Frequently Asked Questions:
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?
Inactivity and boredom leads to destructive behaviors like scratching walls or chewing on furniture. Excessive barking and restlessness are also issues stemming from under-stimulation. A dog who attends daycare is a dog who is not at home destroying your place or inciting noise complaints from your neighbors to your landlord. Daycare is also a great option for those busy days which may require help ensuring that your dog gets all the love, attention, and exercise he needs.
How do I know if daycare is appropriate for my dog?
Daycare is not for every dog. Older dogs may have trouble adjusting to the commotion caused by a sizeable group of dogs romping and playing in a large area; shy dogs may be overwhelmed by the crowd; and aggressive dogs have NO PLACE in a group setting. The staff at Jax is experienced in recognizing the signs of discomfort and temperament that may indicate that the daycare setting is not right for your dog.
Are there any breed restrictions at Jax Dog Drop?
No. We carefully evaluate each dog during a free temperament test/trial day. We are confident in the experience and ability of our staff to recognize potentially problematic behaviors in a dog regardless of the breed.
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?
Fecal exams are used to determine whether a dog has intestinal parasites such as hookworm, ringworm, or giardia. Fecal exams with a negative result are required yearly or in the event of suspicion that a dog may be suffering from parasites in order to maintain the pack’s good digestive and immunity health.
Is spaying or neutering a requirement?
All dogs 7 months of age and older are required to be spayed or neutered to participate in daycare or boarding.
Other health requirements?
All dogs must be on a regular flea and tick treatment or regiment.
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?
Dogs are grouped according to size and play style. Small or large and low-energy or high-energy are the first considerations. Dogs are also moved from group to group as their behavior changes throughout the day.
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.
Is there training involved in daycare? If so, what kind?
There is no official training in daycare, but we do try to reinforce positive behaviors and good manners. Official training options for basic and advanced obedience, reactivity, agility, and puppies are available at our Issaquah location.
Where does my dog go to the bathroom?
There is a large fenced-in outdoors area where we highly encourage dogs to potty, but sometimes accidents happen indoors. Dogs are never reprimanded or chastised for “going” indoors. All dog waste, whether outdoors or indoors, is immediately cleaned.
How do you keep your facility clean?
All dog contact surfaces (play structures, floors, etc.) are constantly cleaned around the clock with the same dog-safe chemicals used in veterinary offices. Further, twice-daily deep cleaning is performed using non-toxic solutions to battle dirt and grime as well as bleach to battle microorganisms and parasites. All human contact surfaces (door knobs, countertops, etc.) are constantly sanitized around the clock.
Can I watch my dog play?
Our facilities are not able to support live streaming video feeds, but handlers take and post photos of the dogs on Facebook and Instagram daily.
There is a lot of barking when I drop off my dog. Is it always like this?
No. The dogs always get excited when a new dog arrives or when visitors stop by. Within just a couple minutes, the dogs settle down and everything is back to normal.
Jax Dog Drop Memberships?
Members enjoy discounted daycare rates. Jax Dog Drop memberships are billed monthly by EFT/Credit Card. Unused days can be carried over for 90 days. After 90 days, unused days will expire. Alter or cancel anytime with 3 days’ notice.
How does boarding work at Jax?
In order to board at Jax, your dog must first pass a temperament test/trial day for daycare because boarding dogs attend daycare (at no additional cost) during the daytime of their stay. If you plan to board your dog at Jax, we recommend that you supply the dog’s food, treats, toys, blankets, and anything else that might make her more comfortable for her stay. All of these items are kept separate from other dogs. Boarding dogs are fed and medicated according to the owner’s instructions, and will sleep overnight on a cot in a spacious suite with their belongings.
Should I bring my dog’s food from home or do you provide food?
We highly encourage bringing your own dog food. A change in diet could result in an upset stomach or diarrhea. However, if you forget your food, or just prefer your dog to be fed the house food, a high-quality dry food is available at a charge per cup.
Do you charge extra for feeding my dog or administering medications?
There is no extra charge for feeding or medicating a dog with their own food. We do have dry food available, at a charge per cup, for dogs who do not have their own food.
What do you do if a dog gets sick or injured?
Owners are contacted immediately in the rare event of an illness or injury. Dogs receive immediate care from one or more of our dog CPR and first aid certified staff, and if necessary, we will transport your dog to your vet. If your vet is too far away in the event of an emergency, we may take your dog to a neighborhood vet with which we have a great relationship. The vet will contact the owner with their assessment and report.