Interview Process
Our free interview process starts with a dog temperament test. We evaluate if our Northglenn dog daycare is a good fit for your dog. This day is a FREE* day of daycare for you for your pup. It allows them to meet us and see the wonderful environment we provide.
On your dog’s first day, we ask that you stay for the initial introduction. This typically takes 15-20 minutes per dog. We will introduce them slowly to the pack to assess their social skills. Once they become comfortable with the rest of the pack, we’ll dismiss you, and they can stay and play for the day. We ask that you leave them for at least 5 hours to acclimate and make some friends.
We primarily watch for aggressive behaviors and fear that we cannot safely control, predict, redirect, or improve. While we want every dog to grow and improve at daycare. As a result, we consider each dog on a case-by-case basis. Waggin’ Tails creates a safe and enjoyable environment for every dog’s stay with us. In addition to safety, we want every dog to be comfortable and happy around dogs and humans. As a result, we constantly assess and monitor their behavior.
Over time, this environment may cause temperament and behavioral changes. Please understand that even if your dog passes their dog temperament test, new behaviors may develop that require us to dismiss your dog for the safety of them, other dogs, and staff. If that happens, we may re-evaluate your dog after 60 days with proof of professional social behavior training depending on the circumstances of their dismissal.
*Interviews for non-local residents, without the purchase of a future stay, will be charged at the full daycare rate.
Interview Specifics
We schedule interviews by appointment only Monday – Friday from 8am-10:30am. We offer 30-minute time-slots and ask that you plan to stay during the introduction period. Once they pass their dog temperament test, we will keep them in our play group for a minimum of 5 hours or until 7:00 pm. Book your appointment directly online by creating a customer account.
The possibility exists that your dog may not pass his/her temperament test. Please understand that daycare is not always the best fit for every dog. Being away from home causes stress and can bring out fear or aggression in your dog that you’ve never seen before. If that happens, we will be happy to re-interview your dog after 60 days with proof of professional social behavior training.
In the extreme case where we dismiss a dog due to a significant injury to another dog or person, that dog will not be allowed back into the facility for any reason.
As long as your dog attends daycare or stays overnight once per year, Waggin’ Tails does not require additional interviews. Additionally, we reserve the right to require an additional interview if your pup hasn’t stayed with us in over a year.
Beyond Daycare
Overnight Boarding – If you plan to board your dog, they must complete their initial interview at least one day prior to the overnight reservation. The first day of daycare often overwhelms many dogs so we require at least one night for them to decompress at home before staying with us overnight. It also allows dogs to meet us and associate us as a positive experience to make their overnight stay a little easier.
Bathing Services – We highly recommend scheduling an interview at least a day prior to any grooming services. We want to make sure that their first day is a positive experience, and many dogs do not enjoy the grooming process. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for basic grooming.
Non-Social Dogs – The setup of our facility does not accommodate dogs that cannot pass an interview/social temperament test. If your pup cannot participate in daycare, we do not have the resources to give one-on-one care throughout the day that your pup deserves. If your dog cannot participate in our social play group, we can recommend some alternate care options for your pup.
In rare cases, depending on the current vacancy, we may accomodate non-social dogs away from other dogs. Waggin Tails makes these decisions with your pups best interest in mind factoring in previous boarding experience and current anxiety level.
How to Reserve
First, request a free interview day by creating an account from our website by clicking here. Fill in information about yourself and about your pup(s) that will help us get to know them a little bit before their first day. Once that is complete, click on the “Request Services” button from your home page and select “Request an Interview Day.” From there, you can select any available appointment slot.
If you are unable to complete the application online, please give us a call and we can assist you.
What to Bring For Your Dog Temperament Test
Tail Wagger Application – Prior to bringing your pup, you must digitally sign a Tail Wagger Application from your profile. If you cannot complete the application prior to your scheduled interview, you must arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign the application in person. Please understand that we do not accept paper applications. You must sign the application digitally from your computer or smart devise.
Updated Vaccination Records – From your account, upload your dog’s vaccination records, photos, and information. If you do not have access to upload your dog’s medical records, you must bring a paper copy with you to your scheduled interview. Please ensure the records show an up-to-date record for Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella (given within the last 6 months). Visit our Requirements page for more information.
Identification – Provide a quick-release collar with your dog’s name and your contact information. For safety reasons, we require all dogs to have a collar with a quick-release clasp, optimizing our chances of removing it quickly in case of an emergency. We do not accept belt buckle, pinch, martingale, and training collars in our play yards. Major retailers (Amazon, PetSmart, etc.) stock and sell quick-release collars. Click here for an example of a quick release collar.
We do not allow dogs to wear audio, shock, or pinch correctional collars in the facility.