Question 1

Can I come in for a tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course you can come in for a tour! You are welcome to stop by unannounced or give us a phone call to schedule a day and time to check out the facility. We highly recommend calling ahead of time that way you can be 100% sure that we'll be available to walk you around. Please note that we do not do tours on weekends.

Question 2

Why should I take my dog to daycare?

Accepted Answer

The primary reasons most pet parents bring their dogs to daycare are mental stimulation, exercise, and socialization! Doggy daycare can also help alleviate boredom and loneliness through a safe, fun, and cage-free outlet for dogs of all energy levels.

Question 3

What do I need to bring to daycare?

Accepted Answer

There are 2 parts to this question . . . daycare and boarding. For daycare, all you need to bring is your furry friend with a simple leash and collar (no belt or choker style) setup! No need to worry about full harnesses, retractable leashes, etc. For boarding, you’ll want to bring your dog’s typical dog food/treats (enough for their stay), favorite toys (no squeakers please), and any bedding that’ll make your pet feel extra comfortable while you’re gone!

Question 4

Does my dog need to pass a temperament test?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely they do! We love every dog that comes through our doors, but safety is still of the utmost importance. At home, your pet may act calm and relaxed, but at daycare, they may show a high energy level that you’ve never seen before. It’s important that we observe your pet in a variety of staff-controlled situations before allowing your dog to join pack play. We will then determine if your dog has more of a shy or dominate personality or if they fall somewhere in between! Dogs of similar personality types are typically placed in the same yard.

Question 5

Does my dog need to be spayed/neutered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all dogs must be at least 5 months old and spayed or neutered before coming in for any Pup City service (including temperament tests).

Question 6

What type of vaccinations does my dog need before coming to daycare?

Accepted Answer

All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations. Prior to a scheduled temperament test, owners must submit written records showing their dogs have current DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvo), Lepto, Rabies, Bordetella, CIV, and recent fecal (every 12 months). Please note that some vaccines are 2-part vaccines to start (both primers and boosters are required). It is the Owner's responsibility to provide updated verification of current vaccinations.

Question 7

How are dogs separated?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are separated into 3 different yards based on personality type and weight. Dog and breed size are also considered when determining the appropriate yard for our new furry friends! Please keep in mind that there may be yard mingling when it comes to size. Senior dogs and very low tempered large breeds may be better suited for smaller yards. We find it important that small dogs have a chance to acclimate to larger dogs and vice versa. However, safety is crazy important to us so that'll always trump individual dog preference.

Question 8

What is Gingr Pet-Care Software?

Accepted Answer

Gingr is a secure user-friendly dog daycare, boarding, and grooming software that provides Pup City customers with a convenient online portal. Clients can self-register, complete required forms, submit reservation requests, and more! The code for Pup City on the Gingr platform is 209659. Contact us if you have any further questions.

Question 9

What is your Gingr facility code?

Accepted Answer

Our Gingr facility code is 209659. Please note that the facility code is only needed when using the Gingr mobile app.

Question 10

Do I need a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need a reservation for both our daycare and boarding services. It’s very important that we know how many dogs we’ll be expecting daily. Appropriate staffing levels and kennel availability are based 100% on reservations! Walk-ins are allowed but may not be accepted depending on staffing levels, daily dog numbers, etc.

Question 11

Do daycare dogs have mandatory nap/kennel time during the day?

Accepted Answer

No, scheduled nap/kennel time is not mandatory for daycare dogs. We have enough indoor/outdoor play space where most dogs have enough room to self-regulate, take a breather, chill, etc. Please note that we will utilize nap/kennel time for dogs who need assistance self-regulating, are getting grumpy, and/or are exhibiting excessive negative behavior!

Question 12

How often do dogs go outside?

Accepted Answer

Our tail-wagging friends have access to outdoor yards majority of the day through either overhead garage doors or commercial man doors. Outdoor yards may be closed if excessively hot, cold, and/or stormy weather are in play! We try our best to find a healthy combination of outdoor accessibility when it comes to small dogs with little coats and big dogs with thick coats.

