Making Drop-Off and Pick-Up Easy for Every Dog and Person
What to expect — and how we support dogs during busy moments
Welcoming you back into the building allows us to provide better communication, warmer service, and a more comfortable experience for you — no matter the weather.
It also means that drop-off and pick-up can be some of the busiest and most unpredictable moments of a dog’s day.
Understanding what dogs experience during these transitions helps all of us work together to keep things calm, smooth, and easy — for dogs and people alike.
A Lot Is Happening at Once
For dogs, the lobby is a sensory-rich environment, especially during peak times. They may notice:
New faces, voices, and conversations
The sound of collars, tags, and leashes
New smells from people, coats, bags, and shoes
Dogs they might not know
Movement through tighter or unfamiliar spaces
The excitement of arriving or heading home
Even dogs who do great in daycare can find these moments stimulating. Busy transitions are often the most unpredictable part of a dog’s day.
Some dogs may respond by:
Barking
Pulling toward other dogs
Becoming more alert or excited
Needing a little extra space to settle
All of this is normal dog behavior.
Why Dogs May Behave Differently During Transitions
Dogs often behave differently when they are:
On leash
Excited to arrive or go home
Reunited with their families
Close to other dogs in a shared space
Leashes limit a dog’s ability to move away if they feel unsure, and excitement can lower tolerance for close interactions. Even confident, social dogs may be quicker to vocalize or react in these moments.
This doesn’t mean a dog is having a “bad day” — it simply means they’re navigating a lot at once.
Why Dogs Must Be on Leash When Entering and Leaving
For everyone’s comfort and safety, dogs must remain on leash when entering and leaving the building.
This isn’t about trust or behavior. It’s about logistics and predictability in a shared space.
Leashes help us:
Manage movement when multiple dogs are arriving or leaving at the same time
Maintain comfortable spacing between dogs
Prevent sudden greetings in tight areas
Keep transitions calm, smooth, and efficient
Clear flow and spacing help drop-off and pick-up move faster, feel calmer, and reduce stress for everyone.
Respecting Space in a Shared Environment
We ask that everyone help respect space in the lobby — including adults and children.
That means:
Giving dogs room to move through the space
Avoiding approaching other dogs without permission
Keeping children close and supervised
Allowing our team to guide movement as needed
These practices aren’t about individual dogs — they’re about making shared spaces work smoothly for everyone.
Why You May See Our Team Gently Directing the Flow
You may notice our team:
Creating space between dogs
Asking clients to pause or step slightly to the side
Guiding the order of arrivals or departures
Using calm voices and controlled movement
This isn’t because anyone is doing something wrong.
It’s because clear flow and predictability reduce overstimulation, prevent reactive moments before they happen, help dogs move through transitions more easily, and keep drop-off and pick-up running smoothly
Think of us as traffic directors — keeping things moving so no one feels rushed or crowded.
Barking During Busy Moments
Dogs communicate with sound. During transitions, barking may simply mean:
“I’m excited!”
“This is a lot!”
“I need a little space.”
Our focus isn’t on stopping noise — it’s on responding calmly and helping dogs move through the moment successfully.
You may hear barking at times. This is normal in moments of excitement!
If You or Your Dog Prefer Extra Space
Some dogs — and people — feel more comfortable with a little extra room during busy times.
You’re always welcome to:
Wait until the parking lot or lobby is clear
Call or text us, and we’re happy to come get your dog
Let our team know if your dog needs additional space, especially when leaving and we can help
These options are always available, and asking for them helps us better support you and your dog.
How You Can Help
You don’t need to do anything special.
Simply:
Keep dogs on leash during transitions
Follow our team’s guidance
Pause briefly if asked
Help maintain space between dogs
Small adjustments make a big difference.
Our Shared Goal
Our goal is simple:
Calm arrivals
Smooth transitions
Supported dogs
A positive experience for everyone
By working together and trusting the flow, we help every dog start and end their day on a positive note — and make drop-off and pick-up easier for everyone.
Thank you for partnering with us and for helping create an environment where dogs and people can succeed together. 🐾