Daycare/Overnight Welcome Packet &
Application Guide
Hello, & Welcome to The Puget Hound Doggy Daycare and Boarding!
Thank you for your interest in our services and programs at The Puget Hound! To
ensure that both you and your dog have the most positive experience with us, we
invite you to review our health and safety guidelines, and look over what your dog
can expect on their first day and on as one of our Puget Hounds.
The Puget Hound regards all dogs as if they’re members of our own family. In doing
so, we are dedicated to safe interactions between dogs who are here with us for play
during the day or as a home away while boarding. For that reason, we require an
evaluation process for your dog(s) prior to acceptance for daycare and overnight
play-care. While we respect the evaluation of other daycares, it’s best for us to see in
person how your dog fits comfortably into our atmosphere, and give everyone the
peace of mind that your dog will have the best experience possible for them as
individuals.
The Puget Hound was founded in 2014, and comes with over 20 years combined
professional pet care experience with our team. Our understanding of canine health
and behavior, best business practices, safety procedures, and our dedicated staff
combine to make this an enriching and exciting place for your pet’s “home away
from home”.
-Nick and Haley Apollo and the management team
Before We Can Schedule an Evaluation
Our evaluations are scheduled Monday through Saturday during specific morning
time hours, and are required for any dog interested in joining daycare OR overnight
play-care. Please have your completed application, client contract, as well as
veterinary documentation of our required vaccinations ready before your
evaluation.
Your completed forms can be emailed to [email protected], or snail mailed
to our facility at “Attn: Admissions” 3710 Williamson Way Bellingham, WA. 98226.
Please note that dogs who have a history of biting, aggression, fighting, or harassing
dogs and/or people will not be accepted into our daycare and need not apply.
Evaluation Day:
Please plan on leaving your dog with us for at least 4-6 hours. This will allow us to
supervise how their behavior acclimates to the group as the day goes on and the
energy levels fluctuate.
The evaluation day begins with introductions to our staff in a separate area without
other dogs present. This allows your dog to adjust to the new environment and get
to know the daycare attendants who will facilitate the evaluation process.
Your dog will then be introduced one by one to our lower/middle energy dogs with
the highest communication and welcoming play skills. Once your dog is comfortable
and has a chance to do some unchallenged sniffing and greeting, we will gradually
add in dogs of a higher status, all while monitoring your dog’s reactions and comfort
level. If all goes well, your dog will be escorted to the main play floor and will
continue to be shadowed and supervised by their evaluator to ensure they’re happy,
safe, and enjoying their time!
This on-site evaluation is specifically designed to assess play style, social skills with
dogs and people, and compatibility with our current group of regulars. We are
especially interested in how safe your dog is at play within a group and how well
your dog is able to respond to direction from our staff members.
The evaluation process is not just a one-day experience, and your pup’s play and
communication skills will be continued to be assessed over their next 3-4 days in
daycare. Some dogs who pass initially may later display inappropriate behavior and
need to be excused from the group, and others who were shyer and less willing to
participate become the most confident members of the crew!
Overnight Play-Care Evaluations:
We pride ourselves on being the first and only kennel-free boarding facility in
Whatcom County. Because our boarding dogs are supervised overnight in an open
social setting and treated to the same play groups as our regular day time pack, they
must undergo the same evaluation process in order to join this particular service.
For dogs that do not meet the behavioral requirements to board kennel free, we
have other options available that will be discussed further in this guide.
After their first day:
Your dog has just had a full day of mental and physical stimulation, and it is very
common for them to be extra tired and/or sore the following days. Being a dog is a
workout! Please let us know if your dog has any limping or extra sensitivity in the
days after their first stay at daycare. This applies as well to dogs returning home
from overnight play-care, and we encourage any updates regarding changes in
health within 24-48 hours of your dog being home.
