Playful Pack

Hannah Shahabi

2024-01

I started bringing my 5 year old French Bulldog here a few months ago. I needed a new boarding place near me and found Playful Pack. I have been so pleased with this Playful Pack in Alexandria. My dog LOVES loves it. I have to lift him up and carry him out sometimes to leave, because he doesn't want to go home. He has done both boarding and daycare and both have been positive experiences. What spoke to me the most was how quickly the employees remembered his name and how quickly they were able to pick up on his personality. It is reassuring to see how excited he gets seeing the front desk people. Lastly, the report cards, pictures, and access to their live webcam is great and really enables my dog mom status. I have been very grateful to have found a place that treats my dog as their own, and that he's getting that doggie play time in each week.

Rebecca Turner

2023-09

My Boston Terrier Walter has been coming here since the Alexandria location opened. He gets so incredibly excited when we pull up and park. He bounds in, happily greeting the staff and eagerly goes through the door when opened. He clearly loves the long-time staff members that he's gotten to know well. He mainly goes for daycare, but has also boarded and had positive experiences. It makes me feel so comfortable leaving him there being able to check in via webcam and through his end-of-day report cards. They do split the dogs into two groups - big pack and little pack. This is mostly by size as it sounds, though some of the larger, chiller dogs are also on the 'little' side. They also do a special daily activity during the week which jazzes up their experience. These include things like disco party, story time, pool pawty and more. My peace of mind and his sleepy self at the end of the day is well worth what I pay to send him there - and you can get slight discounts by buying packages instead of individual days. I've included a few of his report card pictures as well in this review. I would highly recommend the Alexandria Playful Pack location.

Victoria Piccoli

2023-05

We love Playful Pack Alexandria! Our pup was initially very shy towards other dogs, but once we started to take her once a week to Playful Pack she has come out of her shell. The concept of the 'pack' really helped her interact better with other dogs. We really like the new facility, the staff is really amazing and knows her by name. It feels great when picking her up and they know exactly what dog and share how she did during the day. It's nice to know that we can trust Playful Pack Alexandria to take care of our pup when we are at work or out of town with day care or boarding.

Zach Jones

2023-05

Playful Pack is awesome!We started taking our pup here last month and he’s had a blast every time that he’s been.The pricing is very reasonable and we love that there’s video cameras in the play rooms so that you can see what your dog is up to while you’re away. My only gripe is that the cameras are off before 9AM and after 5PM since I usually take my dog there at 6:30 in the morning and pick him up right before they close at 7:30 PM. With that said, I do know that he’s always in good hands and they do offer food and bath services for those who need them!This place is perfect if you have things to do and want your dog to be well taken care of while you do it. There’s nothing better than picking up my smiling boy and seeing him sleep soundly on the way home from a long and fruitful day of play.Will hopefully take our fuzzy friend here very often going forward.

K Hales

2023-05

We've been bringing both of our dogs to the Alexandria location since they opened and LOVE this location. We've tried a number of different daycares over the years, and have had overall positive experiences with each of them, but Playful Pack has been the best by far.1. They have cameras and they show a great view of the play area2. They have special activities every day3. They have an outdoor area where the dogs can enjoy the activity or otherwise spend time in multiple areas4. They have normal daycare hours on the weekends!!5. They interact with the dogs more than I've seen at any other daycare (typically I've seen the person walking around, but little positive interaction with the dogs themselves - our dogs are usually too shy to play with the other dogs, so encouraging interactions with the attendant is always appreciated)6. The play area itself looks very clean, and has a bunch of swings, steps, etc. for different dogs to interact with7. They have the option for overnight boarding in the actual playroom versus in crates8. Their prices are entirely fair and seem on par with the other daycares we've worked with9. They post pictures and a report card after each visit (examples shown)This is the first daycare th9.at we've had where our dogs actually walk freely inside rather than pulling to leave with us when we drop them off. As far as I'm concerned that's all the positive reinforcement I needed.

