Pathways to Independence of Central Ohio: Daycare and Boarding

Requirements

To ensure the safety and health of our dog pack, all dogs must meet the following requirements for our boarding services:

Age:

Dogs must be at least 3 months old.

Spayed/Neutered:

Dogs over 7 months old must be spayed or neutered.

Vaccinations:

All dogs must be current annually on the following vaccinations (veterinary proof required prior to their first day of daycare or boarding):

Rabies

Distemper Booster (DHLP)

Bordetella

Canine Influenza

Interview:

To enroll in our boarding services, all dogs must pass a behavior temperament assessment to ensure they are friendly towards both people and other dogs. Reach out to us HERE to schedule!

Daycare

Open Monday–Friday for pack play and enrichment.

We offer All Day, Open Play Daycare in our 15,000 sq. ft. facility—a space designed for safe, structured fun that meets our dog pack requirements. Here, dogs enjoy great opportunities for socialization with a variety of dogs and people. Additionally, we have a large outdoor area where your pup can do their “business” without jeopardizing potty training at home.

No reservation is required; you can drop in any weekday.

Preferred drop-off window: 7:00 AM–12:00 PM. Earlier drop-off is better for high-energy or anxious dogs, as arriving during this window helps your pup settle into the pack rhythm for a better day. Please note, daycare drop-offs after 2:00 PM are not permitted.

Why morning drop-off matters: Dogs that join us early get a full day of play and structure, which translates to more exercise, social practice, and a calmer ride home. For boarders, this timing also supports a restful night (see our Boarding Services below).

What a typical daycare day looks like:

- Structured introductions and small or full group play

- Opportunities for dogs to freely choose between play, rest breaks, and enrichment

- Positive reinforcement, recall practice, and handler-led calm-downs

- Real-time monitoring for safe play and body-language cues

New here? Start with a Temperament Test so we can ensure the pack is a good fit for your pup. Text us at 614-425-1410.

Boarding

Your dog’s home-away-from-home—plus a full day of pack play, perfect for our boarding services.

Ideal drop-off for boarders: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM. Earlier arrivals allow your pup to acclimate, enjoy playtime, and be ready to rest overnight. Dogs who have a full, balanced day of activity, meeting our dog pack requirements, are more relaxed, comfortable, and content when it’s time to settle in for the night.

What to Bring:

- Pre-measured, individually packed, and labeled meals (just your dog’s name is fine, unless AM and PM meals are different)

- Medication with specific written instructions

- Updated injuries, allergies, & vaccination records

- Something that smells like you (t-shirt, pillowcase, etc.)

- Anything your dog would have if kenneled at home overnight (long-lasting chews, frozen KONGs, calming treats/meds, etc.)

Please keep toys that encourage guarding at home; we’re happy to advise on safe options for your dog.

You can also leave food and water bowls at home unless your pup requires a slow feeder or has another medical or behavioral need.

Book a Temperament Test

Step 1: Contact Us

Tell us your dog’s name, age, size, play style, and any health or behavior notes. We don't have any breed restrictions, ensuring our boarding services are available for all pups. Let us know if you were referred by a current customer!

Step 2: Meet & Greet (10–30 min)

A trained handler will introduce your dog to our staff and then to a calm, compatible playmate. We gradually scale up play as your dog shows comfort and meets our dog pack requirements.

Step 3: Trial Day (can be same day)

If the meet & greet goes well, your dog can stay for a partial or full day so we can further evaluate energy levels, recall, sharing behavior, and recovery after excitement. We recommend starting with shorter visits while your pup is getting acclimated to the environment.

Outcome & Next Steps

We’ll share our observations, ideal group placement, and any support plan (e.g., practice recalls, decompression breaks, or slow-build schedules). Approved pups can begin daycare or boarding immediately.

Ready to Start? Schedule your Temperament Test using our Contact Form.

Our Handling Methods

We offer boarding services that utilize clear, consistent, low-stress techniques focused on safety and learning.

Recall: Frequent name recognition and recall reinforce handler focus, essential for our dog pack requirements.

Redirection & Distraction: We shift attention to a new task or handler when arousal levels rise.

Body Blocking/Positioning: Our calm, non-confrontational handler movements create space, preventing crowding or doorway pressure.

Individual Walks: These 1:1 resets for anxious or overstimulated dogs are excellent for building confidence.

Break Time Support: We assist pups in transitioning to calmer areas if they show signs of needing a rest.

Our primary goal is teaching—rather than merely tiring out pets. Dogs learn to read social cues, share space, and understand when to take breaks.

Staff Training

All handlers complete a robust onboarding and ongoing coaching program that aligns with our boarding services and dog pack requirements:

Six full online courses covering canine body language, safe group management, enrichment, first aid basics, and escalation prevention.

Hands-on training, shadowing, and coaching on the floor with senior staff.

Progress continues until all parties are confident in skills, judgment, and consistency. Coaching is ongoing—great dog people never stop learning.

Pickup & Drop-Off

Daycare drop-off: Monday–Friday, preferred 7:00 AM–12:00 PM (no reservation required). Boarding services drop-off is preferred between 7:00 AM–2:00 PM to ensure the best overnight experience for your dog. Please adhere to posted pickup times and procedures so we can keep everything running smoothly. It’s important to have payment ready at pickup as well.

Lobby Courtesy

For everyone’s safety and comfort, we request that only one customer or household be in the lobby at a time. Since the lobby is a smaller space, dogs can be extra alert and energetic during drop-off or pickup. With their people nearby, this excitement can sometimes complicate greetings.

➡️ Please wait in your car until the person before you completes their drop-off or pickup. This simple step helps maintain smooth transitions and ensures safety, particularly for pups who may be more sensitive or reactive in tighter spaces. By giving them room, you help create the best possible experience for every dog in our care, which aligns with our dog pack requirements.

Need an exception for an emergency? Contact us—we can often accommodate, but dogs tend to have the best experience when they are dropped off within the preferred window.

FAQs

Do I need a reservation for daycare? No, you can drop in any weekday. However, new dogs must complete a Temperament Test first as part of our dog pack requirements.

Why is morning drop-off so important? Joining early supports smoother introductions among our boarding services, encourages more play, and ensures a calmer night for boarders.

What vaccines do you require? We need core vaccinations along with any updates per our current policy. Please remember to bring your dog's vaccination records when you start or when they are updated.

Can you give medications? Yes, we can administer medications with clear written instructions and labeled packaging.

What if my dog is anxious or super high-energy? Early drop-off, structured play, recall practice, and planned breaks will help your dog succeed. We will design a tailored plan based on your dog's unique needs.

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