Frequently Asked Questions

We cannot accept any intact males over 18 months of age. We also cannot accept any male dogs that are actively humping prior to 18 months of age. 

We cannot accept any female dogs in heat. Female dogs will have to be 21 days after cycle started before being (re)introduced to daycare. 

To ensure your pup gets as much individual attention as possible and to ensures their safety, we have no more that 1:15 ratio of humans to dogs. 

Yes, with some limitations. We are happy to show you around the boarding facility as well as the back room, where small dogs play, however the large dog area can be only viewed through the window.  This ensures that the energy of the dogs remain manageable and thus avoiding any negative interactions (i.e. fence fighting) due to heightened arousal. We encourage you to visit the facility, allowing you to see the environment, cleanliness, and the interactions between staff and dogs.

To ensure a safe and positive experience for your dog, we have implemented a Meet & Greet process for every dog (daycare & boarding) that comes into the facility.  During the Meet & Greet, we will ask you some intake questions about your dogs’ behaviour, likes/dislikes, etc. We will then perform a handling test (touching back, legs, chest, tail, mouth, etc.) to ensure there is no human aggression.  The next step is to introduce your dog to the playgroup through slow and safe measures.  That includes staff selecting 1-3 dogs we know to be polite or indifferent to new dogs. Dog parents are asked to view this introduction through the window.  Together, we watch the body language to ensure all dogs are playing harmoniously and slowly introduce more dogs to the mix.  Once we (dog parents & staff) are satisfied with how all dogs are playing/interacting, dogs are allowed to stay for the remainder of their 2 hour stay. 

We have 2 different dog play areas. One for small dogs and one for larger dogs.  However, some dogs play differently than their size, which means we will assess each dog based on their play style and temperament to decide which room is best for them. This may change from visit to visit or throughout the day. 

We do not have a structured day, but a day of play with a break for lunch that begins around 11:30am.  If a dog requires quiet time, we are able to provide that in the holding pen and/or utilizing one of the hotel suites. 

Yes, we have webcams that you can log into remotely via an APP you download on your phone. 

We do not accept aggressive or overly anxious dogs. 

All dogs must have up-to-date Rabies, DHPP & Bordetella.

Our staff will first triage the situation. We will isolate the dog and check for severity of situation, including:

·  Checking breathing & circulation 

·  Bleeding & trauma

·  Neurological symptoms (i.e. seizure symptoms) 

·  Pain & discomfort

·  Gastrointestinal Issues

·  Breathing difficulty 

·  Toxin Ingestion

·  Eating & drinking habits

·  Worsening chronic conditions

·  Eye or ear issues

·  Skin issues

·  Sudden behaviour change

In case of a medical emergency or other unexpected situation, we have partnered with Aurora Animal Clinic for immediate response and/or guidance on how to handle the situation. Once the situation is under control, a staff member will either call and/or email/text the client to advise them of the situation and next steps taken. If your dog requires medical attention and we are able to take your dog to your vet for consultation we will (locally within 5km of The Social Pup).  If we cannot, we will bring your dog to Aurora Animal Clinic at their earliest available appointment time and they will contact your vet to get the latest information on file.  Aurora Animal Clinic will be in touch with the owner to apprise them of the situation and next steps.  Please note, The Social Pup staff will be in touch throughout to ensure clear and concise communication. 

Some members of The Social Pup staff have been trained in CPR and first aid.  We also have a Medical First Aid book on hand at all times for reference. 

Yes.  You can bring your dog’s food in a reusable plastic container and we will feed them as requested or at lunch time, beginning at 11:30am.  If your dog has specific dietary or medical needs, please bring these to the attention of the staff.  We are able to administer medication orally.  We will not administer medication via needles. 

We do not have a specified nap/rest time, however dogs can and do take rest in daycare throughout the day. Should the staff notice a dog needs rest, but other dogs won’t let them sleep, we will block off an area for them to rest or place them in a holding pen.

Yes! We offer grooming, training (group & private), overnight boarding, special events such as holiday photos and teeth cleaning clinics.  

Our staff are trained on dog body language and know the dogs in our care.  We watch them closely to ensure all dogs are getting along well.  Should any two dogs no longer get along, we can separate them by closing the fence and/or giving a time out to help them calm down and reset. 

24 hours to allow us accept an alternative dog should we be full that day. 

No.  Personal items brought from home can lead to possessive / aggressive behaviour between two dogs. 

Yes.  We can reach out to current clients to see if they would be willing to speak with you.  Most of our clientele come from referrals! 

We clean our facility every night with dog safe cleaners.