FAQ
HAPPILY SERVING BOSTON’S SUBURBS!
Newton Brookline Wellesley
Chestnut Hill and surrounding areas!
BASED IN NEWTON, MA
CONTACT
Charles Werber at: charles@joyfulmutts.com
(617) 331-4355
Joyful Mutts FAQs
How do I get started with Joyful Mutts?
We’ll set up a quick meet-and-greet with you and your dog a few days before their first visit. If your dog is friendly, we’ll go ahead and give daycare a try, but if a dog is aggressive or very frightened, it isn’t the right fit for our group setting.
What happens on my dog's first day?
Your dog’s first day is a trial to see if Joyful Mutts is a good match for your dog’s temperament and comfort in a group setting. This first day is completely free, so there’s no cost to find out if it’s the right fit.
What's the minimum age for a puppy to attend?
Puppies can start at Joyful Mutts once they’re 12 weeks old, giving them time to build up their initial vaccinations before joining group daycare, play groups, or walks with other dogs.
Do female dogs need to be spayed to attend?
Female dogs do not need to be spayed to attend Joyful Mutts. However, dogs in heat cannot attend group daycare, play groups, or walks during that time, for the comfort and safety of the whole group.
Do male dogs need to be neutered to attend?
Male dogs can attend while still intact up to a year and a half old. After that age, male dogs need to be neutered to continue attending daycare, play groups, or nature walks with the group.
What vaccinations are required?
Dogs must be up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations to attend Joyful Mutts.
Is there a minimum number of days per week?
During the first week, your dog needs to attend twice so they can get to know the other dogs and people. After that first week, the minimum is just once per week to stay part of the group.
Do you offer boarding?
We can board some small dogs who are already regular customers, but we’re not able to board dogs we don’t know yet. If we can’t board your dog, we’re happy to recommend other boarding services in the area.
Can I get references from other clients?
Yes, just ask, and we’ll give you a list of current customers to contact directly. Hearing from other Joyful Mutts clients is a great way to get comfortable with how we care for dogs before booking.
What towns does Joyful Mutts serve?
Joyful Mutts serves Newton, Brookline, Wellesley, and Chestnut Hill, MA, with free home pickup and drop-off included in every town we serve.
Still have questions?
Contact Us or Book a Trial Day
Call (617) 331-4355
Play Group FAQs
What is a dog play group?
A dog play group is supervised, off-leash group play in a secure, fenced yard, where dogs socialize and burn energy together for a set session rather than a full day of care. Sessions run 2.5 hours in small groups of 3-5 dogs.
How are dogs matched in play groups?
Dogs are grouped by size, play style, and personality to keep play safe and enjoyable for everyone. New dogs go through an introduction period before joining an established group.
What if my dog doesn't like other dogs?
We start every new dog with a meet-and-greet first. If group play isn’t the right fit based on that introduction, we’ll recommend a better option, such as Daycare or Nature Walks, instead.
Is a play group the same as daycare?
No. Daycare covers a full day (5.5 hours) including pickup, rest periods, and drop-off, while a play group is a shorter, 2.5-hour session focused on active off-leash socialization.
How much does a play group cost?
A play group session costs $45 and includes home pickup and drop-off. Sessions run about 2.5 hours, generally scheduled within a 9:00 AM-2:00 PM window depending on your location.
Do you offer pickup and drop-off for play groups?
Yes, home pickup and drop-off is included in the price for all play group sessions. Just have your dog ready, and we’ll bring them home happy and tired afterward.
What safety policies do you follow during play groups?
Play groups require current vaccinations, enforce a no-bullies policy so only friendly dogs join, and take place in a secure, fully fenced yard with a handler supervising at all times.
Is my dog a good fit for a play group?
Dogs that love playing with other dogs, have good social skills, and are full of energy tend to do best. Dogs with aggressive behavior, uncontrolled reactivity, or severe separation anxiety may not be a good fit.
How many dogs are in a play group?
