Questions, answered.

Start by registering through our customer portal. You can register days or even weeks before your dog's first visit, whenever it's convenient. Once you're in, give us a call or book online to schedule the first visit, daycare, boarding, or grooming, whichever you need. If that first visit is daycare or boarding, we'll spend time getting to know your dog and watching how they do with other pups. Grooming appointments stand on their own, no group evaluation needed.

Tours aren't required, but we offer them by appointment so you can see the facility before booking. Tours are scheduled outside busy drop-off and pickup hours so we can give you our full attention.

It doesn't have to be daycare. Your first visit can be a full day of daycare, a boarding stay, or a grooming appointment, at the regular rate either way. Whichever you choose, we'll make sure your dog is comfortable and set up to have a great experience. For daycare or boarding, our handlers watch closely to see how your pup does with other dogs. If we notice anything we want to talk through, we'll bring it up with you at pickup. No surprises, no judgment.

We don't have parents stay, and there's a good reason for that. Dogs tend to focus on you when you're around, rather than checking out their new friends. Hands-off evaluations give us the truest picture of how your dog will do, and they almost always settle in faster than parents expect.

Just your dog, their collar, and proof of vaccinations if we don't already have them on file. We provide everything else.

Honestly, just a normal morning. Don't tire them out beforehand, leave that to us. Feed them at least 90 minutes before drop-off so the excitement of a new place doesn't upset their stomach. Bring proof of vaccinations if we don't have them on file already. And one quick thing: if your dog has any history of climbing fences, digging under barriers, or escaping enclosures, let us know so we can plan ahead.

No. First-day evaluations are part of a standard daycare day. You pay the regular daycare rate, nothing extra.

Monday through Friday 6:30am to 6:00pm. Saturday 7:00am to 6:00pm. Sunday is pickup only, 6:00pm to 7:00pm.

Classic Daycare is a full day of group play, matched to your dog's size, energy, and play style. Hybrid Daycare adds one-on-one enrichment sessions throughout the day. We're big fans of Hybrid because it combines the social fun of group play with the focused mental work of enrichment. Most dogs come home more settled, more tired in the good way, and more fulfilled.

Our four play areas are organized by size, age, play style, and how dogs get along with each other. Our handlers spend the first few visits really getting to know your pup, so they end up in the group where they'll feel happiest. Smaller and gentler dogs go with the group where they'll thrive, not in with the bigger active ones.

We offer full-day daycare only. The day naturally includes structured rest periods, so even active dogs aren't running for nine straight hours.

Yes. Many of our regulars come daily. We offer daycare packages that reduce the per-day cost for frequent attendance.

Daycare wraps up at 6:00pm. If you're running late, just give us a call. There's a $10 late fee for pickups after closing, and if your dog is still here 30 minutes after we close, we'll move them into boarding for the night. We get that life happens, and we'll work with you whenever we can.

Yes. If your dog has a rough day, whether they're not feeling social, got into a scuffle, or just seemed off, we'll tell you at pickup. You should know how your dog is doing here, not just the highlights.

No, and it comes down to trust. A camera shows a few seconds from one angle, with no sound and no context, and that isn't real transparency to us. We hire people we trust with our own dogs, then we actually trust them: we don't ask our team to spend the day being watched, we ask them to spend it watching your dog. What you get instead is a report card with real photos after every visit, from the handler who was actually there. If you want to know sooner, call or text and we'll tell you exactly how the day is going.

Usually. A full day of physical play, mental stimulation, and social interaction tires most dogs out, and they're typically back to normal by the next morning. If it ever seems like more than that, or your dog seems off rather than just tired, give us a call.

Fresh water is available throughout the day. Dogs are often still thirsty when they get home, similar to a person after a workout. If the thirst seems unusual for your dog, let us know and we'll keep an eye on it next time.

Drop-off is anytime during regular business hours: 6:30am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday, and 7:00am to 6:00pm Saturday. Pickup before 11:00am Monday through Saturday means no charge for the pickup day. Pickup after 11:00am is charged a full day. Sunday is pickup only, 6:00pm to 7:00pm.

Every stay includes a private climate-controlled suite, a Kuranda elevated bed, fresh water, daily wellness checks, and a report card at checkout. Medications are administered at no extra charge. Daycare during the day is optional, at $10 more per day, per dog, on top of your suite rate. House kibble (American Natural Premium Sensitive Care) is available for an additional charge if you'd rather not pack food, but most parents bring their dog's regular diet. See the Boarding page for suite options and current pricing.

We provide everything for a comfortable stay: Kuranda elevated beds, fresh water, climate-controlled suites. You're welcome to bring your dog's favorite toys, chews, or something that smells like home. Just one heads-up: bring items you wouldn't be heartbroken to lose, since dogs sometimes chew or destroy things, and we can't be responsible for personal items. We don't accept outside bedding or blankets, since we provide all of that, and we've found dogs settle better with our standard setup. Bring food in clearly labeled containers and any medications in their original prescription bottles.

