Getting Started

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How do I get my dog started at LakePAWse?
Every new dog starts with a Meet & Greet, so we can get to know your dog's personality, comfort level, and any special needs before their first full day.

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Do I need to book a "trial day"?
A Quick PAWse is recommended before regular visits begins, but it's not mandatory.

 

What paperwork do I need to have?
When you set up your account, you'll be asked to provide vaccine records, along with your emergency contact information, vet contact, feeding instructions and behavioral notes,

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What do I need to bring for the service day?
You provide your dog's food for their stay — we take care of the rest. If your dog uses diapers or wraps, please provide those as well.

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Communication

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How will I know how my dog's day is going?
We use TimeToPet, our client and booking platform, so you can manage your account and stay connected to your dog's visit — including daily photo and video updates.

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Health & Safety

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Is there a minimum age to attend?
Yes — dogs must be over 6 months old.

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What vaccines are required?
Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella.

 

Hours & Visiting

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What are your hours of operation?
Daily, 7am to 7pm.

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Can I stop by for a tour or walk-in visit?
No. We recommend schedule a Meet & Greet rather than walking in unannounced. Dogs are highly attuned to unfamiliar visitors and sudden shifts in a room's energy — an unscheduled walk-through can unsettle dogs who are mid-nap, mid-play, or still adjusting to their day. A scheduled visit also means we can give you our full attention and if the moment permits, we could walk you in.

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Crate-Free Care

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Is LakePAWse really crate-free?
Crate-free care is available for dogs who become distressed in enclosed spaces, and it's central to our home-style environment. That said, every dog is different — a puppy still adjusting, or a dog who genuinely finds a den-like space calming, may do better easing in gradually rather than starting straight in an open group setting. We assess this case by case, starting each dog wherever helps them feel safest.

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The Name & Facility

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Is there an actual lake at LakePAWse?
No — there's no body of water on-site. The name reflects our history and the peaceful, retreat-like feeling behind the whole experience, and it comes through in our "dog village" design, built around our signature Green & Blue Dog Houses that create cozy spaces for rest and quiet time.

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Products & Belongings

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What can I bring for my dog?
You must provide your dog's regular food for their stay — treats for your dog to enjoy or share are welcome. We don't recommend personal bedding, toys, or treats from home, due to hygiene, the risk of resource-guarding between dogs, and the chance of damage or loss. Please label anything you do bring.

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Size & Breed

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What size dogs do you accept?
LakePAWse is designed exclusively for small dogs, 25 lbs and under and over 6 months old — including toy and small breeds, seniors, and dogs with special needs or sensitivities.

 

Our Philosophy

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Why the calm approach instead of a typical high-energy daycare?
Because a happy dog doesn't need to be "on" all day. Dogs need connection, but connection doesn't have to mean constant excitement — our team interacts with each dog using calm voices, gentle affection, and positive reinforcement, paying close attention to arousal level throughout the day. Sound, lighting, scent, and rest are all intentionally managed to support genuine comfort, not just supervision.

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What should I do at drop-off and pick-up?
We ask families to help keep arrivals and departures calm — using a calm voice, letting your dog approach naturally, and holding off on excited greetings until your dog has settled. Please don't greet dogs you don't know, and avoid approaching another dog if you cross paths in the parking lot or reception area — you know your own dog, but you don't know theirs.

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Pricing & Booking

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How do I book?
Through TimeToPet, linked throughout the site.

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Can I pause a membership pass?
Each service has a specific expiration date, already set up in our platform.

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Find Your Dog's Fit

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Every dog at LakePAWse gets individualized care — but some do best with lots of social play, some need a slower, gentler rhythm, and some just want to be close to a person. Here's how we think about it.

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Can I choose the group my dog will stay in?
No — group placement is at LakePAWse's discretion, based on your dog's behavior and needs. A Meet & Greet and the first visit lets us assess your dog's temperament in person and recommend the right fit.

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What is the Play & Social Club?
Best for: friendly, emotionally stable, moderate-to-high-energy dogs who are social and playful.
What it looks like: supervised social play, indoor and outdoor park time, rotating enrichment, and structured rest periods between activity — parks with moderate stimulation, dimmer lighting for crated breaks, soft calming music, and comfortable bedding.

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What is the Calm & Comfort Club?
Best for: senior dogs, shy or low-energy dogs, and dogs who are blind, deaf, or medically fragile.
What it looks like: special handling and supervision, sniff enrichment, brushing, sunbathing, slow walks, and gentle enrichment — in a home-style, lower-stimulation setting with a quiet atmosphere and soft lighting.

 

What is the Velcro Paws & Companion Club?
Best for: dogs that panic when left alone, need constant human proximity, or are crate-sensitive.
What it looks like: emotional comfort support, brushing, confidence-building, structured separation training where applicable, and calm relaxation time — crate-free, with constant human presence, couch and lounge areas.

 

How does the fitness program work?
Wellness and fitness programming goes beyond daycare play — the Sensory Enrichment Gym offers guided, treadmill-based sensory work; the Weight Loss Program provides structured fitness sessions for dogs on a wellness plan; and Calm Walk Sessions offer slow, decompression-paced walks. Sessions can be booked individually or added onto a visit day.

 

What is different about our grooming services?
It's spa-style and low-stress by design — calm handling, soft lighting, and soothing music throughout, at your dog's pace rather than a fast-turnaround chore. A special handling fee might applies for dogs needing extra time or care, rather than rushing them through.
 

What is our philosophy?
Every part of the LakePAWse environment is intentionally shaped around how dogs actually experience the world — what they hear (calming music, controlled sound levels), see (soft, thoughtfully controlled lighting), smell (dog-safe sensory enrichment, never overwhelming), feel (comfortable rest spaces, appropriate social groups, gentle handling), and the balance between engagement (enrichment, play, positive reinforcement) and rest (built-in quiet time, because a happy dog doesn't need to be "on" all day).

 

Can I wait for my dog in the reception room?
Yes — for short services like grooming and the fitness program, you're welcome to stay in reception, grab a coffee or snack, and connect with other owners.

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How does the community armoire work?
The Pet Community Armoire lives in our reception area — it's a simple donate, share, and take system for the LakePAWse community. Got extra treats your dog won't eat, or gear they've outgrown? Drop off non-expired food, treats, or clean, gently-used pet supplies to donate. You can share items to help a fellow pet owner in need, or to honor a beloved pet's memory by passing their things along. And anytime, you're welcome to take a new toy, accessory, or treat for your dog to try — completely free.

 

Is training available?
Not available at this moment.

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Is grooming available to book?
It will be soon.