The Fear Free pledge isn’t a feature, it’s our foundation.
At Companion Animal Center, we are proudly staffed by professionals that have signed the Fear Free Pledge, which means every member of our team is trained to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in the animals we care for. We believe the emotional well-being of your dog is just as important as their physical safety. Our daycare program is structured not just for enrichment and learning—but for emotional safety. Whether your dog is outgoing or cautious, energetic or sensitive, we meet them where they are and help them feel safe, understood, and supported.
That’s why at the Companion Animal Center, you’ll never see fear-based tactics or outdated discipline methods that are used at other facilities.
Here’s what your dog WON’T experience in our care:
❌ Your dog will never be put into a chaotic playgroup with unfamiliar dogs
❌ Your dog will never be yelled at, intimidated, or punished
❌ Your dog will never be sprayed in the face with water or handled with force
❌ Your dog will never be negligently over-stimulated, overwhelmed, or ignored
❌ Your dog will never be "disciplined" with fear.
Here’s what your dog WILL experience in our care:
✅ Carefully matched playgroups based on play style, size, and energy
✅ Compassionate care from trained professionals who treat your dog like their own
✅ Encouragement, praise, and rewards that build confidence and trust
✅ Positive teaching methods grounded in modern animal behavior science
✅ Respect for their unique personality, preferences, and comfort level
Pet parents trust us because your dog deserves to learn, play, and relax in a place that sees them as an individual— not just another number in a crowd of daycare dogs.
Boarding or Pet Sitting—it’s a big decision!
Not all pet care is created equal. While friends, neighbors, or app-based pet sitters may offer convenience, they rarely provide the structure, safety, and professional oversight your dog deserves. At Companion Animal Center, we set the standard for what pet care should be. We’re not just another boarding facility—we’re a licensed, enrichment-focused, Fear Free destination staffed by experienced professionals.
🔐 Licensed & Inspected for Safety
Most pet sitters and in-home facilities are unregulated—there’s no requirement for inspections or safety protocols. But we are held to a higher standard. Because we also house municipal impound animals through our sister company, Companion Animal Care & Control, we’re required to be licensed and inspected by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. That means cleaner facilities, secure fencing, proper ventilation, and strict safety standards your pet sitter simply can't offer.
🎓 Professionally Trained, Fear Free Certified Staff
While pet sitters may mean well, most lack formal training in canine behavior or emergency care. At Companion Animal Center, our team committed to Fear Free handling techniques and trained in enrichment-based care. We understand how to recognize stress, support behavioral needs, and respond to medical situations swiftly and appropriately.
🧠 Structure, Enrichment & Supervision
Pets left home alone—especially without consistent human interaction—can become anxious or destructive. Unlike a sitter who stops by for a few minutes, we provide all-day structure, activity, and supervision. Our Muttessori Curriculum keeps dogs mentally stimulated and emotionally balanced while they’re away from home.
⏱️ Reliable, All-Day Monitoring
Pet sitters often offer 2–3 short visits per day. That means your dog may spend 20+ hours alone in your home. At Companion Animal Center, your pet is in our secure facility fully staffed during business hours and overnight boarding dogs are checked on regularly to ensure their comfort and safety.
🚨 Emergency Veterinary Access
Should a medical emergency arise, your sitter may not know where to go—or how to act. We’re located directly next door to TLC Veterinary Hospital and just two blocks from the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota. Plus, we have clear veterinary protocols in place to keep you informed and your pet safe.
💉 Strict Vaccination & Health Requirements
Not all in-home care providers check for vaccinations—or care if your dog is exposed to illness. We require proof of vaccination and parasite prevention for every dog that enters our facility. This ensures a safe, healthy environment for your dog and everyone they interact with.
🏠 No Risks to Your Home or Dog
When someone enters your home while you’re away, you risk break-ins, escape, or conflict between your pet and the sitter. We hear the same heartbreaking story too often through our work in animal control: “I got home and didn’t know the sitter had lost my dog.” Don’t take the chance. Our facility is secure, monitored, and built for your dog’s safety.
📅 Dependability & Reservation Guarantees
Sitters cancel. Plans fall through. Emergencies happen. And when they do, it’s often too late to find reputable boarding. At Companion Animal Center, we offer early access to reservations for enrolled members and helpful reminders to ensure your spot is secure—no last-minute scrambling required.
