FAQ
Please browse our frequently asked questions, and feel free to contact us if your question is not answered. We are always here to help!
Enrichment Daycare
Learn about daycare rules, requirements, and more.
Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.
How will I know if doggy daycare is a good fit for my pet?
We carefully assess each dog during our New Dog Evaluation Day. This day is all about your dog! One of our trainers will spend the entire day with your dog, learning about their unique characteristics, disposition, and play style. We’ll introduce other friendly and social dogs and assess each interaction to determine the best playmates and group environment for your dog. The day will include nap time and a bath before pick-up. At the end of the day, we’ll meet with you to discuss how the day went and what we recommend for future visits.
Call and get your dog or puppy signed up for a New Dog Evaluation Day. We schedule this on Mondays, we have fewer dogs on this day specifically so we can work with New Dog's and give them individualized one on one attention. This way your dog gets to know us and we can get to know your dog and the things they like, as well as introduce them to our program at their pace and not overwhelm them by putting them into a full group of dog's. You will receive a phone call at lunch to update you and a report card as well at the end of the day.
What are your vaccination requirements?
For each pet's health and safety, we require all dogs to be current on the following vaccinations and have the records on file with Walks and Wags prior to arrival:
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Bordatella Intranasal (Canine cough)
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DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Para influenza, Parvo Virus)
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Rabies (Puppies after 6 months)
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Leptospirosis (A disease more common in areas with warm climates and high annual rainfall. Dogs are more commonly affected.)
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For first-time visitors, we also require a negative fecal test taken within the last 30 days. Your DVM may not regularly require this, but it is a Walks and Wags requirement. If your Dog's vaccinations are up to date, you can drop off a sample of your Dog's stool. This will save you an office visit.
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*Canine Influenza Bivalent Vaccine (highly recommended for the Dog Flu)
*This vaccine is not a requirement, but we highly recommend it since we believe each dog deserves this level of protection.
The yellow needs to be removed. This vaccine is a requirement.
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Puppy Academy Dog's are required to have a health check by a licensed veterinarian along with their first rounds of vaccines and a clean fecal test prior to attending Academy.
What are the health requirements for daycare?
All dogs must be in good health and have not been ill with a communicable condition in the last 30 days. Dogs that have been ill with a communicable condition in the last 30 days will require a veterinarian’s certification of health to be admitted or re-admitted. On admission or readmission, all dogs must be free from any condition that could potentially jeopardize other guests.
Dog is coughing, runny nose and running eyes, vomiting and or diarrhea, please do not bring your Sweet Pup to daycare instead call your licensed veterinarian and have your baby cleared to return. Also if your Dog is in heat they will need to stay our of daycare for 30days.
Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered?
Puppy academy no spaying or neutering
Enrichment Daycare: No spaying or neutering unless there is an abundance of hormones and the dog is unable to play or think. This is a case we would recommend altering the Dog.
Side note: Science has changed so much in regard to the right time to alter our pets.
If a female its now preferred to wait 1 year and let her have a heat cycle. This improves her chances of breast cancer by 33 percent.
In a male , its two years is the magic number. This also helps increase their chances of not catching cancer but also helps with bone and joint support.
How old does my dog need to be to attend daycare?
Our Puppy Academy = 8 weeks – 16 weeks
We will lodge our students from Puppy Academy
Enrichment Daycare = 16 weeks and up
Enrichment Lodging = 16 weeks
What is your daycare cancellation policy?
Cancellations for boarding or daycare with less than 24-hour advanced notice will be charged the full fees. New Dog Evaluation fees are paid in advance and there are no refunds for cancellations.
Can you help get my dog to daycare?
Yes! We know our dog parents are busy. That’s why we offer our Pet Taxiservice for easy pick up and drop off. Our Pet Taxi driver is also one of the owners of our company. We are bonded and insured. We can pick up while your home or not. Most clients we have a key or code let ourselves in then pick up and deliver your clean tired Dog.
At our physical location drop offs are 7:30am – 9:30am All Dogs are valet into the facility, no need to get out of your car.
Can I schedule a bath for my dog while he/she is in daycare?
Yes! You can schedule more than one service while your dog is with us whether at daycare or lodging.
Training
View frequently asked questions regarding our training programs.
If your question about our training services is not answered below, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help!
What kind of training classes do you provide?
We offer a full range of training classes including private lessons, group classes and behavior evaluations. We specialize in family dogs, teaching them the skills they need to live comfortably in a household environment, such as walking on a loose leash, greeting new people politely, coming when called, and much more.
How do you train the dogs?
We are committed to positive reinforcement training techniques and avoid the use of any method that suppresses behavior through force or intimidation. Our trainers are committed to their continuing education so they can provide you with the best possible behavior counseling. We believe that SOCIALIZATION + TRAINING = SUCCESS!
How old does my puppy have to be to come to class?
Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations to join our training classes. We also strongly recommend our special three week puppy socialization class for puppies under 16 weeks old.
The first four and a half months of your puppy’s life are a wonderful time to teach him or her about the world. Let’s not waste a moment of it. We like to get started with puppy socialization classes as early as 8 weeks and then move right into regular training.
What are the vaccination requirements?
All puppies and dogs attending any Walks and Wags classes must be up to date with their age-appropriate rabies and distemper vaccinations. Bordatella Intranasal Vaccine (canine cough) is required for all dogs coming to Walks and Wags, Inc.
Owners are required to bring a copy of their dog’s veterinary records to orientation or ask their vet to email them to our office at [email protected] before attending class. We will have to turn away any dog that does not have these records.
What time are classes?
