Frequently Asked Questions

There are a multitude of benefits. You'll see for yourself the joy your dog exhibits when nearing our front door after his first few visits. In brief, exposing a dog to a variety of people, dogs, sights, and sounds is the definition of socialization. Behaviorists encourage regular socialization and daily exercise for dogs' overall quality of life and improved behavior.

Yes, several dogs simply enjoy watching the action from the sidelines. They prefer spending the majority of their day being petted and loved by our staff. We're happy to cater to the lovers of the group.

Dog Gone Fun customizes play areas to meet the needs of our clients. We have a separate indoor play area for small dogs. If you have a small dog who prefers to play with the big dogs, we will certainly discuss this with you and place your dog in the area best suited for him.

Absolutely!

We provide toys, and ask that you not bring your dog's own. It's just too much to ask any dog to share his favorite toy. (If your dog is boarding with us, however, you may bring a few comfort items which will be kept in his private suite.)

No. We do not allow food of any kind in the play rooms. Some dogs are food aggressive, so this would not be safe.

Most of our doggy daycare clients eat meals at home before and/or after daycare. However, if any dog needs a meal while here, we are happy to feed them during the mid-day nap time or as part of the puppy/toddler program. Please bring the food, pre-measured, in a container or baggie with your dog's name on it. Drop off the food at the front desk at time of check-in.

Of course. We encourage you to visit and tour the facility before enrolling.

We clean and disinfect daily, regardless of how many dogs have visited. Toys are given anti-bacterial baths daily as well. Blankets, beds, and cots are always kept clean.

Dog Gone Fun has plenty of Kongs®, tennis balls, and playground equipment designed just for dogs! For relaxation, we have pet cots and comfy dog pillows.

One of the greatest benefits of dog daycare is that your dog gets to play all day so, naturally, they are tired at the end of the day. Often, they will sleep through the night and into the next day. Rest assured if your dog becomes overly tired during the day, we will take him to a private suite for a nap. Even though fresh water is available to the dogs all day, dogs generally will drink a lot when they arrive home. They play all day and need to re-hydrate just like someone after a workout.

Dog Gone Fun has 1 large outdoor play area (over 1,800 square feet) adjacent to the indoor play rooms. The outdoor areas have play equipment and plenty of room for the dogs to engage in a good game of "chase.” Outdoor areas are fully fenced and secured so dogs cannot dig under our fences.

The dogs are assigned to a play group based on size, temperament, and play style. The dogs may play indoors and outdoors throughout the day. The dogs play with each other, climb on the doggy play equipment, and interact with the staff. Mid-afternoon, we bring out the toys for dogs to play fetch. If a dog is tired, they may take a nap on a cot in a quieter part of the room or go into an overnight suite for a nap. All dogs take a break from play time during 11:30am–1:30pm and relax in a crate or suite.

No. Since the dogs are out playing all day, there is no need to walk a dog for exercise.

We do our best to minimize any injury to your dog. During normal play, a dog may get small scratches, nicks, and lose small patches of fur. Although rare, it is possible for more serious injuries to occur.

When you complete your profile you will be asked to read and sign an owners agreement which outlines your obligations. The content of that agreement is included below.

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I hereby certify that my dog(s) is/are in good health and has/have not been ill within any communicable condition in the last 30 days. I have read and understand the following:

• I understand that I am solely responsible for any harm or physical damage caused by my dog(s) while my dog(s) is/are attending Dog Gone Fun.
• I understand and agree that in admitting my dog(s) to the facility, the Dog Gone Fun staff have relied on my representations that my dog(s) is/are in good health and has/have not harmed or shown aggressive or threatening behavior towards any person or any other dogs.
• I understand that bringing my dog(s) into contact with other dogs and people poses certain risks, including the risk on contracting a disease (such as kennel cough or bordetella) or injury. On behalf of myself, any member of my household, and/or my dog(s), I assume all risks associated with participating in activities at Dog Gone Fun.
• I understand and agree that dogs can sometimes receive minor cuts and scratches at daycare and any problems that develop with my dog(s) will be treated as deemed best by the Dog Gone Fun staff, at their discretion. I assume full financial responsibility for any and all expenses involved.
• I further understand and agree that Dog Gone Fun and their staff, will not be liable for any problems that develop, provided reasonable care and precautions are followed, and I hereby release them of any liability of any kind whatsoever arising from my dog(s) attendance and participation at the facility.
• My pet is current on their monthly heart worm, flea prevention and vaccination shots.
• I grant permission for Dog Gone Fun to use any photographs or videos of my pet(s) for any and all of its marketing and advertising to promote Dog Gone Fun products, programs and services.

