Ph: (203) 762-7998
Text: 855-615-2144
LOBBY HOURS
Monday - Friday
8 AM - 11 AM
3 PM - 6 PM
Saturday & Sunday
9 AM - 11 AM
3 PM - 5 PM
Fairfield County's top destination for dogs, cats, & the people who love them.
FAQ | Contact Us
Facebook | Instagram
499 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897
ph: (203) 762-7998 | fax: (203) 834-0502
Dogs: 499 Danbury Road | Wilton, CT
Cat Cottage: 503 Danbury Road | Wilton, CT
That was fun! Now what?
Step 4: Take a break!
Before the afternoon playgroup, it’s time for a well-deserved lunch or nap break to recharge the ol' play batteries.
During regular daycare and boarding, this may be the time that your dog enjoys an extra playtime or treat if signed up for one.
If not, they’ll be hanging out & relaxing in the same indoor or outdoor spaces as in the morning.
Step 1: Show Up!
Please arrive with your dog between 9 - 10 a.m!
We’re open for regular daycare drop-off at 7 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on weekends, but it can be pretty busy during the early morning “rush hour.”
Dropping off later in the morning means it will be a bit quieter in the lobby (good for dog first-timers & to help with any questions you may have!).
Visiting any pet care center for the first time means tons of exciting new things for your pup - a new environment to explore, new dogs to play with, and new humans to meet!
Step 2: Get Acclimated!
Before playgroup, your dog will have a chance to check out our accommodations!
Depending on the weather, they'll spend time either in one of our individual outdoor covered runs or in an indoor space appropriate for their size. Each indoor & outdoor run has a raised Kuranda bed & bucket with fresh drinking water available at all times.
While your dog won’t be directly interacting with other pups yet, they’ll be able to see their neighbors and have time to get familiar with all the sights, sounds, and sniffs.
Step 5: More Fun Stuff!
From 2:30 to 4:30, our second playtime of the day is underway!
More friends! More wags! More butt sniffs! It's the same format as the first playtime, but we like to have our Evaluation Day dogs stay for both to observe any behavioral changes that may take place as they get more comfortable with us and the other pups.
Step 3: The Fun Stuff!
A senior staff member will walk your dog out to one of our fenced-in yards on a slip lead to meet some new dog pals! Our first playtime of the day generally runs from about 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
We’ll give your dog time to sniff around and check out the scene, introduce them to “the regulars,” and keep a close eye on them as they navigate their first playgroup.
In most cases, we'll keep a lead on your dog during this time in case we need to safely redirect them for any reason. Once we’re confident that they’re feeling good, we’ll take the lead off and let them do their thing!
Step 6: Go Home!
Please plan to pick your buddy up between 4-5 PM on their Evaluation Day!
We are open later for regular daycare pickup on weekdays (see our hours here), but picking up at this time will allow you to speak directly with a senior staff member who can give you more detailed feedback about your dog's experience.
You'll also receive a welcome bag with more info about our services & a report card with some photos via text :)
The Schedule
During an Evaluation Day, our Kennel Team takes time to learn about your dog’s unique personality by observing their reactions to these new situations.
Are they confident and outgoing or a little shy and cautious? Do they enjoy high-energy play with other active dogs or more low-key socialization with a calmer group? Would they benefit from smaller playgroups or more frequent playtimes?
Finding the answers to these questions is key to helping us create the best experience possible for your best bud during their visits to Passage East!
Your Dog's Evaluation Day!
We're so glad you chose to let your dog hang out with us today and look forward to many fun times ahead!
If your dog is approved for group socialization, you should be all set to book your next daycare or boarding visit.
Please note that we do fill up for summer, holidays, and school vacations well in advance, so booking early is always a good idea!
At Passage East, our first priority is always the well-being of your dogs and the trust of our human clients.
Your dog may not love socializing in a big group - and that's okay! We pride ourselves in being honest and transparent about your dog's experience and will always let you know if they are not enjoying their time here.
In this case, our staff may make some recommendations that in our experience will benefit your pup during their time here, such as signing up for individual playtime or smaller playgroups. We're also happy to recommend in-home pet sitters if needed.