Daycare & Boarding: What to Expect

This page provides a clear overview of how our daycare and boarding program works, what we value, and who our care is best suited for. Our goal is to create a calm, enriching, and safe environment where dogs can thrive through consistency, structure, and the freedom to be dogs.

Full policies, waivers, and agreements are reviewed and signed as part of the intake process.

Our Approach

Dog Devotion offers a small-group, home-style daycare and boarding experience focused on quality over quantity. We believe dogs do best when they have:

  • Consistent routines and familiar faces
  • A balance of structured activity and rest
  • Opportunities to explore, sniff, and engage in natural behaviours
  • Calm guidance and active supervision

This is not a chaotic, free-for-all environment. Our days are intentionally structured to support dogs’ emotional wellbeing, confidence, and long-term success in group care.

Who Our Program Is Best Suited For

Dog Devotion is a great fit for:

  • Social, dog-friendly dogs who enjoy group environments
  • Dogs who are comfortable in a home-style setting
  • Dogs who benefit from routine and regular attendance
  • Owners looking for a consistent, long-term care arrangement rather than occasional or drop-in care

Daycare & Boarding

We offer both daycare and limited boarding for established clients. Boarding is designed as an extension of our daycare routine, allowing dogs to stay in a familiar environment with consistent care and structure. We do not offer traditional kennel-style boarding.

Because familiarity and routine are essential to a dog’s comfort and safety, boarding is typically reserved for dogs who attend daycare regularly and are already well integrated into the group.

Attendance & Commitment

To support stable group dynamics and help dogs settle comfortably into the routine, daycare clients are required to commit to a minimum of one day per week.

While occasional schedule changes are understandable, regular attendance is an important part of maintaining a calm, balanced group and ensuring each dog’s success in our care.

Age, Health & Care Requirements

For the safety and wellbeing of all dogs in our care:

  • Puppies are welcomed from 10 weeks of age
  • Adult dogs are required to be spayed or neutered
  • Dogs must be up to date on core vaccinations
  • Dogs must be generally healthy and able to safely participate in a group setting

Specific vaccination requirements and health details are reviewed during the intake process.

Hours & Scheduling

Care is provided during set operating hours, with designated drop-off and pick-up windows to support a smooth, low-stress flow to the day. Holiday closures and any schedule adjustments are communicated in advance to active clients.

Safety & Supervision

Dogs in our care are actively supervised. Each day is thoughtfully structured to include:

  • Appropriate group play based on size, temperament, and energy level
  • Regular rest and decompression periods
  • Use of crates or quiet spaces when needed for rest or management
  • Proactive handling to prevent overstimulation and conflict

Our focus is always on prevention, balance, and the overall well-being of the group.

Getting Started

All new clients begin with a simple intake process to ensure the best fit for both the dog and the group:

  1. Initial Conversation – A brief discussion to review your dog’s history, needs, and schedule.
  2. Meet & Greet – A short, in-person visit to meet you and your dog, review details, and ensure everyone is comfortable with the environment.
  3. Trial Day – A full daycare day where your dog is gradually introduced to the routine, with plenty of rest and supervision.
  4. Enrolment – Once approved, ongoing daycare and boarding can be scheduled.

Important Note

While every effort is made to provide a safe, enriching, and well-managed environment, participation in group daycare and boarding does carry inherent risks. Full policies, waivers, and emergency care authorizations are reviewed and signed prior to a dog’s participation in the program.

If you have questions about whether Dog Devotion is the right fit for your dog, we’re always happy to discuss further.