By Nova Berger/CHS Reporting Intern

8,400 square feet of Capitol Hill business space with a history canine customers is back in motion with a new dog boarding venture that is emphasizing connection for the social animals and directly addressing some of the damage done to doggie confidence by pandemic limitations.

Pupper’s Play and Stay owner Rob Rosemont is trying to break the Seattle Dog freeze by emphasizing the importance of dog to dog contact on the social well being of Capitol Hill dogs. With a giant, nearly 9,000-square-foot space, Pupper’s offers both daytime playtime and nighttime boarding as well as some add ons like walks in Cal Anderson and individual playtime. The process is customizable to the owner, and every dog undergoes a temperament evaluation to ensure they receive the best care tailored to their personality and needs​.

“The dog’s so nervous the first couple times. But after three or four visits, it starts to wag its tail and play with other dogs.” says Rosemont.

Pupper’s is doing its thing in a space that has long been home to Capitol Hill dog-related business. Most recently, Tails of the City called the underground space below 12th Ave home before moving to Georgetown. Above ground, eXit Space School of Dance has moved in and is bringing its energy to the NOD Theater.

For Pupper’s, the customer base is growing. The pandemic actually brought even more dogs to Capitol Hill. During COVID, approximately 23 million households nationwide acquired pets according to the ASPCA. Seattle saw a 30-40% rise in pet adoptions, reflecting a broader national trend of people seeking companionship during lockdowns.

Now that owners have returned to more traditional workdays, a lot of those dogs are stuck at home, Rosemont says.

“On Capitol Hill ,they sit in one to two bedroom apartments. Their owners only have time to take them out once or twice a day.”

“They’ve forgotten what it’s like to be around other dogs.” says Rosemont.

Taking a dog to a place like Pupper’s is more than needing a place for your pup to stay while you travel.

Rosemont says dogs can make some buddies at Pupper’s Play and Stay. Pupper’s offers multiple ways to get that socialization back.

The Pupper’s process starts with an initial evaluation, where owners discuss their pets’ specific needs and social preferences. They can then create a service plan, providing any necessary information or special instructions for their pets.

Once that’s determined, owners can use an app to check in their pups online, and drop their pup off. Drop off times ranged from an hour long to an overnight stay.

Part of that initial evaluation is deciding how the dog prefers to play. Utilizing the massive play space, dogs are placed in either the “mellow” or “energetic” play area. These sessions are supervised by staff who play with the dog, letting them socialize in a safe environment.

“If they sign up for being mellow and end up being crazy, we’ll move them to the other for exercise,” says Rosemont. While owners choose their pups’ designation, Rosemont says they’re flexible in moving the dog based on its needs.

“Since the city’s so built up, there’s not too many places to run. Pups come here, let off their steam and then go home and cuddle.”

The cost of services varies based on the type of care your dog needs. Daycare services are $32 for a half day and $49 for the full day. Add on services include walks in the park (15 min walk for 15$, 30 min walk for 25$) and individual play time.

Throughout their time at Pupper’s Play and Stay, owners receive updates and can provide feedback, using the Pawtrack app. They can also manage bookings, receive updates, and stay connected with their pets’ activities and care.

Rosemont says it’s important to separate play from rest for the dogs.

For overnight boarders, after the play is over and the daytime pups have been picked up, they’re moved across the hall to a designated sleeping area.

“We find dogs relax more when they’re not playing all day.” says Rosemont.

In the overnight area, dogs are free to roam and sleep where they please on one side. On the other, there’s kennels for those more content with their own space. Rosemont says the owners choose which side their pups sleep in.

The boarding area is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year. Staff members have their own desk and TV to hang out and watch Netflix, and a bed in the corner to rest when they need to. Someone is always there with the pups, says Rosemont.

As for food, owners bring their dogs food and medication for the day or night. They also provide instructions Each dog is then assigned a cubby with their own personal ‘lunchbox’. Rosemont says if owners forget anything, Pupper’s has backup food and basic medications on hand if necessary.

Rosemont says he plans to provide grooming services to the pups in the future. He says they have the tubs and brush equipment, and hopes that will be up and running soon.

Rosemont says he’s made a lot of changes including a new website, installing kennels and play places, and a brand new industrial “potty spot” outside.

Rosemont isn’t the only one making doggy investments on Capitol Hill. CHS reported here on another canine-focused player joining the mix as the “luxury spa services, gourmet treats and premium pet nutrition” chain Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is set to open in the nearby Harvard Market shopping center.

As well as being good for the dogs social well being, Rosemont says owners also benefit from businesses like his.

“In some ways, we see more change from the owners,” Rosemont says. “It’s like a parent dropping of a kid from daycare for the first time.”

Pupper’s Play and Stay is located at 1621 12th Ave. Learn more at puppersplayandstay.com.

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