Woofs and Wags Pet Lodge in Baltimore: Boarding with Grooming Under One Roof

Woofs and Wags Pet Lodge is a combined boarding facility and grooming operation located in Baltimore that handles both overnight stays and same-day grooming, allowing owners to board their dogs while having them cleaned and trimmed on arrival or departure. The business operates as a full-service kennel rather than a drop-in daycare, meaning it caters to multi-day stays and pre-scheduled grooming appointments rather than hourly drop-offs.

What Woofs and Wags actually is

Woofs and Wags functions as a hybrid: a boarding facility with integrated grooming services rather than a grooming-only shop. This setup appeals to owners who want their dog bathed and groomed as part of a boarding stay, avoiding a separate trip to a groomer. The facility handles dogs only (not cats or other pets), and operates on a reservation system for both boarding and grooming slots. It is one of several boarding options in Baltimore; others include Homeward Bound Pet Care (drop-in daycare and boarding in Canton) and The Posh Pet (grooming-focused with limited boarding in Fells Point).

Services and pricing

Boarding rates at Woofs and Wags run approximately $40 to $60 per night depending on kennel size, with small dogs on the lower end and larger breeds or dogs requiring special accommodations (medical attention, behavioral needs) on the higher end. Grooming add-ons during a boarding stay typically cost $50 to $100 depending on coat type and breed size. Standard grooming for a small dog (under 25 pounds) starts around $50 to $70; medium dogs (25 to 50 pounds) cost $70 to $90; large dogs (over 50 pounds) run $90 to $130 or more. These prices can shift seasonally, particularly around holidays when demand peaks, so confirmation when booking is advised.

Services include bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and full-body grooming. The facility does not advertise Fear Free certification, which means grooming staff have not completed formal training in handling fearful or anxious dogs, though the presence of a boarding facility allows staff to observe individual dog temperaments across multiple days.

How Woofs and Wags compares to Baltimore alternatives

Woofs and Wags' primary advantage is operational simplicity: owners can drop a dog for a three-day weekend, have it groomed on Friday before pickup Monday, and never stop at a separate groomer. Homeward Bound Pet Care in Canton offers drop-in daycare (useful for owners who work nearby and want midday breaks) but requires a grooming visit elsewhere unless the owner arranges an external groomer. The Posh Pet in Fells Point specializes in grooming with premium pricing ($100 to $180 for a full groom on large dogs) and does not offer boarding, making it a destination for owners who prioritize grooming quality over convenience.

For owners who board frequently or have multiple dogs, Woofs and Wags' packaged approach saves time. For owners whose dogs are anxious in boarding facilities or who need specialized grooming (hand-stripping for terriers, show preparation), the single-facility model may not offer enough focus on grooming craft.

Who it suits and who it does not

Woofs and Wags suits owners boarding dogs for weekend trips, vacation weeks, or work-related absences who want grooming handled on-site rather than scheduling a separate appointment. It works well for dogs with standard coat types (short-haired breeds, single-coated dogs, standard poodle cuts) and owners comfortable with kennel-based boarding.

It does not suit owners of anxious dogs, dogs with separation anxiety, or dogs who do better in home-based or cage-free boarding environments. It is not ideal for owners seeking premium grooming specialization (breed-specific cuts, show preparation, or Fear Free handling for fearful dogs). Owners needing daycare drop-ins (a few hours while at work) should look to Homeward Bound instead.

What the first visit involves

First-time boarders typically require a tour of the facility, completion of a health and behavioral questionnaire, vaccination records (proof of rabies and DHPP/distemper), and sometimes a short meet-and-greet where staff observe the dog's temperament. Owners should bring the dog's regular food to avoid digestive upset unless the facility stocks a common brand. If grooming is scheduled during the stay, owners should note any specific preferences or sensitivities (mat removal, sanitary trim, skin conditions) on intake. Expect the intake process to take 20 to 30 minutes on the first visit.

Hours, location, and logistics

Woofs and Wags is located in the Hampden area of Baltimore. Hours are typically Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Saturday boarding acceptance from 8 a.m. to noon and Sunday pickup from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; however, exact hours and weekend availability should be confirmed directly, as boarding facilities often adjust seasonally. Parking is available on-site or street parking on nearby residential blocks. The facility accepts walk-ins for tours but requires advance booking for boarding and grooming reservations, especially during summer and holiday periods.

Woofs and Wags fills a practical niche in Baltimore's pet services landscape: it prioritizes convenience and all-in-one service over specialized grooming expertise or Fear Free training, making it a sensible choice for owners with healthy, boarding-comfortable dogs and predictable travel schedules.