Complete lack of caring for the well-being of their emplyees - Anonymous employee Dogtopia Employee Review

1.0
29 Aug 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I formed amazing relationships with the dogs, learned a great deal about dog behavior and body language, formed good relationships with coworkers initially. My dog loves getting to play in the rooms.

Cons

There is a complete disregard for the well being of the employees and dogs here. There have been a number of dogs that have attacked other dogs, and sent them to the vet, but not been dismissed. The evaluation process is a joke here. There have been several times where I, or other employees, have told the front desk and managers that a dog was too aggressive to be passed, and then been ignored, including a dog that bit 2 different people before it even got into the playroom. There are fights daily, and we are always blamed for them even when we've told them that a specific dog has behavior problems. At one point I was bit and had to go to the ER, only to find out when I returned that the dog that bit me had not only already bit another coworker, but had a known history of aggression. As if that wasn't bad enough, at one point my personal dog was attacked and I was not able to leave to take him to the vet, and they tried to convince me he was fine. I had to have my brother drive 40 minutes to come pick my dog up, only to find out that he had a deep puncture in his leg that needed staples. Even the cleaning practices are causing problems. The primary cleaning chemical we use (a bleach solution) says not safe for use around children or domestic animals on the label, and even if properly diluted, everything I've read online says that it should not be used with animals in the room and outside of a well circulated area. Due to the filthy fans, high humidity, and poor circulation in the rooms, I had an ongoing bought of bronchitis for two months that resulted in my needing of an inhaler (I have never had asthma). I brought in a doctors note saying that it was caused by prolonged exposure to bleach, and even still they refused to change the chemicals. One manager genuinely said it was because this was the cheapest option. Aside from all of the health risks here, I have never once felt valued by front desk and management. I have never received a raise, and any time I have mentioned a concern it has been completely disregarded.

Explore other reviews about Dogtopia

5.0
14 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Meeting so many dogs Cool coworkers Watching dogs play and interact

Cons

Safety protocols, understaffing in playrooms, lack of kennels/overbooking

2.0
9 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Dogs and teaching people dog behavior and management

Cons

Constant turnover, the pay is not equal to the expectation of availability (6a-9p for management), not all GMs are supportive, prioritize revenue over safety every time until they have to pay a vet bill and decide to listen. Upper management and support office have absolutely zero dog handling experience but they make the policy, special treatment for whoever will do what they're told without questioning safety, my GM looked to talk badly about other staff and created hostility, she was unavailable unless you called her boss, and she violated policies for her own benefit

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