Emergency Care Permission

There is inherent rough-housing in play. All dogs are screened for aggression, but fights can still occur. Puncture wounds are also possible during play sessions. If you dog(s) is/are injured while at daycare, our staff will attempt to reach you at the contact numbers provided. If we are unable to reach you, or in the case of an emergency, you acknowledge we will seek medical attention at Shultz Veterinarian Clinic. If after core business hours, Greater Lansing Veterinary Center will be used. 

I certify that I have read and understand the above policies of the facility and that I have read and understand the conditions and statements of this agreement, including the following:

• Fees are due in advance of service. Prepaid packages are available at discounted rates. Prepaid packages are non-refundable and non-transferable. The only exception made is if Dog Gone Fun removes the dog from daycare due to behavioral issues, then the days left on the package will be refunded.
• Late Fees:  I understand that there is a late fee charge for day care dogs not picked up by 6:30 pm, due at pick up. There will be $1 per minute late fee until 7 pm at which time your dog will be checked into boarding for the evening. Standard boarding rates will apply along with an additional fee for food provided by Dog Gone Fun.
• Dress Code: All dogs must come into the facility on a leash. However, during their stay they will enjoy "naked" play (or play without a collar or harness on). Name tags are recommended on owners collar and/or leash.
• Reservations/cancellations: Reservations are encouraged but not required for both daycare and boarding to ensure access to the days and time that you want. 24-hour advance notice is preferred so we can ensure proper staffing.
• Holiday lodging: A 50% deposit will be required to reserve a lodging reservation during peak travel times. Those times include spring breaks, 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. A holiday period is considered 2 days before and 2 days after the actual holiday. Changes or cancellations needed for reservations during these times will need to be done at least 7 days before your scheduled days to avoid losing your deposit.

No. When we have visitors, such as a new dog or new person, the dogs often get very excited and you can hear and see this excitement. There is always playing and some barking going on, but the dogs actually settle down quite a bit once the new dog is introduced into the play areas and our human visitors either leave or are very quiet for a few minutes.

Absolutely not. Once a few dogs depart towards the end of the day, many dogs realize it is that magical time when their owners reappear. Some get anxious to see their owner and sit and watch for them. We do make attempts to distract the dogs back into fun and games. For some dogs this works, and for other dogs it doesn't. Throughout the rest of the day, these dogs are running, playing, and having fun. They are not thinking about their owners! (No hard feelings "mom" and "dad.")

The main reason is that intact dogs are at greater risk of injury from other dogs. In a social environment, intact males are often viewed as threats by other dominant dogs. Intact females, whether in heat or not, may be picked on by other female dogs and male dogs will view her as an intact female and treat her as such.

There are a few simple steps to get started:

1. Fill out the Dog & Owner Profile and read and sign our Owner Agreement form. Submit these two forms online.
2. Check your dog's vaccination record. Once he has all of our required vaccinations, ask your vet to email the vaccination record to us.

Call or email us to set up your dog's initial day of dog daycare when we'll do the interview/ temperament evaluation. A reservation for this first day must be made in advance. We cannot take walk-ins. We only take a couple new dogs per day so we can give them lots of attention and time. We like your dog to spend at least four hours with us on the first day, and he is welcome to spend the full day. Standard doggy daycare charges are incurred for this first day, per our current rates, and may be paid at time of picking up your dog.