Your dog's first visit starts with an Introduction Day.
Every new dog starts with an Introduction Day — a guided first visit that helps our team understand your dog's personality, comfort level, and care needs so we can set them up for the best experience possible.
Please read through this page before requesting your dog's Introduction Day so you understand what the day looks like, what we require, and whether our environment may be the right fit for your dog.
We believe great dog care starts with honesty.
Our goal is always to make sure The Dog Patch is a safe, happy, and appropriate fit for your dog — and we'll be upfront with you about how they're doing.
We are looking for clients who are open to feedback about their dog's behaviour and who want to work together with us to set their dog up for success. Our team is experienced in dog care and group management, but we are not dog trainers and we cannot solve behavioural issues here. If your dog needs support with specific behaviours, we may recommend working on those skills at home or with a trainer so they can thrive in our environment.
Every dog is evaluated first
Your Introduction Day is led by one of our most experienced handlers.
Slow, intentional introductions
We never throw a new dog into a group. Every intro is paced to your dog's comfort, one dog at a time.
Separate small & big dog areas
Completely separate buildings for small and big dog.
What happens on your dog's Introduction Day.
An Introduction Day is your dog's first visit with us before joining us for Daycare or Boarding. It works like a daycare-style visit, with a scheduled drop-off time so we have time to meet you and your dog before starting the introduction. One of our team members will then bring your dog in and slowly introduce them to our pack, one dog at a time. Once they are introduced, we will bring you in and show you how they're doing as well as give you a tour of the facility. This entire process takes around 15–30 minutes, then you are free to leave. We ask that your dog stays for at least 3 hours but they are welcome to stay until closing.
Scheduled drop-off
You arrive at your assigned time and meet with one of our most experienced team members.
Slow, one-at-a-time pack intro
Your dog is introduced to our pack gradually, one dog at a time, by a dedicated handler.
Tour & check-in with you
Once your dog is settled with the pack, we bring you in to see how they're doing and walk you through the facility.
You head out
The intro process takes about 15–30 minutes total, then you're free to go.
The rest of the day
Your dog stays at least 3 hours (welcome to stay until closing) so we can fully assess how they're doing.
Want to see the space first?
Tours are available at 2 PM by appointment only. Contact us and we'd be happy to schedule you in before you book an Introduction Day — no dog required.
What we're looking for — and what if your dog needs more time.
We use Introduction Day as an assessment to see how your dog enjoys being in our care. This is not a pass/fail test — it's about finding what's right for your dog.
What we look for
A few things we pay attention to during the day:
- Recall level
- How their energy and play style meshes with our pack
- Whether they can be called off of play
- Response to obedience cues
- Any stress signals
- Whether they're able to settle
- How they interact with our staff
What if your dog needs more time?
This is a new environment and we do not expect every dog to settle in right away. We are however going to assess if their level of stress is healthy or if they are being pushed beyond a healthy threshold.
Sometimes we need more than just one day to tell if we're going to be the right fit for your dog. We may require a second Introduction Day, or recommend your dog starts coming on our slower weekend days to help build their confidence for weekday Daycare with the full pack or to come for a Boarding stay.
Or, your dog may settle in right away and have an absolute blast on their first day!
Everything you need to know before you book.
When
Mon–Fri11:30 AM or 12:30 PM. Weekday middays are when our team has the most support and coverage so we can pair your dog with a dedicated, experienced team member for the whole visit.
How Long
3 hoursThe drop-off intro process is about 15–30 minutes. Your dog stays a minimum of 3 hours and is welcome to stay until closing.
What's Included
Full careDedicated team member, facility tour, full evaluation, and a complete assessment of how your dog does in our environment.
Introduction Day Pricing
One clear price before your dog's first visit. The Introduction Day is the required first step for Daycare or Boarding.
Approval is required before your dog can attend Daycare or Boarding. This helps us support safer playgroups, thoughtful placement, and a better experience for every dog.
- Available Monday – Friday, 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM
- Two-dog rate applies when both dogs are from the same owner
- Scheduled after vaccine records are reviewed
- Prices do not include GST
Before you book, your dog will need:
We want every dog to have a great experience. Here's what we ask before booking an Introduction Day.
Friendly & Sociable
All dogs coming for Daycare and Boarding must be comfortable with dog and human interaction. We understand that every dog reacts differently to new situations so we do our best to ensure your dog is given every opportunity to succeed in this type of environment.
However, aggressive dogs will not be allowed as the safety of our pack is our number one priority.
Up-to-Date Vaccinations
DH2PP (Distemper/Parvo) — Required and must be up-to-date. We also accept and encourage Titer Tests.
Rabies — At least one vaccination required in their lifetime. Puppies do not require Rabies until 1 year of age.
Puppies — Must have at least 2 sets of puppy shots (8 weeks and 12 weeks). We recommend their second vaccination is at least 10 days prior to their Introduction Day, as vaccinations need time to provide protection.
If your dog cannot meet the above requirements due to health reasons, please contact us directly.
Spayed or Neutered
Females — We recommend spaying by 7 months old.
At our discretion, some intact female dogs may attend Daycare and Boarding after 7 months, but not while in heat or pregnant.
Males — We require neutering by 7 months old.
Shy, nervous, or unsure dogs are welcome
Shy, nervous, or unsure dogs are welcome to try an Introduction Day. We'll go slowly and pay close attention to whether the environment feels manageable and healthy for them. Every dog is different, and we're here to help yours feel comfortable.
Not sure if your dog is the right fit?
We'd love to talk it through with you. Every dog is different, and we're happy to chat about your pup before you book. Call, text, or email us anytime.
Your step-by-step path to booking through Gingr.
The actual booking action is requesting your Introduction Day under Evaluation in Gingr — not waiting for us to reach out. Follow the steps below to get booked in.
Create your owner profile in Gingr
Sign up at Gingr Client Portal. Use invite code 790862 where prompted.
Add your dog's profile
You'll be prompted to add your dog after creating your owner profile.
Upload current vaccine records
Upload your dog's vaccine records inside their profile. We'll review these before confirming your booking.
Sign the waiver
Complete the waiver inside your Gingr account before proceeding.
Go to Evaluation in your Gingr account
Navigate to the Evaluation section inside Gingr.
Request an Introduction Day
Pick from the available times that work for you. This is the step that actually gets you booked in — don't stop at profile creation and wait for us to reach out.
Need a specific date? Let us know.
If you can't find an Introduction Day time that works — especially if you have boarding dates coming up — reach out and we'll do our best to make it happen.
Contact Us →Questions before your dog's Introduction Day.
Ready to meet the pack?
Create your Gingr profile and request your dog's Introduction Day to get started with Daycare or Boarding at The Dog Patch.
Create Your Gingr Profile