Michelle Trahan

2023-05

My two fur babies love it at playful pack. The daily report cards and the ability to check in on the webcam make me feel like I am there with them and less guilty. The play activities are great and the photos are always a nice touch.

Ashley Braden

2023-05

We were extremely apprehensive to take our dog to daycare, and each place we researched just left us unsettled. Then we found Playful Pack! We have been taking our pup here for few months and it has been the most wonderful experience.You can tell that each staff member ADORES the pups and treats them as their own. Not only do we love it, our pup does too! As soon as she is out of the car she is charging towards that door, crying with excitement at the staff that greets her.I love that we can check on her via the webcam throughout the day, and the fun daily activities they have for the dogs are adorable. They give a daily report card after pick-up to let you know how your pup did, all with photos of them enjoying their day.If I could give more than 5 stars I would!!!!

Nikki Sanders

2023-05

My dog had a terrible experience here during his boarding this past summer! He came home with all of these marks around his neck that the staff was unable to explain.Then upon pickup, the employee upfront was flustered with multiple pickups at the same time and rushed through giving my dog a bath. He came out wet with his fur matted in several places and he’s a Labradoodle with straight hair so I never even have to brush him to keep his hair detangled, but you do have to make sure to wash all of the soap off so he doesn’t get matted.His fur wasn’t even that long at the time, but some fur had to be cut away.After consulting with the Vet about the marks, she believed that the facility possibly used a choke collar around my dog with prongs to have made those marks.I talked to the newer manager at the time, who assured me that they were going to be making a lot of changes to include the guy that can be heard yelling at the dogs while you’re in the waiting room. I believe that she made some strong changes and I saw one review saying someone abusive at the location was fired, but I never felt comfortable taking Harvey back.I was reminded to make this review this week, because someone accidentally sent me a report card for my dog, who has not been there since the summer and I requested for his file to be deleted.I think cameras overnight would help for other customers as well.

Joshua Chen-Stark

2024-03

Do yourself and your baby a favour and DO NOT come here.My dog was kicked out last year because he got into a fight and "nibbled" a staff member, who, according to Playful Pack, tried to break the fight by pulling on my dog's collar. You never do that. We have friends who are Canine Good Citizen trainers and police dog handlers for Arlington County Police who tell us that's literally the worst way to break a fight.But a fight is a fight-- he was kicked out, and the manager told me that they'd be happy to do a reëvaluation once my dog completes more training. They have every right to do so, and, I knew my dog needed more training. A few month later, as I write this, my dog is 2 classes away from being a Canine Good Citizen. I brought him back in for a 4-hour reëvaluation, which I was explicitly told that he passed. However, I was informed by a staff member that before putting him up for boarding, he should spend a few more day camp sessions, which I complied. I dropped him off for daycamp the next day.Upon picking him up, I learned that my dog started the day "stand-off-ish" but had no issues for the rest of the day. I was told that if further issues occur I would be contacted via phone call.On the day that I was supposed to drop him off for a 4-night boarding, for which I have a confirmed reservation, I was told by a staff member that my dog is no longer welcomed. She claimed that the manager left "multiple voicemails" on my partner's mobile phone, which we never got. More to the point, the staff member confirmed that the reservation confirmation could not have gone out had my dog not passed the reëvaluation.She proceeded to talking to the manager in the back, who never came out, and I was once again told that my dog, despite having passed reëvaluation, which is a prerequisite for a boarding confirmation, which I possess, is not welcomed. I ultimately had to book a last-minute reservation for my dog elsewhere.The lack of communication from Playful Pack throughout this process is unacceptably deafening. The "voicemails" they allegedly left us were never received. The manager in the back never came out to the front desk to explain why my boarding confirmation went through given that he "failed" (he didn't) the reëvaluation.It is clear to me that the staff plays favourite. If they like your dog, you can expect the webcam in his/her room to work. If they don't like your dog, good luck trying to access the webcab of that room (which only works about half the time.) This is a team of extremely unprofessional individuals who do not communicate, play favourites, and simply do not care. No wonder that they've been begging for business in the past couple years during COVID-- your love for dogs alone does not qualify you for a job at a dog boarding facility.If a staff member wishes to respond to this and spins the facts, I am more than happy to pay you another visit and get the facts straight. Other than that, DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND DO NOT SEND YOUR PUPPIES HERE.

