How to Prepare Your Dog for Their First Daycare Visit

Your dog has never been to daycare. Maybe they're shy. Maybe they're wild. Maybe you're just not sure how they'll do around 15 other dogs they've never met.

This is the post we wish someone had written for us before Poppy (our founder Shaina's miniature dachshund, and the original reason Dogdrop exists) went to her first daycare in 2019.

Here's the practical preparation guide.

2 weeks before: vaccination check

Every daycare requires current vaccines. At Dogdrop, we require Rabies, DHPP (or DAP), and Bordetella — all current. Call your vet 2 weeks before your planned first visit. Email vaccination records to riverfront@dogdrop.co.

Age requirement: Dogs must be at least 4 months old and have completed their first full series of puppy shots.

1 week before: behavior baseline

Honestly assess your dog's current behavior. Do they react to other dogs on walks? Have they met other dogs in the past 6 months? Can they settle in new environments? How do they handle being left alone?

If you're noticing consistent reactivity, severe anxiety, or aggressive behavior — discuss with our team before the Good Fit Test.

3 days before: gear check

You'll need minimal gear: properly-fitted harness or collar (no prongs or choke chains), a standard 4-6 foot leash (no retractables), vaccination records, and treats your dog likes.

1 day before: logistics

Book the Good Fit Test at dogdrop.co/locations/wilmington-riverfront. Pick a time. Morning weekday is typically easiest. Feed normally. Walk them first.

Day-of: the arrival

Arrive on time. Curbside drop-off — pull up to 311 Justison, a staff member meets you at the door, you'll come inside for the first 15-20 minutes, then leave.

Be calm. Your dog reads your energy.

Leave without ceremony. When the staff says it's time to go, go. Don't linger.

During the Good Fit Test (you're out of the building)

The Good Fit Test runs 1-2 hours. We're observing how your dog enters the space, how they interact with the staff and other dogs, which zone seems like the right fit, and any red flags.

Go do something. Run errands. Get coffee. Don't sit in your car worrying.

After the test: what we tell you

Within 24 hours, you'll get one of three outcomes:

Cleared for daycare. Your dog is a great fit. Walk in anytime starting now.

Cleared with a plan. Your dog fits but there's a specific thing to work around.

Not a good fit. Honestly, sometimes. We'll tell you specifically why and what alternatives might work better.

After the first paid visit

First week: keep visits short (3-5 hours). First month: look for exhausted-but-happy pickups. Tell us things we should know about your dog.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not doing the Good Fit Test. No exceptions.

Skipping vaccinations. No vaccines, no daycare.

Long emotional goodbyes. Amps up anxiety.

Assuming a failed Good Fit Test means your dog is "bad." It means open-play isn't right for this dog.

Expecting your dog to love it on Day 1. Most take a week or two.

Book the Good Fit Test at dogdrop.co/locations/wilmington-riverfront. We're at 311 Justison Street, inside Riverfront Pets.