FAQ
How does daycare benefit my dog?
The two main benefits of attending daycare are exercise and socialization.
Exercise is paramount for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. Having a fun and safe place to burn off energy ensures that dogs are less likely to suffer from common ailments such as weight and mobility issues, overeating, poor digestion, and compromised immunity. Alleviating separation anxiety and loneliness are great mental health benefits of daycare, and dogs are more likely to sleep well and suffer fewer symptoms of stress after a day of play.
Socialization is an extremely important part of any dog’s life. Dogs are extroverted pack animals, and most crave the comradery of a group setting. Daycare is great for puppies too since they can learn and be “shown the ropes” by elder dogs.
How does dog daycare benefit me?
How do I know if daycare is appropriate for my dog?
Are there any breed restrictions at Jax Dog Drop?
Which vaccines are required and why?
1.) DHPP – a standard core vaccine recommended to all dogs to prevent distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and leptospirosis
2.) Rabies – a standard core vaccine recommended to all dogs to prevent rabies
3.) Bordetella – a standard noncore vaccine recommended to dogs who are frequently in contact with other dogs to prevent kennel cough
4.) K9 Influenza (recommended) – canine influenza vaccines are killed vaccines, which means they contain inactive (killed) canine influenza virus. The killed influenza viruses found in the vaccine stimulate a dog’s immune system to create antibodies against dog flu without causing disease.
Why are fecal exams required?
Is spaying or neutering a requirement?
Other health requirements?
What is a temperament test/trial day?
A temperament test or trial day is how we determine if dog daycare is a good fit for your dog. We will meet you and your dog, confer your dog’s history and behaviors, and introduce your dog to the pack. This first session lasts 2-4 hours long (owner does not stay) in order to give the dog enough time to acclimate to the new environment and so handlers can observe how well your dog interacts with the group.
A temperament test or trial day has four possible outcomes:
1.) Pass – the dog is able to attend daycare in any capacity
2.) Pass with restrictions – the dog is able to attend daycare, but with limitations. For example, we may recommend that you bring lunch for your dog, or we may recommend that your dog only attends half-days instead of full days
3.) Recommend another test/trial – this is most common for dogs who are overly shy or who may need a little more time to open up, but did not necessarily exhibit behaviors that would result in their not passing
4.) No pass – the dog is too uncomfortable or aggressive or otherwise does not fit in well with dog daycare. Dogs who do not pass the trial for daycare may still want to consider our CCD program in Issaquah which gives those dogs more individualized attention and less pack environment commotion
What do the dogs do while they are at daycare?
Mainly, the dogs have fun playing in the pack while our experienced handlers supervise. There are large open areas, play structures, dog houses, and sometimes agility equipment for the dogs. We also have pools and water toys for them in the summer and events for them in the fall/winter – like Halloween Costume Contest or Pictures with Santa. Dogs may also play or cuddle with handlers, take naps, eat meals, watch movies, and/or explore fenced-in outdoors areas.
How are dogs separated in the play areas?
What if my dog does not like to play with other dogs?
Some dogs, especially very small ones, are not very interested in traditional play, but still benefit greatly from daycare. Regular exposure to other dogs helps socialization and promotes good behaviors even if the dogs are not necessarily playing with each other.