Dog Daycare In Bayside To Close, Citing COVID-Related Struggles

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — A longtime dog daycare in Bayside will groom its last Golden Retriever and train its last terrier as of next week.

Waggers Pet Care has operated a doggie daycare-slash-grooming facility on Bell Boulevard for over a decade, but the veterinary-owned business is closing its doors on March 7, citing the pandemic's impact on business.

"It’s with very heavy hearts we inform you that Waggers is closing," Waggers posted on Facebook. "Unfortunately, the COVID climate and other factors are forcing this really tough decision. We did all we could to try to remain viable for our community of pup-owners."

The daycare, however, is directing its clients from 42-33 Bell Boulevard to Best in Show Pet Resort, another pet care facility located nearby in the Long Island village of Mineola.

"We’ve partnered with a local dog services company, Best in Show, and they will be meeting the needs of many of our Waggers clients moving forward," Waggers said.

Neighbors — of the two- and four-legged varieties — were devastated to hear about the daycare's imminent closure.

"My Sparky has been going to you since he was a puppy. We will miss you so much," wrote one in response to the news.

Another sent Waggers a dozen donuts. "Thank you for taking such good care of us," they wrote on behalf of themselves and their dog.

The daycare responded accordingly with gratitude for its longtime customers.

"Thanks for sharing our passion for the pups that make our hearts go pitter-patter. Now, go play with your doggies and give them an extra tummy tickle from the Waggers Team! We’ll miss you," Waggers wrote.

Patch reached out to Waggers for comment, but did not immediately hear back from the facility.