Dogwood Pet Lodge

Jemal Cannon Jr.

2023-10

Dropped my dog off at this facility not once but twice. Unfortunately, I did not have any other option the second time or else I would have taken her somewhere else. The first time I dropped my dog off there, her stay was 5 days long. When I picked my dog up she was covered in red spots all over her body and she was missing fur. I immediately thought that she had been in a fight and questioned why I was not notified. Shelley, then told me not to worry. They don't allow the dogs to go out with other dogs and that those are most likely just "red spots," a common "allergy," for dogs who board. 3 Vet visits and $600 later I found out that this was not a "common," thing as well as not medically diagnosed as the allergy hot spots, but a bacteria skin infection which put my dog on antibiotics for 14 days.For some reason I decided that wasn't enough and wanted to roll the dice for 8 more days at this pet lodge (no other facilities were available). I arrived as normal and as the charges were being rung up I explained to the associate (an older woman who was not Shelley) that I want to see my dog before I pay. If something is wrong I am not paying for her stay as I explained to them via email and verbally before dropping her off again that they will need to take better care of her or I will not pay. Immediately instead of understanding me and my concerns as the customer I was questioned as to why I would request something so strange. After several minutes of explaining to the associate about the last time my dog was brought there and the issues we had, she finally went to the back to grab her so I can have a look. That was no easy feat, every comment I made was reflected back at me with some sort of shortcoming on my end that would result in my dogs status, as Dogwood lodging understood it. I was even told that my vet was strange because they did blood work to find out exactly what the bacteria infection was the first time.When the associate comes back around the corner with my dog I step back so she can come around the gate and I can have a look at my dog. It was to my surprise, that the associate stopped behind the gate and lifted my dog in a standing position against the gate. Confused by this, I walked over with a concerned look on my face while she gives me the run down and says, "see, no red spots on the stomach this time." As I'm having my tongue for lunch (biting it so hard that I won't let this lady have it) I realized that she was holding my dog hostage behind the counter until I paid for her release. This infuriated me, not only have I not been treated like a customer, my dog has been mistaken care of, but I am now being treated like a potential criminal! If I ever went to a day care and experienced something like this while picking up my child I would be in jail. After calming myself down and taking a closer look at my dog the associate was right. My dog did not have any red spots or missing fur like she did the last time. However, she did have several scabbed over scratches that the associate told me was from her running into the gate, she has a very loose nail on her front left paw that is accompanied by a large gash, her paws were wet to the touch and that was because "they just sprayed here off." I have dust all in my back seat from how dusty she is from this recent "spray off," and to make matters worse her paws were wet so I asked for them to dry her paws off and that was met with an attitude. Overall, I do not recommend this place and will not be returning with any of my dogs and highly recommend you don't either. I'm extremely upset with the criminal service. But they still got that $328.20 though. GGs

Ian McAdams

2023-06

I live in the Ellicott City area and have a very anxious pup that I can't leave home for the day when I go to work. She can have a hard time at kennels and often needs a little extra patience and love from staff, and Dogwood is absolutely incredible. They worked with me to help her be comfortable and are so kind and patient. Highly recommend them for your pups!

Emma Lehman

2024-02

Incredibly accommodating and understanding managers and staff, and my dog is always so happy to stay here. A happy repeat customer.

Dee Fontana

2023-05

I am a travel nurse in the area for a contract at a local hospital. I brought my 6 year old SPOILED Alaskan Malamute here for the last 2 weeks for doggy daycare. She absolutely loves it and so do I. On the weekends, she whines because she doesn't go to "school" and every day during the week she is excited to be dropped off before I go to work. The staff and owner here really care about their guests, the service is incredible and I wouldn't go anywhere else. I just signed up for another 10 sessions. Travel nurses -- this is the place to go!!

Patty Kinderman

2023-05

I had never boarded my 1 year very active beagle mix dog anywhere before this. We left him the first time for a short period and then a few days later we left him for a week. He was so excited when we brought him back for the second boarding. He jumped out of the car and ran for the door , tail wagging the whole time. He loves the people so I can tell they take great care of him. I would trust them with our fur baby again for sure. We paid for boarding and day care which costs a little more but you get what you pay for.

