Your Dog's First Day at PAWS
We welcome only one new dog per day — so your pup gets personal attention, a smooth introduction to the pack, and the best possible start. Most dogs settle in within 10 minutes and come home happy and tired.
Getting Ready
Vaccinations
All dogs attending daycare must have the CORE vaccines (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), Rabies and Bordetella (aka kennel cough). Puppies must have at least 2 sets of shots or a letter from a vet stating they are approved for doggy daycare.
Spay & Neuter
Dogs older than 1 year old must be spayed or neutered.
Safety Concerns
We specialize in socializing dogs with behavioral issues but are only able to accept a limited number of cases at any given time. Safety is our #1 priority. If you have any concerns about your dog's behavior, please call us directly at (403) 984-9247 first. Free Intro Day is not available for dogs with behavioral concerns.
Sign Up For An Account
Before we can book your Intro Day, we'll need your information. Please visit our online portal and complete your registration.
Schedule Your First Day
After we receive your registration and verify the info, we'll contact you to schedule your Intro Day. Please note that we have a waitlist of 1-2 weeks for new intakes.
All Set — What's Next?
We look forward to meeting you and your pup. Read on for arrival procedures, general guidelines, and everything you need to know before your first day.
Arrival Day
Arrival Time
To help your dog settle in confidently, we recommend arriving between 7:30am and 8:00am on the first day. Coming early means your dog gets familiar with their new environment before the day is in full swing — giving them the best chance to bond with the pack right away.
The earlier you arrive, the more personal attention your dog receives from our pack leaders — each one trained to our standards — before the rest of the group joins in.
Potty Break Before You Enter
We encourage you to give your dog a quick potty break before entering the building. A comfortable dog is a confident dog — and it helps us keep the environment fresh and welcoming for everyone.
Keep Your Pooch on Leash
As a safety precaution, we ask that you bring your dog's leash with you when dropping them off for daycare and leave it attached until our staff removes it. This is especially important if your dog is particularly excited to come play with us, as it can be unsafe to allow them to charge into the pen. We may need to bring your dog into the pen on leash to ensure proper safety and control, especially if there are dogs working on their socialization skills.
Label Their Belongings
To help us keep track of your dog's belongings, we ask that you label them clearly. This is especially important for items like leashes and lunch containers that may be similar to others. You can use tags or colorful ribbons to make them distinctive and easy to identify.
Drop-off: 7:00 – 10:00 AM
The drop-off time for daycare is from 7:00am to 10:00am, with the best time being between 7:30am and 8:00am on your first day. This allows us to establish a strong bond between all of the dogs and ensure that they all get a walk.
Our doors will be locked from 10:00am to 4:00pm. If you need access during this time, please call us at (403) 984-9247.
Pickup time typically starts at 3:30pm/4:00pm and ends at 7:00pm. Any dogs picked up after 7:00pm will be subject to a late fee of $25 for every 15 minutes.
Pickup: 3:30 – 7:00 PM
We understand that you are excited to reunite with your dog after a long day and may be eager to cuddle them as soon as you see them. However, we ask that you be mindful of a couple of simple rules to ensure the safety and comfort of all dogs in our care.
Please do not tap on the glass or shout to your dog while they are still in the pen. This can be disruptive and potentially unsettling for them.
For the safety of everyone, we ask that you refrain from entering staff areas. Some dogs may be reactive to people they do not know, and we want to ensure that all dogs and humans are kept safe.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
After Your First Day
Safety is our number one priority! To ensure that we don't get overbooked, we do require reservations for your pooch to come play with us.
There are a few different ways to book a reservation:
- Use our online reservation system
- Give us a call at (403) 984-9247
For same-day availability, please always call us directly.
Our availability does fluctuate, so booking as far in advance as possible is recommended.
General Rules & Regulations
Everything you need to know before drop-off.
What time should I arrive on my dog's first day?
We recommend arriving between 7:30am and 8:00am on the first day. Coming early gives your dog time to settle into their new environment before the day gets busy, and allows our pack leaders to give them extra attention during that initial adjustment period.
How long does it take for dogs to adjust to daycare?
Most dogs settle in within the first 10–20 minutes once the pack walk begins and play gets underway. Some dogs take a few visits to fully relax, and that's completely normal. Our pack leaders are experienced at reading body language and guiding new dogs through the adjustment period at their own pace.
What are the drop-off and pick-up times?
Drop-off runs from 7:00am to 10:00am, with the best first-day window between 7:30am and 8:00am. Pickup starts at 3:30pm and closes at 7:00pm. Dogs picked up after 7:00pm are subject to a late fee of $25 per 15 minutes.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, reservations are required so we can plan staffing and ensure every dog has a great day. You can book through our online reservation system or call us at (403) 984-9247. For same-day availability, always call directly.
What should I bring on the first day?
Bring your dog on a secure leash with all belongings (leash, lunch container if applicable) clearly labelled with your dog's first and last name. Make sure vaccinations are current and on file before arrival. That's it — we take care of the rest.
Dog Daycare Calgary
See how our kennel-free daycare works — daily pack walks, small playgroups, and experienced pack leaders.
Learn About DaycareRates & Packages
From $37/day. Transparent pricing with passes that never expire and a free first day for every new dog.
See Full RatesRegister Your Dog
Create your account and schedule your dog's free intro day. Two steps and your dog is on their way.
Register FreeReady to Join the Pack?
Register online and we'll reach out to schedule your dog's free intro day. Questions? Email us or call (403) 984-9247.
Register for Your Free DayLast updated