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Welcome to Family Dog Club, the best fun your dog will ever have! Dogs are family here, whether they're boarding while you travel, part of doggie daycare or enrolled in one of our many agility classes. We understand that your pups are part of your family, so we consider them part of ours. Owner Rita Phoenix can't wait to meet you and your four-legged friend!
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Thank you for choosing Family Dog Club as your dog's home away from home. Your dog will enjoy a safe, secure environment whether they are spending a few hours with us for daycare, staying overnight or taking one of our agility classes. We're located in the Hickory area of Chesapeake, where your dog will have fun romping, playing and chilling on our spacious property.
Whether you want to compete in an agility trial or just have some fun exercising your dog on obstacles, agility classes at Family Dog Club are a great way to bond with your best friend. Save your spot for future classes by emailing Rita at familydogclub@hotmail.com with your name, your dog's name and the class you want to take.
This class introduces your dog to all the agility equipment on the property (jumps, tunnels, dog walks, weave polls, teeters, boxes, tables, etc.). Building a foundation for success with this fun class is perfect for dogs and owners who have little or no experience. Your dog learned the obstacles in basic.
All dogs must do a trial visit before they can attend regular daycare or stay overnight for boarding. Vaccination records must be up-to-date. We require current Rabies, Parvo/Distemper and Bordetella. We also require a 5-day wait period after receiving the Bordetella vaccine before your pup can come onto the property to prevent the transmission of kennel cough.
Reviews (25)
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Chris-Diane Levins
Jan 14, 2022
Mu pups love going to FDC, they know where their favorite beds are. Rita is great to work with.
Heather L.
Oct 23, 2021
I can only fairly review my experience with the luring course events, but if they are to be judged by the grace and patience they showed at this event then your dogs will be in wonderful hands. A lovely drive in the country with parking just a hop and a skip from the luring field. I was well prepared for a bit of a wait by a friend, so do wear comfy shoes or bring a chair.

You sign in on a piece of paper and they allow your dog a free test run before committing to the unbelievable bargain price of $5! No charge if your dog "fails" the test. Our oldest girl Mollie mostly just came along for the ride, but she gave it a teeny bit of a go. The youngest, Cash, definitely didn't immediately get the hang of it, but they let him give it a second try and I won't say he nailed it, but he did think he out-foxed the lure when he used the "short cut" through the thicket. Very friendly, quick event. 10/10 highly recommend this experience. I regret I do not have super clear photos to attach.
Stephanie Z.
Sep 14, 2021
I love that this daycare is picky about what dogs they let in and they are selective about who gets to stay. If your dog plays rough or dominates other dogs they cannot stay here. I'm confident that my dog won't get attacked by another dog while in her care. The dogs are free to run around in the spacious yard. I love that the area is big and has some grass.

He gets plenty of outside time. I bring my Great Dane here a few times a month for socializing. They have excellent prices and easy drop off / pick up. The owner rita has always been friendly and understanding. Even when my dog almost broke off her cute decorations because he's a big doofus. I knocked off a star because the overnight boarding isn't an option for us because our dog is spoiled and has never been in a crate. He needs to be in a bed with his blanket and a fan like the king he is.
Celia Herron
Jun 25, 2021
I found Ms. Rita and her team by accident! She owns Family Dog Club and is also a Beagle Rescuer.! I had a Puppy Miniature Schnauzer bouncing off the walls. I contacted Ms. Rita (who I call Nana), because that is exactly what she is to me and BenBen. Within 1-2 days under her Daycare, My Baby BenBen became a different puppy! Her advice is beyond words!

Her love and passion for All Dogs is beyond human understanding! She is what I call: "A Dog Whisperer!" Me and my Baby love her and her team! The location was perfect for me. She has enough land for any animal to run on and be happy with. Her place is clean and her life is devoted to giving everything to the dogs under her care! She not only does Daycare, Boarding, Agility Classes, early puppy training classes, but many other things!

