THE DOG DASHER WELCOMES YOU WITH OPEN PAWS

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask Me Anything!

WHAT IS THE DOG DASHER?

The Dog Dasher is my full-time pet care business! I provide small-scale, personalized Boarding and Daycare from my own home, along with Drop-In Visits, Dog Walking, and Pet Transportation.

Unlike a traditional boarding facility, Boarding and Daycare dogs stay right here in our personal home and become part of our everyday routine while they are with us. I intentionally keep my numbers small so I can get to know each dog individually and create safe, compatible groups based on personality, play style, size, and individual care needs.

WHERE WILL MY DOG STAY AND WHAT WILL THEY DO DURING THEIR STAY?

Boarding and Daycare dogs stay inside our personal home with us rather than in a separate commercial kennel building. They enjoy plenty of opportunities for outdoor time in our fenced yard, playtime, attention, potty breaks, and time to relax throughout the day.

Every day looks a little different depending on the dogs in my care, the weather, and my schedule. I use structured rest periods and individual rotations throughout the day as needed for meals, arrivals and departures, safety, downtime, and to prevent everyone from becoming overstimulated.

The Dog Dasher is my full-time job, but Boarding is not a 24/7 constant-supervision service. There will be times I need to step away from home for other Dog Dasher services, errands, appointments, or personal and family time. Dogs are safely settled before I leave and receive potty, activity, and attention before and after.

My goal is to provide a comfortable home-away-from-home experience while maintaining the structure and safety needed when caring for multiple dogs.

HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU CARE FOR AT ONE TIME?

The Dog Dasher is intentionally kept small-scale so I can provide personalized care and maintain a safe, comfortable environment for everyone.

The number of dogs I accept varies depending on each dog’s size, temperament, play style, individual care needs, compatibility with other guests, and my existing reservations. I carefully plan each group rather than filling my home to a set maximum just because space is available.

Not every dog is expected to interact with every other dog. Rest periods, separation, and individual rotations are used whenever needed to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

DOES MY DOG HAVE TO BE CRATE TRAINED?

Yes. All new Boarding and Daycare dogs must be fully crate trained and able to safely and calmly rest in a crate when needed.

Crates are an important part of how I safely operate my home-based business and may be used for structured rest, meals, arrivals and departures, dog rotations, overnight rest when needed, and anytime I need to step away from home.

Dogs should be able to settle without significant distress, destructive behavior, escape attempts, or continuous barking or whining.

Previously established dogs with individually approved care arrangements may be handled differently based on their existing care plan.

DO YOU ACCEPT DOGS WITH SEPARATION ANXIETY?

Unfortunately, The Dog Dasher is not a good fit for dogs who require constant human companionship or experience significant distress when left alone.

Boarding and Daycare dogs must be comfortable safely settling independently during rest periods and while I am away from home. Mild initial whining or uncertainty in a new environment can be completely normal, but dogs displaying significant panic, destructive behavior, escape attempts, or an inability to settle may not be appropriate for my boarding/daycare setup.

I can, however, care for your dogs in your own home by providing Drop-ins throughout the day when available.

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WILL MY DOG BE AROUND OTHER DOGS?

The Dog Dasher provides small, carefully selected social groups rather than large group play.

Introductions are done gradually, and dogs are grouped based on temperament, play style, size, comfort level, and compatibility. I never expect every dog in my care to interact simply because they are staying here at the same time.

Dogs may be separated or rotated whenever needed, and I reserve the right to discontinue interactions at any time if I feel it is the safest choice for any dog involved.

WHAT IS REQUIRED BEFORE MY DOG CAN ATTEND BOARDING OR DAYCARE?

All new Boarding and Daycare clients must complete my introduction process before requesting stays.

The process includes completing my Introduction Form and service agreement, submitting current required vaccination records, completing a Meet & Greet, and successfully completing a paid Trial Day.

Completion of a Meet & Greet or Trial Day does not automatically guarantee approval. The introduction process allows me to evaluate whether my home and care style are a good fit for your dog before committing to a longer stay.

WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE REQUIRED?

All Boarding and Daycare dogs must have current: Rabies DHLP / Distemper-Parvo Bordetella

Vaccination records must be submitted before the Meet & Greet and Trial Day process is completed.

If required vaccines have recently lapsed and are being updated, additional waiting time may be required before your dog can attend.

WHAT IS A TRIAL DAY?

A Trial Day gives your dog the opportunity to experience The Dog Dasher before a longer Boarding or Daycare stay.

During the Trial Day, I evaluate how your dog adjusts to my home, responds to the dogs they may meet, handles separation and structured crate/rest periods, and generally settles into our routine.

Trial Days are $30 per dog and payment is required when booking to reserve the date. Cancellations and no-shows are nonrefundable. One courtesy reschedule may be offered when appropriate.

A successful Trial Day is required before new Boarding or Daycare clients can request future stays.

IS SOMEONE WITH THE BOARDING DOGS 24/7?

The Dog Dasher does not provide 24/7 constant-supervision or constant-care Boarding.

