FAQ’s

For the health of all our adorable Boarders and Playcare pups, we require current Rabies, Distemper (DHPP), and Bordetella. The vaccinations must be age-appropriate and completed 7 days prior to the dates you book with us. (Side note for Grooming-only clients – a current Rabies vaccine is the only requirement.)

Are the Orientation and Welcome Back Day must-do’s or optional?
Before you commit to any Boarding or Playcare dates, we do a free orientation to give dogs the chance to check the place out, meet our staffers and decide for themselves if the group setting is a good fit for their personality.

Orientations are scheduled Monday through Saturday, arriving between 8:30-9:30am. If everything’s going swimmingly (and it usually does!), you can pick your pup up around 4 hours later.

Welcome Back Days work the same way (but they’re not free), they’re for dogs who haven’t joined us recently. For comfort and safety reasons, we require a full day of play prior to your Boarding reservation if your dog has not joined us for Playcare or overnight Boarding within 2 months of the reservation arrival date during peak boarding times (holidays and school breaks), or within 6 months during non-peak boarding times.

Why? It helps ensure us (both!) that your dog is still comfortable in the group setting over here. Plus, it gives our staff the chance to get reacquainted with your dog. It also reassures dogs that they will be picked up, so they don’t feel anxious when you drop them off for their actual boarding days.

Standard full-day PlayCare charges apply for the Welcome Back Day.

We do indeed. So when bites, cuts, or other things happen, this is our MO.

We first contact the pet parent to let them know what’s happened and discuss their preference in terms of next steps.

If we’re unable to reach the pet parent (or other emergency contact provided), we will contact the vet on record and collaborate on a plan of action.

If a situation occurs outside of normal hours for the vet, we will contact Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Services in Eden Prairie for 24-hour care.

Keeping Puptown safe is a daily priority for us. The Orientation is part of that protocol and helps us decide if a dog is a good fit here. That said, all dogs have teeth and claws, move quickly while playing and react fast when annoyed. Long story short, accidents happen. Our staff is well-versed in identifying and resolving aggressive situations to keep any scuffles to a minimum.

See our Release form on the main page of this site for more formal details relating to care of dogs here at Puptown.

Please bring food clearly marked with your dog’s name, the amount for each meal (in cups), and number of meals each day. Food doesn’t need to be packaged by individual meals – as long as we know the amount, we’re on it! We recommend including a little extra in case all the activity over here leaves your dog more ravenous than usual, and so we have enough if there’s a delay in your pick-up plans.

Please also include any medications your dog may need, in the original packaging from the vet with clear dosage instructions.

Don’t worry about toys, bowls, bedding, etc. We’ve got all that covered.

FOOD – To make sure your dog gets the right food on the right schedule, please bring it along, marked with dog’s name, the amount for each meal (in Cups), and number of meals each day. We recommend including a little extra in case all the activity over here leaves your dog more ravenous than usual, and so we have enough if there’s a delay in your pick-up plans.

MEDICATIONS – Please provide all medication needs, in the original packaging from the vet with clear dosage instructions. We welcome a call in advance to review medications, to ensure instructions are clearly indicated ahead of Boarding drop-off.

ORIENTATIONS – Before scheduling a new dog for PlayCare or Boarding we require an Orientation. This half-day first visit gives dogs and staff a chance to get familiar with each other and helps to ensure PupTown is a good fit for your dog’s temperament. Welcome Back Days (Re-Evaluation) work simularly, but are for dogs who haven’t been here recently and are charged at the half-day daycare rate for this visit. For comfort & safety, we require a full day of play prior to a Boarding reservation if your dog has not been here for Playcare or Boarding within 2 months of the reservation arrival date during peak boarding times (holidays & school breaks), or within 6 months during non-peak boarding times.WHY – It helps ensure us (both!) that your dog is still comfortable in the group setting. Plus, it gives our staff the chance to get reacquainted with your dog. It also reassures dogs that they will be picked up, so they don’t feel anxious when you drop them off for their actual boarding stay here at PupTown. Standard full-day Playcare charges apply to Welcome Back Days.

Which vaccinations we require and why.
In our effort to provide a safe environment for all dogs, we ask that all dogs visiting for Playcare or Boarding have current Rabies, Distemper (DHPP) and Bordetella vaccines. All vaccines need to be administered at least 7 days BEFORE your dog’s first visit to Puptown. For Grooming-only appointments, we only require a current rabies vaccine.

