About us
Our Story
Stay N Play Doggie Daycare was founded from the heart — inspired by our own small dogs and the belief that they deserve more than just a place to be dropped off.
In St. Thomas, we saw a need for a daycare experience built specifically for little dogs — one that focused on their safety, social development, and emotional well-being.
So, we created Stay N Play: a boutique-style daycare where every detail is designed with care, every interaction is intentional, and every dog is treated like family.
As dog parents ourselves, we understand how much trust it takes to leave your pup in someone else’s care — and we’re honored to be that trusted home-away-from-home.
THE BOSS – Isla is the boss. She rules everything, tastes treats to see if they ‘pass’ and approves the spa treatments.
Our Team
Our team includes certified trainers and canine behavior professionals with expertise in positive reinforcement, behavior adjustment training, and enrichment-based care.
We’re proud to offer programs that support both social skills and confidence-building — from our Minds and Manners sessions, and C.L.A.S.S. to one-on-one enrichment tailored to each dog’s needs.
We have a certified Trick Dog Judge, behavior consultants, and trainers with a total of over 100 years of training. All our staff, receive special training so your pup can have fun while learning new skills (and maybe even earn a title or two!).
Meet The Team
Suzanne Wiebe - Head Trainer/ Facility Manager
I bring more than 40 years of hands-on experience with dogs to my role as Head Trainer. My work is grounded in behaviour, communication, safety, and a lifelong commitment to understanding dogs as individuals.
Over the years, I have lived with and worked with many different breeds, including Chinese Cresteds, Dachshunds, Havanese, and German Shepherds. That range of experience has shaped one of my core beliefs: small dogs are not the same as big dogs. They need thoughtful care, structure, enrichment, and respect. Their emotional, social, and behavioural needs are as important as housing and exercise.
I have belonged to many professional organizations and have been accredited as both a trainer and behaviour consultant. I am currently a nosework judge, trick dog judge, CGN evaluator, and service dog trainer.
All of that experience helps me see the little things dogs are telling us every day. A tucked tail, a stiff body, a dog who is too excited to settle, or a small dog who needs a little more confidence — these details matter. They help us understand what each dog needs to feel safe, comfortable, and included.
This shaped my approach to managing a dog daycare. My approach is calm, patient, and practical. I believe dogs need experiencces and fun. Their emotions are as important as ours are to their well-being. Companion dogs need people, socializing, and hands on care. They do not do well in isolated kennels, or in packs of dozens of dogs for hours at a time.
After many years living and working with dogs, I wanted to help create a daycare model that truly supports small dogs. That means small groups, gentle handling, enrichment, predictable routines, and a calmer environment where dogs are not overwhelmed or lost in a crowd.
We are are paying attention — not just to how their dog plays, but to how they feel.
John Wiebe - Canine Coach - Customer Service Specialist
John has more than 15 years of experience working with dogs as a trainer, puppy raiser, and behaviour consultant. He has also worked as a working and hunting breed trainer, which gives him a strong understanding of dogs who need purpose, structure, patience, and clear communication.
Spaniels have always been his heart breed, although our Havanese have happily wiggled their way into sharing that top spot. And, of course, he loves our German Shepherds too.
If you ask John what he does, he will usually say, “I play with puppies.” That may sound simple, but it says a lot about who he is. Whether he is helping raise future service dogs, socializing puppies, supporting daycare dogs, or helping a client’s dog learn to trust, John has a calm way of making dogs feel comfortable without pressure.
He is especially good with dogs who need time, patience, and a kind person beside them. He does not rush trust. He lets dogs come around at their own pace, and that is often exactly what they need.
John is also a true people person. If you have questions about your dog’s journey, he is a wonderful person to talk to. He is approachable, patient, and always happy to help pet parents understand what their dog may need next.
Bethia Kok
Kaitlin - Groomer Head Stylist
I am a certified professional pet stylist and dog trainer with more than a decade of experience in the pet care industry. I feel that dogs need patience, empathy, safety, even if it takes a little longer.
I began my professional journey in 2013, when I earned my certification as a professional dog trainer. That foundation continues to shape the way I approach grooming today. I feel that grooming is not just about appearance. For many dogs, it is an emotional and sensory experience that requires trust, clear communication, and a calm environment.
In 2025, I expanded my professional credentials by completing my certification as a professional pet stylist. This combination of grooming education and dog training experience allows me to work thoughtfully with each dog as an individual, paying close attention to comfort, body language, confidence, and safety throughout the appointment.
My approach is gentle, steady, and respectful. I take pride in creating a calm experience where dogs are not rushed, overwhelmed, or treated like every appointment should look the same. Each groom is tailored to the dog’s coat, temperament, handling needs, and comfort level.
My goal is simple: to help every dog leave looking, feeling, and behaving as comfortably as possible.
Mackenzi Bright - Canine Coach - Enrichment Coach
Our Associations and Affiliations
