Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about daycare, boarding, grooming and dog walking at Urban Woof NYC®. Still have questions? Call East 78th Street (646) 886-5515 or Lexington Avenue at 95th Street (646) 964-5220.

Getting Started & Safety

How long has Urban Woof NYC been in business?

Since 2005! Urban Woof NYC started as a dog walking service on the Upper East Side. We opened our East 78th Street location in 2018 and our Lexington Avenue location at 95th Street in 2024.

Where are you located, and what are your hours?

East 78th Street: 314–318 East 78th Street, Monday–Friday 7 AM–8 PM and Saturday–Sunday 9 AM–5 PM. Lexington Avenue: 1476 Lexington Avenue at East 95th Street, Monday–Friday 7 AM–8 PM and Saturday 9 AM–5 PM. Our Lexington reception is closed on Sunday, but existing clients may arrange daycare and boarding drop-off or pickup on Sundays. Please coordinate Sunday service with our team.

How do I get started as a new client?

Create an account in our online client portal, upload your dog’s vaccination records, and book a $10 Evaluation Day. Our New Clients page explains the process.

What vaccinations does my dog need?

Dogs must be up to date on Rabies, DHPP (Distemper/Parvo), and Bordetella. Records must come from your veterinarian, and we require a veterinarian-signed Rabies certificate. Upload records to your client account or ask your vet to email info.urbanwoofnyc@gmail.com.

How old does my dog need to be?

Dogs must be at least 4 months old. Dogs 8 months or older must be spayed or neutered.

What is the Evaluation Day?

Every new dog starts with a $10 Evaluation Day of up to four hours of supervised play. We observe your dog’s comfort, temperament, and interactions to determine the best fit. Evaluations are offered Monday–Friday, with drop-off by 2 PM. Dogs who display aggression may not be accepted into group daycare.

What if my dog is nervous or has never attended daycare?

Every dog is different. The Evaluation Day helps us understand your dog’s personality and whether our group environment is a comfortable, safe fit.

Does my dog need a collar and ID tag?

Yes. All dogs must wear a collar with an identification tag.

Can my dog attend when sick or when vaccinations have expired?

No. Dogs must be healthy, free of contagious illness, fleas and ticks, and have current vaccination documentation on file. Please contact us if your dog is unwell or your records need updating.

What if my dog has behavioral or medical needs?

Tell us about any aggression, fears, allergies, medications, or medical conditions before your visit. We assess each dog individually and may decline or discontinue a service when health or behavior presents a safety concern.

Can I enter the dog playrooms?

For the safety and comfort of the dogs, clients do not enter the play areas.

Does my dog need a New York City dog license?

New York City requires dog licensing. Please keep your dog’s license current. Ask our team if you have questions about the records needed for registration.

Dog Daycare

Do I need to reserve daycare in advance?

Existing clients who have completed registration and passed the Evaluation Day are welcome to walk in during business hours. However, we strongly encourage booking in advance through the app or client portal, which helps us manage attendance and keep playgroups safe and comfortable.

How are dogs grouped and supervised?

Our climate-controlled playrooms are supervised by our team. Dogs are grouped with attention to size, personality, and energy level.

Does daycare include outdoor relief walks?

Yes. Daycare includes complimentary relief walks. You can also add a longer Central Park group walk for an additional fee.

Can I add a Central Park walk to daycare?

Yes! Our 90-minute Central Park group walks offer additional exercise, outdoor stimulation, and socialization. Ask about morning or afternoon availability and current add-on pricing.

Do you offer half-day daycare?

Yes. Half-day daycare is up to 4 hours, Monday to Friday only. See our Pricing page for the current rate.

How long are daycare packages valid?

Daycare packages are valid for 60 days from the purchase date. Packages are non-refundable and non-transferable.

What happens if I pick up my dog late?

Please arrange pickup by closing time. Pickup more than five minutes after closing may incur a $20 late fee. A delay of one hour or more may result in a full $55 daycare charge; if overnight care is necessary, a $110 overnight charge may apply.

Can I watch my dog on a webcam?

Webcam access is available to clients with an active daycare package during business hours, subject to camera availability. Not every play area is visible, so your dog may be in a different playroom or out for a walk.

Dog Boarding

Do I need to book boarding in advance?

Yes. Please reserve boarding in advance through your client portal or by contacting your location.

Does my dog need an Evaluation Day before boarding?

New dogs must complete an Evaluation Day before their first stay so we can assess their comfort and suitability for our environment.

What is included in a boarding stay?

Boarding includes daytime daycare activities, four complimentary relief walks per day, and an overnight dog handler on site. Medication assistance is available when arranged in advance. Central Park group walks are available for an extra fee.

