Greater Boston
Board and train for Boston dogs
Yes, Boston dogs come to board and train in Gloucester: one- or two-week fear-free stays, an honest look at the drive, and Pup Van pick-up on request.
How many trips does a Boston family actually make?
Fewer than you might think. Because board and train is residential, the drive is a handful of trips, not a weekly commute. A typical sequence is the free evaluation on a weekday morning, drop-off at the start of the stay, and pick-up with the go-home lesson at the end. The two-week Advanced stay adds a second scheduled coaching lesson, which some families combine with a weekend on Cape Ann.
The short assessment with Gabby, which comes first, doesn’t need a trip at all if you prefer to talk it through by phone.
The drive, honestly
From downtown Boston, the usual route is north on I-93 or Route 1 to I-95/Route 128, then Route 128 north until it ends in Gloucester, and out to 210 Eastern Ave. In light traffic it takes around an hour. At weekday rush hour, and on summer weekends when beach traffic heads to Cape Ann, allow more.
The evaluation runs on weekdays between 6:30 and 9:30 AM, so an early start often beats the worst of the northbound traffic. Drop-off and pick-up times are agreed when you book, which gives you room to pick a quieter hour.
| Trip | When | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Free evaluation | Weekday, 6:30–9:30 AM | Leave early to beat Route 1 and I-93 traffic |
| Drop-off | Agreed at booking | Or use the Pup Van |
| Go-home lesson | End of the stay | Bring everyone who walks the dog |
| Second lesson (Advanced) | After some practice at home | Pair it with a day on Cape Ann |
Pup Van pick-up from Boston
The Pup Van can collect board-and-train dogs from Boston and bring them home at the end of the stay. The flat $10 fare covers only Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea, so ask for van pricing from your Boston neighborhood when you send the enquiry. Our pick-up and drop-off page explains how it works.
If you don’t drive, the Commuter Rail’s Rockport Line runs from North Station to Gloucester, which can work for the evaluation or go-home lesson. Dogs are restricted on the Commuter Rail, so check our page on dogs and the Commuter Rail before bringing yours.
Why city dogs often suit the two-week stay
Boston dogs live with a lot going on: narrow sidewalks, cyclists, delivery scooters, crowds on the Esplanade and dogs around every corner. Many have solid manners in the apartment and fall apart outside the front door. That gap is exactly what the Advanced program works on, with distraction proofing, neutrality around other dogs and people, and real-world outings.
Puppies and young dogs who need the basics, crate comfort and house manners first are usually better starting with the one-week Foundation stay. Gabby recommends one or the other at the assessment.
Paperwork for Boston dogs
Every dog needs Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella on file and a current dog license. Boston dog licenses are issued by Boston Animal Care and Control rather than a town clerk, and the city requires a license for dogs over six months, renewed each year. Bring proof to the free evaluation.
If you live in a neighboring city, our pages for Cambridge, Somerville and Brookline cover the local details, and our board and train near Boston page covers the wider metro area.
The two programs
FAQs
Related questions
Is there a board and train closer to Boston?
Can the Pup Van pick up from my apartment building?
Do you work on city-specific skills?
More questions? Read the full board & train FAQ
Next step
Tell us about your dog.
Send the enquiry and we reply within one hour on business days to set up a short assessment with Gabby. The evaluation is free.
- 01Send the enquiryReply within the hour on business days
- 02Assessment & evaluationPick Foundation or Advanced
- 03Train & go homeDaily updates, go-home coaching
