Happy Paws

Business Details

19 Years

experience

Emergency

services

Your Trusted Partner for Dog Boarding, Training & Daycare in Washington, DC

Since 2007, we have dedicated ourselves to creating a stimulating environment where dogs thrive through personalized play-to-learn programs. Our approach combines canine behavioral science with positive reinforcement techniques to address individual needs while maintaining a low pet-to-people ratio for optimal supervision. Certified trainers with minimum six years' experience lead sessions covering obedience, socialization, and problem-solving tailored to puppies, rescues, and adult dogs. We maintain rigorous safety standards including regular fire drills, emergency evacuation protocols, and 24/7 veterinary access.

Our facility features secure spaces for boarding, structured daycare activities, and both group and private training sessions. With ongoing staff education from industry leaders, we ensure our team remains at the forefront of animal behavior practices. We treat every dog as our own, prioritizing their happiness and safety while helping pet parents build stronger relationships with their canine companions. Our Washington DC location serves local pet owners seeking professional care and training solutions.

Services

Boarding Training Daycare Private Training Play Groups

Details

Year established: 2007

Highlights and features

Certified trainers with minimum 6 years' experience
Personalized play-to-learn programs for all dog types
24/7 veterinary emergency access
Regular safety drills and evacuation protocols
Low pet-to-people supervision ratio

What people say

Terrific, skilled-training staff Patient and effective Happy, stimulated and well-trained Pleasure to interact Enhance concentration

Website

Update Listing

Services

Boarding

Our secure boarding facility provides a home-away-from-home experience with supervised play, walks, and individualized attention. Dogs enjoy clean, safe accommodations with regular health monitoring and emergency veterinary access. We maintain strict safety protocols including fire drills and special evacuation equipment for multiple dogs.

Training

Customized training programs address obedience, socialization, and behavior modification using positive reinforcement techniques. Certified trainers with extensive experience work with puppies, rescues, and adult dogs to develop lasting solutions for common issues like leash pulling and reactivity.

Daycare

Structured daycare sessions combine socialization with skill-building activities tailored to each dog's age, size, and temperament. Certified staff supervise playtime enriched with puzzles, games, and basic training exercises to keep dogs mentally stimulated and physically active throughout the day.

Private Training

Individualized training sessions address specific behavioral challenges in home or school settings. Our certified trainers develop targeted programs for issues like separation anxiety and reactivity, using evidence-based methods informed by ongoing professional development with industry experts.

Meet & Greet

Mandatory evaluation session assesses each dog's personality, play style, and special needs before service commencement. Trainers observe behavior patterns and discuss owner expectations to create personalized care plans, ensuring proper group placement and identifying potential training requirements.

People

Stefanie

Founder

With over 20 years of experience in canine care, Stefanie established Happy Paws to combine her passion for animals with business ownership. She emphasizes staff education as key to exceptional pet care, believing happy employees create happy dogs through their dedicated service.

John

Lead Trainer

As lead trainer, John applies his biochemistry and psychology background to canine behavior challenges. Specializing in reactive dogs and separation anxiety cases, he brings both scientific understanding and practical experience to his role managing training operations at both facility locations.

Jordan

Manager

Jordan oversees daily operations with a focus on ensuring dogs receive proper training, attention, and treats. With diverse personal interests including art and poetry, she brings creative problem-solving to her supervisory role while maintaining strong client communication standards.

Jada

Trainer's Assistant

Jada supports training programs while pursuing her goal of becoming a multi-species animal trainer. She participates in ongoing educational programs and enjoys working with various dog breeds, particularly terriers, while learning new aspects of professional pet training daily.

Manny

Manager

As engagement specialist, Manny brings a family-oriented perspective to dog care, treating each pet as his own. He manages staff interactions with John while emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where dogs genuinely enjoy their time at the facility.

Questions

What services do you offer for dogs?

We provide boarding, daycare, and training services including private sessions and group classes using positive reinforcement techniques.