Michelle Sullivan

2023-05

I cannot say enough good things about Dogwood Pet Lodge. Shelley helped my husband and I with a situation regarding our dog and I will be forever grateful for her. She is responsive, helpful, and truly loves animals. I wish I could give this place 100 stars!!! We love you Shelley! Groot does too :)

SuiteLife22 (SuiteLife)

2023-05

Huge mistake boarding here. Will not be a return patron. Picked my dog up after 8 days and he’s congested, crusted over nose; sneezing blood, abrasions around mouth and jaw, feet are red and irritated. If he were cared for and going out 4 times a day this would have been observed by the staff. This did not happen overnight. This is negligence. I have not contacted them yet to discuss or resolve as they are closed. Regardless of the resolution this does not change my dogs condition and he will not be returning. Beware!

Mark Wisniewski

2023-05

My dog boarded for five days as well as two (so far) daycare days. He was returned in good health and happy. Shelly is very nice to deal with, accommodating and responsive. He'll go back for another daycare day this week.

Shannon Berg

2018-05

Great kennel! I have used this kennel for over 5 years with two different dogs of mine as well as with my friend's dog. My first dog was a very attached Neapolitan Mastiff who grew to love the kennel and not even say goodbye to me at the door! The staff have always been great and send photos if I was worried about anything. Tango became a part of the Dogwood family and knew when I was taking him there. The duration of stays varied between a weekend up to almost three weeks while I was out of the country on a work trip. Tango never got sick even after the long trip. Occasionally he had loose stool but that comes with any change in environment with some dogs. He never required a vet visit due to his stay. He loved the socialization and play time that he just didn't get at home as a single dog.My current pup started boarding over the weekend there while she was 5 months old. She needed socializing so the daycare was a great option for her as well. The agility obstacles and play equipment are great for your energetic dogs and Willow comes home exhausted solely due to all the fun play time. She requires a lot of running so the kennel staff accommodate her and keeps her quite busy :). I have kept Willow there several times with the longest so far up to almost three weeks while I was on a trip. While she was super happy to see me come home - she didn't want to leave her buddies.I highly recommend this place for several reasons:1. Has always been clean. I have NEVER walked in there a smelled anything but a clean establishment and I have been all throughout the kennel. Even when the kennel was booked up solid, you would never know it by a smell.2. Effective staff and ownership. If I ever had any concern - the staff and especially the owner Jodie have always addressed my questions and comments directly and professionally.3. My dogs love it!! They tell me they like it there by getting excited when I pull up and don't even say by when I drop them off. Their emotional testimony would honestly be enough but as a professional myself, I appreciate the first two points :)

Jill Cox

2022-05

My neighbor boarded his dog here a few weeks ago. I toured the place with him and found it to be very clean and the staff friendly and knowledgeable. I visited the dog a few times while he was being boarded, and, although he was happy to see me, he was equally happy to return to the lodge each time I left him. Highly recommend this place.

Nancy Miller

2020-05

Both of my dogs love this place! They get so excited when they realize where we're going (about 3 miles before we arrive), that they start barking and wiggling with joy.I love the fact that there are grooming services there too, so my boys get a 'spa day' monthly.I always feel good about boarding my boys here - never a worry.

Lavon magruder

2022-05

My dog attended this place as a trial day in anticipation of a boarding stay. They called me only 2 hours after dropping my dog off to come and pick him up because he would not come out of the cage. I was told he was not aggressive or attempting to bite or harm anyone, just that he would not come out of the cage. Given that this was a new environment for my dog, I am suprised that the staff did not give him more time to adjust to the environment before kicking him out. The most disappointing part of this experence is that my dog got kennel cough from this 2 hours stay. My dog has never stayed anywhere outside of his home environment prior to his 2 hour stay at this facility, and 4 days after his stay, he began coughing. While the others may have had a positive experience with this facility, me and my dog did not.

kathleen obrien

2023-05

What a dog oriented place.and so customer friendly.They are so sweet and have funny stories to yell you about stuff your dog did. You know your dog is not left alone.They screen all dogs ahead of time and if your dog is not a good fit they recommend a place.Honey just come home and goes to sleep after being thereso you know she had fun.

