DAYCARE

POLICIES & guidelines

AGE

All dogs must be at least 8 weeks in age and/or in their homes for a minimum of 2 weeks. Puppies under 16 weeks must be enrolled in our Spots Tots Program. Puppies over the age of 16 weeks need to complete an Application form and full day Evaluation prior to daycare enrollment. Spots Tots Graduates complete a soft Evaluation Day at the age of 16 weeks before being promoted to full Daycare status. Puppies under 9 months old will be classified as red dogs to ensure appropriate social skills are learned and are reassessed at a later date.

Vaccination Requirements

To attend daycare, your dog must be vaccinated against Rabies, per Massachusetts state regulations. Beyond this core vaccination, we encourage you to have a conversation with your veterinarian about your lifestyle and beliefs and determine a vaccination protocol that best suits your needs. This could include the distemper/parvo and bordetella vaccines. It could also include deciding not to vaccinate beyond Rabies or an annual titer test to determine what is needed for your pet’s system. Proof must be submitted with application and updated as necessary.

3 Strikes

The safety of your dog is of utmost importance at The Good Dog Spot. For this reason, we have implemented a “three strikes and you’re out” policy when it comes to unacceptable behavior. Any dog receiving 3 strikes within a six month period will be released from daycare.

When a dog receives a strike, the owner will be given written documentation of the incident as well as suggestions from management which may help reduce the likelihood of a repeated offence. Upon receiving three strikes in a six month period your dog will be asked to leave daycare. If your dog does not receive all three strikes within the six month period, their record will be wiped clean and they will start over fresh. Any incident which causes injury to another dog or to a staff member can lead to automatic expulsion.

Daycare Days and Hours

Daycare is available Monday through Friday from 7am–6:30pm and Saturday from 8am–4pm; We are closed for lunch 12:30–1:30pm.

CancellationS

We request and appreciate 24 hour notice for all cancellations, however, cancellations can be done anytime up to the morning of your scheduled day. Repeat offenders to this policy may incur a $25 no show fee.

Newly Adopted Dog

All newly adopted dogs, regardless of age or where they were acquired, must be in their new home for a minimum of two weeks prior to starting daycare. Exposing your recently adopted dog or new puppy to too many new situations all at the same time can be detrimental to their mental and physical wellbeing. Your recently adopted dog has undergone a huge life change and needs time to bond with you as well as time to adjust to their new home environment before exposing them to even more stressors such as what they would find in any pet care facility.

Health Requirements

All dogs must be in good health and free of contagious diseases, this includes transmittable illnesses such as parvovirus and canine cough, and internal and external parasites such as worms or fleas. If fleas are found on your pet, your pet will receive an immediate flea bath at your expense.

Dogs must be able to handle the physical aspect of daycare. Dogs that have sensitive hips, shoulders, joints, or other chronic pain may not be eligible for daycare. Dogs that have diarrhea and/or vomiting must be seen by their veterinarian and cleared in order to return to daycare. If your dog has received any live virus vaccines (including but not limited to Bordetella “aka Canine Cough” or Distemper) please keep your dog out of daycare for seven days.

Collars and Equipment

Please refrain from bringing your pet in on a Flexi or retractable lead. This is for the safety of staff and your dog. All collars are removed for play. We strongly advise against using a choke or prong collar with your dog, please feel free to ask any staff member about alternative anti-pull walking aids. Please be mindful of your dog’s actions while in the lobby—while dogs do come here to play, a lot of dogs can be territorial around their parents, and may become reactive on leash.

Daycare Passes

Daycare passes are valid for 90 days from the date of purchase. Daycare passes are nonrefundable in every circumstance. A credit in the amount equal to the prorated value of the number days remaining on the pass will be applied to the customer’s account in certain circumstances. Credits, if issued, may be used for retail products or other services.

Snow

Please be aware that The Good Dog Spot will be CLOSED if Public Schools for that location are closed. We are open 8-9 am and 4-5 pm on snow days for overnight care and emergency cases. If you have any questions, please call our office or check our website before bringing your pet for the most up to date information. It is possible if one location is closed and the other is open for your pet to attend daycare at the open location, pending availability. Please call for more information.

Spay/Neuter

All dogs must be spayed or neutered no later than 9 months of age.

Behavior Requirements

All dogs must be sociable towards people and dogs. Dogs lacking in dog and human social skills necessary for a large off leash playgroup setting will not be accepted into daycare.

Breeds

All breeds are accepted; however certain breed characteristics do not lend themselves to positive play experiences. Bully breeds and herding breeds in particular tend to pass the initial evaluation and exhibit inappropriate behaviors once they become more comfortable in the daycare environment.

ReservationS

All dogs must have a reservation to attend daycare. Reservations can be made via phone, email in person or online. Reservations can be made on a per visit basis or on a long term basis. Reservations can be done anytime up to the evening before your intended day. Same day reservations are sometimes available. This helps us to prepare for the dogs that will be attending while maintaining a proper staff to dog ratio.

