
Support K Through 9: No Dog Left Behind
Donation protected
K Through 9: A New Kind of Doggie Daycare
Thank you for visiting!
At K Through 9, we believe socialization for dogs offers benefits similar to recess for children. It provides exercise, builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and improves a dog’s ability to learn and adapt. While dog parks and playdates are great free options, paid services like doggie daycare offer something unique: the opportunity for dogs to explore, grow, and just be themselves without their human present.
Many dogs behave differently around their owners. They may look to them for guidance and protection, or become possessive. In a structured daycare setting without their humans, dogs can gain independence, improve social skills, and develop more balanced behavior.
Our Mission:
Unfortunately, dog daycare is often a luxury that many loving owners simply can’t afford.
At K Through 9, we want to change that. Our plan is to offer 100% free doggie daycare on a first-come, first-serve basis, while also providing paid reservations for owners who want guaranteed spots and extended hours.
These reservations will be affordably priced below standard daycare rates. This will help support our mission financially while keeping access to our free program open as possible.
We believe dogs should be able to thrive, no matter their owner's financial situation.
How It Works:
Free daycare includes drop-off and pick-up between 8 AM and 5 PM. Proof of ownership and required vaccinations must be provided each visit.
Paid reservations include extended hours, guaranteed availability, and vaccination records stored on file.
Every dog receives the same level of care, attention, and love, regardless of whether their spot is paid or free.
To manage demand responsibly, we will begin with 30 total spots. As those fill with paid reservations, we’ll open 10 additional spots. Each time those are filled, another 10 will open. This incremental model allows us to grow sustainably while always keeping free access available. Once we reach full capacity, 1 in every 10 spots will remain free to ensure continued support for those in need.
Meet Our Team:
Derek – Lead Handler
Derek has nearly 20 years of experience working with dogs. From volunteering at rescues to managing doggie playgroups at boarding facilities, he specializes in helping anxious and aggressive dogs learn how to socialize and gain confidence.
Christina – Operations Manager
Christina brings over a decade of experience managing animal care businesses, including nonprofit rescues and corporate pet retail chains. Her commitment to high standards and fairness shapes the foundation of our operations.
Why We Need Your Help:
We are officially licensed and currently working with realtors to secure the right location. Once the property is selected, we’ll have access to free to the necessary equipment for building the facility. Donations will help cover startup costs, including building materials and administrative tools.
The Future:
After the first year of operation of our free doggie daycare service, we will expand into other related services such as boarding, training, and rescue. We will also create a comprehensive start-up guide for other like minded individuals
Help Us Make It Happen:
If you love dogs and want to support something fresh and impactful, please consider donating. Every contribution helps us launch a doggie daycare that supports all dogs and owners, not just those who can afford high daily rates. Let’s build something better, together.
Organizer
Derek Kauffman
Organizer
Chesapeake, VA