Get the Facts
FAQs
Find all the answers to your questions here!
For reservations, please call 609-259-1900
You may also book online by selecting the “Request a Reservation” button displayed throughout the website and one of our dedicated Reservation Specialists will contact you.
We look forward to learning all about your pet and your wishes and helping you personalize a successful visit to Golden Paws Pet Resort & Spa.
Keeping your pet active and engaged with our team is essential to ensuring they quickly acclimate to the new sights, smells, and surroundings. We keep our guests focused on all the fun and attention they are receiving instead of thinking about being away from you!
Each of our Lodging Packages includes a Classic Accommodation, a cozy bed, your dog’s food prepared according to your instructions, plenty of fresh water, housekeeping services throughout the day, and a healthy balance of activity and personalized attention based on your pet’s individual needs. When you book your reservation, you will also have the option of upgrading to a Deluxe or Premium Suite based on our availability.
6am to 7pm Monday – Friday
8am – 4pm Saturday
No Daycare on Sundays
We know that older dogs lounge around and may sleep even more than the average 12-14 hours a day that adult dogs usually sleep. However, when dogs are staying away from home, it is important that they receive an enhanced level of attention and personalized care, especially when they are older. While your senior pup may not want to run, romp, and play, a daily schedule filled with individual activity or pampering sessions ensures they are comfortable with us and the environment. With each interaction, we closely monitor their health and well-being so they are happy and healthy when they return home to you.
Traditional Daycare is for highly social dogs who may already be familiar with off-leash group play or are comfortable and happy with a large group of canine friends throughout the day.
To ensure the health and safety of each guest, all pets entering Golden Paws Pet Resort & Spa are required to provide vaccination records from the veterinarian before arrival.
Dogs must have current Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella, and we highly recommend the Canine Influenza vaccine. We also require dogs to be on a flea and tick preventative.
Cats must have current Rabies and FVRCP (Feline Distemper Combo) vaccinations.
Any questions regarding vaccinations, please call us.
Our Enrichment Program builds confidence and patience through fun and engaging activities in small-group or private enrichment sessions. A combination of physical exercise and mentally stimulating activities in a fun environment promotes confidence in dogs and enhances the bond you share.
Day Stays are for pet parents who find they need daytime care for a pet on occasion and have no plans to commit to regular daily attendance. A Day Stay includes a comfortable accommodation, 3 individual playtimes, and potty breaks.
Monday – Friday 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
We are happy to set up an evaluation for you. During the Daycare evaluation, we’ll get to know your dog and then let you know which program we recommend. To get started, give us a call at 609-259-1900
We look forward to hearing from you!
LODGING CHECK-IN TIMES
Check-in: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
We ask Lodging guests to arrive after 9:00 AM to avoid long wait times during daily Daycare drop-offs, and ensure we can review the details of each guest’s visit with us.
Please arrive no later than 3:00 PM to ensure your furry family member has plenty of time to have some fun and acclimate to the surroundings and our pet care team before bedtime.
LODGING CHECK-OUT TIMES
Check-out: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Please arrive after 9:00 AM to pick up your pet to avoid long wait times during daily Daycare drop-offs. If you arrive before 1:00 PM, we will deduct the accommodation portion of your daily rate. If you arrive between 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM, you will pay for another day of lodging.
Yes, we have separate areas designated for dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.
We love meeting pet parents and giving tours of our beautiful facility. While we do not require an appointment, we do recommend that you visit between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when our lobby is not as busy and we can dedicate the time to give you an in-depth tour of our entire facility and what we offer.
We separate dogs into a variety of groups based on each dog’s size, temperament, playstyle, preferences, and energy level.
Labor Day – Closed
Thanksgiving Day – Closed
Christmas Eve – lobby closes early at 4pm.
Christmas Day – Closed
New Year’s Eve – lobby closes early at 4pm.
New Year’s Day – Closed
Easter Day – Closed
Memorial Day – Closed
Independence Day (July 4th) – Closed
Our pet care team undergoes weeks of training in dog body language, dog behavior, and continuing education to ensure the safest off-leash play environment. We are also certified in Pet First Aid & CPR. Consistent communication with pet parents is also required so we are kept apprised of any changes at home like a new baby, a new dog, or any experience that may impact a dog’s disposition.
It is very common for dogs’ paw pads to be a little sore when they first begin attending Daycare as they get used to playing on a new surface for longer periods than they play at home.
Our play areas are covered in antimicrobial soft turf with a drainage system underneath for cleaning and disinfecting. The turf is designed just for dogs and easier on their paws and joints than many other surfaces.
