Photo courtesy of Molly's Dog Care
Logan Jackson is the general manager of Molly's Dog Care in Alexandria.
In a pet industry dominated by high-volume “big box” operations, Molly’s Dog Care on Mandeville Lane in Alexandria is doing things differently. For manager Logan Jackson, that approach didn’t emerge from a business plan—it was forged years earlier in a Siberian Husky rescue in Atlanta, Georgia.
By 13, Jackson was volunteering at a local rescue, drawn to the intelligence and intensity of the breed. He eventually adopted his first husky, Snow. After graduation, the rescue’s owners—who had become like family—hired him to help run the operation full-time, managing 10 to 15 rescue dogs alongside his own growing pack.
“It was immersion,” he said. “You learn behavior, pack dynamics, medical basics, logistics—all of it—very quickly.”
During that time, he adopted Echo, a husky who would permanently shape his path. Echo suffered from a severe seizure disorder requiring daily life-saving medications and frequent specialist visits. When Echo passed away in 2019, Jackson was left with a lingering thought: I wish I had known more. That regret became his motivation.
Photo courtesy of Molly's Dog Care
Molly's Dog Care General Manager Logan Jackson
Over the next several years, Jackson systematically explored nearly every corner of the pet industry: Grooming and training, daycare and boarding management, and even international pet travel at a CDC-designated dog import quarantine facility.
Structured Play
Today, that service background informs every aspect of the 4,000-square-foot Alexandria facility.
Every dog undergoes a temperament evaluation before being admitted and is grouped by size—small and large for now, with a medium group launching soon. While space limits further separation by temperament, the evaluation process ensures safety and compatibility. Supervision is proactive.
Playtime at Molly’s is structured but fun: Tennis ball sessions, bacon-scented (dog-safe) bubbles, and group activities designed to challenge dogs physically and socially.
Nutrition
Feeding practices reflect the same intentionality. Bringing a dog’s own food is encouraged and extremely common. Molly’s also provides complimentary lunch service and house food—currently Wag brand whole-grain salmon formula. Whole grain is chosen intentionally over grain-free options due to ongoing health concerns in the industry.
Grooming
Safety is a priority. Dogs are secured to grooming tables with the standard loop, but Molly’s adds a thick belly band around the midsection and groin. The band provides gentle pressure—like a swaddling sensation—while keeping dogs safe.
“It’s both comfort and safety,” Jackson explained. “It supports their back end and gives them that secure feeling.”
Transparency
Dog parents can check in on their pets using web cameras positioned at multiple angles; streams are limited to checked-in dogs to protect privacy.“The biggest thing that sets us apart isn’t just how we care for dogs,” Jackson said. “It’s how we care for people. Clients really appreciate the transparency.”
Building Community
Molly’s is more than a daycare. The facility partners with Lucky Dog Rescue, providing boarding for foster dogs awaiting permanent homes. It also hosts blood donation drives in collaboration with the North American Veterinary Blood Bank, connecting customers directly to life-saving veterinary resources.
“We aren’t just supervising playgroups,” Jackson said. “We’re building a place where dogs are cared for thoughtfully and owners feel informed and confident.”
Experience Molly’s for Yourself
For Alexandria dog owners looking for more than a drop-off service, Molly’s Dog Care offers an experience that combines expertise, safety and transparency in every detail. From personalized playgroups to professional grooming, it’s a place where dogs—and their humans—walk away happier.
Curious to see Molly's Dog Care in action? Schedule a visit or drop your dog off for a day of play—you might just see why Molly’s is quickly becoming the neighborhood hub for pets and the people who love them.