Butterfly_kiss

2022-05

I was really pleased with the quality of service I received. I had my yorkie groomed and she looked so cute and adorable. I was happy that Corissa worked really well with my pet baby, She understood what I wanted done, made suggestions and took the proper care of my baby😊. I was a little apprehensive to leave her. Only because a popular groomer which I will not name lol was not able to handle my pet baby special needs. She doesn’t like the brush and have a tendency to bite at it, I explained it all to Corissa and she knew just how to handle my baby to get the job done. She even allow her to cut her nails as well.👍🏽

Delaine Mccleary

2020-05

This place use to be our favorite kennel. Unfortunately hands off management by the owner has killed the boarding services they provide. My dog was saturated with urine upon picking him up after a 2 night stay. I paid for all day camp, so he should have been outside playing all day, not sitting in a kennel. Very disappointed. If your dog is part of your family like mine - I recommend Camp Bow Wow, Deer Park or Noah's Arc - much nicer and repeatable facilities.

A Abel

2018-05

I love the owner and current staff! They are kind and knowledgeable. The facility has always been clean and climate controlled when I have stopped in there over the years. I feel confident in their ability to care for my dogs for daycare and/or boarding.

Gloria Hilliard

2021-05

I love this place for how they care for and love my dog! He loves going here, gets excited when I start to pack his bag and when I get within 3 miles and turn onto Dogwood Road. I moved out of the area but still drive back an hour so my dog can stay here and I do not have to worry about him. Great staff, professional , reliable. Pls do not ever go anywhere! Thank you.

Donna Johnson

2018-05

I am reluctant to write this review as I am very careful about things like this. I have boarded my dog here three or four times in the last two years. The staff has never been anything short of curteous and I've been quite comfortable leaving her here.However the last two times my 45lb, 5 year old, loves to please everyone pit bull has come home lethargic, docile and uninterested. She demonstrated no enthusiasm when I picked her up and no interest when we visited her best friend and running buddy immediately after leaving the kennel. I was VERY concerned!The first time this happened I called the kennel to see if there had been some kind of incident. They told me no and that it was not unusual for some dogs to react this way... So I gave it another try. This time her paws are scraped up and I am now convinced that she was given something while she was there. It has taken her three days to return to her normal self.Obviously we will not be returning.

Nancy Isaac-Simering

2019-05

We have been taking our dog to Dogwood Pet Lodge since he was 6 months old and he is now a little over 6 yrs. old. He goes to doggie daycare as well as has been boarded there. He loves it and we are very happy with all the staff and the accommodations. I highly recommend it to all. Great home away from home.

Brittany Hubbell

2019-05

I am currently a kennel attendant at Dogwood Pet Lodge. I am here to inform all of our clients old and new that is here at dogwood pet lodge take caring for your pets very seriously. With that being said we require all new clients to come view the facility to make sure it is the right fit for you and your dog And as always we let dogs be dogs of course!!! That means real nature and playtime out in the yards(with or without other dogs)!!! Thank you to all our clients that have been with us through the years and to all the new clients that enjoy our facility!

kathy valentine

2016-05

Our dog loves spending her "vacation" at Dogwood Pet Lodge! She gets excited the minute we pull into the driveway and has no trouble leaving me. She loves playing with the other dogs and has been called the "party girl" by the staff. The staff respond quickly to my messages and emails and the facility is clean and well-cared for. We love that there is a fenced yard for the dogs to run and play, rather than some kennels where the dogs have to be on leash for a walk because there is no space to play. Our freshly-washed dog is happy to see us when we pick her up. I also love that she can be groomed during her stay. Well worth the drive from Catonsville in our estimation.

Steven Conaway

2021-05

The staff is absolutely fantastic here an this was my dog Titan's very 1st time away fr home an he is only 8 months old!!! Thx ya'll so very much 4 the care that ya'll showed 2 Titan!!!!⚘😊👏👍⚘😊👏👍⚘😊👏👍

Chris Ruane, CHSE, LMT, RT500

2020-05

My dogs get more and more excited the closer they get to dogwood kennels. Jodie and her staff are responsive and kind. A tour and explanation can be offered prior to your pet’s stay. If anything doesn’t meet your expectations, they will immediately explain, tell you what can be done, what you can expect from them and whether or not their facilities will be an appropriate fit for you and your furry family member.My pups like to play hard, and they come home tired out after a stay. We typically opt for a bath at the end of the visit because as you can imagine, when playing hard outside, they sometimes get stinky. Knowing this going in, helps our expectations of the final bill, and we know we can opt out, if we prefer to bathe or groom them, after a visit, ourselves.Over the last four decades as pet owners, we can say this is truly one of our favorite spots to care for our pets!

John Beebe

2018-05

Our pups love staying at Dogwood Kennels. It is definitely located in the country, but not too far from the west Baltimore Beltway. The accommodations were great for our two dogs, and they handled grooming, meds, feeding, and playtimes with no difficulty. They even posted pics on Instagram of our pups so we could see they were doing well and enjoying their stay. Highly recommended!