Our staff is trained and certified in Pet First Aid & CPR and follows our strict safety protocols in the event a dog requires medical attention. Part of those protocols is to notify the pet parent immediately and maintain frequent contact.
Our highly trained team keeps a watchful eye on each dog that participates in group play with other canine friends. Dogs play with their mouths and paws, so it is not uncommon for some dogs to have minor cuts, scrapes, or lose small patches of fur as a result of attending Daycare. It is also possible for dogs to get some minor scrapes or even rawness on their noses, since they use their noses to explore the different sights and smells. During rest time, they may rub their noses at the bottom of the door as they try to sniff out the scents on the other side. If they are persistent this could lead to scratches and soreness on their nose.
Rest assured, we do not allow aggressive dogs to attend Daycare or spend the night at Golden Paws Pet Resort. We maintain the safest staff to pet ratio to ensure each dog is safe and enjoys their experiences here at Golden Paws.
It is not required to bring lunch or snacks for your dog while they are here for daycare. If you are concerned about your dog getting hungry throughout the day, we recommend offering extra food at breakfast and dinner. This will also help compensate for the extra calories burned during playtime.
Our top priority is the safety of each guest. While it is very rare for a dog to get hurt, we have protocols in place and have members of our team who are certified in pet first aid and CPR. In the case of an illness or injury, we quickly assess the situation and take the pet to the closest veterinarian while someone contacts the pet parent.
Some dogs may experience minor weight loss during a Lodging or Daycare visit. Some dogs take longer to acclimate to the new surroundings and may only nibble at their food at first. However, we try to keep dogs even more active than at home since we know the more active and engaged dogs are during the day, the more they will eat and the better they will sleep while they are here with us. The extra activity does burn more calories, so it is not uncommon for dogs to lose a few pounds.
Absolutely! We encourage pet parents to call and check in on their pup.
We have taken extra steps to ensure our senior guests stay happy and healthy. We offer a TLC package that provides special one-on-one attention and extra soft bedding for comfort. While senior pets may not be as active at home as younger pups, we know that a high level of interaction with our pet care team members is important.
We offer a quick and convenient drop-off and pick-up process. Drop-off consists of simply checking that your pet is on the schedule, followed by a team member greeting you and escorting your pup to begin their fun-filled day with us.
Our pick-up process is also designed to be swift and hassle-free. You can streamline pick-up by taking advantage of our convenient daycare packages or securely storing your credit card information for seamless check-out.
We recommend consulting your veterinarian with all medical questions; however, it is common for some dogs to experience diarrhea in the first 48 hours after visiting due to the excitement and increased adrenaline from returning home and changing their routine. Dogs experience the same level of excitement and increased adrenaline when they arrive, which is why we put such an emphasis on keeping each pet on an active daily schedule. Maintaining a daily routine of activities and human interaction allows dogs to release extra energy and adrenaline and helps ensure they eat well, sleep well, and stay happy and healthy while in our care. If the symptoms persist and do not clear up in a couple of days, please contact your veterinarian, and then we ask that you keep us informed as well.
Yes, every dog goes through an evaluation process to see which Daycare program suits them best. Our trained staff will spend time with your pup, introducing them to multiple staff members and getting them used to the sights and smells of the facility. We carefully and methodically match dogs with other canine friends who are the same size and share complimentary temperaments and playstyles.
There are no breed restrictions for dogs attending daycare. Every dog will go through the same evaluation process.
If your pet has a medical condition that may impact their comfort or safety in a group setting, we are happy to have them join us in our Day Stay program. This program consists of one-on-one activity with a staff member.
Taking reservations allows us to schedule the appropriate number of team members for each type of Daycare program we offer to ensure each pet has a safe and successful visit.
It is best to feed your dog at least 1 ½ hours before dropping them off at Daycare to prevent any bloat from occurring. Bloat can be caused by playing too soon after eating, which is a potentially life-threatening condition especially prevalent in larger breeds.
For your pet’s safety and well-being, please inform the front desk team at check-in if it has not been less than 1 ½ hours since your dog ate breakfast.
Dogs become accustomed to being with the same dogs when they’re here with us, which keeps the groups cohesive and promotes safe play. In our Traditional Daycare program, you may change your days based on availability, but if your dog participates in our Enrichment Program, you will need to sign up for specific days of the week and attend on those days each month.
We recommend that you bring your pet’s usual food from home to avoid an upset tummy. All dry food must be divided into meal-sized portions and packed in individually sealed sandwich bags with each bag labeled with the pet’s name. Canned food and fresh food, like chicken or vegetables, are also welcome.