She is very economical and goes beyond the call of duty to make hours for Pickup and Drop off! She will contact you in a moments notice, If anything strange or odd begins to happen with your baby! She watches every dog constantly! She is Faithful, Loyal, and will do anything she can to accommodate your needs and that of your baby (dog). I am so glad I found her and I have "My BenBen Here!" And, He worships her! I not sure who needed training more? Me or BenBen? But, what I do know, we are both better because of Her Place and Care! Blessing to You Ms. Rita and Team, Celia Herron
Jessica C.
May 09, 2020
Best place to bring your fur babies. Very clean and professional and make you feel right at home. My dog loved it the minute she got there. The grounds were kept so nice and plenty of running space. I will only take my dog here from now on. Keep up the great work.
Mikaela A.
Oct 05, 2019
Wish I could give this place zero stars. I couldn't get one word in with the owner after telling her my puppy was mixed with a bully breed. It's very disheartening knowing that people have stereotypes against this breed and then go on to open up animal businesses with that kind of mentality. I'm sure the location is fine, this review is strickly about the owner's professionalism or lack there of.
Elana Solomon
Apr 16, 2019
My 10 month old has been coming here since was 5 months, and she will be a lifer. Rita is amazing with the dogs. Her set up is amazing. She keeps the bigger dogs separate from the little ones so the little ones don't get hurt. She has awesome playgrounds for the kiddies to climb and vast amount of land for them to run. Providing you bring your pup's good, she gives them breakfast and dinner.

The kiddos also have a nap time. My baby met her best friend there; that are now inseparable. For those who complain about the owner's pickiness on what breeds are allowed, it is her prerogative: SHE'S THE OWNER! I know put bulls, since I see that's the main complaint, and, yes, they can be gentle and wonderful with people. However, when they get into playing rough, they don't realize their jaw strength and locking.

So do some research yourselves. The owner has been wonderful and works with me if I'm running late or need to bored my pup last minute. I truly hope she stays around for a very, very long time.
Adam Darkmen
Nov 19, 2018
My dog comes here 4-5 days a week. Always comes home exhausted. Rita and her staff are amazing at caring for her. She's happy to be dropped off to hang with her hound friends.
Zak B.
Nov 18, 2018
Tons if space for your hecken good doggo. The chase track part is great especially for the dogs that take iff after squirrels when you let them out in the morning. They are only open every few weeks or so, so call ahead. They also have an agility course that's open sometimes. $10 will get your friend 3 runs, 2 laps each run.
June Robbins
Mar 25, 2018
Family Dog Club is a fun experience in a professional atmosphere. And not just for the dogs I mean. Humans actually enjoy it as well! The training rings are quite large and are changed around often, as opposed to one ring with one setup. The dogs actually has to think as opposed to just one the dogs eventually just do by memory. They also board dogs & have 'Doggy Daycare' & w/ only "top-of-the-line" care.

Last but not least, the owner and staff are down to earth and could not be more honest and friendly. They will actually tell you if they think their Club or daycare is not the right fit for your dog & you rather than keep the dog coming and have a frustrated dog and owner. To run across that kind of honesty these days is amazing. I guess I could have just said in a word the family dog Club is; "Amazing"!
J. D.
Nov 26, 2017
We have boarded our dog here multiple times over the past year, and have nothing but good things to say about family dog club. Whenever we pull into the parking lot our dog gets SO excited, and when we pick her up she's happy and tired. They let the dogs have a ton of free play time which is a huge reason we use this facility. Before you have your dog stay for the first time they will have you do a test drop off to make sure your dog is comfortable with other the dogs and set up, which I really appreciate. The staff always remembers our dog each time we come by, and I always feel like she is well cared for.
Dave Lewis
May 27, 2017
Rita and her team are amazing. They care for our dog Beau like he is their own! Every morning Beau is by my side ready to go to his second home for day care! Your pets will be loved and in good hands, they will also have so much fun with their friends they will sleep through the night! Love this place! Dave
Kierstyn H.
Apr 06, 2017
If I could give this place zero stars, I would. I brought my dogs here 5 times over the span of one month and each time I dropped them off the owner had something rude to say. This daycare is nothing more than a glorified fenced in backyard with hazardous junk all over the place. I liked the fact that they were outside all day until I saw the inside facilities.

There were a couple medium sized wire kennels that my large dogs could barely lay down in. But I figured it was okay to bring just during the day for daycare- I NEVER boarded them here (and you shouldn't either unless you have a small dog. Even then I would advise against it). The last couple times I have picked them up they were quarantined by themselves.

