell in the lobby, it was bad, and I kept covering my nose so I wouldn't have to breathe it in while dropping her off. When I went back to pick her up, it didn't smell quite as bad as it did the first time. While we were gone, I called to check in on our cat. The lady that I spoke with was very kind and friendly and told me how our cat was doing, and how much they all loved her. They even said they'd put a picture of her up on Facebook for me, which they did do, and my little boy loved being able to see a picture of her like that. The pricing was very reasonable, and the staff very caring and friendly and encouraged me to call and check in on our cat whenever we wanted to. I had really wanted to see the part of the kennel that my cat was going to be in, but wasn't allowed to, so that part was a bummer. Overall we had a very good experience and if I ever need to board my cat again, I will do it here. read more

We have had nothing but good experiences with Lord Carlton Kennel. Our Great Dane seems to enjoy her time there. I like that the play times are included in her stay, instead of being charged for 15 minute increments of "one-on-one time" like other kennels. Reasonable rates, and a great military discount which we appreciate!! Just made Darby a reservation for a few days in August. read more