Whether you are planning a vacation, staycation, or a day trip down the shore, you may want to consider that your best friend would like some warm-weather fun too.
Check out HoundsTown in Hillsdale, where dogs can enjoy top-notch care and lots of interactive play. HoundsTown offers boarding services, daily doggie daycare, or just a here-and-there playdate for the pooch in your life.
Manager Perrin DeFreitas has seen hundreds of pups bound through the doors, from five-pound toy Yorkies to 125-pound St. Bernards. “All dogs are grouped by their size and temperament, and they get to play all day in one of our five indoor temperature-controlled playrooms or our outdoor playroom.”
The facility, which opened in October 2020, specializes in dog care and socialization. “We let the dogs be dogs,” says Perrin. “We remove their collars and harnesses so they can feel free to run around and play all day. They have a good time, and we tire them out!”
Perrin and his team “get the pawty started” for their four-legged friends with monthly themed events. “They are usually centered around a holiday, but sometimes we have to get creative,” says Perrin. “In June, we hosted a prom. We took prom pictures and videos of the dogs (and their “dates”) and posted them on our Facebook page so that all of the owners could see them.” Perrin tags the owners on social media whenever their pups are in the spotlight.
The August event promises to be a fun-in-the-sun pool party, complete with doggie pools and sprinklers. “Some dogs love the water, and some don’t, but we will have something for everyone,” says Perrin. “Each dog has its own personality, but they all know how to have a good time.”
Whether your pet needs a daycare program or vacation-time boarding, HoundsTown offers a free evaluation to ensure that your dog’s stay will be a happy one. Owners fill out an intake form and bring pets in for a brief evaluation. Perrin notes that it's beneficial for dogs to be exposed to their new play place ahead of time.
“We advise that owners bring new dogs in as early in the day as possible so that they are not overwhelmed by walking into a room with ten other dogs,” says Perrin. “They may be a bit nervous at first, but after a few days, we see the dogs running into the room to see their friends. We always keep a close eye on them to ensure they are comfortable.”
Social interaction and healthy play are perfect ways to tire out active dogs. Daycare is not only for people who go to the office each day; it’s also a smart alternative for people who work from home and cannot be distracted during a Zoom call by Rufus climbing onto their lap. “Our clients can bring their dogs every day, once a week, or once a month,” says Perrin.
Dog owners needing boarding services can choose between HoundsTown’s townhome or suite accommodations. Townhomes are 4’ x 4’ and are $58 per night, and suites are 5' x 5' at $80 per night. Both include lots of playtime and exercise. Dogs eat and sleep separately. There are various packages available for doggie daycare, starting at around $31 per day.
Summer’s the perfect time to pack up your pup for a unique warm-weather adventure at HoundsTown. Fully interactive doggie daycare does wonders for dogs’ psychological well-being and helps improve behavior issues like separation anxiety, leash aggression, and excessive chewing. Give Perrin a call to get started!
houndstownusa.com/locations/hillsdale/daycare/
