Interview Process
Our 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 can provide.
We schedule interviews by appointment only Monday – Friday, every 30 minutes, from 8:30am-10:00am and at 10:30am and 11:00am on Saturdays (excluding Holidays and events). If you are unable to make those appointments fit your schedule, give us a call to discuss an alternative appointment time.
Please make yourself available to stay for the entire introduction process in case any issues arise. The initial introduction typically takes 15-20 minutes per dog, depending on their previous social experience. We will introduce them to dogs one at a time until we are comfortable with them joining the pack. After that, we’ll dismiss you and allow them to stay and play for the day. We ask that you leave them for at least 5 hours to acclimate and make some new friends. They can also stay until we close as late as 7:30 pm (7:00pm on Saturdays).
Once your pup has successfully completed their interview day, they are welcome to join us for daycare and overnight boarding whenever you need.
As long as your dog attends daycare or stays overnight once per year, Waggin’ Tails does not require additional interviews. We reserve the right to require an additional interview/half-day of daycare if your pup hasn’t stayed with us in over a year**. This is in order to make sure your pup stays familiar with our facility, pack, and staff and to make sure their stay is as stress-free as possible.
*Interviews for non-local residents (outside of 10 miles of Waggin’ Tails) – Prepayment for a future Overnight Boarding stay is required, or the interview day will be charged at the price of a full-day of Daycare. If the future reservation is cancelled, the cost of one full-day of Daycare will be forfeited.
**Re-interviews are required if your pup has not been in to Waggin’ Tails in over a year, and are charged at the full price cost of a day of Daycare.
Determining if Daycare is a Good Fit
We consider each dog on a case-by-case basis. We primarily evaluate for aggressive behaviors and fear that we cannot safely control, predict, redirect, or improve. This includes both dog-to-human and dog-to-dog encounters. We want every dog to grow and live a happier life through their daycare experiences. This helps us create a safe and enjoyable environment for every dog that stays with us.
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.
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. Depending on the circumstances, we may offer to re-evaluate 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.
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.
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 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.
Cancellation Policy – Interview appointments are limited and high in demand. If you are unable to attend your pup’s interview, please call us or cancel online ASAP so we can open up that spot for someone else. If we are unable to reach you within 10 minutes from the start of your interview appointment, your interview will be cancelled. Any no-shows will result in your account being disabled and any future appointments scheduled will require a non-refundable deposit of a day of daycare to hold the spot.
What to Bring
Tail Wagger Waivers – Prior to bringing your pup, you must digitally sign a Tail Wagger Legal Waivers from your profile. If you cannot complete the application prior to your scheduled interview, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign the application on your mobile device.
Updated Vaccination Records – From your account dashboard, upload your dog’s vaccination records. If you do not have digital access to your dog’s 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.
If you are unable to locate or provide your pup’s vaccination records, we can contact your vet directly. Most vets are also able to email their records to us. We cannot guarantee your vet will be open at the time of your appointment, so please accordingly. Without proof of vaccinations, dogs will not be allowed in play group.
Lunch/Snack – If your pup normally eats lunch, or you would like them to have a break during the day, you are welcome to provide them with their lunch or a snack. If they do receive a break, we ask that they stay for at least 7 hours in order to get at least 5 hours of play time.
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. Major retailers (Amazon, PetSmart, etc.) stock and sell quick-release collars. Click here for an example.
Collars are required to be worn and securely tightened at all times. All pup’s must be leashed when entering and exiting the facility.
We do not allow dogs to wear belt buckle, martingale, quick-releases with a lock button, training, audio, shock, or pinch correctional collars in the facility.