Question 13

Do you put dogs in timeout?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course we do! Dogs may be placed in timeout for negative behavioral output (viewed as an instance, trend, or obsession) and/or when overstimulation is in play. We view timeouts as a form of distraction and less a form of discipline. Dogs who are in timeout are placed in a row of kennels outside the play yards. Timeouts typically last for 30 minutes but can be shorter or much longer depending on the dog, unwanted behavior, in-play variables, etc.

Question 14

What type of flooring do you have?

Accepted Answer

Inside the facility, there are 2 main types of flooring . . . (1) stained/painted concrete and (2) 1/4" rolled rubber flooring. Concrete floors are the primary floor choice in the kennel area, front lobby, etc. while the indoor yards are fully covered in rolled rubber flooring. We used rubber flooring in the play yards only as it's important that dogs aren't able to scurry away from staff/owners in non-play spaces. Please keep in mind that, on rare occasions, the rubber flooring can turn semi abrasive if a dog is a high energy power stopper, angle cutter, etc. Give us a ring if you'd like to discuss things in more detail.

Question 15

Do you make dogs take naps during daycare?

Accepted Answer

Every facility is different when it comes to nap policies. At Pup City, we think Customers should be paying for daycare . . . not naps. Let us explain. Unlike most facilities, we have plenty of space for positive mental stimulation for play, exercise, self regulation, etc. The norm in this industry is a combination of lots of dogs and small space. Cramming a lot of dogs into a small space typically results in a tired dog. Every owner loves seeing a tired dog at the end of the day but they never question why their dog is actually tired. Most dogs in a crammed facility go home because they have no option but to socialize and have no space to self regulate. At Pup City, our oversized yards are plenty big enough for dogs to socialize, observe, play, snooze, and more. Naps are not mandatory but we will put dogs up for a timeout/nap if they need help calming down, taking a break, etc.

Question 16

Do you accept all dog breeds?

Accepted Answer

Big, small, furry, bald . . . we love and accept all dog breeds! Our only requirement is that your pet passes a “dog-friendly” temperament test prior to their first day of daycare and/or boarding. Feel free to reach out to us if you’d like to schedule a temperament test.

Question 17

Do you accept jumbo breeds?

Accepted Answer

We love all dogs and will accept jumbo breeds. However, jumbo breeds who come to Pup City must be able to participate in pack play with all sized dogs (including smaller breeds). Yard rotation/combination flexibility is important in case we're low staffed, are able to combine yards end of day, etc.

Question 18

What type of corrections do you use on dogs?

Accepted Answer

We use a combination of auditory and physical corrections when it comes to negative behavioral output and/or decreasing the chances of a potential altercation! Auditory distractions (trigger words, clapping, stomping feet, etc.) and physical distractions (walking between an interaction, squirt bottles, shepherd sticks, etc.) can be used depending on a variety of variables. Some corrective distractions are more effective with certain dogs while some distractions are useless with other dogs! Corrective distractions are very important when it comes maintaining high safety levels in the facility. Positive reinforcement training/corrections are very difficult to use in a daycare/boarding facility as they can result in more issues. For example, positive reinforcement corrections such as food treats, praise, and excessive petting can potentially result in resource guarding and jealousy throughout the pack.

Question 19

What is the ratio of staff to dogs?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to maintain an employee to dog ratio between 1:20 and 1:25. However, our ratios can and will fluctuate based on dog personality types, staff availability, potential facility expansion, etc. For example, shyer dogs are typically calmer and more relaxed than dominate dogs, which means a higher employee to dog ratio will suffice. The safety of our guests is an absolute priority here at Pup City so we will adjust our employee to dog ratios accordingly!

Question 20

Is staff on site 24/7?

Accepted Answer

No, staff is not on site 24/7. There are plenty of safety measures that have been implemented to help increase dog and pet owner comfort levels. Some of those safety measures include additional security locks, commercial grade 80+ head fire suppression system, 24/7 monitored fire/smoke network, emergency notification systems, extended staff hours, and more. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions and/or concerns.