Yes. Two dogs from the same family can share a suite. See the Boarding page for multi-dog pricing options.

You get a report card at checkout with every stay, included at no extra cost. For stays over five days or longer vacation travel, you can add report cards during the stay for an additional charge, so you can see your dog in action rather than waiting until pickup. Most parents find it makes the time away much easier.

That's totally okay. Daycare is optional with a boarding stay, so boarding-only is fine. If you do add it, we'll do a quick temperament evaluation first to make sure group play works for your dog. If group play isn't right, we offer solo daycare with enrichment instead, so your dog still has things to do without being in the pack.

It's actually pretty normal for dogs to eat less when they first arrive, especially with all the new sights, smells, and friends to keep up with. Our staff watches feeding closely to make sure every pup is getting enough. If a dog isn't eating, we'll reach out to you first, then try wet food or other strategies with your dog's own food to help.

Boarding is exciting, even for dogs who love it, so a little adjustment afterward is common. You might notice extra tiredness for a day or two, more water-drinking than usual as they settle back in, or mild stomach upset from the change. Most of this passes within two or three days. If anything seems off, worries you, or sticks around longer than that, call us or your vet, we'd rather you check than wonder.

Weekend stays require a 2-day minimum. Holiday stays require a 3-day minimum.

We settle dogs into their private suites before we close for the night. No one is physically on-site overnight. Instead, the owners have live remote access to the security cameras, and the alarm system is watched by a professional monitoring center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility stays climate-controlled through the night, and if anything trips an alert, we're reachable and nearby to respond right away.

Grooming is by appointment only. You can book online through the customer portal or give us a call. We groom one dog at a time, never rushed, never assembly-line. Most appointments take 2 to 4 hours depending on size, coat, and condition.

Yes, and Cali is especially good with anxious dogs. She's trained for it and has the patience that makes the difference. We don't use harsh restraints, ever. We move at your dog's pace, take breaks when needed, and if we have to split a groom into two appointments to get it done comfortably, we will. The goal is a calm dog, not a perfect haircut on the first try.

All of our groomers have years of experience working with dogs who have sensitive spots. We take our time, work in a compassionate fear-free way, and skip what needs skipping. If your dog has specific worry zones, tell us at drop-off. We'll go slowly, take breaks, and figure it out together.

No. Grooming appointments stand on their own. Your dog goes home with you when the appointment is done.

Most dogs do well every 4 to 8 weeks. Long-coated breeds typically need more frequent appointments. We'll recommend a schedule based on your dog's coat at the first appointment.

Yes. Nail trims, ear cleanings, and similar quick services can be booked individually. Easier to schedule ahead than walk in, especially during busy times.

Yes. You can request Emma, Cali, or Ella when you book. We'll do our best to schedule with your preferred groomer, and you'll talk directly with them before and after the appointment, not a front-desk go-between.

Daycare is group play with other dogs, all about social fun. Enrichment is focused mental and sensory activity, sometimes in a group, sometimes one-on-one. Every daycare day already includes group enrichment as part of the experience at no extra cost. One-on-one sessions are an optional add-on for dogs who want or need more.

Most do. Active dogs often discover they enjoy the mental work even more than physical play. Enrichment gives them new challenges and builds confidence beyond what group play alone can do.

Honestly, our staff figures it out pretty quickly. They get to know what each dog responds to, and if a dog isn't into one activity, they swap to another at no extra charge. Most dogs find at least one or two things they genuinely love.

One-on-one enrichment is priced per session and confirmed when you book. It's one of the highest-value ways to give your dog something more from their daycare day.

Add it directly in Gingr when you book, or let us know at drop-off, or send us a message. Easy either way.

Yes. Senior-focused enrichment is gentler. Shorter walks, scent work over physical activity, more rest periods. We adjust to what your dog can do comfortably.

Yes, and that's fine. We don't force participation. If a dog isn't feeling a particular activity, we switch to something else or give them quiet time instead. The goal is a positive experience, not a completed checklist.

Yes, and we love having them. Puppies can attend once they've had their second distemper shot, there's no separate minimum age requirement beyond that. The rest of the vaccine list above still applies as your puppy becomes old enough for each one, so bring whatever records you have and we'll work with your vet's schedule.

Yes, after six months of age, unless your vet recommends waiting longer for your dog's specific health needs. If that's the case, give us a call to discuss options.

