At whats about to become Spokanes newest day-care center, youll find some common things: lots of toys, a special time-out area, and a mandatory naptime. Whats uncommon about this center, however, is who will playing, misbehaving, and sleeping theredogs, of all shapes and sizes.


Play-N-Stay Doggie Day Care, on Spokanes North Side at 724 W. Rosewood, is just what the veterinarian ordered for dogs and puppies who dont do well at home all day by themselves, say co-owners Julie and Josh Burdick.


Every dog has the potential to be a good dog, says Julie Burdick.


Play-N-Stay plans to open in early September. Its play areawhich is indoorsresembles a garden. One wall has siding, like the exterior of a house, potted trees line the walls, and the Burdicks have hung clouds overhead. Its meant to feel outdoorsy, since the day-care dogs dont go outside, Julie Burdick says. (An indoor potty area is cleaned and sanitized several times each day.


While some people may laugh at the idea of pet day care, the Burdicks say the demand is there. Too many dogs, they say, end up at the animal shelter because working dog owners cant cope with them. The Burdicks believe their business can keep some of those dogs in their homes.


Many dog owners, they explain, get frustrated with their pets after they come home each day to find messes and other results of destructive behavior. Then, because the animals have been alone and inside for hours, theyre full of energy and excitement, and can be difficult to control in the evenings.


At Play-N-Stay, the dogs will get that energy out in organized play activities, like chasing balls and beach parties, in a 1,600-square-foot area with as many as 20 to 30 other dogs. That way, the owners couch at home hasnt become a chew toy, the flower bed isnt full of holes, and the garbage is left in the can.


When you get home, you can enjoy your dog, Julie Burdick says.


The pet day-care concept is new to Spokane, but has been a growing industry for the past decade in larger cities, Burdick says. A quick search on the Internet turns up thousands of doggie day cares, from California to New York and Texas to Vancouver, B.C. The Burdicks say they became familiar with the concept while visiting Portland and Seattle, then decided it was time Spokane had one.


Both the Burdicks grew up around dogs, and Julie Burdick began training them while she was still in grade school. After college, she started Tailwaggers Dog Grooming, which she ran out of her home in Spokane. She later bought another local grooming business named Paws-N-Claws, and combined the two businesses under that name in a shop on North Nevada. After a few years, she decided she was ready for more challenges, sold Paws-N-Claws, which is still in business, and started looking around for what she wanted to do next.


When she and her husband first hit on the idea of a pet day care, they looked around for one to buy here, but found none in the Spokane area. Do we really want to be the first ones to reach out and try this? Julie Burdick recalls thinking, but found she was inspired by the success she saw at pet day cares elsewhere.


To learn more, the Burdicks attended an American Boarding Kennel Association seminar for people who are interested in opening kennels, and went to Portland and Seattle to visit pet day-care centers. They also found a wealth of information online, including an Internet forum for people who run such centers.


Of course, we love dogs, Julie Burdick says, but we have the knowledge to back it up.


Play-N-Stay plans to offer classes in obedience training, and in choosing the right puppy. Many people, the Burdicks say, buy a puppy on impulse, and know little or nothing about the breed theyve chosen. If they get a breed with characteristics they dont like, such as a tendency to dig or to have a lot of energy, that dog often ends up in a shelter.


Once people have selected a suitable breed, the Burdicks say they will help them find a reputable breeder so they know theyre getting a healthy animal, and so they will have someone to answer their specific questions in the future.


In addition to the obedience-training and breed-selection classes, a small library will be available to anyone, free of charge. It offers books on breeds and training.


The Burdicks also plan to offer overnight boarding. Dogs staying overnight can, after an introductory session, take part in day-care activities for a $6 fee.


Doggie day care may not be for everyone. The Burdicks say about 75 percent of the people they talk to say its not a service they need or would use. Play-N-Stay is targeting the other 25 percent, including those who cant leave their dogs alone all day while theyre at work. The service especially appeals to people who treat their dogs like children rather than like pets, they say.


Its also not for every dog. Dogs who are aggressive or who are protective of toys or food wont be accepted, the Burdicks say. Every client will have an introductory session, where Julie Burdick will observe how the dog interacts with other animals, talk with the owner about the dog, and look over veterinary records to ensure the dog is healthy, spayed or neutered, and has had all its shots. If serious behavioral problems come up once a dog has been admitted, the animal will not be allowed back.


For instance, Spencer, one of the Burdicks three dogs, wont be part of the day-care group, they say. The wheaten terrier is great with people and with dogs hes familiar with, but doesnt get along well with unfamiliar dogs, they say. However, their standard poodle, Rumor, gets along so well with everyone, human and canine, that she will be the test dog for introductory sessions. Their wheaten terrier puppy, Fauna, also will be part of the Play-N-Stay pack.


However, What people may think is a behavioral problem may not be, Burdick says.


At Play-N-Stay, things that can be real problems in the home are considered normal. Chewing, for example, or especially rambunctious play, wont disqualify a dog from the day care, she says.


Safety is a big issue to the Burdicks. To make sure the dogs cant get loose, Josh Burdick, who is a partner in Burdick Construction, designed the facility so that two doors always stand between the dogs and the outside. On a recommendation from some successful pet day-care owners, theyve covered the floor of the play area in rubber mats, made from recycled tires, because its easy on the animals joints and keeps their paws from slipping.


A half-wall separates the play area from a walkway around the perimeter so people can watch the dogs without having a couple of dozen animals jump up on them.


A special area also has been set up for a dog who gets too rowdy, or is too small or too old to play with the others.


A two-hour downtime will be required every day, during which all the dogs are put on leashes and tied near their own food and bed. In case an animal gets hurt, a veterinarians office is within easy walking distance of the day care.


Mix, consistency important


Just like people, dogs who are generally friendly might not get along with a certain other dog, or an animal might be as much work as two dogs. For these reasons, the Burdicks say Play-N-Stay isnt a drop-off service. They say theyll need to have advance notification of what dogs will be there on what day. For an established client, however, the day care may be able to take a dog on short notice.


Some potential clients, especially those with small dogs, may be worried about having larger or more dominant dogs around, the Burdicks say. They say they wont turn away a dog just because of its breed. A Rottweiler or a pit bull, they say, can be just as nice a dog as a retriever or a Chihuahua. When it comes to the breeds known for their aggression, however, they say they will spend greater time evaluating them. They also say, when it comes to dogs, size isnt always the issue. A lot of times its the little dogs that rule the big dogs, Julie Burdick says.


Play-N-Stay offers different day-care packages with prices ranging from $270 per month to $16 for a single day.