Durham, NC Dog Day Care Center Guide
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VCA Parkway Animal Hospital

Updated 2026-07-20 · 1,089 reviewed · 117 listed · Scored from 90 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.8(90) 84 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified
Daycare & BoardingGrooming ServicesVeterinarianDog WalkerPet Sitter
VCA Parkway Animal Hospital
Services
Daycare & Boarding, Grooming Services, Veterinarian
Reviews
90

What recent reviews say

Patients and their owners describe a practice where Dr. Catherine Smith and her team deliver careful, unhurried exams and genuinely attentive follow-up. Dogs and cats nervous about vet visits visibly relax when the staff greets them, and owners traveling from Sanford and Durham say they trust this office enough to board their pets there multiple times.

The grooming service under Debbie earns consistent praise for technique and care. The main friction point is cost: pricing sits high for the market, and one recent review flagged aggressive insurance upselling that soured an otherwise positive visit. A few owners note the feel is corporate rather than intimate, though kindness and professionalism shine through regardless.

Praised for
  • compassionate, attentive vet and staff
  • thorough exams and clear communication
  • patient with anxious or difficult pets
  • follow-up care and check-ins
  • grooming quality and named staff
Watch-outs
  • insurance sales-first approach over pet care
  • expensive pricing
  • corporate feel rather than personal
attentive-stafffriendly-staffresponsive-communicationdogs-happy-to-returnoverpriced
Best for: Owners of anxious or medically complex pets who value attentive, thorough care over cost.
Think twice if: Budget-conscious owners should note pricing runs high, and at least one client felt insurance was pushed before medical care.

Strengths

  • Dr. Smith's attentive, unhurried exams and genuine care
  • staff that calms anxious pets and builds trust
  • strong follow-up communication and boarding updates
  • Debbie's grooming skill and consistency

Worth knowing

  • Dr. Catherine Smith named as primary veterinarian
  • Groomer named Debbie praised for technique and consistency
  • Staff includes Sophie and Indi, noted for customer service
  • Care Club plan mentioned as making costs easier
  • Boarding includes follow-up updates and communication

What reviews say by service

Veterinarian
Dr. Smith's exams earn praise for thoroughness, patience with anxious pets, and clear explanation of options.
Grooming Services
Debbie's grooming work is consistently praised; clients specifically request her and report excellent results.
Daycare & Boarding
Multiple owners board here multiple times, citing good communication, pet happiness, and staff enthusiasm.
Pet Sitter
Staff proactively reach out after visits to check on pets and offer support.
Dog Walker
No clear evidence in reviews.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.8 against a 4.74 average across the 88 daycare & boarding businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 64% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

How We Rank
Star rating 86
Review volume 85
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 67
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
84
4
1
3
0
2
1
1
4

Contact

Address
1610 Old Apex Rd, Cary, NC 27513
Open in Google Maps

Last verified 2026-07-20

Opening hours

Monday
07:30-17:30
Tuesday
07:30-17:30
Wednesday
07:30-17:30
Thursday
07:30-17:30
Friday
07:30-17:30
Saturday
08:00-13:00
Sunday
Closed

As listed on Google.

From their website

Services listed
Advanced CareCold Laser TherapyDermatologyDigital RadiologyLaser SurgeryOphthalmologySoft Tissue SurgeryTonopen

As published by the business on its own website; not independently verified.

Find more in this area

Research Triangle Park Area

Enquire about VCA Parkway Animal Hospital

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Common questions

Do you offer boarding?
Yes. They provide climate-controlled boarding and send updates while your pet stays.
Can you board anxious dogs?
Yes. Multiple owners with anxious pets report their dogs relax when the staff greets them and do well in boarding.
Who is the main veterinarian?
Dr. Catherine Smith leads the practice and is named in nearly all positive reviews for thorough exams and patience with nervous pets.

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Last updated 2026-07-20