How do you ensure dog safety during emergencies?

We conduct regular fire drills, maintain evacuation equipment, and have special leashes for multiple dog removal with trained staff handling emergencies.

What vaccination records are required?

Dogs must be vaccinated against Rabies, Canine Flu, Distemper, and Bordetella before participating in any of our services.

Do you offer transportation services?

Yes, we partner with Fido Fitness for pick-up/drop-off service at $25 one-way with 24-hour advance scheduling.

What are your operating hours?

Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-3pm with late pickup available until 10pm for additional fees.

Can I visit my dog during their stay?

We offer password-protected live video feed access for remote viewing of your dog during their boarding experience.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Zina K.

Dec 15, 2021 Report

This place is terrible. Paid for a month and kept my dog there for 1 day. Don't take my word for it, just look on the cameras while your dog is there. No walks. I was told by the owner it wasn't worth it because the dogs just come inside and pee and poop. Which leads me to the smell. Your dog will. I'm whole smelling like toxic cleaning fluid that they are breathing in all day as the attendants continuously mop up the messes of 30 plus dogs all day! I have since found other places that cost less and exercise and treat your dog well!

Martha Johnson

Nov 30, 2021 Report

I really appreciated being able to leave my daughters Westie at Happy Paws while I was dog sitting for a few days and also needed to go to work. The owner, Stefanie, set up a time when I could bring Max by to see how he would do and after observing him with the other dogs for a few minutes, she let him stay for the day. Max has not had a lot of interaction with other dogs and after a few days at Happy Paws, he seems much calmer and well behaved. Stefanie offered several training tips which have been extremely helpful.

She even let me bring him at the last minute when I needed to extend my dog sitting commitment - my daughter was in labor and was delighted to be able to watch Max being so well cared for on the live stream camera, which helped take her mind off things! Thank you Stefanie, Devin and the entire Happy Paws team for helping us get through a difficult week and for giving Max such good attention! He's doing great with the new baby, btw.

Donald L.

Jun 24, 2021 Report

We have been bringing our dog Muddy to Happy Paws for years. They have hosted him as a puppy to now an older dog and their love and care for him have been exceptional. We never have to worry because they treat him as their own dog. Especially now that he is older, their compassion and care are so appreciated. Stefanie called us while we were away and gave Muddy some of her own dog's medicine when what I provided was not enough. They monitor his food and coax him to make sure he eats properly. Each employee knows Muddy and I can't think of another place in the area where he is cared for so well.

Monika

Apr 25, 2021 Report

I called Happy Paws LLC on Sunday 12/20 asking if I can set an appointment ASAP for a temperament test for my dog as I was looking to board him for a couple days during Christmas holiday. I was told that only managers can set up appointments and they only work Monday - Friday and that someone would call me first thing Monday morning. I waited 3 days and have not received a single call. Luckily I was able to find another facility who was responsive and followed up with me. Happy Paws definitely seems unprofessional with a lack of communication with new clients.

Tara T.

Mar 19, 2021 Report

Our dog loves Stefanie and Happy Paws! She is always excited to go there (she is literally jumping up on their door with her tail wagging a mile a minute when we drop her off) and happy (and exhausted!) when she comes home. We know that she will be well looked after when she goes to "camp" at Happy Paws. During Happy Paws' reduced hours during the pandemic, we tried a couple other places, and our Labrador didn't seem to have as good of a time. Their webcam is a big plus, too. Though, I warn you, if you watch it at work, you could lose hours!

Leah Getsinger

Jan 31, 2021 Report

Stefanie and the entire crew at Happy Paws take the absolute best care of my pup who has terrible separation anxiety and can't be left alone for long periods of time. They provide a safe, local option and always do their best to accommodate last minute requests. It's not cheap, but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of quality with this spot. Great extended hours drop off and pick up options, with various package deals so you get the most bang for your buck. Highly recommend!