I procrastinated on writing this review. I kept it to myself because I didn't want too many others to know about this place, in case I wouldn't be able to get a spot for my dog when I needed to. But, I really can't keep it a secret any longer, I just gotta Yelp it!
I do see that there are negative reviews about this place--I can only speak from my own experience, but everything I've experienced with North Main Pet Lodge has been A+ positive.
We've brought Spike here several times for boarding, for a night or two, as well as a week or more, and have always felt perfectly comfortable leaving him (well, as comfortable as you can be being separated from your favorite furry friend).
My folks started taking our dog here (they had him before we did) after having taken him to a local animal hospital that offered boarding service. After a couple of times, they decided to ask around for a better place, and were given glowing references to North Main Pet Lodge.
Want to know the kind of attention they give here? We were on a family vacation abroad, and had to leave Spike for nearly three weeks (so sad, I know!). While we were gone, Spike developed an ear infection (re-occurring for him) that the staff noticed, because he kept pawing at his ears. Other places may not notice if your dog was pawing at his ears. One of the owners, Colleen, emailed us and let us know that she had tried to clean Spike's ear personally, but based on what she saw and her experience, that he needed to see a vet to have it treated properly. They took him to his regular vet for us and gave him the meds and treatment he needed while we were away, and emailed us updates while we were gone. This really put us at ease, to know that he was in good care.
This is a family-owned business, and they take care to treat the animals as they would their own, from what I have seen. Hugs, kisses and everything (to the dogs, not the customers!). The owners and staff know all the dogs really well here. People bring their dogs back a lot. When we've walked through to take Spike to his pen, the staff can tell us about the personalities of each of the dogs, and often stop to pet them.
Some people may not like that there are only certain hours when you can pick up your pet on weekends, but seems like most customers are gone on the weekends anyway, so I'm guessing it didn't make sense to be open on days when most people are on vacation. This probably keeps prices down. Yeah, it's a drag when we get home early and can't pick up Spike yet, but at least we know he is totally taken care of. We just plan around it.
This place may look a bit austere (concrete, wire barriers), but to be honest, my dog doesn't need fancy play structures, painted walls, etc. He just wants his own bed and lots of affection. If I rated it just on looks, I suppose I'd give the place only 3 or 4 stars, but honestly, Spike isn't looking for that stuff, so this review is based on the service (whether or not my dog is happy).
The dogs stay in separate pens with raised platforms for beds--while this may not be the current style of having dog-on-dog playtime sessions, it is totally fine with my dog. He is the only dog in the house, and isn't used to running around with a bunch of other dogs anyway. We bring his bed and blanket, and he is perfectly fine.
The staff do bring the dogs out to play, but usually just a couple at a time, so they can give them direct attention, which I appreciate. You can ask them to walk your dog, or have extra playtime or whatever. They are really good about giving medications too.
Other pluses:
-Someone is on site 24/7 (some other places don't have this, believe it or not)
-Prices here are very reasonable.
-Cute fire hydrant 'for guests only'
-The staff keep the place very clean!
-Spike has his own doggie door, so he can go sit out in the sun whenever he wants to.
-Onsite grooming service too.
Overall:
We go out of our way to take Spike here; and recommend it without reservation.
The staff persons here really love the dogs, and Spike loves coming here--he runs right in, like he just can't wait! read more