Rules We Play By

Like any playground, we have a few rules to keep our fun safe.

• All dogs over 7-months-old must be spayed/neutered and current on all vaccinations, including Bordatella (kennel cough.) For more information and guidelines on vaccinating your pets, visit the American Animal Hospital Association’ family pet resources or consult with your veterinarian.
• Owners/parents must complete an application, provide proof of vaccinations and spay/neuter, and sign all paperwork before a dog can begin daycare.
• Professional Paws has the right and obligation to refuse or dismiss a dog from daycare in the best interest and safety of the other dogs and staff.
• While we are fanatical about cleanliness in our facility, we still recommend you use regular flea/tick preventive treatments.

New enrollees are evaluated for temperament and play style before being fully admitted to daycare. Unfortunately, not all dogs are suited for daycare; some don’t enjoy other dogs or may be fearful or aggressive. If we determine daycare is not the best option for your dog, we can explore alternatives with you, such as day boarding or dog walking services.

We group our dogs according to size, temperament, and play style. We monitor the dogs carefully from a position that fosters a positive relationship between each dog and staff member. At the same time we strive to reinforce good manners and extinguish inappropriate behaviors. Good manners, such as friendly play and sitting at entrances, are encouraged and rewarded. We reward with praise, ball tosses, and other positive interactions with the dog. We discourage bullying, jumping, attention-seeking behaviors (such as barking), and rough play. We respond to such behaviors by either ignoring it, giving the dog a verbal warning, or a brief time-out from play if necessary. Our staff members are trained to read canine body language and to anticipate potential problems. The arousal (excitement) level in each playgroup is constantly monitored and controlled.

You’re encouraged to bring special treats and/or a small portion of your dog’s food each day. Snack time – at mid-day before naps – helps replenish the extra calories he/she is burning during such active play.

Dogs must arrive by 9 a.m. to participate in morning play and by 3 p.m. to participate in afternoon play.

For Sunday afternoon playgroups (a.k.a. The Indoor Dog Park):

• Dogs over seven months of age must be spayed/neutered.
• At least one adult owner must accompany each dog for the duration of your playtime. Children must be 12 years old or older to attend.
• Dogs must be wearing regular flat collar; owners must show proof of rabies vaccine and sign a play waiver.
• Proper attire and shoes required for humans. No smoking, eating or drinking in the facility.
• Professional Paws has the right to refuse or dismiss any dog due to behavioral and/or health concerns in the interest of safety for the other dogs.

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