Frequently Asked Questions

The two main benefits of attending daycare are exercise and socialization. 

Exercise is paramount for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. Having a fun and safe place to burn off energy ensures that dogs are less likely to suffer from common ailments such as weight and mobility issues, overeating, poor digestion, and compromised immunity. Alleviating separation anxiety and loneliness are great mental health benefits of daycare, and dogs are more likely to sleep well and suffer fewer symptoms of stress after a day of play.

Socialization is an essential part of any dog’s life. Dogs are extroverted pack animals, and most crave the camaraderie of a group setting. Daycare is great for puppies too since they can learn and be “shown the ropes” by elder dogs. 

Inactivity and boredom leads to destructive behaviors like scratching walls or chewing on furniture. Excessive barking and restlessness are also issues stemming from under-stimulation. A dog who attends daycare is a dog who is not at home destroying your place or inciting noise complaints from your neighbors to your landlord. Daycare is also a great option for those busy days which may require help ensuring that your dog gets all the love, attention, and exercise he needs. 

Daycare is not for every dog. Older dogs may have trouble adjusting to the commotion caused by a sizeable group of dogs romping and playing in a large area; shy dogs may be overwhelmed by the crowd; and aggressive dogs have NO PLACE in a group setting. The staff at Kickapoo Ranch Pet Resort is experienced in recognizing the signs of discomfort and temperament that may indicate that the daycare setting is not right for your dog.

No. We carefully evaluate each dog during a free temperament test/trial day. We are confident in the experience and ability of our staff to recognize potentially problematic behaviors in a dog regardless of the breed.

1.) DHPP - a standard core vaccine recommended to all dogs to prevent distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and leptospirosis

2.) Rabies - a standard core vaccine recommended to all dogs to prevent rabies

3.) Bordetella - a standard noncore vaccine recommended to dogs who are frequently in contact with other dogs to prevent kennel cough

4.) K9 Influenza (recommended) - canine influenza vaccines are killed vaccines containing inactive (killed) canine influenza virus. The killed influenza viruses found in the vaccine stimulate a dog’s immune system to create antibodies against dog flu without causing disease. 

All dogs 12 months of age and older must be spayed or neutered to participate in daycare or boarding unless they show dominance signs at an earlier age. Starting at the end of 2024, All dogs must be 8 months of age or older.

All dogs must be on a regular flea and tick treatment or regiment.

A temperament test or trial day determines if dog daycare is a good fit for your dog. We will meet you and your dog, discuss your dog’s history and behaviors, and introduce your dog to the pack. This first session is a free day of daycare (the owner does not stay) in order to give the dog enough time to acclimate to the new environment and so handlers can observe how well your dog interacts with the group. 

A temperament test or trial day has four possible outcomes:

1.) Pass - the dog can attend daycare in any capacity

2.) Pass with restrictions - the dog can attend our companion camp instead. The dog can come to Kickapoo but will spoiled throughout the day by a Kennel tech. 

3.) Recommend another test/trial - this is most common for dogs who are overly shy or who may need a little more time to open up, but did not necessarily exhibit behaviors that would result in their not passing

4.) No pass - the dog is too uncomfortable or aggressive or otherwise does not fit in well with dog daycare. Dogs who do not pass the trial for daycare may still want to consider our CCD program in Issaquah which gives those dogs more individualized attention and less pack environment commotion  

Mainly, the dogs have fun playing in the pack while our experienced handlers supervise. There are large open areas, play structures, dog houses, and sometimes agility equipment for the dogs. We also have pools and water toys and a splash pad for them in the summer. Dogs may also play or cuddle with handlers, take naps, eat meals, and/or explore fenced-in outdoors areas. 

Dogs are grouped according to size and play style. Small or large and low-energy or high-energy are the first considerations. Dogs are also moved from group to group as their behavior changes throughout the day.

Some dogs, especially very small ones, are not very interested in traditional play, but still benefit greatly from daycare. Regular exposure to other dogs helps socialization and promotes good behaviors even if the dogs are not necessarily playing with each other. IF Daycamp does not work for your dog, we can always move them to a companion camp. 

There is no official training in daycare, but we do try to reinforce positive behaviors and good manners. Official training options for basic and advanced obedience, reactivity, agility, and puppies are available. Please contact Catarena (Dog Trainer) for more information. 936-931-9480

There is a large double-fenced-in outdoor area where we highly encourage dogs to potty, but sometimes accidents happen indoors. Dogs are never reprimanded or chastised for “going” indoors. All dog waste, whether outdoors or indoors, is immediately cleaned.

All dog contact surfaces (play structures, floors, etc.) are constantly cleaned around the clock with the same dog-safe chemicals used in veterinary offices. Further, twice-daily deep cleaning is performed using non-toxic solutions to battle dirt and grime as well as bleach to battle microorganisms and parasites. All human contact surfaces (door knobs, countertops, etc.) are constantly sanitized. 

Our facilities are not able to support live-streaming video feeds, but handlers take and post photos of the dogs on Facebook and Instagram daily.

No. The dogs always get excited when a new dog arrives or when visitors stop by. Within just a couple minutes, the dogs settle down and everything is back to normal.

Members enjoy discounted daycare rates. Kickapoo Ranch Pet Resort memberships are billed monthly by EFT/Credit Card. Unused days can be carried over for 90 days. After 90 days, unused days will expire. Alter or cancel anytime with 3 days’ notice. * Starting end of year 2024, More to come. 

Dogs that Board only at Kickapoo Ranch Pet Resort must be people-friendly. The dogs in the boarding area do not interact with other dogs. If you plan to board your dog at Kickapoo Ranch Pet Resort, we recommend that you supply the dog’s food, treats, toys (Limit 2), and anything else that might make her more comfortable for her stay. All of these items are kept separate from other dogs. Boarding dogs are fed and medicated according to the owner’s instructions and will sleep overnight on a cot in a spacious luxury suite or Lobo Ranch room with their belongings. 

Yes Bring your own dog food, A change in diet could result in an upset stomach or diarrhea. 

There is no extra charge for feeding or medicating a dog with their own food. 

Owners are contacted immediately in the rare event of an illness or injury. Dogs receive immediate care from one or more of our dog CPR and first aid certified staff, and if necessary, we will transport your dog to your vet. If your vet is too far away in the event of an emergency, we may take your dog to a neighborhood vet with whom we have a great relationship. The vet will contact the owner with their assessment and report.