FAQ
Getting Started
How does my dog get started at The Doghouse WL?
All dogs begin with a Welcome Visit–a full evaluation day from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, for a one-time $25 fee. After a successful Welcome Visit, your dog completes a trial daycare period of 4-8 visits to build comfort, routine, and relationships with our staff and other dogs. To get on the schedule, complete our New Client Questionnaire; Welcome Visits are typically scheduled 2-3 months after you join the waitlist.
What is a Welcome Visit?
A Welcome Visit is your dog’s first day with us. Your dog spends the day with our team and daycare groups while we assess their comfort, social skills, and overall fit. It runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and costs a one-time fee of $25.
How long does it take before my dog can board?
Boarding is available only to dogs that have completed their daycare trial and become regular daycare attendees. Most dogs become boarding-eligible after 1-2 months of consistent daycare, attending roughly 4-6 times per month.
What are your daycare hours?
Weekdays:
Drop-off: 6:00 – 10:00 AM
Half-day pick-up: before 12:30 PM
Final pick-up: 5:45 PM
Weekends:
Drop-off & pick-up: 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Afternoon pick-up 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Front Desk Reception:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Are you open on holidays?
We are closed for daycare on New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On these days we do not offer drop-off, pick-up, or bus service for boarders–but we are open behind the scenes and provide a normal, routine day for the dogs boarding with us.
Does my dog go outside during the day?
Yes–a lot. Outdoor play is a major part of the Doghouse experience. Dogs enjoy large outdoor play areas and spend much of their day outside, weather permitting.
Are dogs supervised?
Always. Our handlers actively supervise daycare groups throughout the day to keep interactions safe and positive.
Why doesn't my dog show up in the daily photo album?
We do our best to photograph as many dogs as possible, but some naturally end up in more photos than others depending on where groups are playing and who’s taking pictures that day. It’s never a reflection of your dog’s behavior, and it’s never favoritism.
Boarding
Why does my dog need daycare before boarding?
Dogs who already know our staff, our routine, and our environment have far more successful overnight stays. We want The Doghouse to feel like a second home before we ever ask a dog to spend the night.
Is a trial overnight required?
Yes. Before any longer boarding stay, we schedule a trial overnight to make sure your dog is comfortable staying with us. Trial overnights are available Monday through Thursday only.
Does my dog need to keep attending daycare to stay boarding-eligible?
Yes. Regular daycare attendance keeps your dog familiar and comfortable with our environment, which is what makes boarding stays go smoothly.
What's included in boarding?
Boarding includes overnight care, supervision, and participation in daycare activities when appropriate. Overnight care is provided on-site.
Vaccinations & Health
What vaccinations are required?
All dogs must be current on: Rabies, DHPP (Distemper combination), Leptospirosis, Bordetella (every 6 months), and Canine Influenza (CIV). A negative fecal test is also required every 6 months.
Why do you require a fecal test every six months?
Routine fecal testing helps us keep a healthy daycare environment and catch intestinal parasites before they become a larger issue for your dog or the group.
What if my dog has diarrhea after daycare or boarding?
Excitement, increased activity, environmental changes, or underlying sensitivities can all contribute to digestive upset. If diarrhea is recurring, we recommend discussing it with your veterinarian.
Spay & Neuter Policy
Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered?
Yes. Dogs over one year of age must be spayed or neutered. Females must be spayed after their first heat cycle.
Can intact puppies attend daycare?
Yes. Puppies may attend beginning at 16 weeks of age, including intact males. As some intact males mature, hormonal behaviors like mounting can interfere with group play–this can begin as early as 8 months. If those behaviors persist, we may recommend a temporary pause from group daycare until after neutering and healing. Once healed, we’re glad to welcome dogs back with a shortened reintroduction process. Our priority is always a safe, comfortable, and socially successful environment for every dog.
Behavior & Socialization
What if my dog is nervous?
Many dogs need time to adjust to a new environment–that’s exactly what our trial process is for. We move at your dog’s pace and focus on building confidence gradually.
What if my dog doesn't like every dog?
That’s completely normal. We carefully manage groups and focus on creating positive experiences rather than forcing interactions.
Do dogs ever age out of daycare?
Sometimes. As dogs mature, some become less interested in group play or find busy environments more stressful. If we notice that, we’ll always talk it through with you and share our recommendations.
Reservations & Payments
How do I make reservations?
Reservations can be made through our Online Reservation System or by contacting our Front Desk at 734-222-0655.
Is the Online Reservation System part of this website?
Right now, our Online Reservation System runs separately from the website. The reservation portal remains fully functional while our website is being updated.
What payment methods do you accept?
ACH debit, check, credit card, debit card, text-to-pay links, and credit card on file.
Are there fees for card payments?
Yes—credit and debit card payments include a 3.5% transaction fee.
Our Philosophy
What makes The Doghouse different?
We believe dogs thrive when they have space to explore, positive relationships, structured play, individual attention, and consistent routines. Our goal is simple: a safe, enriching environment where dogs get to be dogs, and go home happy, tired, and fulfilled.