Business Details
19 Years
experience
Trusted Dog Daycare and Training Services in Massachusetts
Since 2007, Wags Doggie Day Care has dedicated itself to providing exceptional care for dogs through our expertise in canine behavior, nutrition, and safety. Our team of trained professionals ensures every dog receives personalized attention in a secure, stimulating environment with spacious indoor and outdoor play areas. We prioritize the well-being of each dog by grouping them based on temperament and play style, while maintaining rigorous health and safety protocols. Our commitment to excellence extends to our training programs, which utilize evidence-based positive reinforcement methods to foster strong bonds between dogs and their owners.With two locations on Massachusetts' North Shore, we serve communities like Wenham, Danvers, and Salem, offering flexible scheduling and transparent communication. Our evaluation process ensures each dog adapts comfortably to our environment, and our staff's extensive certifications reflect our dedication to industry-leading standards. We continuously invest in professional development through seminars and partnerships with local veterinary experts to maintain our reputation as a trusted name in pet care.
Services
Dog Daycare
Dog Training
Evaluation Visits
Mini Days
Private Behavior Consultations
Flexible Scheduling
Canine Nutrition Guidance
Socialization Programs
Emergency Boarding
Pet Parent Education
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 17+ years of specialized dog care experience with certified staff
- Our facilities feature secure outdoor play yards and monitored indoor spaces
- We implement a structured evaluation process for dog safety and comfort
- We use evidence-based positive reinforcement training methods
- We maintain transparent communication with 24/7 emergency contact options
Services
Dog Daycare
Our daycare provides structured socialization in secure indoor and outdoor spaces with professional staff monitoring canine interactions. Dogs are grouped by temperament and play style to ensure safety while receiving regular rest periods on comfortable bedding. The program includes personalized care plans and health monitoring for all canine guests.
Dog Training
We offer evidence-based training using positive reinforcement techniques to develop obedience and strengthen human-canine bonds. Our programs include basic manners, advanced training, and private consultations addressing specific behavioral needs. All sessions emphasize clear communication and reward-based learning methods.
Evaluation Visits
Two-stage evaluation process assesses dogs' socialization abilities and comfort in group settings. The initial 15-20 minute meet-and-greet evaluates initial interactions, followed by a one-hour play session assessing behavioral responses to staff and other dogs. This ensures safe integration into our programs.
Mini Days
Two-hour introductory sessions help dogs acclimate to our environment without overstimulation. These transitional visits allow gradual adjustment to daycare routines while monitoring individual comfort levels and socialization progress under professional supervision.
Private Behavior Consultations
Individualized behavior assessments address specific challenges through customized training plans. Our certified trainers develop targeted interventions for anxiety, reactivity, and other behavioral concerns using science-based modification techniques in controlled environments.
People
Kaleena Hildonen
Owner and Lead Dog Trainer
With over 10 years of experience, Kaleena graduated from NSCC's Animal Care Specialist program and completed advanced training at Gail Fischer's All Dogs' Gym. She holds certifications from Ian Dunbar's Academy and specializes in canine behavior through APDT and IAABC memberships.
Taegon
Manager
Leading operations since 2018, Taegon brings extensive animal care expertise from previous daycare experience. Passionate about canine welfare, she manages daily operations across both locations while pursuing her goal of establishing a dedicated dog care facility.
Bria
Assistant Manager
A NSCC Animal Science graduate since 2017, Bria combines academic knowledge with practical experience in canine behavior. She manages social media operations and client relations while maintaining her expertise in dog training and care protocols.
Vivian
Assistant Manager
Since joining in 2023, Vivian has demonstrated exceptional dedication to canine behavior studies. Her comprehensive understanding of dog body language and social dynamics contributes to our team's ability to create safe, enriching environments for all dogs.
Hannah
Dog Handler
A 2025 NSCC Animal Care Program graduate, Hannah applies her formal education through hands-on dog handling. Her practical experience with canine training and behavior management supports our commitment to professional care standards.
Questions
What are your daycare hours?
We operate Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM with extended pickup available until 7:00 PM for an additional fee. We're closed weekends.
What vaccination records are required?
Dogs must have current Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccinations. We also require documentation of recent parasite screening and spay/neuter confirmation.
How do you handle behavioral assessments?
We conduct two evaluation visits to assess socialization skills and comfort levels. This ensures safe integration into appropriate play groups with continuous staff monitoring.
What training methods do you use?
Our programs utilize positive reinforcement techniques focusing on reward-based learning to build strong communication between dogs and their owners.
Can I schedule visits for multiple dogs?
We accommodate multiple dog households with coordinated scheduling options while maintaining individualized care and safety protocols for each canine guest.
Reviews (5)
Doug Reynolds
Nov 30, 2021
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Our dog loves WAGS. The staff is terrific and care for every dog as if they were their own. Just a great place - highly recommended!
Stephen Chamberlin
Jul 09, 2021
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I recently moved to MA with a Vizsla puppy. The staff at Wags has been exceptional - great communication, caring, empathetic and knowledgable and friendly. I feel great about leaving my young dog in their care. I also receive training there - I love the location, the facility and I think the positive reinforcement training is professional and well delivered. They teach owners how to train and it's so much more than other places I explored. HIGHLY recommend!
Krista Eldridge
Jan 30, 2020
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Best place for our very shy golden retriever. She's come out of her shell and is a very happy and playful girl
Kim Rudolf
May 23, 2019
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Wags is where the dogs always come first! If you are looking for a safe, clean facilty where the people really care this is a the place for you! This past year with positive training and day care Lisa, Joe and staff helped me with my puppy become a confident, well socialized dog that I am enjoying and can do anything with. Look no further!
Kate Van Auken
Mar 20, 2019
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Wags is a tremendous facility and the Staff are so accommodating! Lisa the owner helps us with our Veteran service dog training program.
