A Daycare For the Four-Legged Set in Blue Point

There’s a new daycare in Blue Point, but it’s not for the toddler set unless they happen to be a four-legged canine pup.

Fetch Doggie Daycare and Spa, which opened its doors in Blue Point at 76 Montauk Highway in the first week in August, provides daycare services for canines seven days a week as well as grooming services.

Co-owners Steven Tortora, who has been in the dog grooming business for years, and Bryant Nolasco established Fetch for several reasons. First is that many dog owners aren’t comfortable leaving a dog home alone for many hours unattended and are not willing to cage their pet. The second is that pet owners want their dog to remain a sociable animal and realize that hours of isolation can impact that personality trait.

“Many clients bring their pets here for that social aspect and want their dog to get exercise and activity while they’re away or not home for hours during the day,” explained Nolasco.

While Fetch doesn’t yet offer formal training services, it will work to help keep training in progress by working with the dog’s owner, and does not cage animals unless it’s necessary for a dog’s own protection, Nolasco said, adding it is always done with an owner’s instructions and consent. 

Fetch offers three indoor play areas for dogs, featuring some play furniture and even some ‘downtime’ furniture such as a comfy chair.

Dogs who spend the day at Fetch also get outside every other hour to play in a large enclosed park-like area that features exercise equipment for the dogs to climb and jump over.

The owners plan to expand the outside playground next spring to include an agility course as exercise is a key element to any animal’s overall health, said Nolasco.

Canines attending daycare at Fetch can also get their grooming done. Tortora, a 2005 graduate of Bayport-Blue Point High School, is an experienced groomer who worked at Dog Days in Blue Point. The grooming services are a separate cost from daycare costs and grooming is available to non-daycare clients.

“It’s very convenient [for daycare users] to have the grooming available as it saves the client time,” he said. “Their dog has a fun day playing and also gets whatever grooming is needed.”

Both owners interact consistently with canine clients during the day and now after several months are very familiar with their four-legged clients and their personalities. 

“We get to know their personalities and what they like to play and who they would best get along with in one of the play areas,” said Nolasco.

Fetch, in conjunction with MLICATA Entertainment, is participating in WARM UP NY that helps collect winter clothing for needy residents. Fetch will be collecting donations of gloves between now and Dec. 15 to distribute to the homeless. Clients who donate will get 10 percent off their next Fetch service.

Fetch is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and by appointment on Sundays and there are overnight daycare services available. Rates  are $27 for a full day and $17 for half day which is five hours or less. For more information call 631.619.DOG1 (3641).