Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to frequently asked questions & all requirements needed for your canine friend’s stay at Dogwarts Daycare & Boarding

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1. WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A DOG TO COME TO DOGWARTS FOR A DAYCARE OR BOARDING STAY?

2. WHY DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FOR DAYCARE—IT SEEMS KINDA LONG?

3. WHAT SHOULD WE BRING WITH OUR DOG FOR A BOARDING VISIT?

4. WHY DO YOU REQUIRE PROOF OF CURRENT VACCINATIONS FOR BOARDING AND DAYCARE?

5. IF OUR DOG FAILS THE TEMPERAMENT EVALUATION, DOES THAT MEAN HE OR SHE CANNOT COME TO DOGWARTS?

6. WHAT IS A “SENIOR DOG”?

7. WHY DO DOGS NEED TO BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED TO COME TO DOGWARTS?

8. WHY DO WE HAVE TO PROVIDE OUR DOG’S OWN FOOD?

9. WHAT KINDS OF SITUATIONS WOULD EXCLUDE MY DOG FROM DOGWARTS?

 

1. What is required for a dog to come to Dogwarts for a daycare or boarding stay?

Each daycare applicant must be at least four months of age and undergo a temperament evaluation to determine if they will be compatible with other dogs in a play group. Temperament evaluations are conducted by Dogwarts staff after reviewing information on applications as well and observing behavior when introduced to other daycare pups to determine if a dog is suitable for group play. We offer a free 1/2 day of daycare and the temperament evaluation is done over the course of that time. Overtly dominant, aggressive dogs or overly fearful dogs may not be suitable for group play, so evals ensures the safety of new dogs as well as dogs in our existing daycare population. Every applicant must also be current on  their fecal exam, routine vaccinations,  including kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccination as well as Heartworm negative. Pets must be spayed or neutered by the age of 6 months. (please see #7 for more info) Proof of vaccination from a veterinarian must be provided before an applicant can schedule the evaluation. Vaccination records can be emailed to us by potential clients or veterinary clinics at dogwartsla@yahoo.com.

2. Why do I need to fill out an application for daycare—it seems kinda long?

No one knows your dog better than you do. We want to get to know your dog before putting them in a new environment with other canine guests. With the combination of the information on the application and the evaluation, we have the tools to see if your pet will be compatible. Since we are committed to making Dogwarts “your best friend’s second home,” we want it to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

3. What should we bring with our dog for a boarding visit?

Each dog should arrive with enough food for their stay, preferably in a large plastic bag with feeding instructions (amount/times per day) written on the bag, along with the dog’s first and last name. You are welcome to bring toys, blankets, treats and even the dog’s own bed or crate if you think he or she will be more comfortable with those items. We cannot guarantee that your dog won’t decide to take some bites out of the items you bring (you know how kids are), but we will do everything we can to keep them clean and preserved during their stay. Be sure that we already have in our possession your dog’s current vaccination records. Proof of vaccination from a veterinarian must be provided before an applicant’s first boarding visit. Vaccination records can be emailed to us by potential clients or veterinary clinics at dogwartsla@yahoo.com

4. Why do you require proof of current vaccinations for boarding and daycare?

We take the health and safety of all our canine guests very seriously. Just like human children and adults, dogs that appear to be healthy can actually be carriers of common viruses that cause diseases. By requiring all dogs to provide proof of vaccination, we are doing all that we can to protect your dog and the dogs that play at Dogwarts from preventable diseases.

5. If our dog fails the temperament evaluation, does that mean he or she cannot come to Dogwarts?

Not necessarily. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to offer options other than group daycare. Some senior dogs, for example, may not be interested in participating in group play, but they may enjoy watching the group from a safe distance or interacting with an individual dog. Other dogs may be content sleeping and playing in their personal suite! We can provide individual playtime and exercise time during their let outs and restroom breaks. If your dog is overly fearful or overly aggressive, though, Dogwarts may not be a good fit. Also if your furrbaby suffers from separation anxiety this would hinder them from staying as with separation anxiety they may tear up their suite which are actual sheetrock rooms with wooden doors. If that is the case a boarding facility that offers crates or more structured (concrete or metal) rooms might be the best fit.

6. What is a “senior dog”?

Senior dogs are categorized most often by size and breed. Giant breed dogs, like Great Danes, for example, are considered senior at 5 or more years of age. Large breed dogs, like Labs and Golden Retrievers are considered senior at 7 years and older. Smaller breed dogs are generally considered senior at 9-10 years of age. Dogs, like humans, may age differently. Some dogs may begin to lost their hearing and vision early in their senior years, while others may age at a slower pace. Once a dog starts experiencing signs of aging that limit their mobility and sensory abilities, we believe they should be more carefully monitored and if it becomes an issue in daycare with behavior or if they become too stressed we may suggest that daycare may not be good fit any longer. Be aware as well that boarding a much older senior pet can cause them to be stressed and any unknown or underlying medical issue could surface. 

7. Why do dogs need to be spayed or neutered to come to Dogwarts?

Dogs begin their interactions with one another largely by scent, in addition to other social cues from the play group and the environment. Intact male dogs and unspayed females add additional mating and dominance dynamics to the mix and those dynamics can result in aggression, competition and other behaviors that can cause serious harm to dogs at our facility. Under no circumstances is a female dog in heat allowed to board at Dogwarts.

8. Why do we have to provide our dog’s own food?

Just like humans, dogs can experience digestive upset from sudden food changes, resulting in diarrhea and other symptoms of indigestion. There are so many different brands of food and types of diets on the market today, it would be impossible to keep them all on hand within their proper expiration dates. We want your dog to have an experience at Dogwarts that is as close to your home as possible, and that means keeping his or her diet consistent.

9. What kinds of situations would exclude my dog from Dogwarts?

Our policy is and always will be to do what is best for each dog that comes through our doors. Unfortunately, not every dog will be comfortable or happy at Dogwarts. Overly aggressive dogs, for example, put both canine guests and Dogwarts staff at risk for injury. That is why each dog that comes to Dogwarts must undergo a temperament evaluation before we accept them into daycare or boarding. Excessively fearful dogs will also be unhappy at Dogwarts. Just like kids, new dogs may be somewhat apprehensive at Dogwarts until they are familiar with the other dogs and our routine. That should lessen with time and experience. That said, there are some dogs that are so fearful, being in the presence of other dogs and humans will be traumatic for them. These dogs will react to every experience with fear and they will have the potential to cause harm to themselves or others. With both kinds of dogs (overly aggressive and overly fearful), we will always choose what is best for the dog. We also come across overtly dominant personalities in our evaluations. A dominant dog can cause others to feel uncomfortable and basically “shuts down” all play. Not all dominant behaviors are an issue but some that are overly dominant can cause the group to become too stressed out.