For Boarding:
1. Please fill out the contact form below.
It helps us to stay organized, having your information alongside your dog's information, and helps us move forward to getting your dog's visit set up.
2. I will reach out to get things scheduled.
Sometimes my response ends up in the spam folder, so just a heads up - I normally respond very quickly, and I definitely will respond if I receive your form. I'll answer any questions or concerns, and ask any questions I might have, and we will work together to get your dog's visit onto the calendar.
3. Registration Form & Vaccination Records
Once they're on the calendar for a visit, we have a registration form to keep essential contact info organized, as well as an informative waiver to be signed. We do require vaccination records, showing they are up to date on their rabies, parvo, distemper and bordetella vaccines. You're welcome to send a photo of the vaccination records if that's easier, as we don't require an official copy.
4. Doggy Packing List
Please bring your dog's food with them, as well as a food bowl, treats, and any bedding, toys/bones you'd like them to have overnight. If they have special instructions for feeding, or administering any medications, please bring those as well.
5. Getting your dog settled in
Interviews aren't required for dogs that are boarding, as that's often not feasible, but every dog is different, and the more we can ease them into boarding, the better. Ideally, we would start with an interview, then schedule a day or two of daycare, so they have at least one visit and have been picked up before coming back and staying overnight.
We introduce dogs slowly on their first day, making sure they're going to enjoy the group setting. If necessary, we have space to keep dogs in a comfy pen, separate from the group, so that everyone's happy and safe during their stay.
We know it's hard leaving them, and do our best to keep you updated on how they're settling in, especially during the first day or two.
We will be sending you photos as well, so you can see them having a good time. It's what we would want, whenever we have to leave our dogs!
6. Daily Routines
The boarders get to have doggy slumber parties, and it's honestly the most adorable thing. They have their meals and bedtime in the same space, where they can all see their buddies, but are kept separate for safety. Each has their own kennel, with their beds all set up, and they quickly learn which space is theirs. Dogs love routine, and once they learn the routine here, even the ones who don't like being kenneled have no issue going right in! They pack up during playtime, then it's very much "we are going into our kennels", and "we are having our meal", and "we are going to sleep", and it's just so easy and automatic. They get breakfast before daycare begins, free time to play or snooze in the big room all day, and then dinner after the daycare dogs go home. If a boarder needs more rest, they are usually pretty good about letting us know, and we can give them breaks during the day. We try and keep these breaks on a routine also, so that they are able to self-regulate. It makes them feel safer too, to know what's going on.
A Note...
Whenever possible, we strongly recommend bringing your dog in for a day of daycare before they stay overnight. Especially for dogs that are anxious, or not used to boarding, the first visit is always the hardest. Getting that first visit out of the way before an overnight makes everything go much more smoothly for the dog. It's like they understand - they've been picked up once, they'll be picked up again, so they enjoy their visit with that peace of mind.
This is a recommendation, not a requirement, because it means coming in for an interview, and then paying for a day of daycare, when some boarders aren't local, or it just isn't feasible. If it isn't an option for you, don't worry - we will do our best to make your dog's visit as safe and fun as possible!