Timothy Obrien

2023-05

Honey my pitbull leaves there tired every time best $27(daily day care rate) spentAlso Shelley's the owner makes every dog parent feel like a VIP !!!

Todd Kalkstein

2022-05

Brought in dog for overnight stay. When I picked up the dog my daughter noticed that her leg had an injury. I cleaned it up when I got home and call the facility which replied it’s common and we shouldn’t worry about it. They where not concerned.We will not be going back.

Jean Montgomery

2015-05

Jayda, my sassy, speedy, and sociable whippet LOVES Dogwood Pet Lodge! She practically lets herself in when she arrives, greets the handlers happily, plays chase all day, and takes a nice long nap when she comes home. I love that it's between my home (Howard Co) and work (Baltimore Co), it's scenic drive, it's competitive rates, their availability for daycare and boarding needs, and her happy dog face at the end of the day. I like that she gets a nice 2 hour play session in the morning, a rest period, and a 2 hour play session in the afternoon. Jodie, the owner, and the handlers are very kind and responsive. I find email communication is best; if you call, you'll most likely leave a message, but phonecalls are returned shortly. My only wish is that I saw more dogwood dogs on their facebook page, when I'm taking a break in my day! ;-)

Kelsey Schwartz

2018-05

I was here twice because a rescue group houses their dogs here. I did not get a good impression. I didn't even go into the kennel & was met by a terrible smell throughout the entire building. The part I was in was very hot & muggy even though it wasn't that hot outside. I found ticks on my shoes after walking in the grass. Make sure you go check this out before boarding your dog here.

KeyKey

2019-05

I DO NOT recommend this place. They do not properly care for the dogs that stay here. Our puppy was returned filthy and hungry. He immediately ran to his food bowl once he came home. My mother, Tree Daniels, had bought food for our baby, Apollo. It was never returned because they don't "return unused food". They're saying they didn't feed our baby and this makes me furious. He was returned filthy and looked like a completely new dog. Most of his fur is white, and all the white was covered in black/gray. They want money just to bathe the dog but if he gets that dirty they could've done something. Unacceptable. Then their liars. They claim our landlord had brought their dog to them before and really he never did. They said our dog got along woth the others in the reviews as a response to my mother's review, but said that Apollo was too agressive to get along with the other dogs to my father. Also unacceptable. Lying gets you no where and it's a shame a teenage girl can understand this better than you. All they want is money and that's what's wrong with this place. My mother told me how another dog was going home and they were trying to get away so bad. It could've been seperation anxiety or they were mistreated, the latter seeming more reasonable based on my own puppy. Apollo has become so much more agressive after coming back, going as far as growling at us sometimes. He's NEVER growled at ANYONE! He's always jumping at someone for affection and always gets excited to see a new person. He has developed horrible habits as well. He used his puppy pads fine and used the bathroom when we went outside, now he does his business everywhere in the house and doesn't respond to his name as much anymore. Very dissheartening. These people must have kept them locked in one place where they didn't have anywhere else to use the bathroom, so he became used to peeing anywhere available. My poor baby was mistreated and he's only a baby. Just a puppy and not even a year yet, being born in feburary. They claim that they gave him a bath before he was picked up but he was so dirty it wasn't even funny. Very dissapointing that people don't even care and just want money. I would never allow anyone's dog to stay here. I couldn't find my baby in their instagram either. And suspiciously on the instagram, there are no pictures showing the inside of the building, only the outside, very concerning. The pictures that did show the inside, the background was mostly covered and not visible. This review may seem based on false facts but I promis everyone that reads this, my mother NEVER lies. I would be able to tell if she was lying anyway. This business is lucky I was not there when he was picked up. If I was, the police would have been called for animal cruelty. I don't want you coming at me with any lies if you respond to this. Just know this is not a suitable place for pets to stay. You will never get a hold of our baby again, I'll make sure of it.

Concerned citizen Gaiser & Huffman

2015-05

Please, please go and check this kennel out before just dropping your pet off to stay. I went & checked it out and the smell was absolutely horrible.The dogs were constantly barking & left on hard tile flooring. It was very sad to see the dogs all penned up like they were in a shelter. Please take your pets with you or use a pet care service. Your pet will be so much happier. After visiting, I knew, I could never leave my dog there to stay.