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Urban Tails is a god-send!
Posted by NorineD on 12/17/2008
As the owner of two "high maintenance" dogs (one acquired after the first one passed away), Urban Tails is such an asset to my life. I've been a weekly regular there for 3 years now. The staff there has taken the time to learn about the special needs of each of my dogs and accommodate those needs with a smile, rather than an objection. My current dog always looks forward to going to visit her friends (two and four legged) there. The staff greets us by name when we arrive and are essentially extended members of the "pack" (to use dog-speak). The cage-free boarding and doggy-cam that allows us to keep an eye on our dog while we traveling allows us to rest easy at night when we are away. The location can't be beat--right on the edge of downtown, easy access to and from Hwy 59--makes it so easy to drop by on my way to and from work. I've never used grooming services there, but I have taken dog obedience training there and am pleased to report that their love of pets is reflected in their training classes--positive reinforcement techinques are used, not negative reinforcement and the small size of the classes insures you and your pet get the attention you need. Yes, there's a slight odor, but at a doggy day-care facility, do you expect for it to smell like a pot-pourri shop? Personally, I'd prefer the knowledge that all who work there care so much about the pets that they are taking care of.
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Fun beach club
Posted by EileenMcClelland on 11/20/2008
My dogs haven't boarded here, but I've been taking my two golden retrievers to the Bow Wow Beach Club, an indoor dog park at Urban Tails, and although the hours have been cut back recently due to lack of attendance, and i've not been able to come often anymore, we had a terrific experience there. It is as clean as it can possibly be. My dogs enjoyed the pool and the special attention they've always had from the staff. I've gotten great advice about training and nutrition and socialization.
The grooming is superb.
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Owner Response & Request
Posted by uthandh on 11/11/2008
As one of the owners of Urban Tails we want to assure Houston pet owners that high quality pet care is our focus and priority. We are actively involved in the daily operations of our business and the pet care industry through the Pet Care Services trade association. We are always available to our clients and are disappointed that the reviewers did not ask to speak to us about their concerns. We take seriously all feedback from customers and use this information to improve our services and staff training programs. We are happy to provide references to clients that have had issues, but continue to use our services. Pets boarding with us have detailed records kept on eating and eliminations and we do provide pets with items that are brought from home and services that they purchase. We staff our facility 24/7 and train staff to monitor all pets for health and minimizing stress. With an indoor facility odors are a challenge, however, we continually work on improving our cleaning procedures and try new products; we recently installed a central wet/vac system that has helped tremendously. We do follow accepted industry cleaning and disinfecting standards and the health record of pets attending our facility is excellent. Our focus is to provide a safe and fun facility for pets to board, groom, train and attend daycare. We have been in business since 1999 with many long-term satisified customers. We ask that you stop by for a tour and make up your own mind on whether Urban Tails is a good fit for you and your pets. Houston pet owners are very fortunate to have many good pet facilities available. If you do not choose Urban Tails, please choose a member of Pet Care Services Association (fka ABKA) as only members agree to abide by a Code of Ethics, Pet Bill of Rights, and industry standards and practices.
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great staff, stinky smell !!!
Posted by InnerLooperGuy on 10/09/2008
I have taken my dog in a few times for boarding and have decided to stop taking her there due to the smell. She comes back smelling like urine. Overall, this place has a problem with hygiene, which is a shame because the staff and owners seem like great people.
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Good Grooming, Bad Smell
Posted by jennifer0617 on 09/06/2008
I wasn't going to go to this place after reading the reviews on yahoo local, but my neighbor's Yorkie was SO cute I had to ask her where she took him to get groomed. Well, it smells like urine a bit inside, but I'm sure the smell is partially due to the huge bones they sell too. The groomer did a very good job. Exactly as I told her. I was afraid she would forget since I have 2 Yorkies and they have to be cut differently, and she wasn't writing it down. To my surprise, they came out perfect and content. Usually, one of them is SHAKING like crazy. I've usually never gone back to groomers after the first time because I'm so picky and spoil my dogs, but I like this place for grooming
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We LOVE Urban Tails
Posted by doglover8 on 06/27/2008
Our dog knows when we're blocks away, and can't wait to get out of the car when we get there! We use the day care, boarding and grooming facilities, and have always found the staff helpful and attentive. It's like "Cheers" for our dog - everybody knows her name. As to the other review - I think it's normal for your dog to be a little out of sorts after having spent a few days in a new place - especially one that's essentially an indoor dog park.
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Tried services 3 times. Each visit was a nightmare.
Posted by bryanheights on 06/20/2008
I have/had high hopes for Urban Tails. I have a 4lb yorkie. I live in the area, heard good things, and saw the amenities desired for boarding my dog, who we only want the best for. The first time we boarded him, we picked him up and he pooped in the car, he has never done that, clearly he hadn't gone the 3 days he was there. I spoke to management and they acted uninterested and made excuses. The second time, we brought him home, and he went crazy on his raw hide, chewing it like he hadn't had it for the 4 days he was gone. Because they didnt give him his toys, or his bed. He slept on the concrete floor for FOUR days, no bed, no toys. Again, I asked management, they denied anything of the such. Third time, during our 4 day vacation, we had a friend unexpectedly drop in to double check and make sure his toys and bed were accessible to him so provide him a comforted stay while we were away. After he stated he wanted to go back and check to see if his toys and everything were back there, they stalled him for a few minutes going over the feeding pattern and potty break schedule, etc etc, he went back there and everything seemed fine. We picked him up, and brought him home today. He is acting funny, he flinches when we try to pick him up, he is behaving as if he has been traumatized, he keeps licking his behind, but when we try to see what might be wrong he starts kicking around and doesn't want us to mess with him. He has NEVER acted this way, and is very very scary to think that we paid top dollar for our dog to be mistreated. Each time I have talked with management, the only thing I get is a blank stare, and the run around about their procedures. I cannot imagine anyone in the pet business mistreating a helpless dog. We will find another boarding facility, we will begin to take action against Urban Tails. I hope you don't make the mistake of giving urban tails the benifit of the doubt, as we have.
bryan.michael@yahoo
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WE LOVE URBAN TAILS
Posted by hdsf on 02/09/2008
I wrote a review last week and it has not been posted yet. One of the reviews online now is disgusting and makes me sick to see that it is still there. We love Urban Tails and the friendly attentive staff. The trainers are the best. When we walk in the door they know our name. My dog is so important to me and I would only leave her in the best of care. This place is immaculate and well staffed. We are excited about the new indoor playground and swimming pool.
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Fun day care and excellent grooming!
Posted by urbansugar on 04/12/2007
I've been taking my 2 Shih-Tzus to Urban Tails for day care, boarding and grooming for 4 years and I have been very happy with their service. I love the web cam so I can watch them when they're playing with their friends. The groomer, Marina (sp?) always takes extra special care of them and they get compliments on their nice cuts everywhere we go.
I highly recommend Urban Tails as your pet's home away from home.
