No. At Happy Dog Care, we do not require dogs to be spayed or neutered to enjoy our services.
We understand that you and your veterinarian will make the best decision for your dog’s health and well-being. To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all our guests, we only ask that:
We are confident in our ability to safely manage all dogs, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a positive and fun environment for everyone.
For the health and safety of all dogs in our care, we require proof of current vaccinations for:
Bordetella
Distemper
Rabies
If your dog is missing any of these vaccinations (excluding Rabies, which must be administered by a licensed veterinarian), we can administer them at our on-site health clinic. Please visit our health clinic page for more information.
We utilize a flexible grouping system to best accommodate the individual needs of each dog:
Smaller & Calmer Group: This group is designed for older, calmer, and smaller dogs, as well as any dog who benefits from a more relaxed play environment. They enjoy a smaller play space with extra blankets and beds
Main Play Group: This larger group welcomes dogs of all sizes and ages who enjoy more active play and have the energy for a more dynamic environment.
Our experienced staff carefully assesses each dog to determine the most suitable group for their temperament and play style. For boarding dogs, while they participate in these groups during the day, overnight accommodations are individual.
For DAYCARE:
Your dog
A secure collar (please no metal or chain collars)
Leash
If you wish your dog to have lunch, please provide it in a labeled container. We only feed dogs food provided by their owners.
For BOARDING:
Your dog
A secure collar (please no metal or chain collars)
Leash
Enough food for all meals during their stay, individually bagged and labeled for each feeding. We kindly request that you do not bring large, bulky food bags or containers that are difficult to manage on elevated shelving.
Any necessary medications, supplements, or other health-related supplies with clear instructions.
Metal or chain collars are not permitted in the playgroups for safety reasons. If you need to walk your dog in on one, please ensure you have an alternative collar for their time in our care.
For boarding dogs, we kindly request that you leave personal items such as toys, beds, and bowls at home. We provide comfortable bedding, and bringing items from home can lead to them getting lost, damaged, or soiled. Our goal is to ensure all belongings remain safe and clean
While we do have a few individual runs and crates on-site, their use is primarily reserved as a temporary safety measure when a dog needs to be briefly separated or during feeding times for safety.
Our general approach to guiding behavior focuses on positive reinforcement and clear communication:
Verbal Redirection: We first attempt to redirect unwanted behaviors with verbal cues and by getting the dog’s attention.
Redirection & Obedience: If verbal cues are not sufficient, we may ask the dog to come to a staff member and perform a simple obedience command, such as sitting and focusing.
Slip Leash & One-on-One Training: For persistent behaviors, we may use a slip lead for brief guidance or engage in short one-on-one training sessions to address the specific issue.
Temporary Separation (Timeout): Only as a last resort, and for safety-related reasons, might a dog be briefly placed in a crate for a short timeout to de-escalate a situation.
Our primary focus is on rewarding positive behaviors and creating a calm and well-managed environment. We encourage you to schedule a tour to witness firsthand how we maintain a peaceful atmosphere even with many happy dogs playing together!
To ensure the safety and comfort of all the dogs in our care, we have strict capacity limits.
Reservations allows us to effectively manage these limits and prevent overcrowding. This ensures that we have adequate space and staff to provide the highest level of care and attention to every dog.
