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 the first 10–20 minutes and come home happy and tired.
Your First-Day Checklist
Nervous about the first day? Don't be — here's everything at a glance. The full details follow below.
Before You Book
Vaccinations
All dogs attending daycare must have the CORE vaccines (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza), Rabies and Bordetella (aka kennel cough). Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old with 2 sets of shots (or a vet's letter approving them for daycare). You can upload records in the portal or email/bring them — just have them on file before your first day.
Spay/Neuter Requirement
Dogs over 1 year old must be spayed or neutered. Puppies under 1 are exempt — they're welcome before they're fixed, as long as their vaccinations are current.
Safety Concerns
We specialize in socializing dogs with behavioural challenges, and we take a limited number at a time so each dog gets the attention they need. If your dog has shown behavioural concerns — like reactivity toward dogs or people, resource guarding, or severe anxiety — please call us first at (403) 984-9247 so we can find the right path. That may include some dedicated training support, which we'll always talk through with you upfront. (The Free Intro Day is reserved for dogs without known behavioural concerns — but we're still glad to help, so reach out.)
Sign Up For An Account
Before we can book your Free Intro Day, we'll need your details. Please visit our online portal and complete your registration.
Schedule Your First Day
Once we've received and verified your registration, we'll reach out to schedule your Free Intro Day. Heads up: we keep a waitlist of 1–2 weeks for new intakes.
All Set — What's Next?
We can't wait to meet you and your pup. Read on for what a typical day looks like, arrival and pickup, and everything else you'll want to know before the big day.
What a Day Looks Like
Because we welcome only one new dog a day, your pup eases into the pack instead of being thrown into the deep end. Here's the rhythm of a typical day with us.
Pack walk. The day starts with a group walk — it burns off first-day jitters and helps your dog bond with the pack right away.
Supervised play. Small, structured playgroups led by our pack leaders, who read body language and step in before things get over-excited.
Rest. Quiet downtime to recharge — a tired dog is a happy dog, but rest matters just as much as play.
Pickup & report card. We recommend collecting first-day pups now, before the evening rush, so we can walk you through how the day went.
Arrival & Drop-Off
Drop-off runs from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. On your first day, aim for 7:30–8:00 AM — arriving early lets your dog settle into the space before the full group joins in, and earns extra one-on-one time with our pack leaders, each trained to our standards.
Potty Break Before You Enter
Give your dog a quick potty break before coming inside. A comfortable dog is a confident dog — and it keeps the space fresh and welcoming for everyone.
Leash & Collar
Bring your dog in on a secure leash with a flat collar or harness — please skip retractable leashes, which make safe control at the door difficult. Keep the leash attached until our staff removes it. If your pup is extra excited, we may walk them into the pen on leash to keep everyone safe, especially when other dogs are working on their socialization skills.
Label Their Belongings
Clearly label everything with your dog's first and last name — leashes and food containers look a lot alike. Tags or bright ribbons make them easy to tell apart.
Food & Medication
If your dog eats midday, pack a labelled lunch and we'll feed them on your schedule — just include simple instructions. The same goes for medication: send it labelled with clear directions and we'll administer it during the day — though please note we cannot administer injections of any kind.
Parking & Entrance
Street parking is available out front on 16 Avenue SW — come in through the main entrance and our team will meet you and your pup.
Pickup & Your First-Day Report
On your first day, we recommend pickup between 3:00 and 4:00 PM — it's quiet then, before the evening rush, so we have time to sit down with you. You'll get a report card, a one-on-one rundown of how the day went, and photos of your pup in action.
Regular daily pickup runs 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Dogs collected after 7:00 PM are subject to a late fee of $25 for every 15 minutes.
A couple of small things keep pickup calm and safe for every dog:
Please don't tap on the glass or call out to your dog while they're still in the pen — it can unsettle them and the whole group.
And for everyone's safety, please stay out of staff areas. Some dogs are wary of unfamiliar people, and we want every dog and human kept safe. Thanks for understanding.
What Comes Next
The Free Intro Day is as much for your dog as it is for us. At pickup we'll give you an honest read on how it went:
- A great fit — your pup is ready to join the pack whenever you'd like.
- Needs a slower start — some dogs do better easing in over a few shorter visits, and we'll suggest a plan.
- Not quite right, for now — if daycare isn't the best place for your dog at the moment, we'll tell you kindly and point you toward what might help.
Ready to come back? To keep things calm and never overbooked, we require reservations:
- Use our online reservation system
- Give us a call at (403) 984-9247
For same-day availability, always call us directly. Our spots fluctuate, so booking ahead is the safest bet.
Important Daycare Policies
Everything you need to know before drop-off.
What time should I arrive on my dog's first day?
We recommend arriving between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM on your first day. Coming early gives your pup time to settle into their new surroundings before the day gets busy, and lets our pack leaders give them extra attention during those first moments.
What actually happens during the Free Intro Day?
After a calm introduction, your dog joins the morning pack walk, then moves into small supervised playgroups with rest breaks through the day. We welcome only one new dog per day, so your pup gets personal attention throughout. At pickup we'll walk you through how the day went — including an honest take on whether daycare is the right fit.
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 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 at their own pace.
What are the drop-off and pickup times?
Drop-off runs from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with the best first-day window between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM. Regular pickup is 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM — and on your first day we recommend coming between 3:00 and 4:00 PM, before the rush, so we can review the day with you. Dogs picked up after 7:00 PM 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, and where do I park?
Bring your dog on a secure leash with a flat collar or harness (no retractable leashes, please), plus any labelled food if your pup eats midday. Street parking is available out front on 16 Avenue SW — come in through the main entrance and we'll take it from there.
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 Intro 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 Intro DayLast updated