Playful Paws

FAQ

  • Our park staff are on-site 365 days a year from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This allows for lots of playtime, exercise, and enrichment throughout the day, helping pets enjoy a peaceful, restful night. For added peace of mind, our facility is equipped with overnight monitoring systems to ensure your pet’s safety even after lights out.

  • We take cleanliness seriously and have protocols our staff strictly follows

    • Crates and suites are fully sanitized between guests.

    • High-touch and communal areas are sanitized daily.

    • We use a two-step cleaning process for our crates and suites: first, we vacuum then wash all surfaces high and low with Palmolive and hot water to remove dirt and debris, then we apply 358-Efecticide, a disinfectant chosen for its low toxicity and high effectiveness against common canine pathogens.

    • When pets are present during cleaning, we use vinegar to ensure absolute safety.

    • Our parks, couches, and play equipment are sanitized daily.

    • We do “house-keeping” twice daily to ensure every suite and crate is refreshed, comfortable and ready

    For long-stay guests, we:

    • Perform weekly weigh-ins to monitor health.

    • Do a deep clean of their suite/crate every 4 days, including fresh bedding and sanitation.on

  • All staff members are:

    • Certified in pet first aid

    • Undergoing additional training through PackPro to deepen their understanding of canine behavior

    • Trained in emergency response for natural disasters or urgent situations

  • Our primary veterinary partner is Woodridge Veterinary Clinic, led by Dr. Anique and her amazing team. We trust them for all health concerns and we offer a wellness check transport service during longer boarding stays for added convenience. Want to learn more? Ask our front desk staff about this service for long boarding stays.

  • That’s totally okay! We know that not all dogs enjoy group play, and that’s normal (we humans don’t always love crowds either!). Our acreage location is perfect for dogs who thrive in slower-paced, one-on-one environments with our staff. Just let us know your dog's needs and we’ll tailor their care accordingly.

  • The first day is full of excitement, activity, and new smells and experiences. Here are a few things you might notice:

    • Sore paws – Just like breaking in new shoes, their feet might be a little tender after lots of play and activity on our different surfaces.

    • Thirst – Even with fresh water always available, some dogs are so distracted by fun that they don’t drink as much. Expect a bit more thirst at home. During boarding times we closely monitor their water intake to ensure they aren’t dehydrated.

    • Germs – Like in children's daycare, germs can circulate. We highly recommend the Bordetella vaccine to help reduce symptoms if your dog picks something up.

    • Scratches & bruises – Dogs play with their mouths and bodies. For rough-and-tumble types, the occasional minor scratch or bruise can happen, though our park staff supervises all play closely.

  • No. We understand that most cats prefer their own space, especially when in an unfamiliar environment. Each feline guest has their own private condo, and they take turns enjoying our sunny lounging areas and cat trees looking out our front windows. Cats are also completely separated from dogs for a peaceful stay.

  • Absolutely! We encourage you to bring your pet’s own food to maintain consistency and reduce the risk of tummy upsets. Toys and bedding from home can help make their space more comforting, just be sure everything is clearly labeled. We do our best to return all items but cannot guarantee return of unlabeled or fragile items. If you ran short on time before checking in for boarding we do offer our house food for $4.00/day as well. We do also stock a wide range of dog food if you prefer to just buy a bag or box as you arrive.

  • Yes! We now offer early check-ins and late check-outs to help accommodate your schedule. Just let us know ahead of time so we can plan your pet’s day accordingly.

  • You can book directly through our front desk team, on the phone, or by email. For first-time guests, we recommend completing our contract and questionnaire so we can learn all about your pet before their first visit.

  • To keep everyone safe and calm:

    • All dogs must be on leash and cats in carriers at check-in.

    • In our urban location, please keep dogs close and under control—many dogs feel uncomfortable being approached while leashed.

    • At our acreage location, we allow one customer in the office at a time to reduce stress on our more sensitive four legged guests.

  • Yes! We offer pre-paid bulk daycare packages for regular clients, they're a great way to save. Packages are valid for two years from the date of purchase.

  • Yes, our supervisors are trained to safely administer medications, including insulin injections and other time-sensitive treatments. Please provide clear, written instructions at drop-off.

    • Basic medications (such as pills or topical treatments) are administered at no extra charge.

    • If a medication requires extended time or special handling, a small additional fee may apply. We’ll always inform you in advance.

  • We provide personalized and attentive care for all our feline guests.

    • Our staff check on each cat three times a day to ensure they have fresh water, clean litter, and a little cuddle time, if they’re open to it!

    • Twice a day, we complete a detailed wellness checklist that includes:

      • Eating

      • Drinking

      • Peeing

      • Pooping

      • Vomiting or signs of illness

    This helps us closely monitor their overall health and well-being, especially during longer stays. If we notice any changes in eating or bathroom habits, our team takes immediate steps to assess, contact the owner and address the situation.

  • Yes, all pets in our care have their own individual sleeping space, no shared crates or suites.
    Each dog or cat has a private, secure area to rest comfortably, away from other guests. This allows them to relax, recharge, and feel safe in their own space after a fun day of play.

    • Dogs stay in private crates or suites, depending on size and booking.

    • Cats are housed in spacious individual condos separate from dogs, with cozy bedding and access to windows or climbing spaces during roaming time.