Dog day care center · Iowa City, IA · reviewed since 2012
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%94+51.3Reliability 24%93+22.5Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%42+3Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 91Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.91SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#15 of 64 pet boarding facilitiesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 78%
4.9★★★★★177 Google reviews · 24 photos
97%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Just Dogs PlayCare 4.9 out of 5 based on 177 reviews, with the owner responding to 82 percent of them. Customers frequently praise the staff's attentiveness, quick communication, and provision of enrichment activities, training, and boarding services. Many note that their dogs arrive excited and return happy, citing the facility's clean environment and reasonable pricing as key benefits. While most feedback is positive, one lower-rated review suggests the facility may not appeal to everyone, though specific operational criticisms are not detailed in the provided excerpts.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 177 reviews (97% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 177 Google reviews (132 with written comments, 9 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 82% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 18, 2026.
Service: Pet Boarding Facility serving Iowa City, Iowa.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet boarding facilities
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
Just Dogs PlayCarePet Boarding Facilities median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Just Dogs PlayCare: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
94
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Just Dogs PlayCare: 93/100 on this factor. Category median: 78.A
93
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Just Dogs PlayCare: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
99
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Just Dogs PlayCare: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Just Dogs PlayCare: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Just Dogs PlayCare: 42/100 on this factor. Category median: 42.C
42
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
177 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars17197%
4 stars21%
3 stars21%
2 stars11%
1 star11%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 132 written reviews
99%praise
Praise11899%
Complaints11%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price1158%
Reasonable842%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude5042%
Would recommend2218%
Quality & results1412%
Honesty & trust1311%
Speed & response98%
Price & value98%
Communication22%
What customers talk about
We read 132 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The staff is caring, courteous, and always focused on the best quality care and love for all the dogs they care for.”
“We could not be more pleased and would definitely recommend them for a great socialization experience for your dog and for providing care when you are away.”
“If your dogs are members of your family then there is no place else that can match Carol’s attention to detail and support.”
“Carol and Brad and their staff genuinely care about each of the dogs and will notice if something seems wrong.”
“They respond quickly to emails and are very accommodating to my dog's needs.”
“For the service and more important, the piece of mind we have found, their prices are quite reasonable.”
“Very easy to work with the staff and make reservations.”
People customers mention
Brad16 reviews
Carol11 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Just Dogs PlayCare for 7 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
JanLocal Guide · 11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a month ago★★★★★
We are long time clients and really appreciate the services provided by Just Dogs PlayCare. It's great having a place our dog enjoys and receives excellent care. Highly recommend.
Reasonable priceDog boardingDog bathing and blow dryDog daycare
Ellen5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a month ago★★★★★
Our dog Monet has been attending Just dogs for nearly 7 years. She is so excited every time we arrive including when she attends daycare a few days after boarding. Carol and Brad and their staff genuinely care about each of the dogs and will notice if something seems wrong. Monet loves all of the human attention…
Great priceDog boarding with trainingDog walkingDog boarding+ Value
Sally1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Our Chihuahua loves going to Just Dogs. He's always excited to arrive. Carol, Brad and their staff take very good care of him and they engage his brain with enrichment activities.
Great priceDog daycare
Heather2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Just Dogs is an incredibly welcoming environment! They respond quickly to emails and are very accommodating to my dog's needs. Every week, my puppy is so excited to go see his friends. I have absolute confidence that he is being well looked after.
Great priceDog daycare
Michele3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a month ago★★★★★
We adopted a rescue puppy and found Just Dogs! Piper is a better happy dog because of the great program, training and the wonderful staff! Piper is growing up with support, daycare, boarding if needed and individual training sessions and follow up videos provided to us to help us learn and practice at home!…
Great priceDog boardingDog daycareDog training
Pamela7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a month ago★★★★★
Winston and Sydney Grace LOVE DOGGIE DAY CARE with Carol, Brad and their WONDERFUL fur baby care givers🐩. Each and every care giver at Just Dogs are EXCEPTIONAL ♥️. Winston is also in training with Carol twice a week and he is making GREAT progress! Carol is the BEST TRAINER around☀️🐩♥️
Thank you, for ALL you do to LOVE our Poodles🐩🥰❤️
Pam Nelson
We are long time clients and really appreciate the services provided by Just Dogs PlayCare. It's great having a place our dog enjoys and receives excellent care. Highly recommend.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding, Dog bathing and blow dry, Dog daycare, Dog nail trimming
Response from the owner · 4 years ago
We appreciate you taking the time to rate us! Thank you so much for your continued support!
Ellen Link5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ellen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our dog Monet has been attending Just dogs for nearly 7 years. She is so excited every time we arrive including when she attends daycare a few days after boarding. Carol and Brad and their staff genuinely care about each of the dogs and will notice if something seems wrong. Monet loves all of the human attention during enrichment as well as the dog interaction. We feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to board her in a facility with such good care and attention to deal. We just can’t say enough positive things about our experience with Just Dogs.
