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John Gagnon's Doghouse Welcome to Gagnon's Pet Resort, where your dog can be a dog! Established in 1995, we pride ourselves on giving your pet the same loving care that they receive from you at home. While staying at our resort, dogs are able to interact with each other, play with our experienced kennel staff, or join in our daycare to play under the supervision of our 14 experienced dog camp counselors.

Our fully trained staff is pet CPR certified and pet first aid trained. There's a reason over 33 eastern Connecticut veterinarians actively recommend our services to pet lovers in Hartford, Tolland, Windham, Middlesex, and New London counties.
Services
John Gagnon, known throughout the Northeast as the Dogman, has been training dogs full time since 1994. The inspiration that started this unique Connecticut dog kennel was his desire to reduce the number of healthy dogs killed in Connecticut pounds, currently 15,000 annually. Finding dogs homes is a great effort taken on by many, but does not begin to address two primary root problems.
In 1994 I boarded my newly adopted Doberman, Payton, for a day in a kennel, which was really a glorified dog pound. He was so stressed by the experience that he vomited for days after. At the time I was just getting my training business off the ground, and vowed to never board my dogs again. Each passing year, my customer base grew, and with it, demands for more services. I had learned to groom by now, and had added dog daycare in the back yard of my home, where I was still running the business from.
Dog daycare is reservation only. Your options to schedule are to do so online through our online reservation (OLR) module on our daycare page. This is by far the most efficient and preferred way to schedule. Initial setup takes a few brief steps, but once set up, you'll have easy access to scheduling etc.
Kelly Fox, Abbie Abbott, & Ashley Field make up our grooming staff and together have 24 years of grooming experience. We cater to cats as well as dogs, and offer a wide array of shampoos to treat sensitive skin, flea and tick problems, skunk odors, or just a conditioner for that extra silky feel! Prices vary per breed, so call for a quote today!
Reviews (28)
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Linda Lizotte
Jun 12, 2022
Our dog Parker absolutely loves going to Gagnon's Pet Resort. I've used their dog training classes, day care, and grooming services. The staff is professional and very caring. I know Parker loves going there as he greets them all like his best friends. And most of all, I feel very comfortable with their care and supervision of his play dates. I absolutely recommend taking your pet to Gagnon's for all of their services.
Elizabeth Windhom
May 31, 2022
I love John Gagnon's pet resort. We had used them in the past for boarding but when we got our new pup I took her to obedience training, which was wonderful. They gave us a "free daycare" pass so I decided to try daycare for our girl. She came home exhausted but so happy. She has been going once a week for almost 3 years now. We have also used them for boarding. I would highly recommend John Gagnon's for all your pets needs.
Suzyq B.
May 29, 2022
The staff and facilities at John Gagnon's Pet Resort are wonderful. Our pup Bennie knows the driving route and once we turn onto Upton Road he starts whining and wagging his tail. I am amazed that with all the dogs that attend daycare the staff greets him by name when we drop off! He loves it here and is asleep within 10 minutes of coming home from playing all day. We have also used their grooming and training services which are excellent.
Donna Fenter
May 23, 2022
Our pup Bentley gets very excited when we tell him that it's "daycare day". The socializing aspect of daycare is just one of its many great perks! Bentley is always fast asleep, within a mile, after we pick him from the resort. The staff is always professional and personable. We have utilized daycare, grooming, training and invisible fence instillation and we give 5 solid stars for each facet! Who doesn't love to see their pup posted on social media having a great day?
Cassie Gray
May 20, 2022
My sweet fur babies and I love this place. I have a dog with severe anxiety and one of the girls at John Gagnon's noticed she was not doing well during her grooming and stepped it to help. That made the biggest change in my dogs visits to get groomed. She loves her groomer and gets so excited to see her. As for my other dog he is very old, big and has a lot of arthritis and a previous knee surgery. They know exactly how to take care of him and he always comes out feeling better than he went in. We love John Gagnon's
Julianna DeBarge
Mar 22, 2022
I love this doggy daycare. I trust them 100% with my dog. She has so much fun every time she goes. They were excellent and accommodating for boarding, and the staff are always willing to answer questions. You can tell that the staff are all dog people and even have their own dogs there. I would highly recommend John Gagnon's to anybody who asks. Well worth the money!
Leandra Knes
Mar 10, 2022
Our Lab Nora LOVES the pet resort. She is so happy to arrive, she pulls us from the car to their door to get in as fast as possible. The staff is incredible. besides being wonderful and caring with the dogs, they are kind, friendly and efficient as well. We love their grooming services and often use their boarding services too. This place is a rare find and we strongly recommend it.
Sally Huebner
Jan 08, 2022
We have boarded our dog at Gagnon's Pet Resort several times. From the online reservation process to final pickup, the experience is friendly and efficient. The online communication is easy and responses are very quick. The staff is always very cheerful, welcoming and knowledgeable. The facility is immaculate and offers many options. Our dog, Molly, LOVES staying at Gagnon's Pet Resort. We never feel sad having to leave her as we know she is well cared for and loved while we are away. The grooming services are excellent as well!
Becki Jacobson
Dec 29, 2021
John Gagnon's is the best place to bring your pup! Murphy has been going there since he was a puppy (he's now 2 1/2), and he absolutely LOVES playing with his friends and playing with the staff! They always greet him by name and I trust them to care for him - even overnight. We have used almost every service - daycare, grooming and boarding and they all get 5 + stars. Their personal service delivery surpasses their competitors. Bring your pup to play and he will love you forever!
Jack R.
Jul 24, 2021
We are searching for a safe and reliable dog boarding facility in our area. After visiting this business, we will keep looking. I opted to not place my dog there because I found the kennels to be small, worn, and not very well ventilated. The place was a little messy and not in the orderly fashion I would expect from their own website description.