Play groups are kept small, typically 3 to 5 friendly dogs, so every dog gets real supervision and personal attention rather than getting lost in a large group.
What's included in a play group session?
A play group includes home pickup, an introduction period, off-leash play in a fenced yard, a water break, more playtime, and drop-off all within about 2.5 hours.
Ready to give your dog a great play session?
Learn more about Play Groups
Call (617) 331-4355
Nature Walks FAQs
Are the nature walks off-leash?
All dogs start out walking on-leash. Over time, if you’d like your dog to walk off-leash, just ask as long as your dog reliably stays with the group; it usually works out well.
What is required for off-leash walking?
We require a GPS collar with app access before approving any dog for off-leash walking. That way, if your dog were ever to wander off, we could locate them right away.
What are the benefits of a nature walk versus a regular walk or daycare?
Nature walks combine sustained physical exercise with mental stimulation from new scents, terrain, and a small social group something a repetitive sidewalk walk doesn’t offer and a lighter commitment than a full day of daycare.
Is my dog a good fit for nature walks?
Dogs that are comfortable around other dogs and enjoy active, sustained exercise tend to do best. Dogs still building social confidence or leash manners are often better suited to Play Groups or Daycare first.
How much does a nature walk cost?
A nature walk with Joyful Mutts costs $40 per session, and that price includes home pickup and drop-off.
How long is a nature walk?
The trail walk itself runs about an hour. Including drive time for pickup and drop-off, your dog is typically out of the house for around 1.5 hours total.
What happens in bad weather?
comming
Where do the nature walks take place?
Walks take place on wooded nature trails around Newton, chosen specifically to keep dogs away from roads and traffic.
Is trail walking good exercise for dogs?
Yes, trail walking provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation through varied terrain and scent exploration, often making it more tiring and enriching for dogs than a flat, repetitive walk.
How is a nature walk different from a play group?
A nature walk is a group trail walk focused on exercise and exploration, while a play group is off-leash free play in a fenced yard. Both include supervision and small groups, but suit different types of dogs and energy levels.
Ready to give your dog a trail adventure?
Learn more about Nature Walks
Call (617) 331-4355
Dog Day Care FAQs
Do you offer half-day or full-day care?
Yes, we offer full-day care (5.5 hours), half-day care (2.5 hours), and 1-hour sessions, so you can choose the option that fits your schedule and your dog’s needs.
What are your hours?
Daycare runs from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with early drop-off and late pickup available for owners who need extra flexibility.
What should my dog bring?
Just your dog! We provide everything they need during the day, including toys, treats, and fresh water.
How much does dog daycare cost in Newton, MA?
Full-day daycare costs $65 for 5.5 hours, with a $45 half-day (2.5-hour) option and a $40 one-hour session also available. Every option includes free home pickup and drop-off.
Is off-leash dog daycare safe?
Off-leash daycare is safe when groups are small, dogs are matched by size and temperament, and an experienced handler supervises at all times, all standard practice at Joyful Mutts.
Is this daycare crate-free?
Yes, Joyful Mutts is a crate-free daycare. Dogs spend the day in supervised group play, enrichment activities, and rest breaks rather than being confined to a crate or kennel.
What does a day at daycare look like?
A day includes home pickup, a welcome check-in, supervised play in a fenced yard, enrichment activities with rest breaks, more playtime, and drop-off all within 5.5 hours.
Is daycare right for my dog?
Dogs that love being around other dogs, have good social skills, and enjoy daily activity tend to thrive at daycare. Dogs with aggressive behavior or severe separation anxiety may not be a good fit.
How are dogs grouped during daycare?
Dogs are grouped by size, energy level, and temperament to keep play safe and enjoyable for everyone, with small groups of 3-6 dogs typically together.
Do you offer pickup and drop-off for daycare?
Yes, home pickup and drop-off is included with every daycare session. Just have your dog ready, and we handle the rest, door to door.
Ready to book your dog’s best day?
Learn more about Daycare
Call (617) 331-4355