"who's on first base?" This will be your experience at No Leash Needed on Hampton. The only semi-reasonable adult is the manager, Lisa, and that is questionable. Everyone else working at No Leash Needed is 22-25 years old. I have no idea if any staff member is certified to work with dogs, etc. You will notice No Leash Needed will not tell you if anyone has any certifications to work with animals.
I paid $400 for puppy pre-school and never received information as to what my puppy would learn, even though I asked. I was informed my puppy would be transported to another facility for training, since there is more "space and equipment at the other location". This never happened. I informed the manager Lisa and co-manager Chelsea that my puppy was having trouble adjusting to their 4-hour training program per day (my puppy did not want to enter the establishment which was unusual) and I wanted training decreased to 2-3 hours. They refused and said "we will give Denver more naps". Excuse me?? This is my dog and sometimes one formula does not fit all. Then I was charged a late fee for picking up my puppy after 12pm the night after boarding him, even though I paid $400 for puppy preschool and he should have been in training until 530pm. After a few inquiries about the late fee the manager finally acknowledged I was charged incorrectly and I would be issued a 'credit" to use in the future. REALLY?? Who makes a mistake on an invoice and issues a store credit??
Fast forward, the manager Lisa tells me I will received "free" puppy training classes since I participated in puppy pre-school. Chelsea, the co-manager tells me I need to pay $30 in order to attend puppy training classes even though I paid for puppy pre-school. Again, mixed messages.."who's on 1st base?".
The final straw came after I noticed a small sign in the window warning dog owners about a dog flu outbreak in Chicago (I knew about this for a month). So I confessed to Lisa that Denver and I were in Chicago a few weeks ago during a drop-off at 730am. Lisa responded by EXCITEDLY telling me "we may not be able to keep Denver!!" (although Denver spent the entire week at No Leash Needed after the trip to Chicago) and then Lisa began peppering me with random questions for which 5 out of 8 made no sense "did your dog use grass where other dogs may have been while in Chicago?" REALLY? (blank stare)
They must not travel often, Chicago is a huge city and most live in apartments and walk dogs outside, no yards. Plus Chicago has millions of residents and millions of dogs. Yes, it is unfortunate 5-6 dogs died. But I did what I could to protect my dog while in Chicago, no dog parks - no dog day care (not that I had time for either during a 3-day trip). I told my vet what happened and he even laughed, then advised I find a new daycare.
No Leash Needed never sent emails to members warning them against the dog flu and never said if your dog has been to Chicago they may not be allowed. IF YOU DON'T PUT THIS IN WRITING, DON'T BULLY YOUR CUSTOMERS AFTER THE FACT! GET A POLICY AND PLAN IN PLACE FIRST. And Facebook doesn't count, not everyone utilizes the site - I for one do not.
I would offer my legal/consulting services but my rate is $375 per hour and apparently No Leash Needed could use the money to hire a manager to oversee operations.
Lucky for me, I noticed their total incompetence a few weeks ago and already started interviewing other daycare facilities.
Like I told the manager "your thinking is a** backwards"..come to the 21st century with the rest of America. read more