Late fees for Pickup

1-15 minutes late: $15, 15-30 minutes late $30, after 30 minutes your dog is considered an overnight guest and overnight charges apply. Your pet can be picked up after 7am the following day.

BOARDING

POLICIES & guidelines

AGE

All dogs must be at least 8 weeks in age and/or in their homes for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Vaccination Requirements

Your dog or cat must be vaccinated against Rabies, per Massachusetts state regulations. Beyond this core vaccination, we encourage you to have a conversation with your veterinarian about your lifestyle and beliefs and determine a vaccination protocol that best suits your needs. This could include the distemper/parvo and bordetella vaccines. It could also include deciding not to vaccinate beyond Rabies or an annual titer test to determine what is needed for your pet’s system. Proof must be submitted with reservation request and updated as necessary.

Collars and Equipment

Please refrain from bringing your pet in on a Flexi or retractable lead. This is for the safety of staff and your dog. All collars are removed for the duration of your pet’s stay. Please be mindful of your dog’s actions while in the lobby—while dogs do come here to play, a lot of dogs can be territorial around their parents, and may become reactive on leash.

ReservationS

All dogs must have a reservation for overnight care. Reservations can be made via phone, email, in person or online. We suggest booking your pet’s boarding stay well in advance as spaces fill up fast during the summer season, weekends and holidays.

Late fees for Pickup

1-15 minutes late: $15, 15-30 minutes late $30, after 30 minutes your dog is considered an overnight guest and overnight charges apply. Your pet can be picked up after 7am the following day.

Newly Adopted Dog

All newly adopted dogs, regardless of age or where they were acquired, must be in their new home for a minimum of two weeks prior to any boarding stay. Exposing your recently adopted dog or new puppy to too many new situations all at the same time can be detrimental to their mental and physical wellbeing. Your recently adopted dog has undergone a huge life change and needs time to bond with you as well as time to adjust to their new home environment before exposing them to even more stressors such as what they would find in any pet care facility.

Health Requirements

All dogs and cats must be in good health and free of contagious diseases, this includes transmittable illnesses such as parvovirus and canine cough, and internal and external parasites such as worms or fleas. If fleas are found on your pet, your pet will receive an immediate flea bath at your expense.

BOARDING Days and Hours

Boarding is available 365 days a year. We are open Monday through Friday from 7am–6:30pm and Saturday from 8am–4pm and closed for lunch on those days from 12:30–1:30pm. Sundays and Holidays we are open from 8-9 am and 4-5 pm.

CancellationS

We request and appreciate 24 hour notice for all cancellations, however, cancellations can be done anytime up to the morning of your scheduled stay. Repeat offenders to this policy may incur a $25 no show fee or necessary non-refundable prepayment for future visits.

PEAK SEASON RATES

Peak Season Rates are an additional $2 per night during our busiest times.  The rate applies to dog and cat overnight rates. 

They apply to the following dates:

February & April school vacation weeks

All days between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend

Columbus Day weekend (Friday to Monday)

Thanksgiving week

Christmas week

New Year’s week

Spay/Neuter

Animals do not need to be spayed or neutered to stay overnight however, all dogs must be spayed or neutered no later than 9 months of age to participate in group play.

Behavior Requirements

All dogs must be sociable towards people but not necessarily towards other animals. Our team must be able to walk dogs in and out of their suites on lead to use the bathroom, safely be able to put in and remove food and water while the suite is occupied, safely be able to administer medications (if prescribed) and otherwise care for your pet during their stay with us. Dogs who are not dog friendly are still welcome to board as long as they pose no potential danger to our kennel team if they have an over the top reaction toward another dog in our care. A trial night is recommended for dogs whose behavior is questionable.

Check In/Out Times

Check in is any time during our regularly scheduled hours on the day of arrival. Check out is by 12:30 on the day of departure, unless your pet has a scheduled grooming appointment any time on the last day. Dogs without grooming departure services who stay past the 12:30 check out time are charged an additional $20 care charge and can be picked up any time before close for the additional fee.

Snow

Please be aware that The Good Dog Spot will be CLOSED if Public Schools for that location are closed. We are open 8-9 am and 4-5 pm on snow days for overnight care and emergency cases. If you have any questions, please call our office or check our website before bringing your pet for the most up to date information

HOLIDAY PICK UP CHARGE

There is a $5 Holiday Pick-Up charge for pets dropped off & picked up on the major holidays:

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

New Year’s Day

July 4th

GROOMING

POLICIES & guidelines

AGE

All dogs must be at least 8 weeks in age and/or in their homes for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Vaccination Requirements

Your dog or cat must be vaccinated against Rabies, per Massachusetts state regulations. Beyond this core vaccination, we encourage you to have a conversation with your veterinarian about your lifestyle and beliefs and determine a vaccination protocol that best suits your needs. This could include the distemper/parvo and bordetella vaccines. It could also include deciding not to vaccinate beyond Rabies or an annual titer test to determine what is needed for your pet’s system. Proof must be submitted with reservation request and updated as necessary.