Daycare and Boarding Drop Off and Pick Up:
Our facility is open for daycare 6 days a week from 7am to 6pm Monday through
Friday, and 8am to 5pm Saturday. If you would like to schedule an early or late drop
off/pick up (no earlier than 6am or later than 8pm), you can do so with just a small
additional fee.
Boarding pick-ups and drop-offs are also available on Sundays by appointment only
between 8am and 10am and 4pm and 6pm.
For Overnight Play Care boarders: You will be only charged a half day of daycare if
you pick up by 1pm, and no charge for daycare if you pick up by 10am.
Daycare services will be closed on the following holidays, with boarding pickup and
drop offs by appointment only between 8am and 10am and 4pm and 6pm:
New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Billing:
You will be able to purchase a variety of days in a daycare package in advance, and
we ask that your days be used within a 2-month span. You may set up a permanent
schedule of reoccurring days, however drop in daycare needs to be scheduled ahead
of time to ensure space. Any overnight stays will be billed separately and a deposit
made in advance, and all Overnight Play-Care boarding pick-ups must be made by
1pm or else you will be charged the full day of daycare. We ask that all boarding
cancelations be made within 5 days, or else your deposit is non-refundable. Daycare
cancellations need to please be made within 24 hours of opening hours, and daycare
package days may be un-refundable if not enough notice is given.
Daycare Rates:
Multiple dog families receive a discounted rate of $15 per additional dog for full day
and $10 per additional dog for half day daycare.
Single day rate: $26
5 day package ($24 a day): $120
10 day package ($23 a day): $230
15 day package ($22 a day): $330
20 day package ($21 a day): $504
Single half day rate : $20
5 day package ($18 a day): $90
10 day package ($17 a day): $170
15 day package ($16 a day): $240
20 day package ($15 a day): $300
Overnight Play Care Boarding Rates:
$35 per night, which includes a discounted daycare rate. $25 for each additional dog
from the same family.
For Overnight Play Care pickups made by 1pm, you will only be charged for a half
day of daycare.
Privacy Suite Rates:
$30 per night for a single dog
$45 for two dogs, same kennel
$55 for three dogs, same kennel
Health Requirements PRIOR to Evaluation Day
The Washington State & Whatcom County Departments of Health require us to
maintain records on all dogs in our care. We will accept titers in lieu of vaccinations,
and all vaccinations must have been administered by a veterinarian (not yourself or
breeder). If you are new to the area and need a vet recommendation, please contact
us for further information.
FECAL EXAMS: Fecal exams are required for all new dogs and MUST be done within
30 days prior to their evaluation day, and will then be required yearly. Test results
can typically take 24-48 hours, and if you receive a “positive” result, we must wait
until you have completed the full round of treatment and a “negative” retest result.
RABIES: We require rabies by 6 months of age, and then every three years as an
adult.
BORDETELLA: This vaccination helps protects against the two most common
strands of kennel cough. Please note that kennel cough has as many strains as the
common cold in humans and is never 100% preventable. Your dog should receive
their initial vaccination at least one week prior to their first day with us.
DHLPPC: This is combination vaccination that covers Distemper, Hepatitis,
Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis.
Puppies: Puppies must have been given all vaccinations available by 6 months of
age. This includes rabies, Bordetella, and DHPPC.
Fleas and Ticks: Each dog is required to be on a flea preventative program. We
share our facility with beautiful surrounding wetlands, so it is imperative we keep
everyone protected from ectoparasites. If your dog is found to have fleas, they will
be isolated and sent home until clear of fleas.
Spay and Neuter Policy: All dogs must be spayed or neutered by 8 months old,
regardless of size or breed. We do not make exemptions for show dogs or for
breeder’s preferences.
Your Dog’s Day in Daycare:
Your dog’s day at The Puget Hound begins with a quick potty break outside before
joining their friends on the play floor. Our dogs are grouped according to size and
energy level, with our more boisterous and bouncy dogs occupying the main floor
along with an outside space. Smaller dogs and young puppies, as well as dogs who
may have restricted mobility or who prefer a slower pace, have their own separated
play space and yard so that everyone is comfortable. Dogs may switch back and
forth between groups depending on what their needs are, and your dog’s ongoing
needs will always be discussed with you openly.
