What requirements must my dog meet before entering the facility?
Your dog must be Spay / Neutered. All male dogs over the age of 7 months must be neutered. Females that are not spayed may not be brought to the park while they are in heat.

Your dog must be current on vaccinations: No unvaccinated dogs, no sick dogs, no dogs in heat, and no puppies under 4 months of age. Proof of all vaccinations must be shown prior to entry. All dogs must be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Rabies, and Bordetella.

Your dog must be friendly and good natured toward other dogs

Don't the dogs fight?
Only friendly pooches are allowed. Dogs must not have a history of biting or aggression. There are over 625 pooch parks across America that are successful. The dogs aren't territorial because the pooch park is neutral territory, dogs aren't trying to defend their house or yard. Also, when a dog is not constrained by a leash it allows the dog to choose whether or not to interact with another dog. Dogs on a leash are fearful that they cannot get away if necessary. Being off-leash eliminates the dog's worry and fear. The size of the park and the freedom of being "off-leash" make the pooch park experience successful. Give it a try, first time visitors get a $5 Romp & Play trial membership session!

What about diseases or fleas?
Only pooches that have had all of their vaccinations are permitted in the pooch park. Tags must be displayed and dogs must be up-to-date on all required shots. We do not have any problems with fleas. Dog owners who are responsible enough to pay to bring their dogs to pooch park are the same dog owners who use flea & tick prevention products. The membership rules and regulations prohibit brining sick dogs or dogs in heat into the pooch park.

What about poop?
Pooper Scoop stations are posted periodically throughout the park and all dog owners are responsible for scooping their dog's poop. This is part of the rules & regulations of membership.

Where are ya’ll located?
Which direction are you coming from, or what landmark are you next to?

(North Blanding/from 295): Take Blanding South towards Orange Park Mall
Go South for about 7 miles. On your right you will see a big Chevy dealer (Gordons Chevrolet). The second traffic light after the dealership is your turn. (Oak Lane) Turn right on Oak and continue about half a block. Poochie’s is on your left. Office located on the down the dirt driveway located on the left of the park. (white house/office)

(From Middleburg/Blanding): Go North on Blanding towards Orange Park look for Winn Dixie on your Right/Walgreens on your left, that’s Oak Lane. Turn Left then we are a half a block on your left. Office located in the back.

(From Oakleaf/Brannon Field Rd.): Make a Left on Old Jennings then left on Blanding… (Middleburg/Blanding directions)

(From 17/Hwy 220): go down 220 towards Middleburg; make a right at Knight Boxx (next light after College Dr.) go all the way to Blanding Blvd. straight across Blanding is Oak Lane. We are located a half a block on the left on Oak Lane. Office located in the back on the left.

How long has Poochie’s been here?
Poochie’s Swim & Play Park opened May 2003.

What do the dogs do when they board at your facility?
Throughout the day the dogs have full time supervision by one of our pack leaders as they are free to roam the grounds and play with each other. We have 8-acres of land and a pond for swimming; it’s like a giant playground for dogs. When they are inside they each have their own full size crate inside of our climate controlled poochie bedrooms.

How do I know if my dog is suitable for this environment?
If you are unsure of your dogs temperament around other dogs, you should first bring your dog in for a temperament evaluation during visitor hours. Then you should visit the park one or more times to get you dog used to being off leash around new dogs before your boarding/daycamp stay.

What do you do if a dog is aggressive?
We only accept dogs that are friendly with other dogs. Our trained and experienced “pack leaders” know dog behavior and can see the signs of two dogs not getting along before a fight actually happens. The dogs involved will be put in separate play groups and if they show any other aggression signs they will not be allowed to return to camp.

I have a small, timid or elderly dog, what do you do for them?
Each dog that comes here for the first time is evaluated and placed in the group that best suits their play style. We will usually have a young and active large dog group and a small, timid or elderly dog group. Each group lives together and plays together throughout their stays.

How much outside play time do the dogs get each day?
Boarding: Your dog is guaranteed at least 5 hours everyday during the busy holiday periods. The rest of the year you can expect them to be out 7-9 hours a day, weather/temperature permitting. Daycamp: All day with a two hour break in the middle.

What do you do if it’s raining or really hot outside?
If it is a really heavy rain or any thunder/lightning or very hot then we go inside where dogs have radio or television.

What should I bring with my dog?
When boarding you are not required to bring any food or belongings with you. We have comfortable beds, stainless steel food and water bowls, and plenty of toys. If your pet has a bed, favorite toy, treats, or special food you are encouraged to bring it to make your dog’s stay as close to home as possible though we are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

I have multiple dogs or I have to board my dogs for a very long stay. Is there a special rate??
Tell me the length of your stay and I will have the owners call you about a special price.

What if my dog becomes injured or sick during their stay?
You will be contacted immediately along with your local emergency contact and your vet. We will make every effort possible to bring your dog to your vet unless it is an emergency and time does not allow. Then your dog will have care administered by either our on call vet or be taken to the Clay County Animal Hospital.

Will my dog be tired when they leave?
Yes! Your dog might need a day or two of rest after leaving camp. The exercise they get here is usually a lot more than they normally get at home. Most dogs enjoy resting and relaxing as soon as you get them back to there own home and bed.