How our complimentary Orientation works.
It’s important to know your pup will be happy here in our kennel-free, open-play environment. So, before you register for a Playcare or Boarding visit, we ask that you sign up for an Orientation Day. Orientation days are available by reservation only, Monday through Friday mornings. Call to schedule at 763-478-0203. Pups over 1 year of age must be spayed or neutered. Dogs must have toenails acceptable for group setting play. All required vaccinations must be current (see vaccine section above). We’ll also ask that your Registration Forms be completed prior to arrival.

Book a Welcome Back Day prior to Boarding if it’s been a while since your pup was here last.
For comfort and safety reasons, we require a full day of play prior to your Boarding reservation if your dog has not joined us for Playcare or overnight Boarding within 2 months of the reservation arrival date during peak boarding times (holidays and school breaks), or within 6 months during non-peak boarding times. Why? It helps ensure us (both!) that your dog is still comfortable in the group setting here. Plus, it gives our staff the chance to get reacquainted with your dog. It also reassures dogs that they will be picked up, so they don’t feel anxious when you drop them off for a longer boarding stay. Standard full-day Playcare charges apply for the Welcome Back Day.

Details on food and medications.
Your pup’s schedule will include feeding and administration of any medications needed. Food can be dry, wet/canned, refrigerated or frozen. Please label the food with your dog’s name, the amount for each meal (in cups), and number of meals each day. We recommend including a little extra in case all the activity over here leaves your dog more ravenous than usual, and so we have enough if there’s a delay in your pick-up plans. Don’t worry about measuring scoops or bowls, we’ve got all that covered. And we sanitize everything between feedings. Please also include any medications your dog may need, in the original packaging from the vet with clear dosage instructions. We will store and administer both oral and injectable medications as directed. Hope to see you soon!

Yes. PupTown offers a free-range environment where dogs can move, play, and rest comfortably rather than staying in traditional kennels. We have cots throughout the building if dogs choose to rest on their own.

Yes. Dogs are given breaks throughout the day to rest, recharge, and avoid overstimulation while still enjoying plenty of playtime. We offer generous suites with a cot for dogs to rest on, and they are provided with water as well.

PupTown staff closely monitor behaviors and ensure dogs are grouped with dogs of similar size and play style or provide alternatives to keep each dog safe and comfortable.

Yes. Puppies must be 4 months of age and fully vaccinated to attend PupTown. The required vaccines are Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella. For Grooming, we only require Rabies, and puppies are encouraged to come in as early as 2 months to get their first grooming experience. We encourage a clean stool sample be done annually. We ensure puppies are with dogs of similar age and play-style until confident to enjoy group activities.

Yes, absolutely. Dogs are continuously supervised by trained dog handlers to ensure each dog is safe at play while in group. Management is on staff to help ensure each dog is well always supervised, and we staff overnight too, so dogs are never left without staff right near by.

Yes, for dogs who need extra attention or prefer less social interaction, customized care options are available upon request. Please don’t hesitate to ask for your dog’s unique needs they may need while here. We work hard to provide the best possible care (as close to what you provide at home) for each dog. They are all unique and have different needs. Please ask!

Dogs are grouped based on size, temperament, and play style to ensure safe and positive social interactions throughout the day.

Yes. Training sessions can be added to your dog’s stay to reinforce good behavior and improve skills.

PupTown’s social, engaging environment helps reduce anxiety, and staff provide extra attention to help dogs feel comfortable and secure.

PupTown prides itself in being a very clean facility. Play areas, yard turf and surfaces are cleaned regularly throughout the day to maintain a safe and sanitary environment. Water stations are cleaned hourly, and the yard in cleared of debris always!

Yes. Dogs enjoy 14,000 sq feet of play area, which is secure with an 8 ft fence, and garage doors provide access to play areas designed for exercise and safe socialization.

Yes. Many pet parents set up recurring schedules for consistent exercise, routine, and socialization.

Complete your dog’s registration paperwork, ensure all vaccinations are complete (Rabies, Distemper & Bordetella required) ahead of Orientation. Dogs must be 4 months of age and ready to have fun socializing with other dogs.

Most dogs go home happy as well as tired after a full day of play, socialization, and mental stimulation. Should your dog require breaks, please request that.

It’s recommended to book early, especially during holidays and peak seasons when availability fills quickly. Otherwise, you may call or email, or register on-line via the portal for easy booking.