What happens at your dog's free daycare assessment
Short answer: Every new dog at Wag'n'Woof starts with a free assessment on their first visit. A trained member of our team meets your dog and sees how they settle in with our team and the group, so we can both tell whether daycare is a good fit. To book it, create a profile in our client portal, upload your dog's vaccination records, then call or email us.
Why we start with an assessment
Daycare works best when every dog in the room is comfortable. Our daycare is just for small dogs, 35 lb and under, and our play groups only stay calm and fair when each new dog is a good match for them.
The assessment is how we get to know your dog before they become a regular. It also gives your dog a chance to get to know us, the space and the other dogs without any pressure. There's no charge, and no commitment to buy a pack until you've both had a chance to see how it goes.
Before the visit: three quick steps
- Create a profile. Set up your account in our client portal with your details and your dog's.
- Upload vaccination records. We ask for core vaccines (DHLPP), Bordetella and Rabies, all up to date. If you're unsure what's current, your vet can confirm.
- Book the visit. Call 604-544-0106 or email contact@wagnwoofnewwest.com and we'll find a time. We're open Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Having the profile and records in place first means the day itself is all about your dog.
What happens on the day
Your dog's first visit is the assessment. A trained member of our team completes it, and they'll watch how your dog settles in with our team and with the group.
Our daycare is kennel-free. There's a large common area for running and playing, and a quiet, private space for dogs who need a rest. Our pack leaders are certified in Dog First Aid and supervise the dogs all day.
Afterwards, we'll let you know how your dog did and whether daycare looks like a good fit. If you have questions about routines, food or anything your dog finds hard, this is a great time to ask.
If your dog is shy or nervous
Plenty of our regulars started out shy. Tell us what your dog finds hard, whether that's new places, busy rooms or being dropped off, and we'll work with you on ways to help them settle in. The assessment exists so nobody has to guess.
After the assessment
Once your dog is welcomed into the pack, you can buy a daycare pack or monthly plan in the client portal, then book and manage your dog's days online.
New clients also get 50% off their first 5-day pack, half day or full day. That saves $67.45 on 5 half days and up to $93.81 on 5 full days (before GST). See every option on our pricing page.
A few things that help in the first weeks:
- Start with what suits your dog. Half days (up to 5 hours) are a gentle way to build up. Full days cover a regular workday.
- Keep it regular. Most dogs settle faster when daycare happens on a predictable schedule.
- Keep records current. Update vaccination records in the portal when your dog has a booster.
Quick answers
Does the assessment cost anything? No. Every new dog's first visit is a complimentary assessment.
Is my dog the right size? Our daycare is for small dogs, 35 lb and under. Not sure? Call us at 604-544-0106.
Do I need to book, or can I drop in? Please book first. Create your profile, upload vaccination records, then call or email us to set up the visit.
What if daycare isn't the right fit? That's what the assessment is for. Some dogs prefer a quiet day at home, and that's fine.
Read more about our dog daycare in New Westminster, or get started here when you're ready.
