A calmer, more thoughtful kind of dog care, from pick up to playtime to the ride home.
For many dogs, playgroup day starts at the window, waiting patiently for the bus to arrive. They know which days we are coming, and they know the bus means friends, fresh air, movement, and fun. Once they climb aboard, they can smell who is already on the route, familiar dogs, familiar routine, familiar excitement. From pickup to playtime to the ride home, the whole day becomes part of a rhythm they understand and look forward to.
FRESH AIR, OPEN SPACE AND ROOM TO BE DOGS
Dogs were meant to move. They need space to run, sniff, chase, splash, wrestle, pause, and take in the world around them.
Our playgroups are built around that natural need. The dogs spend their active playtime outdoors in spacious yards, where they can burn energy, build friendships, practice social skills, and experience the kind of freedom most dogs do not have in everyday life.
And because this is Texas, we are sensible about it. Playgroup is scheduled earlier in the day, before the strongest afternoon heat. During warmer weather, we rotate dogs between outdoor play and indoor cooling breaks, often in 20-minute intervals. Shade, pools, water play, and cooling at pulse points are all part of keeping dogs comfortable while still giving them the outdoor experience they love.
WHY FAMILIES TRUST SOUTHLAKE CRITTERCARE
Most dog day care asks pup parents to drop their dog off and hope for the best. We built Southlake CritterCare differently.
From the moment we pick up your dog to the moment we bring them home, every part of the day is handled with intention: safe transport, carefully chosen playgroups, hands-on guidance and handlers who know when a dog needs encouragement, space, structure or rest.
Picked up safely from home
Every dog is picked up from home and transported in climate-controlled buses fitted with safety pods, so the day begins calmly and safely.
A first day handled carefully and slowly
Each new dog is personally picked up, introduced one dog at a time, videoed during greetings, and followed by a detailed written assessment report.
Guidance during play, not just supervision
We do far more than watch dogs play. We use recalls, nose touches, calm interruptions, and positive reinforcement to help dogs stay successful.
Boarding that feels familiar, not institutional
Boarding is reserved for regular playgroup dogs, with dogs only in suites overnight or for meals and the rest of the day spent in a cage-free, familiar setting.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Every dog starts with a real behavioral assessment.
Before a dog joins playgroup, we take the time to understand who they are, not just whether they “pass” or “fail.”
Each dog is introduced slowly, one dog at a time, while we watch body language, confidence, social choices, recovery, play style, and stress signals. We are looking for the right fit: the right dogs, the right stimulation level, and the right kind of support.
Owners receive honest feedback and a written report, as well as a video of every greeting with Jenny narrating in the background, describing everything she sees, because you deserve to know how your dog communicates when you are not there.
Exerpt from an actual assessment report
HOW THE DAY WORKS
From home pickup to afternoon drop-off, the whole day is handled by us.
This is not a place you have to build your day around. It is a premium managed service built to fit around your life while giving dogs a structured, engaging day they can actually benefit from.
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We pick up from home - Dogs travel in climate-controlled playgroup buses fitted with safety pods for comfort and safety.
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We group dogs thoughtfully - Dogs are placed based on size, play style, confidence, and stimulation level, not just convenience.
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We guide the day - Dogs enjoy structured socialization, enrichment, and active, fear-free handling in a primarily outdoor setting.
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We bring them home settled - After a full day of movement, structure, play, and decompression, most dogs are ready to relax for the afternoon.
Blu
“Great place for the fur babies to interact and socialize, the staff is so loving and caring. My furbaby can’t wait to go every week.”