Question 21

How do you keep the facility clean and safe?

Accepted Answer

High sanitary levels are kept through consistent general cleaning procedures that include floor sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, surface wipe-downs, trash removal, etc. Sanitary kennel conditions are maintained through either a 5-step or 6-step process, depending on the kennel situation. There are 2 main cleaning procedures for outdoor/indoor yards, and they are a heavy playing factor when it comes to disease and odor control in and outside the facility!

Question 22

Can you administer medication to my dog?

Accepted Answer

We’re happy to assist with medicine administration to your dog(s) if detailed and step-by-step notes are provided to us well ahead of time! On rare occasions, we may not be able to help with medicine administration if the process is too complex and/or requires a specific skill set. As always, safety is of the utmost importance, so if our staff is not experienced enough in a certain medicinal situation, then we unfortunately won’t be able to accommodate your request. However, we will always try our best to accommodate the needs of our guests!

Question 23

Why do some employees wear headphones?

Accepted Answer

Our facility can get very loud. You may have noticed the auditory levels if you've been in our lobby before/during standard operating hours! We love our employees and it's so important to us that they're as comfortable as possible. Pup City employees are allowed to wear headphones while in the back (exercise yards, kennels, etc.). The purpose of headphones is to help maintain higher tolerance levels in employees by muffling noise (not completing blocking out noise).

Question 24

What's included with overnight boarding?

Accepted Answer

Overnight boarding includes a dedicated kennel for nighttime and a free full day of daycare (within the initial 24-hour window). Elevated dog beds are available at no cost (first come first served), but we do recommend bringing your dog’s bed that they are used to sleeping in at home. Please note that meals are not included in our boarding services as we encourage dogs to stick with their routine diet and food. A minimal amount of double kennel setups with transfer gates are available upon request.

Question 25

Do boarded dogs stay in their kennels all day?

Accepted Answer

No way! We wouldn't want our dogs in a kennel all day so we won't make your dog stay in a kennel all day. All boarded dogs are on a very specific schedule. We try to have all dogs out from their kennels no later than 6:30 AM to go potty and stretch their legs. Dogs are put up in their kennels for breakfast no later than 7:30 AM. Meal times are always 1.5 hours regardless of eating habits. Dogs are let out from breakfast at 9:00 AM and participate in daycare till 12:00 PM. It's important that boarded dogs maintain high tolerance levels during their stay so breaking away from the physical stimuli component is important. Boarded dogs are in their kennels for a mid-day nap from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and are back in the exercise yards from 3:00 PM to 5:30/6:00 PM. We try to have boarded dogs up for dinner no later than 6:00 PM. Boarded dogs come out for a last potty and exercise break between 7:30/8:00 PM and 9:15 PM. Please keep in mind that the boarding schedule may fluctuate based on staffing levels, time of year, deep cleaning needs, etc.

Question 26

What happens if my dog gets sick on site?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, with some viral infections, symptoms can show up between 2 and 10 days after an exposure event. The chance of that happening while on facility grounds is possible. If symptoms of viral infection become present, the subject dog will be immediately isolated from pack play for individual observation. If symptoms continue and/or can be replicated, a pick-up phone call to the appropriate owner will be made. Sick boarded dogs that can't be picked up (by owner, emergency contact, etc.) will be isolated (with solo play and potty breaks) for the remainder of their boarding stay. We highly recommend having a backup plan in play during boarding stays. Daycare and/or boarding charges are not dependent on isolation timeframes. Service rates will remain the same.

Question 27

Is the facility open on the weekends?

Accepted Answer

Great question! As of now, we are open on both Saturdays and Sundays for boarding services. Reduced hour daycare services are offered on Saturdays only. We try our best to create a healthy combination of operational convenience for clients and closed business hours for employee relaxation.

Question 28

Can I bring toys, blankets, food, etc. when my dog is being boarded?

Accepted Answer

Yes, yes, and yes! We want our guests to feel at home during their stay, so we encourage pet parents to bring things (dog bed, favorite blanky, routine food, etc.) that are a part of their dog’s daily lifestyle. Please make sure not to bring too many items as we try to maintain a 30/70 open floor ratio, which means at least 30% of the kennel floor is exposed at all times.