Kristy Schomaker

2023-05

Playful Pack is the best thing that has happened to Alexandria! The staff is so attentive and kind with the dogs and actually have an activity of the day with them! They take pictures and they even give report cards :) I boarded my pup there for the first time and was a bit anxious. Playful pack went above and beyond and video chatted me in when one of the cameras went down for a bit. It made me feel like they truly cared for even my anxiety 😀 HIGHLY recommend!

megan emery

2023-05

Evie always has a great time at Playful Pack! The team is so wonderful with her and she always looks forward to her visits with her friends.

Kayla Martinez

2023-05

Love playful pack! They are very attentive and my husky loves going. She comes back home extremely tired which is always a plus!

Andrea Vargas

2023-05

We were desperately trying to find a good place where we can leave our baby boy Cooper while my fiancé and I would go to work. We came along this store location, tried it out, we LOVE it, and Cooper LOVES it as well. If you are looking for a great place to leave your baby this is hands down the best place in town!Also they send you cute pics and daily report cards, it’s so cute! I attached one of my favorite pictures of our baby.

Ashley Smith

2023-05

Really happy with Playful Pack ALX. My girl gets so excited when we pull in. The activities that they have each day are really cute and I love getting the report card and pictures. The camera is also nice to be able to check in and see how the dogs are doing. I’ve also done boarding a few times and the experience has been good.

Michelle A

2023-05

My sweet Millie has the best time at daycare whenever we drop her off at Playful Pack Alexandria. Her excitement is through the roof as soon as we walk in the building, and the staff is so sweet and attentive with her.I’ve had the worst experiences at other doggy daycare facilities in the area, so I was a little apprehensive when I first brought Millie in for an evaluation. The staff was so understanding and patient with me which really put me at ease. I also really like that I can use their cameras throughout the day to check on Millie.In my opinion, the best thing about Playful Pack is that the staff really engages and interacts with the dogs. For the most part, they also step in and issue corrections or disrupt negative behavior as they see it.My only recommendations (and it applies to all doggy daycare facilities) would be to have at least two people per room when you have a lot of dogs just to make sure they are being watched really closely.I would definitely recommend Playful Pack to others!

Meaghan Cromwell

2023-06

I love Playful Pack of Alexandria! Not only does the staff care about my pup when she's there, but the pictures and "report card" I receive after her stay, is a great addition. The location is also close to my home and has weekend hours (along with evening hours), which is something I haven't been able to find in other "daycares." I work long days and sometimes weekends, so it's amazing knowing I have a place for my pup to go when I have to work!

Jacqueline Jaramillo

2023-05

The entire team at Playful Pak in Alexandria have been nothing but welcoming, friendly, and professional. They always treat my babies as family and I never have to worry if they are taken care of. I love that I can check in on them with their cameras. They get so excited when we get into the parking lot and are worn out when I pick them up. Facility is kept very clean and free from smell. Highly Recommend!

Allyson Lenz

2023-09

My dogs always enjoy coming to Playful Pack! They come home happy and tired from playing with their friends. Staff are always friendly and prompt.

Lindsey Seidman

2023-09

We love Playful Pack. Every employee knows our dog by name when we walk in, and she seems to have fun every time she visits. They send updates about the day and photos to the dog owner at the end of each day as well. I highly recommend Playful Pack for dog daycare, and I plan to try their boarding soon too.