The staff was friendly, but that's not why I would bring my dog there. At the time of our visit, over 35 dogs were running around outside while the boarder dogs sat in their pens. The deal breaker? No staff onsite during the evenings.
Deborah L.
Feb 20, 2020
My dog Luna and I had a phenomenal experience at John Gagnon's today! I brought her here to deal with her reactivity to other dogs. John's staff is friendly so welcoming. He is a true dog whisperer. Having been referred by my vet, I had high hopes and he met my expectations. He really knows dogs and I would recommend his behaviorist services highly to everyone.
Bruce B.
Apr 25, 2019
The staff are conscientious and always helpful. I have full confidence when I leave my dog for boarding and/or the day.
Caitlin F.
Oct 07, 2018
Everyone at John Gagnon's Pet Resort has been wonderful since we started bringing our two rescues in regularly last year. When we adopted our second dog we quickly learned she was going to need a lot of attention and training to get her to feel comfortable in normal situations. John and the staff have helped us since day one with Addie and she has made significant progress and we cannot thank them enough.
Sam K.
Jul 15, 2018
We've been extremely grateful for John Gagnon's and their staff for several years. One of our dogs is life reactive and we went to a few trainers who wrote her off. The staff at Gagnon's immediately took to her and saw through her acting out for what it was - anxiety, not aggression. They've made it possible for us to have a life outside of our home as their facility is the only place, aside from her house, that Pippa is comfortable.

In fact she seems to know the days she's going to daycare as she wakes up with extra pep in her step. It's extraordinary to see a dog who screams and alligator rolls when she sees dogs typically, happily prance back to spend the day with dozens of other dogs. There's also nothing better than walking back to our car after drop off and hearing how excitedly the staff is greeting our dogs by name (not knowing we are even listening).

Aside from them quite literally being Pip's lifesaver, our recent experience with them took their service to a new level. While we were away they reached out to let us know both of our dogs were sick. They went above and beyond, even taking them to the vet, getting them medication, and making sure they had the best care. The staff stayed in close contact with us and we were able to breathe easy knowing our dogs were being looked after by people who loved them. Couldn't be more grateful or impressed by the way everyone handled the situation. Thank you!
Amanda L.
Jul 04, 2017
My pups always come out looking amazing after seeing the groomer here. Tails wagging and happy!
Mitch L.
Jul 02, 2017
I love my dog, and want a place for him to stay that respects, cares and shows the same concern i have for my dog, this is that place. I hold John Gagnons in the highest regard. Thank-you for being that place, 145 pound Rottweiler deserves the same love as a toy dog, this happens every time.
Lori R.
May 29, 2017
I have brought a few dogs here for basic obedience, they are easy to work with and pay attention to your individual needs as well.
John B.
May 01, 2017
"Our dogs know where they are going and are excited to spend the day with a lot of their friends. They are completely satisfied (exhausted) when they get picked up and the staff takes great care of them. I highly recommend Gagnon's to many of my fellow pet lovers."
Pamela F.
Apr 24, 2017
I have been using John Gagnon's for over 10 years for my three dogs, every thing from Day Care, Kennel, Grooming and Fencing. I completely trust the team with my beloved dogs - I know they are well cared for and come home happy (and exhausted). I have gotten to know the staff over the years - Jessica up front, Joanne running the kennel, Tom in day care and Liza with the fence - all have treated me and my furry kids so well over the years. (I have bully breed dogs, and this is truly the only facility where my dogs have been accepted for who they are, not the breed myths). I highly recommend for any service.
Corey H.
Apr 21, 2017
We recently boarded our dog here and had her groomed. We had a great experience! Our dog was really happy (and very tired) when we picked her up. The front desk gave me updates via email too. The groomer did a wonderful job. Our pup smelled great, her nails were neat and her coat was so soft. Highly recommend, these folks love dogs!
Lisa E.
Jan 11, 2017
We boarded our dogs and the experience was just ok. We were told that our dogs would receive 1 hour of one on one play time every day at no additional cost. This is part of their advertising. Our dogs got 1 hour of playtime in the 5 days they were there. We also couldn't put them in the daycare for the days because they hadn't had a "first day" experience.

