Q: Can my dog get sick at Doggie Day Care?

A: Although we strive to maintain the most sterile and safe environment, like all things in life the potential for illness and injury exists. Whether it’s a school cafeteria, vacation resort or in the work place we are exposed to germs on a constant basis. Like humans, both the very young and very old are more prone to illness. We care for about 15,000 visitors a year. Out of those, there will be a handful of pulled muscles, minor scratches, occasional nip and bronchitis.

Q: What happens if there is a fight?

A: All applicants are given a no cost temperament test. This involves an introduction of your dog to our resident campers. Although this is a good indication of the dogs’ personality, dog fights can and do occur, RARELY resulting in serious injury. The staff is trained to intervene and separate fighting dogs safely and efficiently. Additionally, we try to place dogs in play-groups according to size and temperament. However, due to the fact that they are living creatures, their behaviors are sometimes unpredictable (not unlike humans) and in the rare instance a fight may take place.

Q: What if my dog becomes sick or injured while at Daycare?

A: Before enrolling your dog in daycare, you will be required to fill out an application, complete with Emergency Contacts and your veterinarian’s information. In the unlikely event of an emergency and you cannot be reached, we will contact whomever you’ve assigned as your Emergency Contact. Then we will attempt to contact your vet. If all else fails and we cannot reach anyone associated with the dog, we will use our own discretion and either transport your dog to an emergency vet or have our mobile vet come to us to assess the dog, at the owner expense.

Q: What if I’m late getting off from work and miss the check out time?

A: DOG’S CANNOT BE DISCHARGED AFTER CLOSING TIME. We understand unexpected delays may occur. Therefore we are always prepared to accommodate your dog. Just call and let us know; your dog will be welcome to stay overnight. He or she will have bedding, be fed and allowed to participate in day care the following day. The boarding and day care rate will be applied to your balance.

Q: I’ve been told that dogs can get too much exercise. Is this true?

A: FORCED EXERCISE has been speculated as dangerous to dogs. I.e. long runs, running beside a bicycle for several miles, etc. If a dog isn’t allowed to take a break or is made to keep a certain pace for prolonged periods of time, it’s been thought that injury can occur. However, unlike sled dogs or working dogs, we don’t require the dogs move at all times let alone keep pace with a human. If they want to go lay down, they can go lay down. There is always fresh water available and in the summer months the dogs have a swimming pool.

All that being said, as with any camp or school: if a participant appears ill or over stimulated, a member of our staff may have to step in and put your pet in for a time out. However, dogs generally have more sense than humans and know not to get over-stimulated, particularly in the warmer months.

Furthermore, all research states that the more exercise a dog has, the happier and more relaxed he is…not to mention he makes a better pet because he’s too tired to chew, bark and run around the house.

Q: Will my dogs get fleas or ticks while at Doggie Day Care?

A: We request that all our campers be placed on a flea and tick preventative. Although it is impossible to enforce this, history has shown that our pet owners are very conscientious and maintain a high level of health care for their dogs. In addition, due to our high standards of cleanliness it’s rare for us to find a flea or tick on a dog. If we should find one, we notify the owner immediately.

Q: Will my little dog be in a playroom with a bigger dog, like a Pitbull or Rottweiler?

A: We do NOT breed discriminate. All of our dogs are temperament tested prior to admittance. However, we do tend to separate dogs according to size and personality.

Q: Will you feed my dog?

A: Generally we do not feed dogs who are attending day care. Introduction of food in a pack environment can trigger unwanted behavior even in the most placid of dogs. We ask that you place your dog on a twice daily feeding schedule: in the morning before day care and in the evening after day care. Additionally we ask that you also have the dog relieve him or herself prior to coming to day care. Our overnight campers are also fed on this schedule and given the opportunity to relieve themselves prior to joining a play-group..

Q: Will my dog get dirty in day care?

A: YES. Similar to children playing in school, your dog will get dirty, particularly in wet or humid weather. Lighter colored dogs will obviously appear dirtier than the others but they will all get equally dirty. A dirty dog is a good indication that he or she was active and playing with the other campers. It would be impossible for us to bathe every dog in day care prior to pick up. However we do offer spa baths and periodically offer bath specials for day care dogs and boarding dogs. Ask for more details.

Q: Do I have to sign the liability release?

A: YES. As hard as we work to make Doggie Day Care a home away from home for your best friend, things DO happen and we need to make sure all parties understand this.

Q: I'm thrilled with Doggie Day Care. Can I tip the employees?

A: Of course! While it certainly isn't expected, it is always appreciated. We also enjoy nice letters and cards from customers.