Policies

Health requirements

Puppies will need to have been in your home at least 14 days before starting the program. This will allow them to adjust to their new home and to see if any communicable diseases show up.

They will need an exam and negative fecal done by your veterinarian at least 7 days before starting.

 

Vaccinations

  • At least 1 DHPP (distemper/parvo)

  • Bordatella (kennel cough)

  • 12+ weeks needs rabies

  • Flea and tick control

(if fleas or ticks are seen on your pet, we will apply a topical product at your expense unless you can show proof of having used a product)

 

Sick Policy

Please keep your puppy home if he is showing any of the following signs:

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Sneezing with green nasal discharge

  • Coughing

We like to share, but not sickness.

There will be no refunds for illness or injury unless your puppy will be out for an extended period. If this does happen, we will require a note from your doctor explaining what the condition is and when it will be safe for him to come back.

 

Reservations/Cancellations

Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance.

Cancellation is required at least 48 hours in advance of an appointment. If less than 48 hours, the appointment is non-refundable/non-transferable.

 

DAYCARE FAQ'S

Why our format?

We have learned that one size does not fit all when it comes to dog daycare. Dogs can get overly tired and overly stimulated by playing all day without adequate rest. Dogs can also become bored from the same routine. Our format ensures your dog gets plenty of rest as well as excellent quality of play. Your pet will still get playtime with other dogs, but we'll add some special small group activities and more one on one attention with the staff so that every day is a unique and fun day tailored specifically for your pet.

Will my dog still go home tired?

Absolutely! Your dog will go home tired but not so exhausted he can't eat dinner or interact with the family. We are striving for quality play sessions balanced with adequate rest so your dog doesn't get injuries from over exercising.

What kinds of activities will my dog do?

That really depends on what your dog likes! We will conduct a through assessment to find out what your dog really loves and then we'll rotate those activities into your dog's daily stay here. We have a wide range of activities including fetch, massage, nosework, agility, tug time, bubble time, and other fun activities that we think your dog would enjoy.

Will my dog have to stay in a crate or dog run?

When it's time to take a nap your dog will be provided with a quiet place to rest. Normally this will be a comfortable crate with bedding, water, and a stuffed kong treat for your dog. Once he's done with his kong, your dog will take a much-needed break before his next activity. We think this down time is vital to healthy dogs and helps your dog get used to learning how to relax during the day. Your dog will also have down time right before going home to allow him to be calmer & more settled when he gets home.

Why exhaustion is not the only measure of a successful play session

You want a tired dog after a day of play with their buddies. We understand your goal and will help you tire out your best friend while also monitoring the overall safety and health of your dog. It's important that exhaustion is not our only measure of success when you bring your dog for a play session. Our approach to your dog's day in off-leash play is to balance physical exercise, mental activities, and rest periods. All three are equally important components to keeping your dog safe and healthy when socializing with other dogs. 

Physical exercise is the most obvious benefit of off-leash play, and it's what most pet parents think about when they drop their dog off to play. But for your dog's health, we also consider it important to provide mental stimulation, which allows your dog to think and use his brain during the day. Mental work is tiring for your dog while building their confidence and self-control. And naturally, after all the physical and mental work, dogs need rest. This is why we include formal rest periods as an important component of our health and safety program for your pet. Dogs that get overly tired are less tolerant and more grumpy (just like kids) which increases the risk of injury.

Research studies report that dogs need 12-18 hours of sleep per day. Dogs that require amounts on the higher end ofo the scale include:

  • Puppies

  • Senior dogs

  • Giant and large breed dogs

  • Dogs in active households or with extreme exercise routines

  • Dogs that attend dog daycare multiple days per week or are staying away from home for long periods of time.

  • Dogs participating in sports like agility, fly ball or rally-o

Sleep habits of dogs also differ from humans. Napping on and off during the day is a normal pattern for all dogs studied. Formal rest periods are offered during play visits to mirror this normal pattern and to allow dogs to reach deeper sleep levels. Providing a private, quiet area for rest periods allow dogs to reach the restful deep sleep levels they need to stay healthy and happy.

Dogs may take natural breaks during play groups, but it is the rare dogs that will relax and enter a deep sleep. Most dogs napping in the play group are in light sleep, but very alert so they can jump up whenever something exciting happens. They do not reach the restful sleep stages needed to keep their brain healthy. Nineteenth century sleep deprivation studies performed on dogs confirmed degenerative changes in their brains resulted from lack of rest.

We include formal rest periods as a part of our play sessions to help ensure the long-term health and mental well being of your dog. Your happy and healthy dog is the most important measure of our success.