Price assessment: Great price
Positive: Value
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog walking, Dog boarding, Dog bathing and blow dry, Dog daycare, Dog training
Response from the owner · 6 years ago
Hi Ellen! We’re so glad to hear Monet enjoys visits to JDPC as much as we love seeing her! It's so fun to see all the tricks she knows! Thank you for your continued support!
Sally McCormick1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Sally has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our Chihuahua loves going to Just Dogs. He's always excited to arrive. Carol, Brad and their staff take very good care of him and they engage his brain with enrichment activities.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog daycare
Response from the owner · a month ago
Hi Sally! Thank you so much for your kind words and your continued support!
Heather Wacha2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Heather has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Just Dogs is an incredibly welcoming environment! They respond quickly to emails and are very accommodating to my dog's needs. Every week, my puppy is so excited to go see his friends. I have absolute confidence that he is being well looked after.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog daycare
Response from the owner · a month ago
Hi Heather! Thank you for trusting us with your pup! We love getting to spend time with him! Your support means the world to us.
Michele Jones-McLeod3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michele has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We adopted a rescue puppy and found Just Dogs! Piper is a better happy dog because of the great program, training and the wonderful staff! Piper is growing up with support, daycare, boarding if needed and individual training sessions and follow up videos provided to us to help us learn and practice at home! Piper has also participated in Reiki therapy with Carol and is becoming a very balanced 2 year old!
Just Dogs offers everything our dog needs to to have a wonderful life!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding, Dog daycare, Dog training, Dog nail trimming, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 11 months ago
Hi Michele! Thank you for your kind review! We love what we do and are so happy to hear it does not go unnoticed by our amazing customers! We appreciate your continued support!
Pamela Mulder Nelson7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Pamela has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Winston and Sydney Grace LOVE DOGGIE DAY CARE with Carol, Brad and their WONDERFUL fur baby care givers🐩. Each and every care giver at Just Dogs are EXCEPTIONAL ♥️. Winston is also in training with Carol twice a week and he is making GREAT progress! Carol is the BEST TRAINER around☀️🐩♥️
Thank you, for ALL you do to LOVE our Poodles🐩🥰❤️
Pam Nelson
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
We appreciate you taking the time to rate us, Pam! Thank you for your continued support!
M MaxLocal Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews M has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Just Dogs Play Care is amazing! I first found Just dogs when my very shy 9 month old puppy needed to learn to socialize with other dogs. He is now 18 months old and has blossomed and gained confidence with the help of Carol, Brad, and the staff. I also signed him up for Dog University. I love the benefits of the program including learning cooperation as well as socialization with other dogs, I receive a monthly report card of all that he’s learning as well as pictures and videos of his days. Carol, Brad and the staff are wonderful, very interactive with my dog and each one individually. They go above and beyond every day and care so much about all the dogs in their care. I’ve seen so many positive changes in my dog’s behavior since he started attending Just Dogs Play Care. Recently they offered a few additional classes and I signed my dog up for Trick Training, a 4 week class. Each week I received a video of Carol and another dog trainer working with my dog one on one. I also received a written report card and a packet of step by step instructions so that I could continue working with my dog at home. It was an excellent experience! There were 3 other classes offered as well. I am so glad to have found Just Dogs Play Care! It has been the best experience for my dog and for me. I very highly recommend Just Dogs Play Care!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog grooming, Dog daycare, Dog training, Dog nail trimming
Response from the owner · a year ago
All of us at JDPC can’t thank you enough for your thoughtful words. We feel so fortunate to have gotten to know your boy…what a sweetie! We appreciate you trusting us with him and taking the time to share!
Susan GroffVanArendonk6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Susan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Cooper, who just turned 5, began going to Just Dogs as a three month old puppy. He has been enrolled in training classes, received grooming services, stayed at Camp Sunny, and is a member of Dog University. The staff is caring, courteous, and always focused on the best quality care and love for all the dogs they care for. They respond quickly to any questions and requests I have. Their reports about Cooper’s enrichment class experience are always clear with clever insights which make them more personable. They have an important place in our family. We don’t know what we would do without them.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog grooming, Dog boarding, Dog bathing and blow dry, Dog daycare, Dog training, Dog nail trimming
Response from the owner · a month ago
All of us at JDPC can’t thank you enough for your thoughtful words. We feel so fortunate to have gotten to know Cooper…what a sweetie! We appreciate you taking the time to share!
Carol Everett1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Carol has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Misty LOVES going to daycare!! She sees all her friends & loves all the activities!! I love that there are always pictures of what she's been doing! They have a well trained staff who are all very good with the dogs & very friendly with customers!! I recommend JDPC highly!!!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog daycare
Response from the owner · a month ago
Hi Carol! Thank you for trusting us with Misty! We love getting to spend so much time with her! Your support means the world to us.
Erik Melloy1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Erik has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The owners and employees truly take the time to get to know your dog and treat him or her like their own! Your dog is in good hands at Just Dogs Play Care!
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you so much, Erik, for taking the time to share your feelings about Just Dogs PlayCare! We feel so lucky to be able to care for so many great dogs every day!
