What happens at your free dog daycare assessment

Short answer: every new dog at emBARK starts with a free assessment. You create a profile in our client portal and upload your dog’s vaccination records, then call or email us to book. The assessment day takes 1 to 3 hours in total. On the day, a trained staff member meets your dog and sees how they get on with our team and a few of our dogs.

Why we meet every dog first

Daycare is a group setting. Before a new dog joins the play area, we want to know they’ll be comfortable, and that the dogs already in the group will be comfortable with them. Meeting each dog first is how we keep play groups calm and fair.

It helps you too. You get to meet the people who will look after your dog and ask anything you like before you buy a single pass. One client told us the meet-up “made it very clear that the owners care about the dogs’ experiences.”

Step 1: Create a profile and upload vaccination records

Start on our Get Started page. Create an online profile in our client portal with your details and your dog’s, and upload their vaccination records. Every daycare and boarding dog needs:

• Core (DHLPP), annually
• Bordetella, annually, given at least 7 days before your dog’s first visit
• Rabies, annually or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine

Puppies can come from 4 months, once they’ve finished their full vaccination series, including Bordetella and Rabies. If your dog is due for Bordetella, count 7 days from the vaccine date before you book.

Step 2: Book your assessment

Once your profile is set up, call us at 604-492-4993 or email [email protected] to pick a time. We’re open Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and closed on weekends. Plan for 1 to 3 hours in total, so you can fit the visit around work or the train.

Step 3: The assessment itself

A trained member of our team meets your dog. We’re looking at the simple things that tell us whether daycare will be a good day for them:

• How your dog greets new people and settles in with our staff.
• How they react to a few of our dogs, and how they play once they relax.
• Whether the space makes them curious, calm or overwhelmed.

Plenty of dogs are a little nervous on day one, and that’s normal. Shy dogs, puppies and seniors often do well with us because we’re a dog daycare for small and medium dogs, 45 lb and under, so nobody in the group can bowl them over.

Would you like to see the space too? We’re happy to show you around, but tours happen first thing in the morning or right at closing time, when far fewer dogs are in. A visitor in the middle of the day gets the dogs too excited, so this keeps play calm. Ask when you book your assessment and we’ll find a time. You’ll see the large common area where dogs play, the quiet rest space for dogs who need a break, the fenced outdoor bathroom area and the on-site grooming facility.

Step 4: Hear how it went

We’ll tell you honestly how the assessment went. If daycare looks like a good fit, you’re ready to book your first day. If we have concerns, we’ll explain them plainly so you can decide what’s best for your dog.

After the assessment: passes and booking

Buy your first package in the client portal, then book and manage days online. A half day (up to 5 hours) is $28.60 + GST and a full day is $40.00 + GST. Packs of 5, 10, 15 and 20 passes save 5% to 20%, and monthly unlimited plans save 30%. See pricing for the full list.

On your dog’s first full day, bring their lunch and any medication if they’ll be with us at mealtime. Our client system keeps track of each dog’s meal times, allergies and medication, and food is given in a private area so your dog can eat without interruptions.

What to have ready

• A profile in the client portal, with vaccination records uploaded
• Your dog, on a leash
• Any notes on diet, allergies or medication
• Your questions. Nothing is too small to ask

Quick answers

Is the assessment really free? Yes. There’s no charge for the assessment.

How long does it take? Between 1 and 3 hours in total, depending on how quickly your dog settles in.

Can I see the facility before I commit? Yes. Ask for a tour first thing in the morning or right at closing time, when it’s quiet.

My dog is a little over 45 lb. Can they still come? Our dog clients are generally 45 lb and under. If you’re not sure whether your dog fits, call us at 604-492-4993 and we’ll talk it through.

My puppy is 3 months old. Can we book? Not quite yet. Puppies can start daycare from 4 months, once their full vaccination series is done, including Bordetella and Rabies. Ask your vet when the series will be finished, then give us a call.

Ready to start?

Create your profile and book your free assessment, or read more about our dog daycare in Port Moody.