If I wanted them alone in a backyard I could do that at home for free. Today I was asked to not bring my dogs back because they play too rough and get the other dogs excited. THEY'RE DOGS! I have two high energy young dogs that play a little rough with one another but would never hurt another dog or person. They've been to countless dog parks and 3 other daycares in different states I've lived in and they have never had any issue getting along.

My one dog was used as the Trial Day Dog at her last daycare- if new dogs didn't get along with her, they weren't allowed to stay. So that just goes to show how ridiculous this place is. The ONLY plus to this place was how cheap it is. But I guess you get what you pay for. Save your money and send your dog somewhere else.
David A.
Apr 06, 2017
Not worth it! This dog daycare has the shadiest yard full of crappy home made "agility equipment/dog equipment." The crates for the dogs are way too small for any dog bigger than a corgi. The owner will complain about your dog if it plays with other dogs. She also doesn't know what 2 dogs playing looks like, says they are fighting. She has clearly never seen grown dogs play. I've taken my dog to countless parks and not once have I ever had to yell at him for playing too rough neither has my girlfriend!

Usually it's other dogs playing too rough! Definitely not worth the money, like all she does is sit there, it's not that hard to watch dogs play all day and make sure they have water. Then to have her b**** and moan about what your dog does. He's a dog. Let him be a dog!
Anonymous A.
Oct 13, 2016
I really love taking my dogs to doggie daycare here and since they are familiar with being there all day 1-2x a week anyways, it makes me feel better when I do need to board that it isn't suddenly someplace new or unfamiliar for them. I love that the dogs are out running and playing all day. They are definitely tired for a good 24 hours after a long day of daycare. It's great for socializing my newer dog too.

I read a negative review about dogs getting dirty - so what?! It shows they had a great time doing what dogs like to do;- Here they have acres of space to run and play but if they want to wander inside they can. Their hours are really convenient too so I'm not rushing to get there in the evening or late to work in the AM. They keep a good eye on the dogs and separate as needed to keep everybody safe and happy.
Sophia S.
Sep 05, 2016
Loved the open boarding concept and friendly staff. Definitely a place where dogs will be dogs (i.e. Get dirty and exercise all day). Booked for last minute boarding on Labor Day weekend and had no problems with the process. Extremely affordable prices! Will definitely be using them in the future. Picked up a happy and very sleepy puppy.
Sheryl Vanderberg
May 09, 2016
Best place ever! From the second I brought my 10 month old Catahoula/Beagle mix she was smiling and happy. When we picked her up she was happy to see us and exhausted. The fact that she was a bit dirty only proved to me she played well. Great prices and lots of room for her to run. I will be taking her regularly to burn off all that excessive energy she has.
Candice H.
Apr 09, 2016
My dog and I have been here several times for Lurecoursing practice. She absolutely loves it here, and the owner took us through the agility course today. She seems to be really into dogs. I can relate. It is extremely convenient to be able to get a few runs in without waiting all day like in a real match.
Kimberly D.
Mar 16, 2016
New to the area and have been touring boarding/dog daycare facilities for our dog. Up front I was a little disturbed that this business is a house with various sections of their farm land fenced off for the dogs. I could not tell how to get into the business to get more information. I waited by the gate for a young man to come by and speak with me through the fence.

There was no tour, brochure or anything. I wasn't allowed past the gate. I was basically told to view their website for information and pricing if I was interested in bringing my dog. Dogs roam free around the farm which I thought was awesome. All the dogs looked happy and enjoying the beautiful weather but what happens when the weather is bad and raining and the ground is muddy?

The dogs are still kept outside. Not good. Who wants to take home a wet muddy dog in their car? As for the boarding, I was told the dogs are placed inside a wire kennel each night. There are no runs, pens or anything of the sort just a small cage big enough to sit and lay down in. Not good for elderly dogs/arthritic dogs at all. When I asked about medications and medical training the young man didn't know anything, said he "guessed" they could give my dog his pills.

When I asked about how many employees on staff as he was the only one I saw, he stated "we have a few but it's just me right now". So when you have 50 dogs playing and suddenly a fight breaks out, ONE person is there to assist. Scary. One person can not be in front and in back of this house at all times. We passed on this one. It's just not for us.
Kirstin O.
Mar 09, 2016
I thought this would be the perfect fit for our dog who loves to run and play- I was disturbed and disappointed to call and be told that you wouldn't even consider our dog because she's a lab-pit mix. For w company specializing in animals, it shows how little you really know about dogs. Our very sweet lab-pit mix plays constantly with our other dogs, 2 very small Corgis.