Our daycare dogs are consistently under professional supervision and are having
their play skills and behavior monitored and assessed throughout the day. We work
to learn each individual’s threshold of excitement, and will give periodic short play
breaks to allow them to maintain an active but balanced mental state. If your dog
wants a snack and nap break, they will be given a half hour break in a private crate
with a blanket and snack. Your dog will always have access to fresh water,
regardless of crate or play room.
We allow our dogs access to their respective group outside play yard throughout the
day, and encourage all potty time to be done outside. We implement only positive
reinforcement training techniques, so don’t be surprised if your dog picks up a few
new tricks while staying with us!
Should your dog exhibit any signs of aggression or inappropriate behavior resulting
from overstimulation, stress, or lack of play skills, they may be removed from the
group and given a longer break in a sequestered space or kennel. Once reintroduced
to the group their behavior will be monitored, and any persistence of negative
behavior will be reported to the owner immediately. Dogs who are unable to rejoin
the group will be kept separately until picked up, and then reevaluated at a later
date.
The Overnight Play-Care Experience!
To alleviate the stress that can come with being boarded in a traditional kennel, we
offer our boarding guests 24 hours of supervised free range companionship. After
your dog’s long day in daycare, one of our overnight attendants takes over for the
evening and gets the slumber party underway.
Your dog will be given their dinner and any medications in their own personal
kennel or crate, and then allowed to use any one of our comfy beds and blankets on
the daycare floor for overnight. Our overnight staff are with them the entire time
from lights out to breakfast, and are supplied with soft night lighting and a quiet
atmosphere to sleep.
Every Overnight Play-Care dog is subject to the same evaluation and behavior
standards as our daytime daycare pack, and may be moved to one of our privacy
suites at their owner’s expense if found not suitable to continue the group play.
Privacy Suites:
We understand that a highly social setting may not be the best match for every dog,
and that a private kennel away from the other activity would be a better fit. For that
reason, we offer a limited number of privacy suites which are available by
reservation only. If you feel like your dog might be happy in daycare, we can
schedule an evaluation during their stay and move them to Overnight Play Care if
they pass!
Our dogs using the privacy suites are taken out 4 times a day to their own individual
paddock for potty breaks and fresh air. Each kennel measures x feet and comes with
an off the ground mesh cot and plenty of blankets. Please feel free to bring your
dog’s own personal belongings from home to make them feel more comfortable (no
rope toys or rawhides, please). Your dog will be fed with their own food as often as
you’d like, and all medications will be documented and distributed accordingly.
If your dog prefers privacy but in the comfort of their own home, ask about having
one of our team come by for either daily visits or overnight care. In-home visits are
based on staff availability, and if we don’t have openings we will supply a list of
preferred professional sitters.
Daycare, Overnight Play-care, and Privacy Suite Rules and Guidelines:
1) Your dog’s completed application and contract must be turned in prior to their
evaluation date.
2) All dogs must undergo a temperament assessment and evaluation before joining
daycare/overnights.
3) Any dog who displays aggression, fighting, biting, harassment, or inappropriate
play/pack behavior towards other dogs or humans may be permanently removed
from or have services adjusted at the owner’s expense. All dogs in must be fine with
any size/breed of dog, in the event the separate groups must be merged and our
different size play groups are combined.
4) All dogs must have proof of vaccinations administered by a veterinarian (not by
oneself or breeder). These include Rabies, DHLPPC combo, and Bordetella. Puppies
must be as current as they can be by 6 months of age.
5) All dogs must be spayed or neutered by 8 months of age if using daycare or
overnight play-care. We do not provide exemptions for size, breed, or breeder’s
contractual agreements.
