More Than Just Play—An Elevated Experience for Your Dog
At Paws At Play, we go beyond the traditional daycare model to provide an enriching experience where your dog is cared for by highly trained, compassionate professionals. Our dedicated team is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid, expertly trained in Dog Play Group Management, and committed to ongoing education to ensure the highest standards of care.
Unlike traditional daycare centers that serve as mere energy outlets, Paws At Play is a place of learning, confidence-building, and mental enrichment. Our approach incorporates real-life skills that help reduce stress and bring balance to your dog’s daily life. While in our care, your dog will engage in activities that promote growth, such as:
▸ Walking on various surfaces to build confidence
▸ Exposure to water for sensory enrichment
▸ Learning patience at doorways and entry points
▸ Practicing appropriate play styles for socialization
▸ Reinforcing obedience and essential life skills
Why We Don’t Follow the Traditional Daycare Model
Large, unstructured playgroups often lead to overstimulation, stress, and even aggression—creating an exhausting and overwhelming experience for both dogs and staff. This "frat-party" style of play can result in injuries, emotional distress, and an exhausted pet who may return home more agitated than before.
The Enrichment Model: A Superior Approach to Canine Care
At Paws At Play, we prioritize quality over quantity. By maintaining small, carefully curated playgroups of 8-10 dogs, we create a safe, structured, and engaging environment where pets can thrive. Our enrichment-based daycare model includes:
▸ Interactive Play & Socialization – Dogs engage in balanced, structured play with both human caretakers and canine companions.
▸ Cognitive Stimulation – Games, puzzles, and training exercises keep your dog mentally sharp and engaged.
▸ Skill Reinforcement – Learning practical behaviors that translate to a well-mannered and confident pet.
▸ Adequate Rest & Recovery – A well-balanced routine of play and rest ensures dogs leave daycare fulfilled, not overexerted.
The Paws At Play Experience
If you’re looking for an elevated daycare experience where safety, learning, and enrichment come first, Paws At Play is the perfect place for your pet. With expansive outdoor space, engaging activities, and a team of highly skilled caregivers, we provide a luxury daycare experience that goes far beyond all-day play.
Come see the difference that expert care and an enrichment-focused approach can make in your dog’s life!
Our mission
At Paws At Play, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every dog thrives. We combine expert care with innovative enrichment programs to ensure a balance of play, learning, and rest creating happier, healthier, and more confident pets. Guided by compassion, professionalism, and a passion for excellence, we are dedicated to supporting pet parents with trusted services while fostering a strong sense of community built on the love of dogs.
Meet Our Founder & Author - Courtney Barnes, CPACO
Courtney is the Owner and Operations Manager of Paws at Play Boarding and Daycare, a premier pet care facility established in 2004. With a lifelong passion for animals and over 30 years of professional experience in the animal care field, Courtney has dedicated her career to providing exceptional care for pets and peace of mind for their owners.
Courtney’s academic journey began with an AAS degree in Veterinary Medical Technology, earned in 1998. She later pursued her love for animals by obtaining a BS degree in Zoology from North Carolina State University in 2002. Her extensive career in the animal care industry started in 1995 and includes a diverse range of experiences. She became a Registered Veterinary Technician in 1998 and has worked in several veterinary hospitals, including a fast-paced emergency clinic. This experience honed her expertise in animal health, behavior, and safety, which she seamlessly integrates into the daily operations of Paws at Play.
Under Courtney’s leadership, Paws at Play has become a premier destination for pet boarding and daycare, renowned for its focus on personalized care, safety, and a welcoming environment for all furry guests. Her dedication to maintaining the highest standards in pet care reflects her unwavering commitment to the well-being of animals. When Courtney is not managing the operations at Paws at Play, she enjoys staying connected to the latest advancements in animal care, mentoring her team, going to the gym and spending time with her own beloved pets
The health and safety of each pet who visits us is our top priority. That’s why we are thrilled to announce that Courtney has just become a Certified Professional Animal Care Provider! She successfully passed the independent certification exam conducted by the Professional Animal Care Certification Council or PACCC. At Paws At Play, this is just another way of demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of each pet.
Safe Play, Happy Stay: Then Essential Guide To Enrichment-Based Dog Daycare
Busy dog owners that need help both mentally and physically challenging their dogs to get a well mannered pet. this book teaches the reader the importance of providing mental stimulation for their dog and not just physical stimulation in order to reduce anxiety and excessive energy. This book will help dog owners have a more satisfying relationship with their dog
Author: Courtney Barnes
*Stop by for a free copy
