Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff-to-dog ratio in play groups?
The Iowa Department of Agriculture, who licenses all daycares in Iowa, has a rule requiring no more than 15 dogs to 1 dog handler. We feel like 15 is a lot of dogs to watch at one time, so our playgroups are generally smaller. For the rowdiest dogs, play groups would have about 5-8 dogs; more laid back play groups have 10-12. Safety is our top concern at JDPC – for dogs and staff! Additionally, studies show that play time alternated with rest time is the safest daycare model. This gives dogs time to decompress and rejuvenate.
Why the spay/neuter rule for 6 months or over? Can my puppy come before 6 months of age?
The Iowa Department of Agriculture, who licenses all daycares in Iowa, requires that all dogs over 6 months of age must be spayed/neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Puppies can attend daycare starting at 10 weeks of age. At 6 months they must be altered to continue attending.
What vaccinations are required for attendance?
Rabies (for pups 16 weeks or older), Distemper/Parvo, and Bordetella. Additionally heartworm and flea tick prevention is required from April through October.
Do I have to bring my own food? What is pre-bagging?
Yes, send your dog’s regular food from home, as an abrupt diet change can cause stomach upset. Pre-bagging means food is packed by individual meal. Canned food is considered pre-bagged if easily divided (e.g., ½ can per meal, or add 1 tsp to dry food). We do have a microwave, refrigerator, and freezer.
How do you train your staff?
We provide training to all staff on understanding dog language and behavior and on supervising playgroups for fun and safety. Ongoing training is provided through daily group huddles, company intranet updates, and monthly meetings.
What training is done with daycare dogs?
We put a big emphasis on the training we do with dogs while at daycare, something that differentiates us from our competitors. This includes learning/using commands like Sit, Stay, Down, Drop It; and demonstrating good manners like not jumping up on people or pulling on leash when walking. It also includes recognizing dogs who would benefit from certain training during daycare.
What is Dog U: School of Liberal Arfs & Smarts?
It’s what we call our enrichment daycare program. It’s like a university – for dogs! Activities at Dog U address physical, mental, and emotional needs of the dogs in our care, as well as appropriate periods for rest and rejuvenation.
How many years has JDPC been in business?
JDPC opened its doors on May 27, 2003.
How is the business certified and inspected/evaluated?
JDPC is licensed and annually inspected by the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
What professional organizations does JDPC belong to?
JDPC is an active member in IBPSA (the International Boarding & Pet Services Association) and the APDT (the Association of Pet Dog Trainers).
What is canine enrichment?
Enrichment is any fun, out of the ordinary activity that dogs do in smaller groups, sometimes one-on-one, at a slower pace. Our intent is to engage their attention, teach, bond, and get that tail wagging! Dogs who attend enrichment daycare get all the socialization and fun of traditional daycare, but during a rest period they participate in the daily enrichment activity, which could range from playing with puzzle toys to exploring an obstacle course.
Why does JDPC only board dogs who do regular daycare there?
We believe this provides a safer and more fun environment for all! When dogs board at their “home away from home,” where they have so many human and dog friends, it’s less stressful on them. And when we board dogs we are familiar with through daycare, it creates safer play groups.
What is JDPC’s mission statement?
To give dogs work and purpose!
How are play groups arranged at JDPC?
Big dogs and little dogs are in separate play groups. From there we divide things even further to ensure that dogs are with others of similar temperament and play style.
Why do you charge by the day, rather than by the night, for boarding?
Because our boarding includes daycare, we charge for the playtime and boarding. Half-day discounts are given for arrivals after 12 noon and departures before 1 PM.
What should I send from home for daycare? For boarding?
For daycare, you only need to bring your dog with a collar and a leash/harness! We give treats throughout the day, but feel free to send along a lunch or special treats if you want. For boarding, you should send your dog’s food (pre-bagged) and medications (if any). We have plenty of blankets and beds; however you are welcome to send along beds, toys, or anything else that would remind your pup of home. At Just Dogs we strive to give every customer a stress-free and fun experience!
What about medications or special diets?
