I’ve got an 8 y/o beagle that has lost much of the mobility in his back legs due to a congenital back problem. Because of this, he can’t really handle being mixed in with other dogs. We tried boarding him recently but, because of his limitations he had to spend almost the entire time in the crate and was very stressed when we got him out. We’re looking for a place within a reasonable driving distance of DC that has enough space for him to at least be walked, but I don’t know if such a place exists. Any dog owners with experience in this area?

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HanaBothWays t1_j1zzflq wrote on December 28, 2022 at 5:42 PM

You might want to consider professional in-home pet sitting for your dog instead. I use a service called Fetch! pet care which I have been very satisfied with for my cat with some special medical needs. I use their Rockville branch, the link is to their DC branch.

They will provide services like dog walking and administering medications. It might be a little more expensive than boarding - I don’t know how the prices compare as I use this service for cat care - but for your dog’s situation they are probably a better option than boarding.

brieflifetime t1_j23tc35 wrote on December 29, 2022 at 1:31 PM

The DC/Silver Spring location has something called an almost overnight and I think they might have sitters that can board. Definitely worth checking out!

Edit, There's also an Arlington branch that does parts of DC as well. My experience is with the Silver Spring location. lol

HanaBothWays t1_j23tql8 wrote on December 29, 2022 at 1:35 PM

Oh yeah “Almost Overnight” is a thing they all do. Not sure about sitters that can board but when you do an orientation visit with a sitter (you have to, to introduce them to your home and pets and show them where everything is), they will tell you exactly what all the offerings are.

SkyeGirlFray t1_j205fmw wrote on December 28, 2022 at 6:22 PM

Olde Towne Pet Resort (multiple locations) has suites instead of crates, and if your dog does not do boarder daycamp the staff will give multiple daily walks outside and also multiple cuddle/play sessions. They handled my elderly dog-shy Jack Russell terrier just fine, and I’m sure they will be able to advise on their capacity to care for your dog! The North Bethesda location has a pool where trainers put life vests on the dogs and enter the pool to help the dog swim. Something like that which you can book as part of boarding might be a good way to get exercise without pressure on joints since the dogs are supported by both the life vest and the trainer.

SpaceBasedFace t1_j20pcc6 wrote on December 28, 2022 at 8:33 PM

Second this. All of it.

feellikeamillionaire t1_j212rml wrote on December 28, 2022 at 10:02 PM

Ditto. My dog can’t play with other dogs, but OTPR has plenty of solo activities.

FlashGordonRacer t1_j1zz5zn wrote on December 28, 2022 at 5:41 PM

Hello! I am a dog-sitter in Northeast D.C. near Rhode Island Avenue Metro. I frequently host older and/or mobility-impaired dogs. I have a dachshund right now for the holidays who has walking boots for her front legs and I push around in a stroller when we walk along the bike trail. Here's my profile for reviews and booking. https://www.rover.com/members/gordon-c-writer-with-dog-a-day-calendar/

hoosyourdaddyo t1_j20nzrb wrote on December 28, 2022 at 8:24 PM

Hey, my old landlady has a small farm in Haymarket, VA where she sits dogs. It’s a great environment for the dogs, because they have the freedom to roam off lease. DM me if your interested and I’ll give you her contact information.

loonlaugh t1_j28qnd5 wrote on December 30, 2022 at 1:41 PM

Certain Rover folks do in home overnights. And certain Rovers also do differently abled animals. My friend that used to Rover here had senior mobility impaired dogs at his place while their family was on travel, so I know they exist. Another idea is to have a sitter come and stay at your place and dog sit MrBeagle in his own home.