Barbara Lauterbach

2023-11

My recently adopted pup has been coming for about 6 weeks. Shy at first, he loves the people and the play so much. Staff is super helpful. I refer all my friends and neighbors

Kate Plemons

2023-06

We love Playful Pack in Alexandria! My older dog can be anxious about new people/dogs and boarding, but the staff were so reassuring and gentle as they eased her in to her initial visit and subsequent stay that I felt very happy boarding her there. I was particularly impressed that they went as far as to match her with dogs of similar demeanors during her visits so that she would be most comfortable. She now really enjoys spending time there and is always enthusiastically welcomed. There are boarding facilities much closer to my home, but we continue returning to Playful Pack because of the great care they've consistently demonstrated.

Emily Fisler

2023-10

Great daycare! Clean and professional. My dog enjoys going and playing with the other dogs. I wish there was an outdoor space but the facility that they have is good. I like that I can check in on my dog with the webcam.Took off one star because there's no outdoor area, and I wish there were more comfy places for the dogs to rest.

Lindsey Minett

2023-05

Playful Pack on Richmond Highway in Alexandria is amazing, friendly, clean, and my dog can't wait to go back! She has used the daycare option and has been boarded there for a week. The staff is super sweet and extremely loving to dogs! My favorite part of the day is the ability to check in on the pack web cam and the end of the day report card with pictures of her day. I have recommended them to friends and will continue to send my dog! Just knowing she is loved and cared for is all I can ask for. Oh also she had a bath there and has never been so clean or smelled so nice! Highly Recommend!!

Bill Sams

2023-07

Our pup had a great experience in doggie day care and boarding for 2 nights and 3 days recently. The Alexandria Playful Pack staff are cheerful, friendly and welcoming. They skillfully introduced our pup to the pack in two prior free check-out visits, which really helped us feel confident about leaving our dog in their care. Their webcam was offline for a couple days, but we were sent *several* photos of our dog each day we were away. This is a well-run operation and we would gladly recommend them to others. It really was nice to get a daily "Report Card" for our pup!

Brittany L Lamon-Paredes

2023-08

Our dog loves Playful Pack! I really enjoy that we get a report card of his performance, which includes a write-up and pictures.A fun place to take your pup for day care or boarding. They also do weekly activities.

DeQuan Love

2023-08

I wouldn’t recommend working here or allowing your dog to stay here for even a hour! I could only tolerate one day of being an employee at this location. Their staff is full of inexperienced dog handlers who leave the dogs unattended to go down the street to get some alcohol from 7-11 or those who just go to the back to smoke weed. The dogs brought in for boarding aren’t screened for any type of current vaccinations, posing potential health risks to all other canines. They only allow you to see through the window the small dog side. The large dog side was just a dog fight waiting to happen every 5 minutes. Management is never there and unprofessional. I am still waiting for my check for working June 15th. It is recommended that you avoid this location all together if you love your fur baby! This is me speaking from personal/ professional experience as a dog trainer of 8 years and passed employee for “Playful Pack” Richmond Highway Alexandria VA location.

Nichole Buechel

2023-06

My pups love playful pack! I love it to b/c it wears out their puppy energy. Highly recommend it. The staff is great, dogs are well taken care of and the pickup/drop off is quick.

Susan Gabriel

2023-05

Love this place! They treat my doggie, Vinny, as their own. They even hand-feed him when he doesn’t want to eat during lunchtime. Vinny comes home a very happy boy! Highly recommend!

Darbi Dillon

2023-05

Playful Pack Alexandria is AWSOME! My puppy Marley has been going there ever since he was old enough to and is beside himself as soon as we pull into the parking lot. The staff recognize him by name immediately and he is always happily exhausted when I pick him up. It's nice to be able to check in during the day by video if I have time but when I don't I always get a cute "report card" with pictures. Fantastic way for my pup to spend the day while I'm at work!

Viviana Varela

2023-05

This place is great! My doggies loved playing all day. Webcam access to see them play gave me peace of mind. They were responsible and attentive. Will be back soon!