Welcome to Our Family!
We can't wait to meet you and your pup
George, Pedigree Member
Colby's Pup since May 2022
Becoming a Colby's Pup
Looking for a place for your pup to stay while you're away? Whether it's while you're at work, at brunch, at a sports game, or on vacation, we're here to love on your pup 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!
We have 4 playrooms available for pups based on size and energy level.
All pups have their own personal space and will spend 90 minutes playing, followed by 90 minutes resting, supervised by their playroom monitor.
There is always a team member at Colby's. Pups are watched from 7 AM to 7 PM, and a night monitor is there to watch after them at night.

Assessment Days at Colby's
An Assessment Day should be thought of as a "normal day" of Daycare - but for the first time.
We want to take the time to get to know any pup before they become a family member to make sure they are a good fit for Colby's - and that we are a good fit for them.
You'll drop off your pup and leave them with us for a minimum of 6 hours. We will spend some time with them, introduce them to their classmates, and observe how they interact with the other pups in their class and how other pups interact with them. When you come by to pick up your pup, we will have a frank conversation about whether or not Colby's is the right fit.
What do I need to do before an Assessment Day?
To schedule an Assessment Day, first, submit a request here. We will get back to you confirming your reservation.
Instructions will then be emailed to you on how to complete your online registration. This includes uploading your pup's vaccination records and anything we need to know about them.
Who can attend Colby’s?
We are happy to care for pups of any size and weight, from four months old through adulthood. Pups may start as early as three months when also enrolled in our Puppy Foundations class.
For the well-being of all of our canine children, we ask that you not bring your pup if he or she is either aggressive or unusually fearful.
Similarly, your pup would be happier at home while recovering from an injury or illness.
Can I come in for a tour first?
Yes! Please do. No need to make an appointment; come by Colby's anytime, and we would be happy to show you around the facility. However, we ask that you do not bring your pup with you. If you would like to, please email us ahead of time with their vaccination records.
What are the vaccination requirements?
We require all pup parents to upload a photo or PDF of their pup’s vaccination certificate(s). We take health and safety very seriously and require certification from your vet that your little one has been vaccinated against:
- Bordetella (Canine Cough)
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis,
- Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus)
- Canine Influenza
- Leptospirosis
- Rabies
We also ask that your pup has an annual fecal screening. They also should not have ticks, fleas, or other pests and have any and all legal licenses.
Note: Sometimes, the DHPP vaccine includes an "L" for Leptospirosis.
Is a deposit required for reservations?
Yes, we will collect a 100% deposit for all reservations and services upon confirmation of the reservation.
What is your cancelation policy?
You may cancel any service, for any reason with 12 hours' notice for a full refund. All cancellation requests should be made my phone or email.
Does my pup need to be spayed or neutered?
We welcome pups who have not been altered. By having multiple playrooms and small classes, we can create a class specifically for unaltered males and accommodate any well-behaved pup.
We ask that unaltered females remain at home while in heat.
Can my pup be walked while they are at Colby’s?
Yes, walks are available to add to any Daycare or Sleepover reservation. Walks are $15 for once around the block. All walks are one-on-one, and we adhere to stringent safety protocols during walks, including physically clipping leashes to our belts and using Colby’s harnesses containing GPS tracking.
Walks are included for Platinum and Pedigree Memberships. Package holders receive a 50% discount.
Can I see my pup while they are at Colby’s?
Yes! Our pet parents are provided with an internal Facebook page to which we post regular pup-dates throughout the day! We also encourage you to stop by and take a peek at your pup anytime they are with us.
Join our Patrons Facebook group here.
What if I need to drop off my pup early or pick up late?
While we open our doors promptly at 7 AM and close them just as promptly at 7 PM, you can call us at 202-418-4848, and we are happy to arrange drop-off as early as 6:30 AM for $10.00 or pickup as late as 10 PM for $15.00.
What supplies should I bring?
All pups like to have bedding or a blanket from home, and many also have a favorite toy. We encourage you to bring these loved items to us, which we will keep in your pup's personal space.
While we have raised beds for everyone, you are welcome to bring your pup’s own if that is his or her preference.
For Sleepovers, please be sure to bring enough food to cover their stay, plus a little extra. You can provide measure instructions or pre-measured bags, whichever works best for you.
Please also be sure to supply any medications your pup might need along with the prescription bottle and/or instructions.
What are the check-in and check-out times for Sleepovers?
Check-in starts at 7 AM on your Sleepover’s first day. Check-out is through 10 AM on the last day. Your pup can stay until noon for an additional $15 or the entire day (until 7 PM) as an additional day of Daycare.
We encourage you to drop off your pup as early as possible so they can work through the initial excitement of arriving long before bedtime.
In order to ensure that your pup enjoys their Sleepover, we ask that they spend a minimum of one day in Daycare (in addition to an Assessment Day) before a short-term stay at Colby’s.
Similarly, before staying for 4 or more nights, we ask for at least one short-term Sleepover.
What is a "Trusted Friend"?
A "Trusted Friend" is someone we can call if we cannot reach you. Unless your registration gives boundaries, we will entrust your Trusted Friend to make all decisions in your absence.
You are allowed to have up to three Trusted Friends and need to rank order them so that we know who to call first.
Your Trusted Friend will never have financial responsibility for their decisions. Our entire financial relationship is with you and you are responsible for all expenses incurred.
Do pups ever get hurt?
Similar to children on a playground, it’s possible for pups to sustain injuries while at a Daycare. During normal play, a pup may get scratches, nicks, or lose a bit of fur. More serious injuries are very rare.
If a more-than-minor injury occurs and treatment is needed, depending on the severity, we will first call one of our veterinary partners, you, or your veterinarian.
If we call a veterinarian first, you will be our very next call. If we call not reach you, we will call your Emergency Contact and then your Trusted Friend(s).
If I can't bring my pup in due to illness will I be charged?
If your pup is a Colby’s Member, you can pause your membership should your pup become sick and unable to attend Daycare. All other reservations should be canceled via the customer portal or by calling or emailing with 12 hours' notice.
What do you do when you find out that a pup has a contagious condition?
As soon as a pup is identified as contagious, they are removed from their playroom and isolated. They are then assessed by management. Their parents will then be called and notified.
If needed and deemed necessary, we may proceed immediately to one of our veterinary partners’ offices.
There is one clear exception to this rule. After significant study, consultation with veterinarians, and weighing the pros and cons, we have set the policy of not removing pups with the symptoms of the Papillomavirus. Here’s a bit about this virus to help explain why we decided upon this policy:
- There’s no way to avoid having your pup exposed to this virus - short of never having them around other pups. Most socialized pups have the virus, though only about 10% will show symptoms.
- Pups are contagious both before and after their symptoms are apparent, so you cannot know if your pup is going to be exposed by another dog.
- Once your pup has it, the virus benignly stays in their body for the rest of their life.
- There is neither a vaccination nor cure for the Papillomatous virus.
- While the symptoms can be a bit unsightly, the virus is not dangerous.
- Symptoms are most common in young pups, which is also a critical time period for socialization. Symptoms tend to last between one and five months, creating a period of prolonged improper socialization, which can have a negative impact on a pup for life.
- Isolating pups doesn’t present an offsetting benefit since, as noted earlier, for every 1 pup presenting symptoms, there are 9 more who didn’t present symptoms but also spread the virus.
How is Colby's cleaned?
We pride ourselves on being the safest and cleanest Daycare facility in DC. In each playroom, walls, floors, kennels, and raised beds are cleaned three times a day with veterinary-grade disinfectant and Parvocide. Pups never share kennels, bowls, or food with another pup that is not in their family, and bowls are never reused without being thoroughly cleaned.