If your dog requires a medication to be given while in our care, please send it along with clear instructions. We have experience giving a variety of common canine medications, but if your dog has a special medication need, please contact us in advance. If your dog has any dietary restrictions, please send along the treats and food they are allowed to have. We do have a microwave, refrigerator, and freezer.
Can I use my daycare package towards boarding?
No. For overnight boarding we charge different rates. Daycare packages are for daycare use only. But don’t worry! Your dog still gets all the fun of daycare while boarding!
What is your cancellation policy for daycare and boarding? Is it different around holidays?
Daycare and boarding reservations must be cancelled by 5 PM the day before your reservation, or you will be charged for a daycare or a portion of your boarding reservation. For some holidays, reservations must be cancelled sooner than that. We inform customers via email of these dates and post them in our lobby.
What happens if I can’t use my daycare package before it expires?
We don’t typically extend package expiration dates. All packages expire 10 weeks after the first use (not purchase date).
What is the intake process?
Submit your dog(s)’ information via the online intake application + current vaccination due dates from your vet. We will contact you with any questions and to schedule a date for your telephone intake interview. A fee of $20 is charged for this. All intakes are conducted by Carol, the owner of JDPC, who has more than 20 years of experience evaluating the sociability of dogs. After that, we schedule your dog’s first daycare visit!
Can I do a half day for my first day?
First visits to daycare must be full days. This allows adequate time for your dog to adjust to the new environment as well as time for us to assess how your dog is doing.
Are dogs in kennels at JDPC?
Yes! Every dog has a private kennel assigned to them. This is their private space where they take breaks between play, eat meals, and sleep overnight. At JDPC, we alternate play time and rest time, which ensures a safer play experience for all the dogs.
What are your holiday policies? Do you require deposits for holiday lodging?
Boarding for certain holidays requires a 100% deposit. Specific due dates and cancellation dates for these holidays are sent to customers via email and posted in our lobby. See our Peak Lodging Calendar for important dates.
How do I use the customer portal?
After your intake, we will enter you into our system. Then you will receive an email inviting you to the customer portal. The first time you sign in, you’ll use the primary email address you listed on your intake and create a password. You can access the portal through a browser or download the Gingr for Pet Parents app from the Apple or Google play store. Using the customer portal, you can request or cancel reservations, make purchases, upload vaccinations, and more!
How early/late can I drop off or pick up my dog?
Our customer hours Monday through Friday are 6:30-9:30 AM, 12:00-1:00 PM, and 3:00-6:00 PM. You can drop off or pick up your dog any time within those windows. One exception: all boarding drop offs must be by 4 PM. This is to ensure that we have time to tucker ‘em out and tuck ‘em in!
Do you offer daycare on weekends?
No. Daycare is offered Monday through Friday. Dogs who board over the weekend do get to play with other boarding dogs.
What is a Dog U Membership all about?
Dog U Members receive special amenities, such as extra visits added to daycarae packages, discounts on boarding, progress report cards with photos, and priority waitlist. As a Dog U Member your dog can also get special bathing and boarding services, like massages and bedtime stories! (link to list of them ????) Dog U Memberships can be paid annually or monthly.
Are tours available?
Yes, they can be requested. We will reach out to schedule a time that works for you and us.
Is there staff in the facility overnight?
No one stays overnight. We do have security cameras and alarms throughout the building. When we look in, we see tuckered out dogs who are sleeping off their day of fun!
Do you offer grooming/hair cuts?
No, we don’t offer full body haircuts, but we do offer bathing services, including toe nail trims, for our daycare and boarding customers.
What do you do in case of an emergency?
JDPC has an established disaster preparedness plan in place. For any dog-specific emergencies, owners would be contacted and vet attention sought if needed.
What if my dog doesn’t get along with other dogs or unfamiliar people?
To attend daycare, a dog must be able to get able to get along with at least some other dogs and people. We carefully evaluate each dog for sociability during the intake process. During the first daycare visit, we go slow and let dogs see new dogs and people through fence before meeting, taking things at each dog’s pace. If we feel a dog is not a good fit, we do let customers know.
What will I find out about my dog’s first daycare visit?
We send home a report and photos so you can see who your dog met and how they played on their first visit to JDPC!