How to book board and train

How to book board and train in Gloucester, MA: the enquiry form, a one-hour reply, the assessment with Gabby, a free evaluation, your quote, then the stay.

Enquire about board & train Compare programs

Golden retriever with a handler in the lobby

The booking process at a glance

Booking takes a few short steps, and nothing is charged before you have a quote and have chosen to go ahead. Each step answers a question: what you want, which program fits, whether your dog is ready, and when.

The steps below are in the order they happen. Most families move from enquiry to a booked stay over a week or two, depending on evaluation slots and how soon vaccinations and paperwork are in order.

What you need on file before the stay

Three requirements apply to every board-and-train dog. Sorting them early is the quickest way to avoid a delayed start.

Requirement	Details	Where to get it
Vaccinations	Rabies, DHPP (distemper) and Bordetella	Your vet
Dog license	Current city or town license	In Massachusetts, your city or town clerk
Free evaluation	Temperament test that also shows playgroup readiness	Booked after the assessment

What the price depends on

We don’t publish a fixed price, because the plan depends on your dog. A one-week Foundation stay for a young dog is a different job from a two-week Advanced stay for an adolescent who pulls toward every dog on the street. Your quote follows the assessment, and the evaluation itself is free.

Ask about anything that affects your total when you get the quote: deposits, payment timing, changes to dates and what happens if plans change. Those terms are confirmed in writing at booking, so you have them before your dog arrives. Our board and train cost guide explains what goes into a price and what to compare.

Getting your dog to Gloucester

You can bring your dog to 210 Eastern Ave yourself, or use the Pup Van. Van pick-up and drop-off is $10 each way in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea. Families farther away can arrange van pick-up too; ask for van pricing from your town when you enquire. Our pick-up and drop-off page has the details.

Drop-off and pick-up times are agreed when you book. Weekday hours are 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM.

Tips for a smooth booking

A few small things make the process faster and the plan better:

Describe the problem with real examples in your enquiry, not just labels
Mention any bites, guarding or severe fear up front; it changes the plan
Have vaccination records ready to send before the evaluation
If your dates are fixed, for a trip or a new baby, say so in the first message
List who will practice at home, so the go-home lesson includes them

How to do it

Step by step

01

Send the enquiry

Fill in the [enquiry form](/enquire/) with your dog’s age, breed, goals and any dates you have in mind. You can also call 978 491-5922.
02

Get a reply within an hour

On business days we reply within one hour to arrange the next step.
03

Short assessment with Gabby

Gabriella Pope, Director of Training & Canine Behaviorist, talks through your goals and recommends Foundation, Advanced, or a longer behavior-modification program if that fits better.
04

Free evaluation

Your dog visits on a weekday between 6:30 and 9:30 AM for a temperament test that also shows playgroup readiness.
05

Quote and dates

You receive a quote for your dog’s plan. Once vaccinations and license are on file, you pick dates and the terms are confirmed in writing.
06

The stay and go-home coaching

Your dog stays, trains daily and you get a daily update. The stay ends with one go-home lesson (Foundation) or two (Advanced).