Sending your dog to daycare for the first time is an exciting milestone—but it’s also one that can come with questions and a bit of nervous energy (for both pets and their parents).
At Social Pawz, we’re committed to making your dog’s first day smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
Whether you’re dropping off a high-energy puppy or a shy adult dog, preparing ahead of time can make all the difference. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set your dog up for success.
Step 1: Make Sure Vaccinations Are Up to Date (this step can be done during the registration process)
For the safety of all dogs in our care, your pet must be current on the following vaccinations:
- Rabies
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
You’ll need to provide proof of vaccinations before your dog’s first day. If your dog was recently vaccinated, we recommend allowing a few days before coming to daycare, as some dogs may feel temporarily tired after their shots.
Step 2: Schedule a Temperament Evaluation
Before your dog can attend daycare, we require a temperament evaluation. This short session helps us understand your dog’s personality, social behavior, and energy level. We use this evaluation to ensure your dog is placed in a group that’s safe and compatible, making the experience more fun and less stressful for everyone.
Temperament evaluations are conducted by our trained staff and typically include:
- Meeting your dog one-on-one
- Introducing your dog to a small group of daycare dogs
- Observing reactions to new environments and people
Step 3: Pack the Essentials
You don’t need to bring much, but we do recommend:
- A properly fitted collar with an ID tag
- A leash for drop-off and pick-up
- Lunch (only if you feed your dog lunch)
- Any necessary medications (in original packaging with instructions)
Our staff provides everything your dog needs during the day, but if they have those special items you know they love, then having them nearby can make them feel at home.
Step 4: Prepare Your Dog for a New Routine
If your dog isn’t used to spending time away from you or socializing with other dogs, you can begin prepping a few days ahead by:
- Practicing short separations at home
- Taking walks around busy areas to expose them to new sights and sounds
- Scheduling a short stay at Social Pawz before doing a full day
These steps help build comfort and confidence before your dog dives into a full day of play.
Step 5: Stay Calm and Confident During Drop-Off
Dogs are intuitive and often mirror their owners’ emotions. Staying upbeat and relaxed during drop-off tells your dog they’re safe and in good hands.
Avoid long goodbyes or nervous energy—our team is trained to guide them into the playgroup and make the transition easy.
First Day Expectations
During your dog’s first day, we’ll monitor them closely to see how they adapt. You’ll receive a report card with photos so you know how things went. We’ll let you know who they played with, how they behaved, and whether they’d benefit from future visits or additional socialization at pick-up.
First Day Expectations
During your dog’s first day, we’ll monitor them closely to see how they adapt. You’ll receive a report card with photos so you know how things went. We’ll let you know who they played with, how they behaved, and whether they’d benefit from future visits or additional socialization at pick-up.
FAQs:
1. What time should I drop my dog off on their first day?
We recommend dropping off between 8:00–10:00 AM so your dog has plenty of time to adjust and settle in with the group.
2. What if my dog has never been around other dogs before?
That’s okay! Our staff is trained to slowly and safely introduce dogs to social environments, starting with one-on-one time and gradual group exposure.
3. Can I stay and watch my dog during the first day?
For safety and consistency, we do not allow owners to stay in the play area. However, you’ll receive detailed updates and photos throughout the day.
4. Will my dog be separated by size or age?
Yes. We separate dogs by size, temperament, and play style to ensure all dogs are safe and comfortable.
5. How will I know if my dog had a good day?
We provide daily report cards, and our staff is happy to answer questions or provide a recap at pick-up. You’ll also see how they played in your daily report card!
Take the first step and sign up for dog daycare at Social Pawz!
Preparing your dog for their first day at Social Pawz is simple—and we’re here to help every step of the way. If you have questions or want to schedule a temperament test, call us or book online today. Your dog’s first daycare visit at Social Pawz is free. We look forward to meeting you and your furry loved one!
