The Dog Pack at Pathways 🐾

To keep our pack safe and healthy, all dogs must meet the following requirements:

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 the first day of daycare or boarding):

• Rabies
• Distemper Booster (DHLP)
• Bordetella
• Canine Influenza

Interview:
All dogs must pass a behavior temperament assessment before enrolling to ensure they are both people- and dog-friendly.

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. Dogs enjoy great opportunities for socialization with a variety of dogs and people. We also have a large outdoor area where your pup can do their “business” without jeopardizing potty training at home.

No reservation required. You can drop in any weekday.

Preferred drop-off window: 7:00 AM–12:00 PM
Earlier is better for high-energy or anxious dogs. Arriving in this window helps your pup settle into the pack rhythm and have a better day.

Why morning drop-off matters:
Dogs that join early get a full day of play and structure. That means more exercise, more social practice, and a calmer ride home. For boarders, this timing also supports a restful night (see Boarding 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 make sure the pack is a good fit for your pup.

Your dog’s home-away-from-home—plus a full day of pack play.

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 are more relaxed, comfortable, and content when it’s time to settle in for the night.

• Pre-measured, individually packed, and labeled meals
• 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.

Step 1: Quick form or call
Tell us about your dog’s age, size, play style, and any health/behavior notes.

Step 2: Meet & Greet (30–60 min)
A trained handler introduces your dog to staff and then to a calm, compatible playmate. We gradually scale up as your dog shows comfort and appropriate play.

Step 3: Trial Day (can be same day)
If the meet & greet goes well, your dog stays for a partial or full day so we can evaluate energy, recall, sharing, and recovery after excitement.

Outcome & Next Steps
We’ll share 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 right away.

Ready to Start? Schedule your Temperament Test -->

We use clear, consistent, low-stress techniques that prioritize safety and learning.

• Recall: Frequent name recognition and recall to reinforce handler focus.
• Redirection & Distraction: Moving attention to a new task or handler when arousal rises.
• Body Blocking/Positioning: Calm, non-confrontational handler movement to create space and prevent crowding or doorway pressure.
• Individual Walks: 1:1 resets for anxious or overstimulated dogs; great for confidence building.
• Break Time Support: We help pups transition to calmer areas if they show signs of needing a rest.

Our goal is teaching, not just tiring out: dogs learn how to read social cues, share space, and take breaks.

All handlers complete a robust onboarding and ongoing coaching program:

• 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.

• Daycare drop-off: Monday–Friday, preferred 7:00 AM–12:00 PM (no reservation required).
• Boarding drop-off: Prefer 7:00 AM–2:00 PM for the best overnight experience.
• Pickup: Please adhere to posted pickup times and procedures so we can keep things running smoothly.
• Payment: Please have payment ready at pickup.

For everyone’s safety and comfort, we ask that only one customer/household be in the lobby at a time. The lobby is a smaller space, and dogs are often extra alert and full of energy when entering or leaving. With their people present, this excitement can sometimes make greetings more challenging.

➡️ Please wait in your car until the person before you is finished with drop-off or pickup. This simple step helps keep transitions smooth and safe, and it’s especially helpful for pups who may be more sensitive or reactive in close spaces. By giving them room, you’re helping create the best possible experience for every dog in our care.

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

Do I need a reservation for daycare?
No. Drop in any weekday. New dogs should complete a Temperament Test first.

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

What vaccines do you require?
Core vaccinations plus any updates per our current policy. Please bring records when you start or when updated.

Can you give medications?
Yes—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 help your dog succeed. We’ll tailor a plan.

• Schedule a Temperament Test
• Call Us 
  • 614.273.9934 (Megan) 
• Email Us 
  • p2iohio@gmail.com (Steph & Megan)
  • pathways2dogs@gmail.com (Front Desk)
  • kathryn.pathways@gmail.com (General Manager)

We can’t wait to meet your pup!