She loves the dog park and could run and play all day. She travels everywhere with me since the first week I brought her home. When I checked reviews on Google I found more comments from others about your discrimination. Hopefully others can be warned more about this too.
Laurel U.
Mar 09, 2016
The photo says it all. Just brought my dogs home from a 4 day boarding vacation at the Family Dog Club. I have a small, demanding little beagle / chi mix, a VERY shy (former hoarder's dog) lab, a senior lab mix, a ball crazy lab, and a mile-a-minute-no-off-switch adolescent mutt. My dogs run the spectrum from 1-9 years old, from 20-70 lbs, from confident to shy with humans, and from obedient to ummm not so obedient.

Every one of them LOVES it there. FDC taught my former hoarder's dog rescue to eat from a bowl. She wasn't doing that till they had her for a weekend. Sure, they cry for me when they see me. But if I get there without them noticing me and get a chance to watch them - they are just running around the fields and playing with other dogs. Their tails are up and wagging, and they are clearly having a great time. They come home exhausted. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired adolescent dog is a wonderful thing. :-)
Cathi O.
Jun 25, 2014
Love this place! I take my dog a couple times a week, and we both love it. Lillian comes home happy and exhausted. Rita is an excellent business person and great with dogs. I buy the daycare ticket book, which makes taking my furry friend very reasonably priced. It is about half the cost of most commercial Doggy Daycares! Price aside, this is a wonderful facility and have always felt comfortable boarding Lillian or having her stay for daycare. I drive by two or three Daycares just to take my pup to Family Dog Club. We love it! :
Jesika J.
Apr 22, 2014
I am really excited about this "facility". I took my golden retriever there today for daycare. He seems like he had a great time! He is super tired! The owner was so nice and answered all of my questions. She seemed to do great with the dogs and she seems to know what she is doing, unlike some of the other facilties I have toured. 2 things concern me, 1 is that there isn't much of an indoor area, so I will have to make sure not to bring my dog on really hot, really cold or rainy days.

And 2 is that the dogs are not constantly supervised. But all in all I think this is a great place for boarding and daycare. One of the few places around that has someone on the property over night. And you can't beat the price! The hours are great! And they do activities for families! So far I would recommend this place to everyone that has a very "dog friendly" dog!
Veronika G.
Aug 11, 2013
BEST CHOICE FOR BOARDING! I am in the military and sometimes I have to be away from my special girl. Most boarding places keep dogs separated, so if you only have one dog and you must board them, you are essentially taking them to prison. NOT HERE! They are separated for meals and sleepy time, but all day everyday they get to run, chase, bark, dig, play, and enjoy being one in the pack.

Wear them out so they don't sulk and miss their people. that's the best way to do it! The owner runs a beagle rescue, and trains dogs. You can tell she lives for those dogs! Your dog will be safe and protected and cared for here. If you are new, you will be asked to drop your dog off for a trial day to make sure they will be able to behave around the other pups and know that you will come back for them.

They even give long-term or military discounts. My pup was here for 5 weeks once, the grand total was so low I had to pay them more than they asked, because they don't charge enough! That time they charged me less for 5 weeks than I've paid for one week's boarding before at pricier facilities. Everytime I have to go out of town I use this place. I hope they never close because it will be hard to find another place this awesome!
Traci T.
Jul 07, 2010
I took my dog here when I left town for a week, and he absolutely loved it. They do doggie day care, and they actually prefer you bring your dog for a daycare day if you need to board him, just so he knows you're coming back. When I took my dog, he was so excited when we came the second day. The lady who runs this place does dog training and some sort of agility courses for the dogs.

I know nothing about those programs, but just wanted to point out it's there. Also, the dogs get to play outside all day and only chill in the kennels at night. When I got there to pick up my dog, he was following around someone in the yard who was using a water hose to water the plants, and he was having a ball. I think the rates were about $22/night for 5 nights, then $20/night after that.

Not a bad rate to know man's best friend is in good hands. : Also, if they don't answer right away leave a message. They're busy with the dogs but will call you right back! Oh, and best part about this place: they think the "doggy flu shot" is as hokey as I do and don't require it. They require all the other standard shots, but not the flu shot. Ok, I think that's finally it.