Is a team member on site overnight?

Yes. A dog handler stays on site overnight with our boarding guests.

Will my dog sleep in a cage or kennel?

Sleeping arrangements depend on your dog’s individual needs, behavior, and your preferences. Many dogs can rest without a crate; for safety or other circumstances, an individual enclosure or separate sleeping area may be used. Dogs exhibiting aggression may require separation.

What should I bring for boarding?

Please bring enough food for the full stay, portioned into separate bags for each meal. House food is available for $5 per meal. If your dog takes medication, provide sufficient supply and detailed written instructions.

Can you give medication during boarding?

Our team can assist with medications when arranged in advance. Please provide the medication with clear written dosing and administration instructions and disclose relevant medical conditions.

What is the boarding check-out time?

Boarding check-out is noon (12 PM). Pickup after noon adds a full daycare day ($55). For example, Monday drop-off and Wednesday pickup by noon is two nights; Wednesday pickup at 3 PM is two nights plus one daycare day.

What if I need to extend my dog’s boarding stay?

Contact us as soon as possible. We will check availability and try to accommodate your dog. Additional charges apply.

Can I bring my dog’s belongings?

Please check with reception before bringing beds, blankets, toys, or other personal belongings. We can explain what is appropriate for your dog’s stay.

Grooming, Bath & Dental Care

Do I need an appointment for grooming or a bath?

Yes. Please book grooming and bath services in advance.

How is my dog’s grooming price determined?

Pricing depends on breed, weight, size, coat condition, styling requests, and the work required. Check our pricing page, or speak with reception for an estimate.

What is the difference between a bath and full grooming?

A bath focuses on cleaning and coat care without an overall haircut. Full grooming includes a haircut or styling service. Ask our team which specific services are included with your appointment.

Can my dog have a bath without a haircut?

Absolutely. Book a bath-only service if you do not want an overall haircut.

What if my dog’s coat is matted?

We first assess the condition of your dog’s coat. If safe and feasible, we may offer dematting for an additional charge, but only with your authorization. For severe matting that could cause pain or injury, we will contact you to discuss shaving and request approval before proceeding.

Do you groom senior dogs or dogs with medical conditions?

It depends on your dog’s condition and individual needs. Please disclose any health or behavioral concerns before booking. If we can safely provide the service, we may ask you to sign an additional release of liability.

What is Holistic Teeth Cleaning?

Our Holistic Teeth Cleaning is an anesthesia-free service aimed at removing visible tartar from accessible tooth surfaces while respecting each dog’s comfort and tolerance. We evaluate your dog before performing the service. Pricing starts at $300. This service does not replace veterinary dental examinations, dental cleaning under anesthesia when indicated, or treatment of dental disease.

Dog Walking

How do I book dog walking?

Dog walking is booked directly with our co-founder, Marcos Santos, rather than through the online portal or front desk. Recurring plans require a minimum of three walks per week, and new clients begin with an in-person meet and greet. Visit our dog walking page to send Marcos a text request.

Do you offer private and group walks?

Yes. We offer both private and group dog walks, depending on your dog’s temperament and needs.

How long are dog walks?

Private walks are available in 30-minute and 1-hour options, and our group walks are approximately 90 minutes. Ask Marcos about other available options.

Will the same walker come every time?

We do our best to keep your dog with a familiar walker. When someone is unavailable, another member of our team may cover so your dog’s routine continues.

Do you walk dogs in the rain or snow?

Yes, we walk in rain and snow. Our team will use safety judgment when conditions are severe or hazardous, and will communicate any necessary changes.

What if my dog is not comfortable in a group?

Private walks may be a better option. Discuss your dog’s behavior and preferences with our dog walking team.

Policies, Payment & Peace of Mind

What is your cancellation policy?

Our standard cancellation policy requires at least 24 hours’ notice; otherwise the full service fee may be charged. Holiday reservations require at least seven days’ notice to cancel. Contact our team for details about your booking.

Are services and packages refundable or transferable?

No. All sales are final. Services and packages are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Do you offer discounts for multiple dogs from one household?

No. We do not currently offer multi-dog or family discounts.

Do you charge sales tax?

Applicable New York State sales tax is added to rates and packages.

Is there a minimum for credit card payments?

Yes. The minimum credit card transaction is $20.

Are you bonded and insured?

Yes. Urban Woof NYC is bonded and insured. Please contact us if you would like more information about our current coverage.

What happens if my dog becomes sick or injured while in your care?

We will assess the situation, contact you, and take appropriate action, which may include seeking veterinary assistance when needed, consistent with your client agreement and emergency authorization.

Can someone else pick up my dog?

Please notify reception in advance and ensure the person picking up your dog is authorized in your client account.