Google Review - December 2022
Lisa Wardell
Colby's Dogcare & Spa is absolutely amazinng! Not only does our pup Zambi absolutely love going to Colby's, the professionalism of the staff is unsurpassed. We first took Zambi for an assessment day when he was a 5 months old puppy - it is the first and only daycare and sleepover center we will ever use for him! The packages are affordable, Michael is a joy to work with and so is each and every staff member I have ever interacted with. I highly recommend taking your pup to Colby's!

Google Review - March 2023
Paul LeBlanc
Colby's is the only daycare my Moose runs toward and not away from. Michael and the entire staff are always as nice as can be, and the facility is large, clean, and exceptionally well run. It is such a good feeling when I can't take care of Moose myself to know that he is in such good hands. I recommend Colby's to anyone in DC.

Google Review - March 2023
Emily Shaw
Colby's is an excellent daycare and groomer. They keep the census very low compared to other places in the city--they're more expensive than average, but you get what you pay for. In fact, at Colby's, you get what you can't buy--genuine kindness and compassionate care for your dog. In particular, Michael, the owner, is one of the nicest people I've met (and I'm from the Midwest), and he seems to be on site and working with the dogs most days.

Google Review - January 2023
Anne Dukes
My Ernie really enjoys going to Colby's. I most love the kind and considerate staff and how they are attentive and care for my special needs (diabetic) boy. From the first day with his assessment, I felt safe and confident leaving him in their care. With my work schedule, I appreciate the early opening time and that he can stay overnight if need be. I'm so grateful I found this place! Ernie now rides to DC with me and is only a few blocks away from my office.