Question 29

Do boarded dogs participate in daycare activities?

Accepted Answer

Of course they do! The only difference between boarded dogs and daycare dogs is that boarded dogs eat meals at Pup City and go up for a mid-day nap between 12:00 and 3:00 PM (give or take). All boarded dogs must be able to participate in pack play. Dog reactive dogs are not allowed at Pup City for any offered services.

Question 30

My dog is a humper, can they come to your facility?

Accepted Answer

Great question! Well, it really depends on the severity of the humping. Do they mount every dog in site or are they fixated on a specific dog? If it's a specific dog, we may able to work around it with yard transfers. Humping is common in dogs and we're more lenient with puppies that mount as they're still learning social skills. With older dogs, we're less lenient with humping tendencies as most social skills have already been developed and it can be more difficult to break such a habit with an older dog. For example, a humping puppy will probably take a correction much better than an older dog that's corrected when humping. Humping and corrections go hand in hand. Is your dog's humping an instance, trend, or obsession? That's the primary question that we'd need to find an answer to!

Question 31

What happens if there is a dog fight?

Accepted Answer

This is an enclosed facility and altercations unfortunately can and will happen. If there is a fight, the 1st thing we do is deescalate the situation and remove all dogs involved in said altercation (regardless of who the aggressor was). Dogs are placed in kennels for 5 to 10 minutes to calm down. Once calm, all involved dogs are scanned for cuts, abrasions, etc. to determine the severity of the situation. Depending on severity, owners will be notified immediately and primary veterinarian clinics will be contacted, if need be. Security footage will be viewed to determine what variables were in play and/or if a primary aggressor was in play. The involved dogs are visually scanned a second time 30 to 45 minutes after the altercation to confirm that no injuries are present.

Question 32

Can you give my dog lunch during daycare?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are happy to place your dog in an individual kennel for lunch! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all 90 minute periods, regardless of eating habit (grazer, fast eater, etc.). Please note that eating habits can change while inside the facility. Some dogs devour their food quickly while other dogs may not eat at all. We do not recommend lunch for dogs who have not had a chance to fully acclimate to the facility.

Question 33

Do my daycare package credits expire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all daycare package credits expire 12 months after the date of purchase. This is also noted on the Gingr platform and in other areas on our website! Please note that daycare packages are non-refundable regardless of dog behavior, potential suspensions/expulsions, etc. No exceptions.

Question 34

Does purchasing a daycare package lock me into a service/purchase contract?

Accepted Answer

No, purchasing a daycare package does not lock customers into coming X days per week, purchasing X packages throughout the year, etc. When someone buys a daycare package, the number of days they purchase stack up as credits in their registered Gingr account. Those credits can be used whenever they want and expire in 12 months from the date of purchase. Owners will receive an automated email when they have 1 package credit remaining.

Question 35

Can I use my daycare plan credits toward a boarding reservation?

Accepted Answer

No, the Gingr system does not allow us to use daycare credits toward daycare services associated with a boarding reservation. Gingr is a wonderful third-party software platform but it only offers so many customizable options. Feel free to give us a ring if you have any questions!

Question 36

How many dogs do you have on site?

Accepted Answer

As of now, we average about 50 to 55 dogs throughout the day. Boarded dogs who get picked up early in the morning and dropped off later in the day are also included in those daily numbers. If those numbers seem high to you, they aren't when it comes to city focused daycare/boarding facilities! It's common to see 100 to 150 dogs in one facility with ratios upwards of 1:60. We don't want to be that. Our end goal is 75 dogs total (throughout the day) with safe and comfortable ratios of 1:25.

4177 CARPENTER ROAD, YPSILANTI, MI 48197

MON–FRI 7–7 | SAT–SUN 9–6

4177 CARPENTER ROAD, YPSILANTI, MI

734.221.5526

Scheduling new customer evaluations March 2026 and out. Click HERE or give us a CALL to learn more!

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