New Customers

However we do take the safety of all dogs in our care very seriously. For this reason we do require all new customers to self-register before your first visit. After registering, we will review it and ask to meet you dog in person so that we can perform a 10-15 minute temperament test. Please click the "Register Now" button to complete the registration process. The results of this test will let us know what the needs of your dog are and how they will fit into our current pack of dogs.

NOTE: As we are a working kennel, for the safety of all staff, dogs and guests, tours/trial visits must be made ahead of time and by appointment only. Please call us to arrange a day and time.

1. Click here to fill out our new customer registration form - Register Now
2. Once we receive your intake form we will call you to schedule a meet and greet appointment. You may also call us to schedule one at (250)426-4000. Please note that we cannot offer tours or meet and greet appointments over long weekends when we are at maximum capacity.
   
3. Expect to spend approximately 30-45 minutes at your meet and greet. During this time you will get a tour of our facilities while your dog is being tested. You can use this time to ask us any questions you may have.
4. Upon the completion of this visit you will have a clear plan of how your dog will proceed in our care.
   

• Green light - this means your dog has passed our test with flying colours and is a canine good citizen! They can follow direction, have excellent name recall and use proper dog etiquette when interacting with other dogs. ​​Green light dogs are eligible for our group play daycare programs. This is an enriched play group with a dedicated staff member and up to 10 other dogs. 
• Yellow Light - this just means that your dog failed one or two aspects of the temperament test. We will identify the areas where your dog needs to improve in order to qualify for our enriched group play. We will help you work with your dog to improve those areas but in the meantime their daycare experience with be limited to play with one or two select dogs, or could mean they are in runs by themselves at certain points during the day.
• Red Light - unfortunately this means that we have identified safety concerns within your dog's temperament. If we have detected human aggression we will not be able to take you dog into our care as we cannot risk the safety of our staff. If we have detected dog aggression this does not necessarily mean they cannot attend daycare, but it will definitely mean that they will be in a run by themselves for their stays here. Remember, this does not mean you have a "bad dog", it just means they are not suitable for a cage free daycare setting. Not all dogs feel comfortable in this situation and that is just fine. 

For your Meet and Greet please bring the following:

• yourself and your dog(s)

• copies of current vaccination records (if not already emailed to us). We require Rabies, Bordetella, DA2PP and Leptospirosis*



*Leptospirosis is a new vaccination requirement. Due to the warming climate this disease has migrated from the Southern US to the Kootenay region and can be very serious as it transfers from canines to humans. However, once vaccinated your dog is completely protected from this virus. The Playpen is attempting to get ahead of the curve and avoid an outbreak in this city as Creston is already experiencing cases of this disease. We take the health & safety of your animals seriously. For further information about Leptospirosis, please consult your vet, James at The Playpen or visit https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/leptospirosis-in-dogs or https://www.mykootenaynow.com/53110/regional-news/news/deadly-bacteria-affecting-dogs-in-west-kootenay/ 

For a Daycare visit: nothing is needed

For an Overnight visit:

• your dog's food (enough for stay) with feeding instructions
• a toy or chew bone (if your dog enjoys that)
• we prefer you DO NOT bring beds, blankets or feeding dishes. We provide all of these for your dog and this will prevent any damage to your items