FRIENDLY FACES: “All our employees love the dogs. Their love and support for the dogs is their highest priority. We have a truly dedicated and loyal staff,” says Carole Lini, founder and owner of All Good Dogs Daycare & Boarding. Shown are daycare counselors and attendants Lexi Corrington (standing), holding chihuahua B.B., and Carly Goldman on the sofa with mixed breed Snickers.

By Jean Stratton 

From the time she was a little girl, Carole Lini loved animals. Growing up with dogs and cats, she spent many hours playing with her four-footed friends.

As the years passed, the pleasures of being with animals and caring for them continued. She became a veterinarian technician, and then operated her own pet sitting business. And for more than 20 years, her mission has been to provide dogs with a safe, friendly, and comfortable “home away from home.”

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, All Good Dogs Daycare & Boarding has established an outstanding reputation in the Princeton area and beyond. Founded and owned by Lini, the business has two locations:  160 Basin Road in Lawrence Township and a smaller boutique facility at 113 Schalks Crossing Road in South Brunswick. Both locations are just a 10-minute drive from Princeton, points out Lini.

These cage-free kennel alternatives offer dogs a safe, friendly, stimulating, clean, and comfortable environment in which to socialize with other dogs under the supervision of trained counselors.

Cage-Free Concept

“We are really pioneers of this concept in our area, especially the concept of cage-free boarding,” explains Lini. “We are open 365 days a year, and 24/7 at the Basin Road site. There is always a staff member here when dogs are boarding overnight. We are the only daycare facility in the area that provides 24/hour supervised service.”

Due to the coronavirus, both locations were closed in March. The Lawrence Township facility reopened the end of June, and Schalks Crossing is expected to reopen in September.

Both facilities offer happy settings for the dogs, who are all ages, sizes, and breeds. “We pride ourselves on giving the dogs the best environment and experience, and our facility is spotlessly clean,” says Lini

This was always the case, even before the advent of COVID-19, she points out. “We always emphasized cleanliness, but now with COVID, we are taking even greater sanitation precautions. We follow all the state rules, including wearing masks and social distancing. If owners opt for curbside pick-up and drop-off, we’ll come right out and get the dog. If they prefer to come inside, we ask that just one person at a time comes in. We also offer transportation to and from home.”

During this time of the virus, many dogs have been adopted, she notes, and now when some people are returning to work out of the house, these dogs may suffer separation anxiety if left alone.

“Those preparing to return to the office may want to restart daycare now to avoid problems,” says Lini. “Allowing the dog to have socialization, exercise, and playtime with other dogs is a big benefit. We can provide  exercise levels beyond just a walk or play with their owner. Also, our daycare services offer the ideal opportunity to socialize your new puppy in a safe environment. It is best to start the socialization process early.”

Free Evaluation

Prospective clients receive a two-hour free evaluation,” she reports. “This will include the dog’s personality and temperament. The dog must be comfortable with other dogs and not display aggressive behavior.”

In addition, all dogs must be spayed or neutered, have up-to-date vaccinations and rabies shots, and monthly flea and tick treatment.

All Good Dogs’ clients span the canine spectrum, she adds, and they are grouped according to age, size, temperament, and activity level.

Some dogs prefer to stay outside a good part of the day; others enjoy a well-deserved nap inside. “We usually rotate them in and out, so they have the opportunity to play outside and inside,” says Lini.

The especially large (5,000 square feet) Lawrence facility offers abundant space inside and outside for the dogs to enjoy themselves. In addition to the very large outdoor yards in a park-like setting with fun play sets, there are indoor play areas, and feeding, sleeping, and grooming areas.

Generally, clients bring their dog’s own food, but All Good Dogs will provide food, if clients wish. In addition, the staff will give medications if necessary. The daycare center works with the Robbinsville Veterinary Clinic, but customers can also provide the name of their own vet.

Comfort Level

Most dogs come for a full day, but half-day sessions are also available. In addition, hours can also be adjusted to clients’ needs.

For dogs who stay overnight, a staff member is always on hand, which gives owners an added comfort level. “This really sets us apart,” points out Lini. “Overnight staff is not the case in most boarding facilities.”

Professional grooming is another important service at All Good Dogs, and bath, clipping, ear cleaning, and nail trimming are all available.

Prices for the services vary depending on length of stay, and special multi-dog discounts are offered, as well as military and senior discounts. In addition, special 10 and 20-coupon book savings are available.

All Good Dogs has recently partnered with Southern Comfort Animal Rescue, an organization that brings dogs from the south to people willing to adopt them.

“When we were closed, I reached out to them because I have the space upstairs to keep the dogs until they go to their new homes. They are all pre-adopted, and their new owners can meet them at Rosedale Mills, which is also involved with this program, explains Lini. “They just recently brought up 30 dogs, and the majority are puppies.

“If you are interested in learning more about this and perhaps adopting a new dog, visit their website at socorescue.com to see available animals. And remember, once you adopt your new dog, All Good Dogs is the perfect choice for a safe environment for the pup to play and make new friends.”

Special Attention

Lini is delighted that she has been able to reopen and that many long-time clients are coming back. They have been very supportive over the years, she reports, noting that they always appreciate the special attention and personal care All Good Dogs offers, and the warm, friendly atmosphere.

“We are an independent small business, not a franchise, and our customers like this small ‘homegrown’ feeling we have. Their pets mean everything to them,” she emphasizes, “and many people have been so generous to us over the years.

“When we were first starting out, the late author Peter Benchley gave us a $5,000 check because he admired what we were doing. And during the time we were closed, a current customer ‘parent’ of our canine client Miso gave us a very generous donation.”

In addition to its daycare services, All Good Dogs offers in-home pet sitting for dogs and cats for animals who prefer their home environment: Whisker Watchers for dogs, and Mrs. Paws for cats. All pet sitters are bonded and insured.

No two days are the same at All Good Dogs, and although she has seen many changes and new situations, Lini is never surprised at the depth of feeling and attachment owners have for their pets. Special requests are not unusual.

“As an in-home pet sitter, I was asked to sing a special song to a cat!” she remembers. She happily complied, as she is always eager to do all she can to create a congenial environment for every pet. During overnight stays, she will provide information and personal updates to the pet owners, and as she reports, “Some owners love their dogs so much that they will even call and ask to speak to the dog.”

New Adventure

Carole Lini is proud that All Good Dogs has filled an important need, which continues to increase. “Every day is a new adventure. When you think you know it all, something new happens. We are always open to new experiences, and we can learn something from these great dogs all the time.

“This is a labor of love for me, but it is hard work, 365 days a year. What I enjoy most are the dogs — their unconditional love is irreplaceable. I am so glad I have been able to provide great quality cage-free care for them all these years. They are such a major part of our lives.

“It couldn’t happen without our wonderful staff and their dedication to the dogs and the devoted ‘pet parents.’ It really does take a village, with team players by your side at all times.

“Also, everyone should follow their dream, even when people tell you that you can’t do it, that it can’t happen. It takes hard work, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but if you believe, it will happen!”

All Good Dogs is open Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (609) 587-3535. Website: www.allgooddogscagefree.com.