Pawliday Inn
The first day of dog daycare can feel a bit like the first day of school, mostly for the human. Will they play nicely? Will they miss you? Will they be okay? Knowing what the day looks like takes away most of the worry. Here is what to expect at Pawliday Inn, from the free meet and greet to the moment your dog comes bouncing (or snoozing) back to you.
Before the first day of dog daycare
Start with the free meet and greet
Every daycare dog starts with a meet and greet, and there is no cost for it. It gives our team a chance to get to know your dog before their first full day, and gives you a chance to ask questions. Come ready to talk honestly about your dog's personality.
Share what we need to know
We ask every owner to disclose known behavior, including aggression, fearfulness, resource guarding, separation anxiety, escape tendencies, and prior bites or injuries. It can feel awkward to mention a quirk, but it really helps. A dog who is nervous around big dogs, or who guards their ball, can still have a great day when the people looking after them know in advance.
Get the paperwork sorted
Your dog needs current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations, plus regular flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention. If you are not sure what those are, read our guide to the vaccines required for daycare and boarding. Booking is online, and a card on file is required.
The morning of the first day
A calm morning helps. A few general tips:
- Keep breakfast normal. Feed your dog as usual, at their usual time.
- Take a potty walk before you leave the house.
- Keep the goodbye short. A quick, upbeat goodbye is easier on most dogs than a long, emotional one.
- Leave the toys at home. In a group play setting, a favorite toy can start squabbles.
Check in is between 7 and 10 a.m. Arriving in that window lets your dog settle in and join the day from the start. If your commute takes you along the South Loop, US-90A South Main, Fondren or Hillcroft, we are an easy stop on the way. Look for the larger than life pup painted on the building at 11206 Cedarhurst Dr.
What happens during the day
Daycare at Pawliday Inn is full-day, and it has a rhythm. Your dog's day includes:
| Part of the day | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Outdoor play | Running, sniffing and playing with other dogs |
| Rest time | A break to recharge, so dogs do not get overtired |
| Snack breaks | A little fuel through the day |
Play yards by energy level
Our play yards are separated by energy level. A dog who loves to wrestle and sprint plays with others who like the same, while calmer dogs get a calmer group. This helps first-timers in particular, since being thrown in with dogs who play much rougher can be overwhelming.
Optional extras
If you like, you can add a short walk, an extra meal or an enrichment treat to your dog's day.
Pick up time
Check out is between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. A late pick up fee applies after 6:30 p.m., so build a little buffer into your drive if traffic on your route is unpredictable.
After the first day: what is normal
Many dogs come home from their first daycare day tired. That is often a good sign. A day of play, new smells and new friends is a lot for a dog to take in. Some general things you might notice:
- Sleeping more than usual that evening.
- Extra thirst, after a day of activity.
- A slightly hoarse bark if they were vocal while playing.
Give your dog water, a normal dinner and a quiet evening. If something seems off, such as vomiting, diarrhea, a persistent cough, limping or a dog who seems unwell rather than just tired, call your vet.
How quickly do dogs settle in?
Every dog is different. Some run straight into the yard on day one. Others take a few visits to relax. Consistency helps, since dogs who come regularly learn the routine faster. Prepaid day packages make regular visits easier, and households with more than one dog can use our multi-dog discount. See current rates on our homepage.
Thinking about boarding later?
Daycare is a great way for your dog to get to know our building and team before an overnight stay. When you are ready, see how overnight dog boarding works, or read more about daycare at Pawliday Inn.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to do a meet and greet before daycare?
Yes. Every daycare dog starts with a free meet and greet.
What time should I drop off on the first day?
Check in runs from 7 to 10 a.m. Arriving in that window helps your dog join the day's rhythm.
Should I pack lunch or toys?
Leave toys at home, since they can cause squabbles in group play. Snack breaks are built into the day, and an extra meal is available as an add-on if your dog needs one.
My dog was exhausted after daycare. Is that okay?
Being tired after a full day of play is common. If your dog seems sick rather than tired, or you are worried, check with your vet.