I understand but I wish we were told this when we visited the kennel and toured. All and all the stay was fine. The dogs were clean and seemed happy. I just felt bad that my dogs were locked up so long without getting out for playtime. Just a heads up, one on one playtime is NOT a guarantee.
Pfeffer M.
Nov 19, 2016
The crew at John Gagnon's did a great job with our dog. They got to know his personality and taught us the best ways to decrease our dogs anxious behavior.
Shawna W.
Aug 04, 2016
My dog loves to go there for daycare. She also had some dog aggression, shes a rescue, and they helped it within a day. She still isn't great when we're not there but she has improved. On the downside we boarded her once for 4 days which was fine, then once for 10 days which was not good. I really don't know what happened or didn't happen because there are no TV monitors which I think would really make me feel more comfortable, but when she came back she had lost 5 lbs, was shedding like crazy, and was very anxious.

Its totally possible it is just because with her previous experience of being abandoned by her owners that she was worried we had done that, but it also could be something else that happened. I really don't know but my instinct told me she had maybe been a little bit neglected. I don't know but Im not going to board her again unless I absolutely have to. However I HIGHLY recommend doggie daycare! Its pricey but in my opinion worth it.
Dan P.
Sep 13, 2015
We have never had a problem boarding our 2 dogs here, we typically opt for them to be groomed while they stay and they come out looking great. Our dogs never get anxious when we bring them there and in fact out little one was almost upset that he had to leave, as he's very social and enjoys the playtime. The staff could be a little better organized but there was nothing concerning.

We also had toured the facility when they first opened and were impressed by the quality of the cages and dividers between the cages. I prefer this kennel over the nearest alternative, Candlewick, as it is a newer facility, easily accessible from rt. 2 and my dogs seem to prefer it.
Shellene O.
Jul 28, 2015
Our dogs graduated last night from training class. What a great experience and Darcy is such a great trainer! I'm continuing to take my two small chihuahua's to day camp at least once every two weeks since May and they love going. They bring all the dogs inside when the temperature gets too warm or it's raining. We'll continue to be customers and may look at other courses (agility maybe!) for my chi's.
Coreen S.
Feb 12, 2015
Can you give ZERO star rating? This place is completely disorganized. I asked my Vet to fax my dogs records, which they did. Wnen I arrived, they said they never received them. :( They wouldn't take my dog without proof of rabies. When I got home, I called my vet, and asked them to please re-fax, (they insisted they did and it was successful the day before) My vet said they had issues in the past with this place not getting their faxes( or losing them?). furthermore she said they usually confirm over the phone, which they did not do for me. I went home completely frustrated at the lack of response to my situation and my dog. Will not go there again! Hello, Candlewick?
Mar P.
Dec 14, 2014
My dogs are my children and I only want the best for them. I recently moved to Colchester and wanted to find a local day care for my dogs so I could drop them off for play time several times a week. So I decided that I'd stop in to check out their day care. When I got there there were two employees at the front desk and when they found out we wanted a tour the front desk got onto a handheld radio to call in back to let everyone know that a tour was happening.

After her radio transmission they left us waiting 5 mins and the only thing I could think of was, "What are they trying to hide back there". It wasn't like they were busy at the front desk and there were two of them there and all they wanted to do was buy time while everyone in back prepared for a potential customer walking through. So when the tour finally happened they brought us to the empty kennel and empty play yard which was super muddy due to the pouring rain.

When we went back inside we were told that we could not see the daycare because they didn't want to interrupt the dogs. That made me extremely concerned, especially since they knew that's why we were there. So we never got to see it and I can't imagine what they were hiding. Also they advertise nail trimming for $10.00 on the board behind the front desk.

When I had my dogs nails trimmed they asked if I wanted their nails filed with a Dremel or if I wanted them sharp after the clipping. I politely said dremmeled. Then they brought the dogs in back and I ended up paying $15.00 each. Guess it's extra for the Dremel even though I've always seen this done elsewhere at no additional cost, always assumed it was part of the service.

To top it off when the groomer brings the puppies out they tell me they always use the Dremel because it's easier and faster. So I just paid 50% more than advertised. After all of this I look down at their nails and I realize that all they did was file down the tips of their nails and barely took off any of their nails. Based on my experiences I cannot recommend them.

The fact that they won't let you in back without a heads up to their staff concerns me. They may say it's a safety precaution calling in back but that doesn't explain not allowing us to see the day care. And the way they bamboozled me with the price of the nail trim has left me with very negative feelings towards the way they conduct their business and I will never return or recommend this business.
Alissa B.
Feb 22, 2012
I have been bringin my pittie Apollo here for months. Great attentive staff, always able to get my updates on my pup. Never had any issues. The only reason why I didnt give it 5 stars is for pricing - I have more than one dog and it would cost a fortune to consistently bring all my dogs. I would suggest a better discount program - perhaps getting a bigger discount by buying in bulk ($300 for 12 daycare sessions) something similar to that. My pup is there right now! :)