Dear Winnie — FAQ

Questions, answered.

Everything you need to know before your dog's first visit—and a few helpful things after that, too.

The Experience
What makes Dear Winnie different?

Dear Winnie is designed as a social club and an extension of home. We've created calm, living-room-style spaces where dogs enjoy the same comforts they're used to at home. We keep our groups intentionally small, thoughtfully match dogs based on personality, and create an environment where they can truly relax instead of becoming overstimulated.

How do you group dogs together?

We group dogs based on temperament, play style, energy level, and size—not just availability. Every dog is thoughtfully placed to ensure a safe, balanced, and comfortable social experience.

What does a typical day look like?

Every day includes a balanced mix of play, rest, enrichment, and social time. We believe dogs need downtime, comfort, and routine just as much as activity, so the day naturally flows between play and relaxation.

My dog has specific routines. Can you accommodate them?

Absolutely. We understand that every dog has their own preferences, routines, and quirks.

During New Guest Registration, we take the time to learn what makes your dog comfortable—whether that's how they like to eat, where they prefer to rest, or the little things that help them feel at home.

Our goal is to create an environment that feels familiar, personalized, and tailored to your dog’s needs.

How many dogs are there each day?

We intentionally keep our numbers limited to ensure a calm environment and allow for more attentive, hands-on care.

Will I receive updates during the day?

Yes. We provide photos and videos so you can feel connected while your dog is with us. During the Meet & Greet, we’ll ask how often you’d like updates—whether that’s a recap at the end of the day or check-ins throughout the day.

Safety & Care
Do dogs sleep in kennels?

No. At night, our lounge is converted into a shared sleep space designed to feel like home.

A human companion stays in the room overnight, and dogs are free to sleep wherever they're most comfortable—on a bed, couch, dog bed, or their favorite spot.

Dogs are always monitored to ensure a safe and restful environment for everyone.

What vaccines are required?

For the safety of all dogs, we require up-to-date vaccinations including Rabies, DHPP (Distemper/Parvo), and Bordetella.

Do you accept puppies?

Yes! We welcome puppies once they've received their age-appropriate vaccinations and are ready for a social environment.

Do you accept unneutered dogs?

For the safety and harmony of our group environment, all dogs in our lounge spaces must be spayed or neutered if they are over 6 months of age.

Younger dogs may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, provided they meet all other requirements.

Is Dear Winnie the right fit for my dog?

We know we're not the perfect fit for every dog—and that's okay.

We’re best suited for dogs who:
• Enjoy being around other dogs and people in a calm environment.
• Do well in a structured, calmer setting
• Benefit from thoughtful attention and smaller group sizes

We’re also a great fit for senior dogs who prefer a slower pace and more one-on-one care. Dogs who require large, open spaces to run at high intensity throughout the day may be better suited for a more high-energy environment.

Our approach prioritizes quality of care over volume. Every dog gets the attention they deserve.

What if my dog is nervous?

It’s completely normal. We never force interactions. Instead, we let each dog build confidence at their own pace while earning trust through patience and positive experiences.

What happens if my dog doesn’t adjust well?

Our goal is to create a positive experience for every dog. If we find that Dear Winnie isn’t the right fit, we’ll communicate openly and help guide you toward the best next step.

What happens in case of an emergency?

Your dog's safety is our highest priority. If a medical emergency happens while your dog is in our care, we'll contact you immediately and seek veterinary attention without delay. Whenever possible, we'll transport your dog to your preferred veterinarian. Dear Winnie carries insurance to help protect every guest while they're in our care, and if an accidental injury occurs during their stay, we'll work directly with our insurance provider to cover eligible veterinary expenses in accordance with our policy.

How do you maintain a clean environment?

Cleanliness is one of our highest priorities. Throughout the day, we sanitize high-touch surfaces, clean accidents immediately, wash bedding regularly, and maintain a fresh, comfortable environment for every guest.

Getting Started
How do I get started?

Every new guest begins with New Guest Registration, followed by a Meet & Greet. This helps us get to know your dog and make sure they're comfortable in our calm, kennel-free environment.

Can I tour the space before booking?

Absolutely. We encourage all new clients to visit and experience Dear Winnie firsthand.

👉 Schedule a Visit

Do you offer a trial day?

Yes. Every new dog completes a Meet & Greet before their first daycare visit. This helps them become comfortable with our team, our space, and their new routine.

Booking, Drop-off & Pickup
How do I book a stay or daycare day?

Once your registration and Meet & Greet are complete, you can request bookings through our member portal or by contacting us directly. We recommend booking in advance, as we maintain limited capacity to ensure a calm environment.

What are your drop-off and pickup hours?

We recommend morning drop-offs whenever possible so your dog can settle in naturally with the group. We'll go over the best arrival times during booking.

Can someone else pick up my dog?

Yes, but for safety reasons, they must be listed as an authorized person in your guest profile. Please notify us in advance if someone new will be coming to collect your dog.

What should I bring for a stay?

We provide beds, bowls, blankets, and everything your dog needs for a comfortable stay. We only ask that you bring your dog's regular food (to avoid upset stomachs) and any necessary medications. You’re welcome to bring a small item from home if it helps them settle.

Pricing Philosophy
Why is Dear Winnie priced the way it is?

Dear Winnie is built to offer a higher level of care than a traditional daycare. We keep our group sizes small, thoughtfully match dogs, and maintain a calm, clean, and well-managed environment. We also believe premium care shouldn't come with surprise fees. There are no deposits, no prepayments, and no surprise fees—payment is simply due when you pick up your dog.

Our space is intentionally designed to feel fresh, comfortable, and low stress for both dogs and their owners.

This allows us to focus on safety, comfort, and giving each dog the attention they deserve. Because of this, our pricing is higher than standard daycare options. We’re not the right fit for everyone but for those looking for a more personalized, clean, and thoughtfully run environment, it makes a meaningful difference.

Payments & Policies
What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as cash. We do not charge credit card processing fees, so you can pay however is most convenient for you.

When is payment due?

Payment is due when you pick up your dog. We don't require prepayments or deposits for daycare or overnight stays. We believe booking your dog's stay should be simple and stress-free.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, we simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can make that space available for another guest. Because we don't require deposits or prepayments, there is no refund process to worry about.

Do you offer refunds?

Because payment is due at pickup, refunds for cancellations generally aren't necessary. If there's ever a concern during your dog's stay, we'll always listen, communicate openly, and do everything we can to make it right.

Ready to get your dog started?

Registration is the first step, and it only takes about five minutes.

New Guest REgistration