We like the unconditional love we get from our dogs, and may feel "honored" when our dog shys away from strangers, or cries when we leave him. We may mistakenly feel a sense of security, thinking that our dog will protect us because he barks and growls at strangers. In truth, rather than expressing protectiveness or "love" for his owner, a dog that responds to strange people and situations in this manner may be showing that he is not well socialized. These behaviors tell us that the dog feels threatened, and is anxious. In addition to making the dog miserable, these feelings can lead to problem behaviors such as fear-biting, separation anxiety, destructiveness, urinating when being greeted, and/or incessant barking. While temperament plays a role in how your dog responds to strange situations, the effort you make in socializing your dog is the strongest factor in having a pet that adapts well to change. Exposing your dog to new situations, new people, and other dogs are important steps in socializing your dog. Playing in supervised groups with other dogs builds confidence in the timid dog, teaches appropriate "pack" behavior in dominant dogs, and gives high-energy dogs a place to "burn off steam." Doggie Day Care is a great way to keep your dog physically fit and keep him or her from becoming bored and destructive while you are away.

Most facilities that offer day boarding or "day care" keep dogs kenneled, and take them out for leash walks or a short exercise periods in a small yard. At Coastal, your dog can play in the yards for up to 10 hours, depending on the weather, stamina, and individual needs. They get lots of exercise and will go home tired! Unlike a "dog park" where there is no control over what dogs are in the yard, staff members at Coastal learn the personalities of our day care dogs, and will match them with dogs of a similar temperament, age, and size. Dogs that play too rough, or appear overly tired, are brought inside for quiet time. Your dog will also interact with our staff, and have an opportunity to become familiar with our boarding facility, making overnight stays stress-free for your dog. Day care dogs make friends here, and love boarding where they can go play, instead of being cooped up in cages!

Fresh water is always available, and there is shade. On hot days, we have wading pools & play "hose games" with the dogs. Most dogs don't mind cooler days (they have their coats on) but we limit time outside if the ground is frozen. If the weather gets bad, we bring them in to the sheltered kennel runs.

We are open 365 days a year. You do not need a reservation for daycare, and can come as often as you like. Drop off is from 6:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. on. Pick up is from 3 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Evening "after-hours" pickup is available by arrangement. We require a copy of your dog's shot record on your first visit showing that your dog has a current Rabies, Parvo-Distemper-Corona, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine (dogs without proof of current vaccinations will not be accepted). Dogs in day care must wear a secure buckle or snap collar that can not slip off over their heads in order to participate in play groups. We do not allow "pronged", spiked, or studded collars in the yards. Dogs that are dog-aggressive will not be able to participate in large play groups, but can still stay with us in one of the runs, or in a private exercise pen, as available.

Cost: $10.00 per day
Click here to see what forms are needed for your dog to participate in doggie day care (in addition to your dog's shot record)