Day School
Everything you need to know about reservations, group play, evaluations, health requirements, attendance, meals, and your dog's Day School experience.
Portsmouth, VA 23703
Pick-up: 3:00–7:00 PM
What is Day School?
Day School is Port Rover's group-play program for dogs who enjoy and are appropriate for social interaction with other dogs.
Dogs are placed into thoughtfully selected play groups based on factors such as size, play style, energy level, temperament, comfort, and behavior. Our goal is not simply to put dogs together—it is to create safe, balanced, and enjoyable social experiences.
What are Day School hours?
Day School is available Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Drop-off: 6:00 AM–10:00 AM
- Pick-up: 3:00 PM–7:00 PM
If the lobby doors are locked during an approved arrival or pickup window, please text us or use the Ring doorbell at the front of the main building.
What are Saturday Fun Days?
Saturday Fun Days are available from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM for qualifying dogs and are separate from our regular Monday–Friday Day School program.
Saturday participation may be limited based on staffing, capacity, and the dogs scheduled that day. Reservations are required.
Are reservations required?
Yes. Reservations are required and are subject to availability and daily capacity limits.
Reservations may be requested through the Customer Portal or by text. A request is not confirmed until it has been approved by Port Rover.
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the reserved day.
How do I access the Customer Portal?
Our Gingr Customer Portal can be used to register pets, update vaccination records, view invoices, update contact information, request reservations, schedule grooming appointments, and more.
Open Customer PortalYou may also download the “Gingr for Pet Parents” app. Port Rover access code: 966849.
Does my dog need a Meet & Greet / Evaluation?
A Meet & Greet / Evaluation is required for new Day School dogs unless Port Rover has advised you otherwise. The fee is $40 per dog.
The evaluation gives our team time to get to know your dog, observe body language and comfort level, assess handling, and make gradual introductions to appropriate dogs.
Our goal is to determine whether group play is enjoyable and appropriate for your dog—not simply whether your dog can be placed into a play group.
The process generally takes several hours and requires a reservation. Drop-off instructions will be provided when the evaluation is scheduled.
What vaccinations are required?
- Rabies
- DAPP / DHPP / DHLPP (Distemper / Parvovirus combination)
- Bordetella
- Canine Influenza is highly recommended; please discuss it with your veterinarian.
Puppies must meet Port Rover's age-appropriate vaccination requirements before attending. Vaccination records must identify the dog and veterinary provider.
We do not accept vaccines administered at home. Vaccines administered by a rescue or shelter may require supporting documentation and an owner waiver. Veterinary titer results may be accepted when they meet Port Rover's current requirements.
Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered?
Dogs participating in Day School must meet Port Rover's current spay/neuter requirements for group play.
Females in heat are not permitted under any circumstances.
Spaying or neutering is not required solely for Overnight Boarding, Adventure Club, or Grooming.
How much group play does my dog receive?
Day School is structured around multiple periods of supervised group activity with appropriate breaks throughout the day.
Rest is an important part of a healthy daycare experience. Dogs may be given downtime based on the daily schedule, meals, energy level, behavior, weather, or individual needs.
How often should my dog attend Day School?
For dogs who regularly participate in Day School, we recommend a consistent schedule whenever possible. Regular attendance helps dogs remain familiar with the staff, routine, environment, and other dogs in the program.
For many dogs, attending at least once per week / approximately four times per month helps maintain that familiarity.
How do Day School memberships work?
Memberships are intended for families who use Day School consistently.
- Memberships renew every 30 days.
- Unused membership days do not roll over into the next cycle.
- Memberships are non-refundable unless otherwise authorized by management.
- Advance notice is required to change or cancel an upcoming auto-renewal.
- Memberships cannot be shared between dogs, including siblings in the same household.
Current membership options, pricing, additional-day rates, and payment-plan eligibility are listed on our current pricing information.
What is the difference between a membership and a package?
Memberships renew every 30 days and are intended for families maintaining a regular Day School routine.
Packages do not automatically renew and expire according to the terms in effect when purchased. Package-sharing rules may differ from membership rules.
Please review current package and membership terms at the time of purchase, as offerings may change.
Can my dog be dismissed from Day School?
Yes. Dogs change over time, and approval for group play does not guarantee permanent participation.
Our team continually observes behavior and may modify, pause, or discontinue Day School participation when group play is no longer safe, comfortable, or appropriate for a dog.
Concerns may include repeated fighting, bullying, significant resource guarding, persistent mounting, unsafe handling behavior, aggression toward staff or dogs, excessive stress, or other behaviors that negatively affect the group.
Are meals served during Day School?
Meals are generally not served during Day School except for approved puppy lunches or when medically necessary.
Approved lunches should be provided in a clearly labeled, single-use container or bag. Dogs receiving lunch are provided an appropriate rest period before returning to activity.
Treats may be used for positive reinforcement, activities, enrichment, and special events. Please make sure all food allergies and dietary restrictions are listed in your dog's profile.
Will I receive a Day School report card?
Individual Day School report cards are not included with regular Day School attendance.
Our team regularly shares photos and videos from group play on our social media pages, so keep an eye on our Facebook page for daily uploads and fun moments from the group.
If our team has a specific concern about your dog's behavior, health, or experience during the day, we will communicate that information directly with you.
What happens if I am late picking up?
Day School dogs must be picked up by 7:00 PM Monday–Friday and by the applicable closing time for special Saturday programs.
If you are running late, please contact us as soon as possible.
Late pickups are subject to Port Rover's current late-pickup policy and may result in a late fee and overnight boarding charges when a dog must remain in our care after closing.
Will my dog get dirty?
Very possibly! Day School dogs participate in active group play and may enjoy outdoor yards, water activities, special events, and other dog-friendly fun.
Grass, dirt, water, drool, and muddy paws can be part of the experience. We do our best to send dogs home comfortable, but they may not leave as clean as they arrived.
Exit baths or grooming services may be available by request and subject to availability.
What if I have a concern about my dog's care?
Your dog's safety, health, and comfort are our priorities. If you have a concern that a team member cannot resolve, please ask to speak with a manager so we can address it promptly.
We expect professional and respectful communication from our team and ask the same of our clients. Abusive, threatening, intimidating, discriminatory, or harassing behavior toward staff will not be tolerated.
Still Have Questions?
Please contact the Port Rover team before your dog's visit. We're happy to help determine whether Day School or Adventure Club is the best fit for your dog.