Questions · Pup Van
Board and train pick-up and drop-off
Can the Pup Van collect your dog for board and train? Yes: $10 each way in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea, with pricing on request.
Where does the Pup Van go, and what does it cost?
The flat fare is $10 each way for families in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. A stay with pick-up at the start and drop-off at the end means two fares, one each way, on top of the stay itself.
Outside those four towns, board-and-train families can still arrange van pick-up, but the price depends on distance, so we quote it on request. Ask for van pricing from your town when you enquire. The stay itself is quoted after the assessment.
| Where you live | Pup Van |
|---|---|
| Gloucester | $10 each way |
| Rockport | $10 each way |
| Essex | $10 each way |
| Manchester-by-the-Sea | $10 each way |
| Farther away | Available; ask for pricing |
How timing works
Pick-up and drop-off times are agreed at booking, around the start and end of the stay. Dogtown's hours are Monday to Friday 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM. Whether a stay can start or end on a Sunday isn't confirmed, so ask when booking rather than assume.
Allow for one practical thing: the evaluation. The free temperament test happens before the stay, on a weekday between 6:30 and 9:30 AM. Ask at the assessment whether the van can help with that too.
Getting ready for the van
The van takes the drive off your hands, but the packing is still yours. Have the bag ready the night before: your dog's usual food, pre-portioned; medications, clearly labeled; and one comfort item. Dogtown provides bedding and enrichment.
On the day, keep the handover calm and brief. Long goodbyes can wind a dog up. A quick, cheerful handover to the driver is kinder. Our what to pack page has the full list.
- Food in pre-portioned bags
- Medications, clearly labeled
- One comfort item from home
- Your dog on its usual leash and collar or harness
- Vaccination records and license already on file
Is the van right for an anxious or carsick dog?
Often yes, but tell us. Some dogs travel better with a stranger than with an anxious owner; others get carsick or worried in vehicles. Mention it in your enquiry so it can be discussed at the assessment.
If car travel is a real problem, you might prefer to drive your dog yourself. That's always an option, and you can still use the van for the drop-off at the end. Our page on the decompression period explains what to expect in the first days after a dog comes home.
Coming from farther away
The flat fare covers Cape Ann and Manchester. Families in places such as Beverly, Ipswich, Hamilton or further afield on the North Shore can still use the van; we quote it based on where you live. Ask in the enquiry and you'll have the van price along with the stay quote.
If you live closer to the Rockport commuter rail line, you can also bring your dog in yourself; see riding the commuter rail for the MBTA's pet rules.
The two programs
FAQs
Related questions
Does the $10 cover both directions?
Can the van collect my dog from Beverly or Salem?
Can I meet the driver?
Can the van bring my dog to the go-home lesson?
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