Regular Attendance: When dogs visit us regularly, they become comfortable with the surroundings, our team, and other pets they encounter. Regular attendance allows pets to focus on the fun learning experiences we provide rather than needing to reacclimate each time they visit.
Random Attendance: When dogs attend Daycare on random days throughout the month, they are forced to reacclimate to the surroundings, our team, and most importantly, to the dogs in the group who already know each other well. When a new dog enters an established group, it can be disruptive and negatively impact the cohesiveness and safety of the dogs and our staff.
We provide a comfortable raised bed for all of our guests. You are welcome to bring your pet’s bedding, however, some beds do not fit in our machines. Additionally, please refrain from bringing anything of significant value since we wash with hot water in industrial machines and do not want to damage your belongings.
Your pet can bring up to 3 toys from home. Most toys are acceptable EXCEPT rope toys, tennis balls, and rawhide in any form. We will do our best to return the toys, but we cannot guarantee you will get the toys back since they are difficult to label, and may become damaged or separated from your pet during housekeeping services.
We maintain a staff-to-pet ratio of 1:10-15 for Traditional Daycare, and 1:3-6 for the Enrichment Program. These smaller ratios allow us to provide personalized attention to each dog and note any health or behavioral issues in a timely manner.
Our daycare team is trained in dog body language and dog behavior, so if they see any sign of a dog becoming overly excited or irritated, they take steps to diffuse the situation before it ever becomes an issue.
Being proactive and anticipating each dog’s needs is one of the reasons so many veterinarians recommend us.
All pets entering the Resort and Spa are required to have current vaccinations. A veterinary certificate providing proof of vaccination is required at least seven days prior to visiting us.
★ Dogs must have current Rabies, Distemper, Parvo and Bordetella, and we highly recommend Canine Influenza vaccinations. We also require dogs be on a flea and tick preventative.
★ Cats must have current Rabies and FVRCP (Feline Distemper Combo) vaccinations.
Any questions regarding vaccinations please call us.
If you haven’t been back in 6 months or more, we will need to set up a new evaluation so we can recommend the best program, based on your pup’s playstyle and preferences since the last visit. While your dog’s disposition may not have changed, the dynamics of our various groups may have changed and this is an extra precaution we take to keep all pets safe.
If your pet needs medication, supplements, or vitamins, we require that you provide them to us in the original container. The container must clearly indicate the patient name, medication name, strength, dosage, and the prescribing veterinarian, if applicable. Please do not bring any medication, supplements, or vitamins already mixed with your pet’s food.
Note: Medication administration fees will apply:
★ Oral and topical is $4 per administration.
★ Injections are $10 per injection.*
*Please note: We do not accept cats that require insulin injections.
We schedule our team in advance to ensure we have the appropriate number of qualified staff to care for each guest.
If your dog participates in our Traditional Daycare program, we ask that you notify us within 24 hours of your reservation to let us know your dog cannot attend, and we will not deduct a day from your package.
If your dog participates in our Enrichment Program, missed days are non-refundable since all dogs are scheduled for specific days, and there is no opportunity for us to offer that spot to another dog.
Yes. We do ask that all guests are on a flea and tick preventative program or that you check your pets for fleas and ticks before bringing them to play or stay. If fleas are found, we will administer a mandatory Capstar pill to eliminate them. If ticks are found, we will remove them. If a vet visit is warranted, the vet fee will be applied to your daily charges.
The monthly package you select depends on how often your pet attends each week. Our packages are priced so the more often your pet attends, the more you save on the daily rate.
Our pet resort has a state-of-the-art monitored security system with fire alarms and sprinklers. Our indoor/outdoor rooms are locked and secured overnight. Golden Paws’ owners and managers reside locally, are always on call, and can be at the resort within minutes. Additionally, the police and fire departments are within one mile of Golden Paws.
The health and safety of each dog is our top priority, and we spend lots of extra time with dogs who attend less frequently.
The more a dog is here with us, the more quickly they acclimate to our team and the environment.
When a group play dog attends less frequently, we spend a lot of extra time re-introducing and reacclimating that dog into the group to ensure they are comfortable and the other dogs don’t become overly excited, which can impact the cohesiveness of the group, and safety of each dog and our team.
Yes, we are happy for you to purchase a larger monthly daycare package and split the days between your pets based on how often you want them to attend. The monthly packages are designed to be used within one month, but they do expire 60 days after purchase to give you some flexibility when you travel or have other plans.
The packages are non-refundable, which is why we want to help you select the package that matches the number of days you plan to bring your pet each week.