Google Review - January 2023
Caroline Cease
We love Colby's! They take great care of my rambunctious puppy and I can leave him all day knowing he's in great hands with human and four-legged friends, and he comes home happy and tired. You can tell Michael and the staff really care about the animals.

Google Review - January 2023
Lana Keusch
I have a sometimes shy 2 year old pup who is clearly very picky about his daycare. We’ve tried several places over the last two years and he makes it known which ones he likes best. In DC, Colby’s is it. Initially somewhat scared cause he thinks he’s at the vet anytime he smells lots of other dogs, he now RUNS inside in excitement. They clearly take very good care of my boy and he gets all the play time he needs while also getting his necessary downtime alone to recoup (like an introvert at a party, he’s gotta have his alone time after). I boarded him for the first time ever a few weeks ago and he came home happy and tuckered out after three days. Very grateful for Colby’s!

Google Review - January 2023
Alec Gershen
We love love love Colby’s! Our dog, Mordi, literally runs down the block and towards the door as soon as he realizes where we are going. Mordi comes home tired (in the best way) and happy every time. All the staff are extremely loving, even getting excited when they see Mordi on a walk around the neighborhood. Michael and his team are so responsive and very accommodating. We have only great things to say! So thankful we are part of the Colby’s community.

Google Review - December 2022
Lisa Wardell
Colby's Dogcare & Spa is absolutely amazinng! Not only does our pup Zambi absolutely love going to Colby's, the professionalism of the staff is unsurpassed. We first took Zambi for an assessment day when he was a 5 months old puppy - it is the first and only daycare and sleepover center we will ever use for him! The packages are affordable, Michael is a joy to work with and so is each and every staff member I have ever interacted with. I highly recommend taking your pup to Colby's!

Google Review - March 2023
Paul LeBlanc
Colby's is the only daycare my Moose runs toward and not away from. Michael and the entire staff are always as nice as can be, and the facility is large, clean, and exceptionally well run. It is such a good feeling when I can't take care of Moose myself to know that he is in such good hands. I recommend Colby's to anyone in DC.

Google Review - March 2023
Emily Shaw
Colby's is an excellent daycare and groomer. They keep the census very low compared to other places in the city--they're more expensive than average, but you get what you pay for. In fact, at Colby's, you get what you can't buy--genuine kindness and compassionate care for your dog. In particular, Michael, the owner, is one of the nicest people I've met (and I'm from the Midwest), and he seems to be on site and working with the dogs most days.

Google Review - January 2023
Anne Dukes
My Ernie really enjoys going to Colby's. I most love the kind and considerate staff and how they are attentive and care for my special needs (diabetic) boy. From the first day with his assessment, I felt safe and confident leaving him in their care. With my work schedule, I appreciate the early opening time and that he can stay overnight if need be. I'm so grateful I found this place! Ernie now rides to DC with me and is only a few blocks away from my office.

Google Review - January 2023
Caroline Cease
We love Colby's! They take great care of my rambunctious puppy and I can leave him all day knowing he's in great hands with human and four-legged friends, and he comes home happy and tired. You can tell Michael and the staff really care about the animals.

Google Review - January 2023
Lana Keusch
I have a sometimes shy 2 year old pup who is clearly very picky about his daycare. We’ve tried several places over the last two years and he makes it known which ones he likes best. In DC, Colby’s is it. Initially somewhat scared cause he thinks he’s at the vet anytime he smells lots of other dogs, he now RUNS inside in excitement. They clearly take very good care of my boy and he gets all the play time he needs while also getting his necessary downtime alone to recoup (like an introvert at a party, he’s gotta have his alone time after). I boarded him for the first time ever a few weeks ago and he came home happy and tuckered out after three days. Very grateful for Colby’s!

Google Review - January 2023
Alec Gershen
We love love love Colby’s! Our dog, Mordi, literally runs down the block and towards the door as soon as he realizes where we are going. Mordi comes home tired (in the best way) and happy every time. All the staff are extremely loving, even getting excited when they see Mordi on a walk around the neighborhood. Michael and his team are so responsive and very accommodating. We have only great things to say! So thankful we are part of the Colby’s community.

Google Review - December 2022
Lisa Wardell
Colby's Dogcare & Spa is absolutely amazinng! Not only does our pup Zambi absolutely love going to Colby's, the professionalism of the staff is unsurpassed. We first took Zambi for an assessment day when he was a 5 months old puppy - it is the first and only daycare and sleepover center we will ever use for him! The packages are affordable, Michael is a joy to work with and so is each and every staff member I have ever interacted with. I highly recommend taking your pup to Colby's!

Contact Us
Address:
200 K Street NE, Unit 2
Washington, DC 20002
(on the corner of 2nd & L St NE)
Hours:
7 AM - 7 PM
(with early drop off starting at 6:00 and late pick up until 10:00 pm)
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