The Space

The house 3-bedroom bungalow with a variety of areas for dogs to rest, eat, and play. For safety, we have baby gates to separate dogs as needed during mealtimes or for quiet rest periods throughout the day. Dogs are allowed in every area of the house and can settle wherever they are most comfortable.

We maintain a high standard of cleanliness in the home. The floors and furniture are regularly cleaned and disinfected with a pet-safe hydrogen peroxide disinfectant. All our dog beds have removable covers that are washed at least once per week.

The Yard

We have a one-acre yard, fully enclosed and reinforced with wire fencing at least six feet tall around the perimeter. Dogs are always supervised when outside. While dogs do not sleep outside at night, they often take naps in the grass when the weather is nice.

A Day in the Life

Usually, we start our day early, with some time outside to exercise and explore before their first meal. Dogs are always separated during mealtimes to prevent food stealing or resource guarding. After any meal, we aim for at least thirty minutes of rest time for their food to settle to avoid bloat or indigestion.

Daily exercise and mental stimulation are crucial for most dogs and are added into the daily routine based on their individual needs. Exercise can include playtime in the yard with other dogs, fetch or play with toys, and trail walks. Mental stimulation can include sniff walks, free time to sniff in the yard, practicing commands, and foraging games.

We have time outside before their evening meal, usually around 5 or 6 pm. In the summer, the evening period is usually spent outside so your pet can get some exercise when it is cooler. In winter, we typically have shorter intervals outside unless your dog’s breed is suited to being outside in the cold (ie, a Husky ot Samoyed).

What to Bring

We try our best to provide all the basics, except for dog food. This includes beds, stainless steel bowls, treats, wire kennels, toys, leashes, brushes, and towels. However, you are welcome to bring whatever you think might make your pet feel more comfortable.

At a minimum, you will need to provide:

• Food for the entire stay. We do recommend bringing a little extra in case of travel delays.

• A collar with some sort of identification

• Any medication/supplements, where applicable.

Other optional items might include:

• a slow feeder, puzzle toy, or snuffle mat

• their own dog bed, soft kennel, or blanket

• a special toy or comfort item

• a harness or walking collar

Drop off and Pick Up

We aim to be as flexible as possible with drop-off and pickup times to best suit your schedule. We do not allow drop-offs and pick-ups before 7 am or after 8 pm. However, you will still need to book a time or a one-hour time window to ensure we are ready for your arrival. All other dogs staying in the home are put away when someone arrives or leaves to ensure a smooth transition and no potential escapes out the front door. If you are running late, please contact us beforehand whenever possible.

Pet Socialization

We believe that dogs often do well when they can interact with their peers. As much as we, as humans, love to play and interact with dogs, there are certain types of play that only another dog can provide. All introductions are closely monitored and happen outside in the yard to ensure everyone has plenty of space to say hello. Pets from different households are never left alone together, whether indoors or outdoors, to ensure they get along and respect each other’s boundaries.

Alone Time

We do not offer 24/7 care when boarding. Your dog may be left alone for periods up to 4 hours. However, we try to leave pets alone as little as possible. When being left alone, we do not leave dogs from different households alone together. Pets are separated by baby gates or put into one of the private rooms or a kennel, depending on where they are most comfortable. Cameras are set up to monitor each dog when left alone.