Starting something new can be exciting—and a little nerve-wracking—for both humans and dogs! At Sniff and Wiggles in Petaluma, we understand the emotions that come with dropping your pup off at daycare for the first time. Although our dog resort is new to Sonoma County, opening Sniff and Wiggles has been a lifelong dream come true. Built from love, experience, and a deep passion for dogs, our team is here to make your pup’s first day as smooth and joyful as possible.

1. Start with a Quick Visit or Tour

We encourage new dog parents to schedule a short meet-and-greet or tour. This helps your pup get familiar with the environment, meet our friendly staff, and experience a few happy sniffs before their official first day.

2. Pack the Essentials

  • Leash and collar: Preferably with updated ID tags.
  • Food or treats: If your dog requires a midday meal during daycare, please let us know. Most dogs are fed at home in the morning and evening, but if your pup needs lunch—like Tim’s dog—we are happy to accommodate. Simply bring their food in a labeled container with feeding instructions.
  • Medications: Please provide clear dosage and timing info if applicable. Note that for the safety of all our guests, we are unable to accept dogs with certain health conditions such as total blindness, uncontrolled seizures, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, Addison’s disease, gastric torsion, multiple limb amputations, or other serious health concerns. Please contact us directly if you have specific questions about your dog’s eligibility.

3. Practice Short Separations

If your pup has never been away from you for long, try easing them into short separations. This builds confidence and reduces any stress on the big day.

4. Make Morning Drop-Off Calm and Positive

On the first day, keep your tone upbeat and calm. Dogs pick up on our emotions, so a cheerful “See you later!” goes a long way. Avoid long goodbyes, as they may increase anxiety for both of you.

5. Keep Your Pup Tired (But Not Too Tired)

Ensure your dog is well-rested before daycare. A short walk in the morning can help take the edge off excitement, but avoid exhausting them before a full day of fun and play.

6. Share Everything We Should Know

Each dog is unique. Tell us about your pup’s quirks, preferences, play style, fears, or anything else you feel would help them feel at home with us.

7. Expect a Tired (and Happy) Pup

After a day of sniffing, running, and socializing, your dog may be ready for a long nap. A calm, sleepy pup at pick-up time is a sign of a successful day of fun!

We Are Here for You and Your Pup

At Sniff and Wiggles, we are more than a dog daycare—we are a community of dog lovers who treat every guest like family. Our team is trained, loving, and devoted to helping every dog feel safe, enriched, and adored.

Have questions or want to book a tour before your pup’s first day? Contact us today and let us help make their first day paw-sitively perfect!