MATTED PETS

Matted pets incur a greater risk of injury, stress and/or trauma during the grooming process. This includes problems that can arise during or after the grooming process such as skin irritation, clipper burn and nicks. Pet parents agree not to hold TGDS liable for any accident or injury from a result of the grooming process.

GROOMING Days and Hours

Grooming appointments are available Monday through Saturday with the first appointment at 8 am and the last at 3 – 5 pm, depending on the day. We are closed for lunch daily from 12:30–1:30pm.

Snow

Please be aware that The Good Dog Spot will be CLOSED if Public Schools for that location are closed. If you have any questions, please call our office or check our website before bringing your pet for the most up to date information. Our Grooming team will contact you to reschedule your appointment within 1 business day.

Newly Adopted Dog

All newly adopted dogs, regardless of age or where they were acquired, must be in their new home for a minimum of two weeks prior to any grooming appointment. Exposing your recently adopted dog or new puppy to too many new situations all at the same time can be detrimental to their mental and physical wellbeing. Your recently adopted dog has undergone a huge life change and needs time to bond with you as well as time to adjust to their new home environment before exposing them to even more stressors such as what they would find in any pet care facility. Exceptions can be made to this policy (for example, an extremely matted just rescued pup needs and deserves a spaw day!)

Health Requirements

All dogs and cats must be in good health and free of contagious diseases. This includes transmittable illnesses such as parvovirus and canine cough. If fleas are found on your pet, your pet will receive an immediate flea bath at your expense.

SENIOR PETS

For senior pets 8+ years of age, the grooming process can be more stressful and bring to light hidden medical problems or aggravate existing ones. Pet parents agree not to hold TGDS liable for any accident, injury or death of any older pet resulting from the stress of the grooming process.

APPOINTMENTS

All dogs must have an appointment for grooming services. Appointments can be made via phone, email, in person or online. Our Grooming team typically books 1 – 2 weeks’ in advance (and ever further in summer and around holidays) so please plan accordingly. If you are more than 15 minutes late to your pet’s grooming appointment, we reserve the right to reschedule to a different date or time.

Late fees for Pickup

Care charges are assessed for pets left past their pick up times. The fees are $10 up to 1 hour, $15 up to 2 hours or $25 up to 4 hours. Care charges ensure that pets have access to water and a potty break.

Spay/Neuter

Animals do not need to be spayed or neutered for grooming appointments.

Behavior Requirements

We reserve the right to refuse services to dogs and cats who pose a physical risk to our Grooming team. We are willing to try all possible methods to keep your pet calm during the grooming process including but not limited to using a muzzle or veterinarian prescribed sedation medications.

Collars and Equipment

Please refrain from bringing your pet in on a Flexi or retractable lead. This is for the safety of staff and your dog. All collars are removed for the duration of your pet’s grooming appointment. Please be mindful of your dog’s actions while in the lobby—while dogs do come here to play, a lot of dogs can be territorial around their parents, and may become reactive on leash.

CancellationS

We request and appreciate 24 hour notice for all cancellations, however, cancellations can be done anytime up to the morning of your pet’s grooming appointment. Repeat offenders to this policy may incur a $25 no show fee or necessary non-refundable prepayment for future visits.

Call Us to book your spot (413) 534-1333

35 C North Chicopee Street Chicopee, MA 01020

139 King Street Northampton, MA 01060

ABOUT US

Our Mission is to ensure pet parents’ peace of mind by providing consistent, compassionate grooming services and a nurturing, safe and fun environment for pets to socialize and grow through our daycare and overnight programs.

Chicopee hours

  • Monday  7:00am - 6:30pm
  • Tuesday  7:00am - 6:30pm
  • Wednesday  7:00am - 6:30pm
  • Thursday  7:00am - 6:30pm
  • Friday  7:00am - 6:30pm
  • Saturday  8:00am - 4:00pm
  • Sunday  8:00am - 9:00am
    & 4:00 - 5:00pm

We are closed between 12:30-1:30 for lunch
Holidays:  8:00am - 9:00am & 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Northampton hours

  • Monday  7:00am - 6:30pm
  • Tuesday  7:00am - 6:30pm
  • Wednesday  7:00am - 6:30pm
  • Thursday  7:00am - 6:30pm
  • Friday  7:00am - 6:30pm
  • Saturday  8:00am - 4:00pm
  • Sunday  8:00am - 9:00am
    & 4:00pm - 5:00pm

We are closed between 12:30-1:30 for lunch
Holidays:  8:00am - 9:00am & 4:00pm - 5:00pm