ATTENTION: please be advised that our enrollment is not always open. our schedule changes periodically, so it is recommended to check availability. you may opt in to our weekly emailing list at the bottom of this page. that weekly email will be the first place any openings for new students will be announced as they arise.
About kitty
Mackenzie "Kitty" Walker has been caring for all kinds of pets for the greater majority of her life, but she started doing it professionally in 2015. Kitty has experience with large dogs, small dogs, special needs dogs, and everything in between. She has a great deal of patience and compassion for animals, so you can ensure that your pet is in safe hands while in her care.
Kitty’s Critter Care
Jefferson City's Premier Doggy Daycare
Dogs of all ages and sizes get to play freely throughout the day in a safe and somewhat structured environment. Dogs have well over 5,000 square feet to burn off their energy during the day while you are at work, away for a day, or simply need some time to get a few things done. Daycare provides a safe environment for dogs to work on their social skills, play their hearts out, and have a ton of fun! Dogs are divided in different groups each day based on size and personality.
Daycare Information & FAQs
How to Sign Up:
Daycare is scheduled by the week. Kitty sends a mass email every Friday with the following week’s schedule. In order to have your dog added to the roster, you and your dog will need to attend a brief meet and greet with Kitty prior to your dog’s first day. Once your dog has had this meet and greet, Kitty will add you to her roster, and you can schedule your dog from the weekly Friday availability email. Dogs can attend on regular days (e.g.: every Tuesday and Thursday) or sporadically as needed. Before reserving a regular spot for your dog each week, we like to have the dog spend a few days in daycare to get to know their personality better so that we get them scheduled with the pack that best fits their individual interests and needs. Please note that daycare fills up quickly each week, so there may be a wait for enrollment. You can check enrollment status with Kitty at any time.
Health Requirements:
Vaccinations:
1) Rabies
2) DHL4PP (Distemper, hepatitis, lepto 4 way, parainfluenza, parvovirus)
3) Bordetella Bronchiseptica*
*This vaccine is for the illness commonly referred to as “kennel cough.” Dogs that are in close proximity to other dogs are susceptible to catching kennel cough, which is why the vaccination is required. That said, this vaccine acts in a similar manner to a human flu shot, where even though the dog has the vaccine, certain strains of kennel cough can still occur. We take every effort at Kitty’s Critter Care to prevent the spread of kennel cough, but there is still a possibility that your dog could contract this illness, which is generally easily treated with medication and rest. Dogs who have been boarded, visited another doggy daycare, or who have been to the dog park are asked to stay home from daycare for two weeks in order to keep outside germs from coming in.
Other:
1) All dogs attending daycare must be spayed or neutered.
2) All dogs attending daycare must receive regular flea, tick, and heartworm treatment. Proof of this can be provided by showing proof of purchase of any of these items, or if your dog’s preventatives are prescription, you can provide a copy of the vet record.
3) Dogs experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or aggressive behavior will be asked to stay home from daycare. If this occurs while at daycare, the dog will be separated from the other dogs, and the owner will be contacted immediately. If the owner is unable to retrieve the dog before the day’s end, the dog will be quarantined from the other dogs in order to prevent the spread of illness and in order to ensure the safety of all daycare dogs.
Safety Information:
1) While daycare is 99% free play, dogs may spend short periods of time safely in a crate within sight as deemed necessary by daycare teachers.
2) While we do not train dogs in daycare, we use a number of training tools to help redirect dogs’ attention and allow them to exist safely as a group. These tools are all non-harming and include slip leads, spray bottles (water only), crates, and muzzles. If you are not comfortable with some or any of the aforementioned tools, please discuss with staff prior to your dog attending daycare.
3) Please do not bring food, toys, or treats to daycare. Since the dogs are playing together as a group, “resource” items can occasionally spark aggression. Training treats and/or toys provided by the facility will be offered to dogs as motivation to go outside, come inside, enter a crate, play a game, or at their discretion. If your dog has a food allergy, please make staff aware that your dog will need different treats.
5) Be aware that while as many measures as possible are taken to protect the health and safety of all dogs, accidents can happen at daycare just like they do with kids at school. By agreeing to have your pet attend daycare, you agree that you acknowledge and accept this risk, and do not hold Kitty’s Critter Care liable for any injuries sustained.
Rates:
One dog, full day, scheduled less than 4 days per week: $24/day
One dog, full day, scheduled 4 or more days per week: $22/day
2+ Dogs, full day, scheduled less than 4 days per week: $22/dog/day
2+ dogs, full day, scheduled 4 or more days per week: $20/dog/day
1/2 Day (8 am - 12 pm): $18
Hours:
Monday - Friday
7:00 am - 5:45 pm