Monday Evenings
6:30pm Puppy Socialization
Tuesday Evenings
6:30pm Level 2
Wednesday Evenings
6:30pm Level 3 & 4
Thursday Evenings
6:30pm Relaxing Rowdy Rovers
7:30pm Relaxing Rowdy Rovers
Saturday Mornings
8am Level 3
9am Level 2
10am Level 1
Can you fix my dog's behavior problem?
Behavior is a complex mix of genetics, environment, and choices. Some behavior problems are easy to change while others require long-term strategies. We cannot guarantee your dog’s behavior will be “fixed” but we guarantee we’ll be there for you with professional advice and support. We’ll teach your dog how to handle sticky situations using proven methods of behavior modification. As you learn to be your dog’s best advocate, we’ll be your coach and cheerleader.
How do Levels classes work?
We offer a membership program for maximum flexibility. Your membership, like a gym membership, allows you to attend classes that fit your dog’s skill level and your personal schedule. The Levels Program has four tiers, each with its own skills and priorities. All dogs start in Level 1, attend as many classes a week as they want and move up at their own pace. You can attend any class at or below your dog’s assigned level.
Orientation classes start approximately every two weeks so there is little wait to enroll your dog in a class.
I'm not sure my dog can handle a group class. Are there any other options?
Relaxing Rowdy Rovers, Calming Cautious Canines and private lessons are sometimes a better option depending on your dog’s personality.
Relaxing Rowdy Rovers
By invitation only, this class specializes in helping anxious dogs. Our goal is to provide you and your dog with the skills to eventually join a Level 1 training class. To learn more, email [email protected] and tell us about your dog.
Calming Cautious Canines
Learn the skills you need to help your shy dog develop confidence and feel secure in new situations. Our Calming Canines class is included in our Levels Program. Our Cautious Canines often spend a little longer in Level 1 to get acclimated to the class environment. As your dog begins to relax and learn coping skills, they can then proceed through the different levels.
Are kids welcome in your class?
Yes, kids are welcome in our regular classes, but not in Relaxing Rowdy Rovers. Kids 8 and up are often very good trainers, with a little help from their parents. Younger kids sometimes find the classes a bit long, so they may prefer to stay at home. Children must remain beside their parents and may not interact with any dog other than their own.
Some teens want to do all of the training and don’t need any help from their parents and that’s fine with us. However, every minor who comes to class must be accompanied by an adult who remains in the classroom with the child.
What if I need a refund or miss a class?
Refunds or class credits are not issued for missed individual meetings of a class due to personal schedule conflicts or illness. When a customer cancels a registration, the following fees apply:
For Group Classes
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Written request received 14 or more days prior to the start date – full refund.
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Written request received 3-13 days prior to the start date – 80% refund.
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Written request received within 48 hours of the start time – 50% refund.
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No refunds once a class has begun.
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Withdrawal from a waiting list may result in an 80% refund.
For Evaluations & Private Lessons
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We will hold unpaid appointments for three days before offering the timeslot to another client. To reserve an appointment, payment must be received.
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For multi-lesson packages, no refunds once the first lesson has occurred.
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Written request to reschedule received more than 24 hours in advance – no charge.
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Written request to reschedule received fewer than 24 hours in advance is considered a cancellation – no refund.
Canceling an Appointment
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Written request to cancel received more than 48 hours in advance – 80% refund.
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Written request to cancel received 48–24 hours in advance – 50% refund.
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Written request to cancel or reschedule received fewer than 24 hours in advance – no refund.
We will issue a full refund when a class or program is canceled by Walks and Wags.
Enrichment Lodging
Everything you need to know when your dog is staying overnight with us.
Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about enrichment lodging. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.
What should I pack?
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Food: We have good size cubbies for your Dog's belongings, but they cannot hold large bags of food. We ask if you have the time Place in Ziploc bags separated into mealtime amounts with your dog’s name and what time your dog normally eats. If not we will bag up their food with instructions so everything fits nicely in their cubby.
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Comfort Item: A dirty t-shirt or pillowcase that you have worn or used or favorite toy to provide your dog comfort.
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Bedding: Please when making reservations let us know what type of beds your Pup sleeps in at home. We have all kinds of beds. Especially let us know if your Dog eats or tears beds up. We want your baby to be as comfy as home. Too prevent the spread of diseases or parasite we will provide all bedding.
How soon should I book?
Reservations are required, and we are typically booked one to two weeks in advance. Existing clients are always given preference. If it’s a major holiday for example Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, 4th of July we would suggest to book a minimum 30 days ahead of the holiday. Two weeks before the holiday we allow the public to book those spots.
Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered?
Puppy academy no spaying or neutering
Enrichment Daycare: No spaying or neutering unless there is an abundance of hormones and the dog is unable to play or think. This is a case we would recommend altering the Dog.
Side note: Science has changed so much in regard to the right time to alter our pets.
If a female its now preferred to wait 1 year and let her have a heat cycle. This improves her chances of breast cancer by 33 percent.
In a male , its two years is the magic number. This also helps increase their chances of not catching cancer but also helps with bone and joint support.
What are your vaccination requirements?
For each pet's health and safety, we require all dogs to be current on the following vaccinations and have the records on file with Walks and Wags prior to arrival:
- Bordatella Intranasal (Canine cough)
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Para influenza, Parvo Virus)
- Rabies (Puppies after 6 months)
- Leptospirosis (A disease more common in areas with warm climates and high annual rainfall. Dogs are more commonly affected.)
- For first-time visitors, we also require a negative fecal test taken within the last 30 days. Your DVM may not regularly require this, but it is a Walks and Wags requirement.
- *Canine Influenza Bivalent Vaccine (highly recommended for the Dog Flu)
*This vaccine is not a requirement, but we highly recommend it since we believe each dog deserves this level of protection.