Rex

Puppy Rejected by PetSmart Finds a Fresh Start at Hounds Town Fort Lauderdale

August 06, 20252 min read

Puppy Rejected by PetSmart Finds a Fresh Start at Hounds Town Fort Lauderdale

At Hounds Town Fort Lauderdale, we believe all dogs deserve the chance to play, socialize, and be part of a pack. This is true regardless of breed. So when a 5-month-old puppy named Rex was turned away from another facility because he looked like a pit bull, we were ready to welcome him with open arms (and lots of tail wags).

A Rough Start at PetSmart

Rex's owner had brought him to her local PetSmart hoping to enroll him in doggie daycare. While they allowed him to board overnight, he wasn't allowed to interact with other dogs because of his breed. Understandably upset, she left and searched for a more welcoming environment. That same day, she found Hounds Town Fort Lauderdale and booked a free evaluation.

Our staff evaluated Rex and immediately placed him with a group of dogs where he could safely play and socialize. Just like any other happy puppy.

Why We Don't Breed Discriminate

Many pet care facilities turn away dogs based on appearance or breed labels. At Hounds Town, we do things differently. Every dog is assessed based on behavior and temperament, not breed or background. We use a proven, soft-science approach to match dogs with compatible playgroups. This makes sure everyone stays safe and has fun.

Our founder, Mike Gould, is a former canine handler for both the NYPD and Nassau County. He built Hounds Town's interactive model based on over 35 years of dog training and behavior experience. His philosophy is simple: Dogs are dogs, not labels.

We welcome pit bulls, rottweilers, senior dogs, disabled dogs, and any other dog that passes our no-cost temperament evaluation. If your dog is social and friendly, we're happy to have them.

Rex is Now Doing Great

Today, Rex is a regular in our interactive daycare program and enjoys every minute of it. His story is a reminder of why acceptance and compassion matter in pet care. It's also why so many families are choosing Hounds Town Fort Lauderdale for their dogs.

Ready to Give Your Dog a Better Daycare Experience?

Want to see if your pup would love our welcoming environment? Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation and learn more about our services. We'd love to meet your furry family member!

📍 Visit us on Google to check out our reviews, photos, and location info — and don't forget to leave a paw-positive review!

Back to Blog