dogboston

Best veterinarian or animal hospital in the Boston area

South Bay Vet Clinic… got a great deal of votes to take the prize for best animal hospital around Boston. Timothy Wosko also got a few specific mentions.

VESCONE in Waltham got high marks as well but is more known for advanced procedures. It happens to be where my dog Tula got her ACL repaired. $3000 bucks later, the knee is still holding up well.

Best groomer or provider of dog washing and grooming services

Dogfather, located in the Northend, has me jealous of their name. Their website and locations also look equally as cool as the characters in the movie “The Godfather”.

Petco, various locations - again got high marks for widely available and consistent results across the state. Sometimes big can make your pet beautiful.

Best Pet Sitters / Dog Walker

Dog Party - Erin Rinaldi, formerly known as the NorthEnd Dog Walker, has a legion of loyal dog walking clients on the web, and they voted in full force to outnumber any of the other walking services by a large margin.

Pembroke Paws - Vicki Lonergan of Pembroke loves what she does and dominated results for south of Boston. Read my interview with her here.

Best Dog Trainer / Obedience Class Provider

Boston Zen Dog - The positive style training technique is the way to go, and is the key to Zen Dog’s Success. Their training teaches your dog to respond out of understanding — not fear. SPCA recommended methods are used by animal trainers around the world including Gordon.

Curious Canines in Leominster - Paula has people and dogs jazzed up. Paula brings her knowledge of positive training techniques, animal behavior, and the importance of having fun into all of The Curious Canine’s Training Programs.

Best OFFLEASH dog park in the state

Estabrook Woods (Concord) - You can look for OFFLEASH doggie paradise in Boston and guess what - you won’t find it. Drive out west on Rt 2 to take in this Harvard-owned 800-acre spot complete with ponds, pastures, paths, and just plain good stuff. When it gets warm make sure you check out Hutchins Pond - one of the best dog friendly watering holes in the state (Callahan Park in Framingham is excellent as well).

Great Brook (Carlisle) - This OFFLEASH park makes me want to move to Carlisle. Great Brook offers a large meadow, pine and woodland forest, an esker trail, a swamp, and a nice pond (and a working farm and ice cream stand). First timers should check out Pine Point Loop. Warning: On busy weekends, larger four legged animals (horses) can congest the popular paths.

Best public place to bring your dog in the state (not offleash)

Arnold Arboretum - Beautiful Harvard-owned park with fantastic flowers and walkways. Keep your dog on a leash.

Middlesex Fells Reservation - Huge park crossing over many towns north of Boston. The consensus is that the Sheepfold area has the best place for dogs and dog-owners to connect. A dedicated offleash dog run/area could be coming soon.

Best beach for dogs around Boston?

Stoddards Neck - south of Boston on the Hingham Weymouth line. Right on an enclosed inlet. Tons of dogs running and swimming on a warm summer day.

Revere Beach - “because no one cares”… at the far end of Winthrop Beach. I can’t advocate illegal offleash activity, but I got so many votes saying the same thing… I blame democracy for my actions.

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I got very few responses for the following categories (below) that I will probably discontinue these next year. Thoughts or comments - let me know.

What is the best restaurant to bring dogs to, in the Boston area?

Joe’s American Cafe (in the summer months)
Petit Robert Bistro, South End

What is the best hotel/motel to bring dogs to, in the Boston area?

Hotel Marlowe - nice accomodations with extras for dogs.
Westin Waterfront - “great extras”, “they give you the sweet amenities”