What is a basic day at daycare like?

The dogs arrive at the facility 7 am – 10 am and join their groups for play.  From 11 am to 1 pm our store closes and we have nap time, in which the dogs settle down and rest before afternoon play.  If dogs require midday feedings, they are separated and fed at this time.  The dogs play again in the afternoon, usually with slightly less energy.  We begin to settle the playgroups down around 4 pm and get everyone ready to go home.  Parents usually arrive between 5 and 6 pm for pickups.  If dogs are taxied home, they are usually taken between 6 and 8 pm.  (Personall services such as grooming will be provided for the dogs who require those services throughout the day, either in the morning or the afternoon.)

 

What can daycare do for my dog?

A well-run daycare provides all dogs with a healthy and stimulating socialized environment.  Puppies or other high energy dogs will benefit from the extended playtime that daycare provides.  Dogs with slightly less socialization skills will benefit from the safe and pleasant environment of the daycare.  Dogs will learn communication skills and most importantly, how to better interact with each other in a supervised environment.  They will also benefit from the exposure to new dogs and people, becoming a more well-adjusted and well-rounded animal.  Exposure to a properly run daycare should make every dog a more appropriate partner for their human companion, inside and outside of the home.

 

Is there an application process?

There is an application process to ensure that the health and safety of all animals and staff are well protected.  There will be an initial interview (over the phone or in our office) where we can provide you with additional information on our services and the enrollment and application forms.  You will need to fill out and return the application as well as pay a non-refundable application fee.  In addition, we require documentation that all dogs are current on vaccinations, and all dogs that are over 6 months of age are spayed or neutered.  After we receive and review this information, we will schedule a trial day, in which your dog will be left with us for 4-5 hours and we will assess him/her for daycare suitability.  At the end of a successful trial day, you will be able to schedule regular daycare attendance at any time.  

 

Are all kinds of dogs allowed in daycare?

We do not have size or breed-related constraints at this time.  The dogs are monitored closely and divided into groups that suit their size and play type, which prevents many problems during play.  If specific breeds have a tendency to become more aroused (or excited) during play, their temperament will be noted during the trial day and possibly declined for daycare attendance.

 

What do you do when dogs fight?

A common misconception is that daycare staff members are present to intervene when a fight begins.  In reality, we are present to intervene and redirect inappropriate behavior before a fight occurs.  There are multiple signs that a dog uses to communicate its discomfort before getting to the point of fighting, and we are trained to pay attention to all these smaller nuances of communication.  If a fight does occur, we will quickly intervene and break up the fight by the safest and most reasonable manner possible.

 

Where do the dogs use the bathroom?

There are indoor potty stations where the dogs may relieve themselves.  

 

How many dogs attend daycare at once?

There are spatial requirements for dogs which depend on size and play type.  In our current establishment, we will allow up to 20 dogs per day.  However, your dog may not interact with all of the other dogs, depending on their play type and play groups.

 

Do the dogs really nap at nap time?

Surprisingly, the dogs do a great job of laying down for nap time.  We create a calming environment where dim lighting and soft music is used to calm the daycare attendees.  The doors are also closed at nap time, cutting down on foot traffic, which helps to keep the dogs calm and quite.  Usually, they are settled down and resting within minutes.

 

Do the dogs eat at daycare?

We typically discourage the dogs being fed at daycare, since they must be separated and fed apart from the other dogs.  Food is a resource that makes many dogs aggressive and we try and avoid any actions that would have this outcome.  If your dog does require a meal during the day, we can administer that meal.  We encourage you to bring your own food, as a change in diet can cause vomiting or diarrhea.

 

Should I bring toys or a bed for my dog?

Often, dogs share a special bond with their favorite toys or sleeping areas which may make them more possessive over these items.  We have plenty of toys, beds, and places to nap, and therefore discourage bringing in outside items.  There is also a possibility that your individual items may get torn or destroyed by another daycare attendee during play.

 

May my dog and I visit without an appointment?

Because of our priorities of maintaining a healthy and safe environment for both dogs and staff, your dog cannot visit the facility before the application process is complete.  However, we welcome the human parents of their dogs to visit and tour the facility during any of our normal office hours.  We are always happy to speak with you and answer any individual questions you may have.