Our Grand Opening Celebration Has Been Rescheduled: We’re pushing our grand opening to early Spring 2027.

Our official business opening date will be announced here soon – stay tuned!

Welcome to Woof Den Inn

FAQs

Your questions Answered

General and Onboarding

What makes Woof Den Inn & Daycare different from other facilities?

We are proudly locally owned and operated—not a massive corporation or franchise—and we are deeply committed to the Des Moines community. Unlike traditional facilities that focus on passive, high-volume play, we use a “manners-first” philosophy. We focus heavily on structured routines, patience, and positive behavioral management so your dog goes home happy and balanced, never overstimulated.

 

  • Attention to Individual Needs:
    We understand that every dog is different. We pay close attention to your pet’s unique needs and preferences, working them naturally into our daily pack routine. As a true part of the pack, they will feel completely safe and loved while you are away.
  • Commited to Safety:
    Fully supervised play areas and a well-trained, behavioral-focused staff watch over your pups during play and downtime.
  • Upscale Lodge Comforts:
    A clean, inviting, and beautifully designed facility.
Where are you located?
Our upscale lodge facility is in beautiful Des Moines, WA, right near the south end of the Des Moines Marina and less than a mile from Des Moines Beach Park.
What is a Sniff Test, and is it required?
Yes, the Sniff Test is mandatory for all new dogs before their first daycare or boarding stay. It is a comprehensive, half-day daycare experience where you drop your dog off early in the day. Our trained team uses this time to assess their unique personality, manners, patience, leash etiquette, and play styles to ensure they will safely thrive in our pack.
Is there a fee for the Sniff Test?
There is a fee for the assessment; however, the amount will be credited back toward your first booking once your dog is accepted as part of the pack! At pickup, we’ll provide you with a report of our findings.
Can you accommodate my dog’s specific dietary or medical routine?
Yes. We will gladly work with your dog’s individual medical and dietary requirements. Please ask us directly about your dog’s needs so we can ensure they are integrated seamlessly into our daily routine.
How are social play groups structured?

Safety, comfort, and good manners are our top priorities, so we structure our groups carefully:

  • Boarding Guests: Enjoy intimate, small social groups for highly personalized care.
  • Daycare Guests: Enjoy slightly larger social play groups that are hand-picked to mingle dogs with similar play styles, energy levels, or size.

 

Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered for daycare and boarding?
Yes. To ensure a safe, calm, and harmonious play environment, all dogs must be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age to participate in our daycare and boarding programs.

Your questions Answered

Preparing for Your Stay

What do I need to bring for my dog's boarding stay?
Please bring a well-fitting collar and leash, along with your dog’s food. Food must be pre-packaged per meal in individual little baggies, or in a small tub that includes a measurement device.
What should I not bring?
Please do not bring an entire large bag of dog food or large storage containers. Ideally, bring just enough food to cover all meals during your dog’s stay, plus one additional day of food just in case.
We proudly provide everything else! If your dog requires a slow-feeder bowl, just let us know and we can provide one—there is no need to bring your own.

Your questions Answered

Health & Safety

What vaccinations and health tests do you require?

To keep our pack safe, all dogs must be up-to-date on their core health requirements before visiting us. We require proof of Rabies, Distemper (DHPP), and Bordetella vaccinations, as well as a negative fecal test result (within 6 months of the reservation). This is required for any dog over 4 months old. Please have your vet records ready to upload when you register for your Sniff Test.

Can you accommodate my dog’s specific dietary or medical routine?

Yes. We will gladly work with your dog’s individual medical and dietary requirements. Please ask us directly about your dog’s needs so we can ensure they are integrated seamlessly into our daily routine.

How are social play groups structured?

Safety, comfort, and good manners are our top priorities, so we structure our groups carefully:

  • Boarding Guests: Enjoy intimate, small social groups for highly personalized care.
  • Daycare Guests: Enjoy slightly larger social play groups that are hand-picked to mingle dogs with similar play styles, energy levels, or size.

Your questions Answered

Employment

Are you hiring?

Not at the moment. We’ll be recruiting soon for a variety of full-time and part-time positions, including morning and evening shifts. Opportunities will be available for both entry-level and experienced candidates. All current vacancies and application details will be posted on this page, so be sure to check back regularly.

Ready to Experience a Better Kind of Dog Care?

We understand that every dog is different. We pay close attention to your pet’s unique needs and preferences, working them naturally into our daily pack routine. As a true part of the pack, they will feel completely safe and loved while you are away.