6) Dogs who are in heat will not be allowed to come to daycare OR boarding until
spayed, and dogs who begin to display disruptive humping will be removed from
any group play services until neutered.
7) All dogs must have a negative fecal within 30 days before entering
daycare/overnight play-care and a clean fecal every year after.
8) All animals must be flea-free and on a monthly preventative program. If fleas are
found on your pet while in the Facility, they may be isolated and sent home and the
day non-refundable.
9) We require flat buckle, quick release collars for all dogs. Please no martingale,
prong, or pinch collars.
10) Dogs who are overnight boarding or who get a midday lunch will bring their
dog’s own food from home. This is to make sure their diets aren’t disrupted while
you’re away and helps avoid GI upsets.
11) Daycare, Overnight Play-Care, and Privacy Suites are by appointment only and
with payment in advance. We require 24 hours’ notice if you wish to cancel, and
failure to cancel within the allotted time frame will result in a $25 “no show” charge.
No pet will be released until all charges are paid in full.
12) The owner agrees to retrieve their animal(s) at their scheduled time and date of
pick up. Animals left behind after 72 hours without notice will be considered
abandoned and released to the Whatcom Humane Society. The owner will be
responsible for all expenses incurred, including boarding fees and relinquishment
fees, and subject to collections. The owner of the pet agrees to pay a reasonable
attorney fee incurred by the Facility in the collections of any charges for services
incurred by the owner of the pet.
13) The owner is responsible for any and all behavior and acts including injury their
dog inflicts on other dogs and/or people while on The Puget Hound property, and
releases liability of The Puget Hound staff in the event of any injury occurring
between animals or humans. All discrepancies of responsibility will be handled by
parties not associated with The Puget Hound.
14) Any animal that has been vomiting or having diarrhea consistently for 24 hours
prior to coming to daycare will not be allowed to join a group until their health is
cleared. Dogs who start to vomit or have diarrhea while at daycare may be sent
home and their day is non -refundable.
15) The Puget Hound will not be held responsible for property if a pet damages or
destroys their own personal belongings while boarding.
16) If at any point an Overnight Play-care dog displays signs of no longer being
appropriate for group play, the dog will be placed in a privacy suite, or made
arrangements for in-home care for the duration of their stay at the owner’s expense.
Every effort to contact the owner will be made regarding these changes.
17) The Puget Hound agrees to exercise due diligence and reasonable care and to
keep the premises sanitary and properly enclosed. All pets are handled or cared for
by the Facility staff without liability on Facility’s part for loss or damage from
disease, theft, fire, death, escape, injury or harm to persons, other pets(s) or
property by said pet, or from other unavoidable causes, due diligence and care
having been exercised. 18) Should any pet become ill or seem to be in need of medical consideration, the
Facility reserves the right to administer aid and/or to use any available veterinarian,
including transportation to and from veterinary hospitals. Any expenses so incurred
shall be paid by the owner of said pet in addition to other fees incurred for services
provided at or by the Facility. As with child daycare, dogs pass along illnesses
occasionally that are undetectable as well as hard play that may result in
unintentional injuries. The Puget Hound will make every effort to duly observe play
activities as well as notify you should we locate or identify a potential injury or
illness as it relates to your dog. The Puget Hound is not responsible for any
veterinary or medical bills as a result in your dog attending our care services as
detailed in the item above. With signing this agreement, owner authorizes any and
all emergency care as deemed appropriate by a licensed veterinarian.
19) Owner agrees that their pet may be videotaped and/or photographed. The
Facility shall be exclusive owner to the results and all proceeds of such taping or
photography throughout the world, an unlimited number of times in perpetuity, to
copyright, to use and to license to others in any manner. Owner further agrees that
their pet may be used in any and all media and the promotion, advertising, sale,
publicizing and exploitation of the Facility.
The Puget Hound Rules and Terms of Agreement Contract and
Daycare/Overnight Play-care application (separate documents) must
be signed before initiating services. Thank you!