Award-winning Care

Who We ARe

My Story

Over 30 years ago, right after I graduated from Syracuse University and moved to the big city of Boston to start my career in corporate America, I decided that I was ready, on my own, to fulfill my lifelong dream of having my very own black lab puppy.

Little did I know then, what WORK it would be to raise a puppy, especially while working full time in a big city! Bella, as she was aptly named, is the reason Wagging Tails is here today. She and I took the step together to start this venture.

In 1993, right after I took a leap of faith to follow my entrepreneurial spirit and I quit my corporate job, I was having a bit of a panic attack. I looked at Bella and said… “Well, there’s no turning back now. We’re in this together. What are we going to call our adventure?” Bella’s adorable little face looked up at me and she wagged her tail. And the rest is history…

Since that day, Wagging Tails has grown from being one of Connecticut’s very first professional pet sitting services, to add a fleet of mobile groom vans, to open 3 beautiful, clean, fun pet resorts all from one core belief and value: Pets are a very important part of the family. To many, pets are perhaps one of the most important members of a family. The entire team at Wagging Tails knows, agrees and understands, that it is up to each and every one of us, to love and to care for, each and every pet, as if he were their own.

Wagging Tails is not a franchise owned business. Wagging Tails and every service we offer, every policy we implement, has been created by me, and is operated by myself, my family, and our animal adoring team of trained, experienced “Wagologists”. When I started Wagging Tails, I was a single 20 something pet parent. Over the years, through many ups and downs, and while falling in love with thousands of animals, Wagging Tails has grown into an award winning vacation destination for Connecticut’s pets.

Through the years, I’ve had the pleasure of introducing my german shepherd adoring husband, a Firefighter/EMT, to the Wagging Tails family. His unusual work schedule isn’t your typical 9-5 job. Which made me realize that our services need to be available 7 days a week for those pet parents who also work various days and hours. Unlike other pet care services, Wagging Tails offers convenient hours for those who work from home, or travel on a variety of schedules. And we’re open 365 days a year. Pets need care every day of the year!

Our 2 teenage daughters are involved in every aspect of this family business. From a very young age they learned that pet care is more than just cuddling with cute animals. The down and dirty part of the job, and keeping those safe in our care, is a very big responsibility. They too understand the importance that pets are to our family – to all families. Our daughter Natalie is a Youth Handler in Dock Diving with her black lab, Lily. She is also student at a Vocational Agriculture High School here in Connecticut, expanding her animal care and handling education, while working hard to uphold the principles and values that Wagging Tails was founded on.

Over the past 30 years we have seen many changes in pet care. Pets that were once housed in the back yard, are now sleeping alongside of us in our beds. As they should be! 😊 They are considered a very important part of the family. At Wagging Tails, we’ve created spaces and activities that we want our very own pets to enjoy in our absence. Services that we are proud of and that we want to share with your pet. As part of the family, dogs should be able to go to the park with us, but most public parks don’t allow dogs. So, in 1999, we created Wagging Tails indoor/outdoor dog park. Connecticut’s first and only dog park of it’s kind.

Family activities and sports should include our dogs! So, in the Spring of 2018, at our Wolcott location, we added a 45′ saltwater pool and dock, for families to enjoy the sport of dock diving WITH their dogs. We welcome dogs of all ages, all breeds, all disciplines to come try this new growing sport of dock diving. We recognized that so many dogs all over New England LOVE the water. So, in the Fall of 2023, in order for dogs to be able to swim YEAR ROUND, we opened Connecticut’s FIRST and only indoor dock diving pool and facility.  With Swim Lessons, Dock Diving Try It Sessions, Pool Rentals and daily pool passes, dogs are able to swim to their hearts contect every day of the year in Connecticut. Plus, what’s a resort, without a pool?! Right! Here, dogs can swim all day, every day, while you’re away!

We’ve spent the last 30 years creating and implementing services to create a home away from home for your pets to enjoy. And we plan to spend the next 30 upholding those fantastic services and adding a few more unique, fun, educational activities so that every pet who enters our doors lives their very best life!

Wagging Tails has been dedicated to providing exceptional care to CT’s pets for over 30 years. We understand how much you love your pet. We understand how difficult it can be to leave them. That is why we offer BOTH options – caring for your pet in the comfort and security of your own home with our pet sitting service OR – caring for your pet at their home, away from home, at one of the 3 family owned and operated, Wagging Tails Pet Resort & Spaw in Connecticut.

While you’re away, we communicate with you daily on how your pet is doing. We send photos, videos, texts and updates daily. Rest assured, that your pets are in excellent, loving hands, every day, all day. We appreciate you placing your trust in Wagging Tails for their care. Know that we will love and care for them as you do, because to us, they’re family too.

Krista Cugno Lofquist

Owner & Top Dog

Our Pet Resort Locations

Take advantage of our award-winning pet care at one of our two locations in Connecticut.

(860) 621-7387 (PETS)

280 Hartford Ave
Newington, CT 06111

Monday-Sunday: 6:30am to 7pm

Early pick up & late drop off available upon request. Please note that hours are subject to change without notice.

(860) 621-7387 (PETS)

802 Boundline Road
Wolcott, CT 06716

Monday-Sunday: 6:30am to 7pm

Early pick up & late drop off available upon request. Please note that hours are subject to change without notice.

What Our Client's Have to Say

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Carol Courtney profile picture
Carol Courtney
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Ollie had a great full day here. He enjoyed meeting new friends and loving down time with staff. One happy tired pup!
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patty karlino
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My dog always has fun 🤩
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Susan Rocco
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It’s not a fulfilling trip home to CT for Ripp unless he gets to see his friends at Wagging Tails of Newington. 🐾 He came home completely exhausted, and the photos say it all. He had an amazing day! Between playtime inside and outside with his buddies, Woofle treats, and swimming, he really got to enjoy all his favorite things. The best part is having complete peace of mind knowing he’s happy, safe, and loved while he’s there. ❤️ Thank you, Wagging Tails of Newington - ♥ Ripp & Family
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Maria Carrero
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I love Wagging Tails for my Dallas he’s happy because he gets all the love from all the staff. The staffs are amazing and caring. The facility is very welcoming and friendly. This is a true gem. ❤️
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Peggy Louis
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My bully loves this place. He literally pulls me into the door while I am parking the car. Lol - the excitement is too much for him to contain. The staff are nice and knowledgeable.
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Christie Arena
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My dog gets so excited every time she goes there. They always have something going on and the staff is super friendly. Would recommend this place to anyone
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Renee Antaya
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What a wonderful place Wagging Tails is, for pets and their owners. The atmosphere is fun and cute, staff is top notch,and before you leave you can buy your pet a treat or buy a little gift. I highly recommend Wagging Tails for your pets care. A+++++🐾
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Suzanne Fogarty
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My fiancé and I have been amazed at the care and services provided for our dog, Everett. He’s been to daycare there many times and always comes home worn out and takes a good long nap. We just boarded him for a week for the first time ever and we really appreciated the daily report cards with photos. all of the staff there has been kind and professional. They frequently have said how sweet Everett is and how much they enjoy having him. I would highly recommend wagging tails!
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Victoria Brooks profile picture
Victoria Brooks
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Love Wagging Tails! They took such good care of my little Luna while we were away and sent daily updates with pictures. Thank you so much!!!