Yes, for a few weeks this fall. We're replacing the pea gravel in every outdoor play yard with pet turf, starting the week of October 5. We expect it to take 3 to 4 weeks, one play area at a time, and we're staying open the whole time. Confirmed reservations don't need to change. If you're still planning October daycare days, book early: with fewer play areas available, we may reach our limit sooner than usual, and a waitlisted request is not a confirmed spot.

We administer medications at no extra charge. Bring them in the original prescription bottle with clear instructions.

Yes. Bring your own food in labeled containers with clear feeding instructions, and we'll handle the rest. We can accommodate almost any diet, including prescription and limited-ingredient foods. Just let us know what your dog needs.

Cleaning is part of our daily rhythm, not an afterthought. Floors get vacuumed and deep-cleaned with veterinary-grade disinfectant. Outdoor play yards are sanitized every day. Boarding suites are cleaned between every guest. Common areas stay fresh throughout the day. We built this place to be cleaned easily, with surfaces and drainage designed for the volume of dogs we serve. Clean isn't a once-a-day thing here, it's a constant.

For everyone's safety, dogs need to be symptom-free for 48 hours after any coughing, diarrhea, or vomiting before they can attend. Separately, if your dog has been exposed to a contagious illness, we ask you to wait out the 30-day exposure window before their next visit, even if they aren't showing symptoms. If you're not sure whether your dog is ready, just give us a call and we'll talk through it together.

Just like kids at school, dogs in any social environment can occasionally pick up minor illnesses. The most common is Bordetella, which is why we require yearly vaccination. Cases are rare. If something comes up during your dog's time with us, we'll work closely with you and your vet to make sure they get what they need.

This applies any time your dog is with us, a daycare day, a boarding stay, or a grooming appointment, not just overnight. Our staff is trained to spot early signs of illness and handle injuries. If we have any concerns, we contact you right away to talk through what we're seeing and decide on next steps together. If it's urgent, we'll take your dog directly to your vet (if close), or to Dr. Vitale at Sun Prairie Pet Clinic, our primary vet relationship, with Dr. Kim at Sun Prairie Animal Hospital as backup. Your dog's safety comes first, and we'll keep you informed the whole time.

No. We don't believe in broad-based breed restrictions. Every dog is evaluated as an individual, regardless of breed.

Most dogs adjust faster than their parents expect. Our smaller group sizes and structured environment help dogs feel safe pretty quickly. Some dogs need a few visits to fully settle in, and that's completely normal. We'll work with you to find the right pace for your pup.

We evaluate every dog during their first visit. If group daycare isn't the right fit, solo daycare with one-on-one enrichment is always available instead, we'll let you know and talk through what makes sense for your dog. We have these conversations honestly.

Yes. We keep at least one play group on the mellower side, which is a great fit for our senior friends. Many of our older regulars come as often as the younger pups. Senior dogs deserve community too, just at their own pace.

Maybe, for group play. Some anxious or reactive dogs do well in the group, others do better on their own, and the temperament evaluation tells us which. Either way, solo daycare with one-on-one enrichment is always available as an alternative.

Female dogs in heat can't attend daycare or boarding. The hormones create real behavior changes in surrounding dogs, which becomes a safety concern for everyone. Plan to keep your dog home until the cycle is complete, typically 2 to 3 weeks. If you've already booked a stay or visit during that window, give us a call and we'll work with you to reschedule.

Not in the lobby, no. On-leash meetings in tight spaces can be stressful and sometimes unsafe, even for friendly dogs. Some dogs in the lobby may be here for grooming and aren't here to socialize. All group interactions happen in the play yards where they're properly supervised.

We appreciate honesty. If your dog has a history of biting, fear-based reactivity, or any other behavior concern, please tell us during registration. We can often find a way to safely accommodate your dog, whether that's adjusted handling, solo daycare with enrichment, or carefully matched small groups. That said, some dogs aren't a good fit for social play, and the safety of the pack is our top priority. We'll have an honest conversation about what's right for your dog. What we can't do is make safe decisions without the full picture. Honest disclosure protects your dog, our team, and the other dogs in our care.

Returning customers book directly through the Gingr customer portal. New customers register first, then we set up the first visit.

Reservations are recommended, especially for boarding and grooming. Daycare can sometimes be booked same-day, but availability is limited.

Daycare can be canceled the same day with no charge. Boarding requires 72 hours notice to avoid losing your deposit. Grooming appointments require 24 hours notice.

Yes. A deposit holds your boarding reservation. Cancellations less than 72 hours before the stay forfeit the deposit.

No. Daycare packages are for daycare only. Boarding is billed separately.

We track no-shows. If a pattern develops, we may cancel future reservations to keep spots available for dogs who are coming.

We can store cards on file with your permission, which makes checkout fast at pickup. Card numbers are stored on our credit card processor's secure site, never locally on our computers. Our staff can't see your card numbers once they're saved, which keeps everything secure.