Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dog play all day long while attending daycare? 

No, it is not healthy for dogs to play continuously without taking breaks. Your dog will play and rest for equal amounts of time while at daycare. The caring staff at Shannoncourt will know when it is time for your dog to have a rest. While on a break your dog will be provided a blanket, a chew toy and a full bowl of water in a quiet comfortable rest area.

Do all of the dogs play together?

No. The dogs are matched according to size and play styles. Our staff members are well trained to recognize canine body language and are fully qualified to select which dogs will play well together. Group sizes range from two to ten dogs.

Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered to attend daycare?

Yes and no! If your dog is under six months old she/he does not need to be spayed/neutered. If your dog is over six months we would prefer that your dog is altered (spayed/neutered). When dogs are altered they are less likely to fight, also we don’t want to worry about an accidental pregnancy! However we do make exceptions. If your dog is not altered, and you would like for him/her to attend daycare - we will try to match him up with a partner that is altered . If we notice that your dog is not fitting in well, we will need to remove him/her from the daycare program. If you would still like your dog to stay for the day and not be with other dogs, no problem, he/she will be entertained by our staff.

Are the dogs supervised? 

Yes, an animal care attendant supervises the dogs while they play. 

Would my dog like daycare?

Most dogs really enjoy spending time playing and hanging out with people and doggie friends. Daycare provides a fabulous outlet for exercise and mental stimulation and we have observed that most dogs thrive in a daycare environment.  However, every dog is different, once in a while we encounter a dog that does not enjoy daycare. If we don’t think your dog is having fun, we will let you know.

If my dog does not like other dogs can he/she attend daycare?

Dogs that are not social with other dogs are permitted in our day-boarding program. The day-boarding program includes one on one fetch games or just a quiet massage, brushing and lots of human attention in our fenced parks and indoor play-gym. We would not put your dog into a group with other dogs.

I don’t know if my dog likes other dogs, should I bring my dog to daycare?

If your dog is over six months old, we normally recommend that you attend a private obedience lesson with one of our skilled instructors to help you learn how to read your dog’s body language and identify if he/she likes other dogs. The trainer will help you decide if daycare is right for your dog.If your dog gets the go-ahead from the trainer, we will set him/her up for a daycare day. Your dog’s first daycare day will start with an introduction to another dog through a fence. If that goes well, we will introduce your dog to another dog on-leash, and finally if your dog seems comfortable and is showing relaxed and playful body language we will allow your dog to play with one new dog at a time. Dogs that are under six months old usually fit into a playgroup quite easily, therefore a private lesson is usually not needed.   

My dog loves other dogs, can he/she go right into a playgroup?

All dogs are introduced slowly and carefully to other dogs even if they have a great history of loving every dog they meet.

Can you train my dog while he/she attends daycare?

Yes. One of our professional trainers can train your dog during his/her daycare stay. We can teach your dog basic manners, agility or tricks in a  45 minute lesson.(please book in advance). Cost for the day- regular daycare fee plus $45 for the lesson.

Can you groom my dog while he/she attends daycare?

Yes.....but you need to call ahead to book the grooming! Grooming prices range from $40-$160 depending on your dog’s size and coat type. Cost for the day-regular daycare fee plus grooming fee. 

I have been told that my dog is dominant or submissive, is my dog a daycare candidate?

Dogs are very often misread and we would like to help you with that. We can evaluate your dog for you. Dogs that act like bullies in some groups may be the most submissive in another group and vise versa. As long as your dog is comfortable around other dogs, we will find a playmate that compliments his/her attitude. If you are concerned about your dog’s personality around other dogs, we recommend that you book a private obedience lesson with one of our qualified teachers to help you sort out your dog’s behaviour.

Where will my dog rest?