1. Is daycare right for my dog?
A. Daycare can be a good fit for many dogs. Dogs that tend to benefit from daycare are those who are social and like the company of other dogs, have more energy that can be met at home, or are left for long stretches during the day. It can also be a great release for dogs who become bored or under stimulated. Daycare provides a balance of physical exercise, mental enrichment and structured social time in a supervised environment.
2. Can I take a tour the facility before enrolling my dog?
A. Absolutely! We're happy to offer tours on Saturdays where you will be able to view our play areas and enrichment space without interrupting the dogs weekly routines. Please feel free to call ahead to schedule a time, or you can stop by between 11am-4pm. We encourage you to come and have a look so you can feel confident about where your dog will spend their day.
3. Is your team trained in dog behaviour and body language?
A. Yes. Dogs in our care are supervised by owners with decades of hands-on experience working with dogs in group daycare environments and professional dog training. We place a strong emphasis on reading canine body language, understanding group dynamics and intervening early to support calm, safe interactions throughout the day.
As EmBark Academy grows, new employees will be trained not only to recognize canine behaviour and body language, but how to follow our established standards for handling, supervision, and safety in a positive, force-free environment.
4. What if my dog is anxious, or unsure in new environments?
A. We take a thoughtful, individualized approach with anxious or sensitive dogs and focus on helping them feel safe rather than overwhelmed. Dogs are introduced gradually, often starting with quieter, calmer dogs before entering the larger group interactions. We pay close attention to their body language throughout the day so we can adjust pacing and social exposure as needed.
If a dog needs a break, we have a dedicated space for one-on-one interaction with a staff member, allowing them time to decompress and reset in a calm environment. We also offer shorter 2 hour daycare options so they can experience the space and routine without the pressure of a full day. This allows dogs to build confidence at their own pace while we ensure their comfort and wellbeing come first.
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5. What vaccines does my dog need to attend daycare?
A. To help protect all dogs in our care, we require that dogs be up to date on core vaccinations , including DHPP, Rabies and Bordetella.
We also strongly recommend that dogs be on a flea and tick preventative program as this helps maintain a healthy environment for everyone.
Proof of vaccinations are required prior to attendance, and can be uploaded through our Gingr app, or brought in with you on your first visit.
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6. What if my dog is sick or becomes ill at daycare?
A. For the safety and wellbeing of all dogs, we ask that dogs showing any signs of illness be kept home. If a dog develops symptoms while at daycare, we may separate them from the group and contact the owner to arrange early pick-up as soon as possible.
While we take every precaution to minimize the risk of illness, through sanitation, monitoring and responsible group management, some illness are not immediately visible, and we cannot guarantee that dogs will not be exposed. Our priority is always the health and comfort of every dog in our care.
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7. Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered?
A. Yes. We require that dogs attending daycare be spayed or neutered by around 8 months of age. This helps to reduce the risk of behavioural conflicts and ensures a calmer, safer environment for all of the dogs.
8. Im ready to sign up, how do I get started?
A. Getting started is easy! You can sign your dog up directly through our Gingr app online at any time or we're happy to assist you in person at the daycare or by phone.
Once you are signed up, you can schedule a 30 minute temperament test to ensure out daycare is a good fit for your dog.
9. How to book a temperament test and what happens?
A. You can schedule a temperament test through your Gingr account, by phone or in person once your dog is registered. Your dog will come in to the daycare for 30 minutes where we will introduce them to a small, selected group of dogs which best match their energy level. During this time, we observe your dogs comfort, interactions and overall behaviour in a supervised setting. After the session, you can pick up your dog and receive a full verbal report from us, including our observations, recommendations, and next steps for daycare.
10. What age can my puppy join daycare?
A. Puppies can join daycare once they've completed their second set of vaccines. When starting out, we typically recommend shorter, two-hour play sessions to help them adjust at their own pace. During their time with us, puppies are introduced to safe structured play that encourages healthy social skills, confidence, and positive interactions with other dogs. We also make sure to offer them scheduled rest periods to prevent overstimulation, giving them a balanced experience that supports both play and learning.
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11. What will my dog do in daycare?
A. A typical day at EmBark Academy is designed to balance exercise, socialization, enrichment and rest. In the morning, dogs enjoy supervised play and social interactions, giving them a a chance to stretch, explore and engage with human and canine friends. Throughout the day, dogs have access to our outdoor area at least every two hours for fresh air and bathroom breaks. For dogs who bring lunch, mealtime is served in a separate, calm area. Afternoons include themed enrichment activities either one-on-one or in small groups which provide mental stimulation and confidence building. Late afternoon and early evening consist of gentle play and rest. Every part of the day is supervised in a force-free environment to ensure comfort and a positive experience for every dog.
12. What is enrichment, and why does it matter?
A. Enrichment is the mental and physical stimulation we provide to keep dogs engaged, confident, and happy. At EmBark Academy, enrichment goes beyond simple play and exercise, it includes games, problem-solving activities and structured interactions that encourage learning and confidence building using their brains and noses. The goal isn't just to tire dogs out, it's to provide meaningful experiences that challenge their minds, strengthen social skills, and make daycare a truly stimulating and rewarding environment.
13. My dog has a sensitive stomach, what will you feed them during the day?
A. We provide treats and healthy snacks throughout the day, including occasional fruits or vegetables, or other dog safe whole foods. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, or if owners prefer that their dog does not receive snacks, simply let us know at drop off. You're also welcome to provide your dog's own approved treats from home. Our goal is to ensure every dog enjoys safe, nutritious options that work for their individual needs.
14. Do you use crates?
A. Our goal is provide a structured environment where dogs can respond to routines and feel comfortable without needing crates. That said, we do have crates available for specific situations such as giving a puppy a quiet place to rest, briefly separating a dog who is overstimulated or temporarily isolating a dog that becomes ill. Crates are never used for dogs who are uncomfortable in them, and any crate use is designed with their comfort and wellbeing as the top priority.
15. Will my dog be taken for a walk?
A. Dogs remain on the daycare premises from drop-off to pick-up unless other arrangements have been made. They have full access to our outdoor area throughout the day to play, explore and relieve themselves ensuring they get fresh air while staying safe on-site.
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16. How will daycare impact potty training for my puppy?
A. We do our best to support your puppy's potty training by providing regular outdoor breaks throughout the day. We encourage good potty habits with praise and maintain a clean indoor environment to help discourage accidents.
17. Do you offer boarding?
A. No, we currently do not offer boarding.
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18. Do you offer grooming?
A. No, we do not have a grooming service on site. However, we do offer nail trims using either clippers or Dremel for a smooth comfortable finish.
In addition, we offer a desensitization training service for dogs who are sensitive to having their paws handled. This is a program designed to help dogs feel relaxed and safe with paw handling and gradual exposure to clippers or a Dremel.
Regular nail maintenance is important for musculoskeletal health and overall comfort. Overgrown nails can alter a dog's gait, increase strain on joints, and over time contribute to structural changes in the paw and toes. By keeping nails properly trimmed, we help prevent discomfort, maintain proper posture, and support long-term mobility.
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