Playful Pack

Apr 3rd, 2024

Do yourself and your baby a favour and DO NOT come here. My dog was kicked out last year because he got into a fight and "nibbled" a staff member, who, according to Playful Pack, tried to break the fight by pulling on my dog's collar. You never do that. We have friends who are Canine Good Citizen trainers and police dog handlers for Arlington County Police who tell us that's literally the worst way to break a fight. But a fight is a fight-- he was kicked out, and the manager told me that they'd be happy to do a revaluation once my dog completes more training. They have every right to do so, and, I knew my dog needed more training. A few month later, as I write this, my dog is 2 classes away from being a Canine Good Citizen. I brought him back in for a 4-hour revaluation, which I was explicitly told that he passed. However, I was informed by a staff member that before putting him up for boarding, he should spend a few more day camp sessions, which I complied. I dropped him off for daycamp the next day. Upon picking him up, I learned that my dog started the day "stand-off-ish" but had no issues for the rest of the day. I was told that if further issues occur I would be contacted via phone call. On the day that I was supposed to drop him off for a 4-night boarding, for which I have a confirmed reservation, I was told by a staff member that my dog is no longer welcomed. She claimed that the manager left "multiple voicemails" on my partner's mobile phone, which we never got. More to the point, the staff member confirmed that the reservation confirmation could not have gone out had my dog not passed the revaluation. She proceeded to talking to the manager in the back, who never came out, and I was once again told that my dog, despite having passed revaluation, which is a prerequisite for a boarding confirmation, which I possess, is not welcomed. I ultimately had to book a last-minute reservation for my dog elsewhere. The lack of communication from Playful Pack throughout this process is unacceptably deafening. The "voicemails" they allegedly left us were never received. The manager in the back never came out to the front desk to explain why my boarding confirmation went through given that he "failed" (he didn't) the revaluation. It is clear to me that the staff plays favourite. If they like your dog, you can expect the webcam in his/her room to work. If they don't like your dog, good luck trying to access the webcab of that room (which only works about half the time.) This is a team of extremely unprofessional individuals who do not communicate, play favourites, and simply do not care. No wonder that they've been begging for business in the past couple years during COVID-- your love for dogs alone does not qualify you for a job at a dog boarding facility. If a staff member wishes to respond to this and spins the facts, I am more than happy to pay you another visit and get the facts straight. Other than that, DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND DO NOT SEND YOUR PUPPIES HERE.
Feb 24th, 2024

Dec 15th, 2023

Love the dog care takers loving our dogs like they are their own.
Dec 12th, 2023

I started bringing my 5 year old French Bulldog here a few months ago. I needed a new boarding place near me and found Playful Pack. I have been so pleased with this Playful Pack in Alexandria. My dog LOVES loves it. I have to lift him up and carry him out sometimes to leave, because he doesn't want to go home. He has done both boarding and daycare and both have been positive experiences. What spoke to me the most was how quickly the employees remembered his name and how quickly they were able to pick up on his personality. It is reassuring to see how excited he gets seeing the front desk people. Lastly, the report cards, pictures, and access to their live webcam is great and really enables my dog mom status. I have been very grateful to have found a place that treats my dog as their own, and that he's getting that doggie play time in each week.
Jan 6th, 2024