where do we begin?

New Clients – First Meeting

First step following initial conversation is for you and your dog to meet me and my dog, Sid, on neutral territory, on green space close to my home.  Once we have had said our hello’s (and the dogs have had a chance to sniff), we return to my house, straight into the rear garden so we can observe our dogs’ interaction. Once satisfied they are comfortable together we go inside and sit and discuss the requirements for the booking, your expectations and I talk you through my procedures and required paperwork.

Day Care Trial (Mandatory)

Following the initial meeting, if both parties are happy to proceed, we arrange a day care trial (6 hours minimum).  This will be to assess your dog – in your absence – to ensure he/she gets on with Sid and the other day care/boarding dogs who might be here, and that they have a suitable level of behaviour.  If there are any specific problems, i.e. acute anxiety, scent marking, aggression towards either myself or any of the other dogs, or overtly destructive behaviour, I would remove the dog from the rest of the group and contact you immediately.  Otherwise, when you come to collect at the end of the trial we discuss how the day went, how your dog settled into the group, and offer any observations I believe to be important/useful. If we are both happy to proceed with the future booking, we will confirm details then. If I had any concerns regarding your dog’s condition, for example, repeated scratching, very bad breath, smelly/dirty ears or if they are ‘scooting’, I’d mention this in case a trip to the vet may be required prior to commencement of the booking.

Boarding Trial (Mandatory)

As above except there will be a 24 hour trial rather than 6 hours.  I will follow your guidance as regards sleeping arrangements.  If your dog prefers to sleep in a crate, I will ask you to provide your own own crate and bedding. I try to mirror the dog’s home habitat and routine as far as possible to alleviate anxiety.  If preferred, they can sleep in a separate room at night (the kitchen has underfloor heating on a timer, for use during the winter months). 

Compliance Paperwork

At our first meeting I provide sight of my Boarding Licence, Business insurance, vehicle insurance and Dog First Aid certificate.  You will already have been provided with my terms of business via email, including Daily Exercise and Enrichment Form, but we go through this all again at our meeting.  This form includes name/contact details of owner(s), details of an emergency contact, your vet’s details and information regarding your dog including name, breed, age, whether they are neutered/spayed, microchip number, level of training, behaviour/habits (good/bad), dietary requirements, general health, medical history and medication information, if applicable.  The form will also confirm your consent for your dog to mix with others in my pack as well as permission (or not) for your dog to be walked off-lead. You will also be required to confirm you are happy for your dog to be fed at the same time and in the same room as the other dogs in my care, as required. We will also agree and sign a Daily Exercise and Enrichment form for your dog. We discuss whether you intend to deliver/collect your dog or whether I will be required to do this, in which case I may require a set of keys, to be kept in a safe place at my home when not in use.

Inoculations/Insurance

I require a copy of your dog’s inoculation record including kennel cough and confirmation that flea/worm/lungworm treatments are up to date.  I also require a copy of your dog’s pet insurance policy schedule.