Business Details
8 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Luxury Dog Boarding & Spa Services in Waltham, MA
The Dog Retreat & Spa was founded in 2018 by Jalene and Ed Buckner after two decades of hands-on experience in pet care. Our state-of-the-art facility in Waltham, MA, was designed with the comfort of pets and their owners in mind, offering daycare, boarding, grooming, and training services. Our team of trained professionals prioritizes safety, cleanliness, and individualized attention, ensuring pets feel at home while their owners are away.We implement rigorous compatibility evaluations to match dogs with appropriate playgroups and maintain low dog-to-staff ratios for optimal supervision. With 24/7 staffing and specialized services like physical rehabilitation and cage-free lodging, we combine expertise with genuine compassion to provide exceptional care for dogs and cats.
Services
Dog Boarding
Daycare Services
Pet Grooming
Dog Training
Pet Transportation
Physical Rehabilitation
Spa Treatments
Compatibility Evaluations
Cage-Free Lodging
Emergency Care
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined pet care expertise from our founding team
- Our facility features cage-free lodging and specialized rehabilitation services
- We implement rigorous compatibility evaluations for safe socialization
- 24/7 staffing ensures constant supervision and emergency readiness
- Low dog-to-staff ratios guarantee personalized attention
What people say
Best dog care ever
Loved by rescue dogs
Trusted emergency contact
Professional staff
Happy pets
Services
Dog Boarding
Our luxury boarding suites offer temperature-controlled comfort with raised beds, calming music, and personalized attention. Dogs enjoy supervised playtime in indoor/outdoor parks and receive report cards detailing their stay. Cage-free options available for anxious pets.
Daycare Services
Structured socialization programs match dogs by size and energy level. Specialized areas include a Couch Potato Room for relaxed pets and supervised playgroups. Rescue dog acclimation programs help build confidence through gradual introduction.
Dog Training
Small-group and private training classes address basic obedience, agility, and behavioral issues. Certified trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to strengthen owner-pet bonds while solving specific behavior problems through customized programs.
Pet Grooming
Full-service grooming includes bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning using hypoallergenic products. Specialized treatments like blueberry facials and pawdicures enhance pet comfort. Matting removal prioritizes safety over shaving for double-coated breeds.
Physical Rehabilitation
Veterinary-led rehabilitation programs combine water therapy and physical exercises for recovery. Certified technicians develop tailored treatment plans for post-surgical recovery, chronic conditions, and mobility improvement in a dedicated rehabilitation center.
People
Jalene Buckner
Founder & Operations Director
With 20+ years of hands-on pet care experience, Jalene founded The Dog Retreat & Spa to create a safe, nurturing environment for pets. She oversees daily operations and staff training, ensuring adherence to strict safety and care standards.
Ed Buckner
Co-Founder & Facility Director
Ed manages facility operations and business logistics, bringing technical expertise to maintain safety standards. He collaborates on policy development and ensures infrastructure supports optimal pet care delivery.
Questions
What sets your daycare apart from competitors?
Our low dog-to-staff ratio (12-15 dogs per staff member) ensures personalized supervision. All staff complete dog behavior training and CPR certification for optimal safety and care.
How do you handle special dietary needs?
We accommodate special diets with client-provided food. Our staff prepares meals as instructed, with additional fees for custom preparation or house food provision.
Can I tour the facility before booking?
We offer facility tours to familiarize pets and owners with our environment. Current vaccination requirements apply for tour participants to maintain biosecurity standards.
What are your vaccination requirements?
All dogs must have rabies, distemper, bordatella, and canine flu vaccinations with vet records provided. We recommend flea/tick prevention for all boarding and daycare pets.
How do you manage dog behavior issues?
Our compatibility evaluation identifies suitable playgroups. For behavioral challenges, we offer private play sessions, one-on-one training, or customized care plans developed by experienced staff.
What happens during emergencies?
Our 24/7 staff can handle medical emergencies with immediate care. We maintain relationships with local veterinary clinics for urgent situations and notify owners promptly about any incidents.