Because this is my full-time pet care business, I spend a large portion of my day caring for the animals in my home. However, I also provide outside Dog Dasher services and have normal errands, appointments, and personal or family commitments.

Dogs must therefore be comfortable safely resting while unattended when necessary. Before leaving, I make sure everyone is appropriately settled and has had the potty, activity, and care they need, with additional potty and activity time when I return.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR BOARDING?

Please bring enough of your dog’s regular food for the entire stay along with any medications or supplements they require and clear instructions for administering them.

You are welcome to send reasonable comfort items when appropriate, but please do not send anything irreplaceable or sentimental. For safety, certain toys, bedding, chews, or other items may be removed if I believe they present a choking, ingestion, guarding, or other safety concern.

I provide bowls and many of the everyday supplies needed during your dog’s stay unless we have discussed otherwise.

CAN YOU GIVE MY PET MEDICATION?

In many cases, yes. Please discuss all medications and medical needs with me before booking.

Medication must be provided in its original container with clear instructions. Acceptance depends on the type of medication, administration method, the pet’s behavior during administration, and my comfort safely providing the required care.

Pets requiring advanced medical care or constant medical monitoring may need a veterinary boarding facility or another specialized care provider.

ARE DROP-OFFS AND PICK-UPS BY APPOINTMENT?

Yes. All Boarding and Daycare drop-offs and pick-ups are by appointment only.

Because dogs are cared for inside our personal home and I may be managing outdoor time, rest periods, dog rotations, Drop-In Visits, appointments, or other responsibilities, please arrive at your scheduled time rather than walking up to the house or fence unexpectedly.

If your plans change, please contact me as soon as possible so we can arrange another available time.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS AND WHEN ARE YOU AVAILABLE?

The Dog Dasher operates by appointment, and my availability varies based on Boarding, Daycare, existing Drop-In/Walking clients, appointments, and previously scheduled commitments.

Because I intentionally keep my schedule small, dates can fill quickly. Please reach out with your requested dates and times and I will let you know what I have available.

New Drop-In Visit and Dog Walking requests are currently considered on a limited basis during the week depending on location and availability. For current closures, booked dates, and temporary scheduling updates, please refer to my current Availability Calendar or contact me directly.

DO YOU OFFER RECURRING WEEKLY DAYCARE, DROP-IN VISITS, OR DOG WALKING?

Daycare, Drop-In Visits, and Dog Walking are offered on a limited basis and scheduled based on availability rather than guaranteeing an ongoing weekly spot.

Because Boarding is a large part of my business and I intentionally keep both my groups small and my time away from home limited, my availability for these services can change from week to week depending on the care I already have scheduled.

I typically review my schedule each week and confirm what I’m able to accommodate based on existing Boarding and Daycare reservations, previously scheduled visits, location, and other commitments. Occasional and flexible requests from approved clients are always welcome, and I’ll accommodate them whenever my schedule allows!

For new Drop-In Visit or Dog Walking inquiries, please send your location, requested days and approximate times, number and type of pets, and the care you’re looking for so I can determine whether I’m able to help.

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MY PET NEEDS TO GO TO THE VET OR GROOMER. CAN YOU TAKE THEM?

Pet Transportation may be available for veterinary appointments, grooming appointments, and other pet-related transportation needs depending on location, scheduling, the pet’s size and individual needs, and the circumstances.

Please contact me with your pet’s information, pickup location, destination, appointment time, and any special transportation needs so I can determine whether I am able to accommodate the request.

Pet Transportation is not intended to replace emergency veterinary transportation. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, please contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital directly.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?

As early as possible! Because The Dog Dasher is intentionally small-scale, dates can fill well in advance, particularly around holidays, school breaks, summer travel, and other busy periods.

Established clients are always welcome to ask about last-minute availability, but space cannot be guaranteed.

A reservation is not considered confirmed until all required booking steps have been completed.

DO YOU REQUIRE A DEPOSIT?

A nonrefundable deposit may be required to reserve Boarding dates, particularly for clients with a previous history of cancellations.

When a deposit is required, I will let you know before the reservation is confirmed. Remaining balances and payment instructions will be discussed at booking.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PLANS CHANGE?

Please let me know as soon as possible. Because I intentionally accept a limited number of dogs, holding a reservation often means turning away another family for those dates.

Cancellation terms, deposits, Trial Day payments, holiday reservations, and other booking requirements may vary depending on the service and circumstances.

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HOW DO I GET STARTED?

For Boarding and Daycare, please complete the current Introduction Form and submit your dog’s required vaccination records. Once those have been reviewed, we can move forward with the Meet & Greet and Trial Day process when new-client intake is available.

For Drop-In Visits, Dog Walking, or Pet Transportation, please contact me with information about your pet, location, requested dates/times, and the type of care you need.

Please note: New Boarding and Daycare client intake is temporarily paused beginning September 1, 2026 as I prepare for maternity leave. Established clients may continue requesting services through December 20, 2026 based on availability. I plan to begin gradually returning from maternity leave around April 2027.