Now, are some certain dogs (not breeds, but individual dogs) aggressive? Of course... these particular dogs can not come to daycare. But these are dogs who were not socialized properly, did not learn bite inhibition as a puppy etc. Any individual who tells you ( and this goes for other doggie daycares ) they don't allow "aggressive breeds" are simply uneducated people who follow the stereotype of a bad dog.
What is required of my dog?
Dogs must not be aggressive towards other dogs or people. Dogs cannot be possessive over their toys. Dogs must be current on all required vaccinations (DHLPP-C, Bordetella and Rabies) Adult dogs must be spayed or neutered, and all dogs must be free from internal and external parasites, as well as be on a flea preventative. Since each dog is screened individually, no breed is automatically eliminated. There are, however, medical reasons your dog may not be allowed into Doggie Day Care. Blindness and seizure type disorders are two medical conditions that are not allowed in Doggie Day Care.
Do you pick-up and drop-off dogs?
Yes. Please see “Waggin’ Wheels” under our Services page.
What about fleas?
All dogs who come to Doggie Day Care are required to be on a flea preventative medication. If fleas are found on your pet, they will be sent home.
Do the dogs fight?
It is inevitable that if you get a group of dogs playing in a room together, one may get a scratch or nip now and then.... Dogs often come to day care because they have high energy and play rough, therefore they seek out other rough players. Play nips that may result in a wound can occur, you must know this going in. DOGS PLAY HARD... this is the nature of dogs. However, full blown fights very rarely occur due to the initial screening process.
What happens if my dog gets sick or hurt at Pawderosa Ranch?
You will be contacted immediately. We will transport any sick or injured dog to the local veterinarian of your choice. If we are unable to reach you, we will transport the dog to our vet. Just as with child daycare, guardians will be responsible for the cost of treatment for their pet.
Why does my dog smell when I pick him up after daycare?
At Pawderosa Ranch, we are meticulous in cleaning our kennels, and use hospital grade disinfectants to keep them spotless. However, amongst other pet guests, a dog's natural odor may become more noticeable. We offer our DogWash service that is discounted for Daycare guests. Just let us know if you would like your Pup to be bathed prior to checkout. We will bathe any dogs that have accidently soiled themselves during the day.
What do the dogs do all day?
The dogs day is very structured. Most dogs are dropped off between 7 and 9 am. We provide free play for a few hours, usually with minimal toys so the dogs can meet and greet. After that we break off into groups where some of the dogs may come inside and play a specific game or toy with a pet care provider, while another is outside with a different group. Our goal here, besides giving you a completely tired-out dog at the end of the day is for your dog to experience new things. 1pm to 3pm is nap time and this also is time for us to give any food or medications to dogs who need it. (Dogs are always taken aside and fed alone) Around 3:00 pm its free play again, usually with all the toys- they can pick and choose what they like. All the dogs get a nap time as well as a snack in the middle of the day. Most dogs then get picked up between 5 and 7pm.
My dog is shy around other dogs, is Doggie Day Care right for us?
We encourage you to first come down for a tour. See the facility, see how safe the dogs are and how much fun they are having. Many dogs come to Doggie Day Care for many different reasons. Some come because they are an only dog and want fun and exercise. Some come for the socialization and ability to "be a dog", and some have separation anxiety and need to be around people and other dogs. Because we have different areas of the Day Care, we can help your dog socialize with other dogs their own size and temperament.
What if my dog is unsocial?
While we reserve the right to decline unsocial or aggressive dogs, we will provide service to unsocial dogs on a case-by-case basis. If the dog is not a threat to our staff and can be handled safely in the presence of other dogs, we will accept the dog for daycare. Your dog will be exercised individually in a separate play area depending on temperament.
BOARDING
What is your minimum age for boarding a dog?
Our primary concern is the welfare of our guests. For this reason, our minimum boarding age for dogs is 4 months. It is generally recommended that puppies get their first round of "adult" shots at 12 weeks (including rabies), and the second round at 16 weeks. Additionally, in any kennel environment, a young pup could possibly be exposed to air-borne viruses it could not fight off. Our recommendation is to board puppies at your veterinarian's office until they have reached our minimum age requirements.
How long can my dog board at Pawderosa Ranch? Do you discount for long-term boarding?
Boarding can be indefinite and we do provide discounts. Please give us a call to discuss your needs.
Why does my dog smell when I pick him up after being boarded?
At Pawderosa Ranch, we are meticulous in cleaning our kennels, and use hospital grade disinfectants to keep them spotless. However, amongst other pet guests, a dog's natural odor may become more noticeable. We offer our DogWash service that is discounted for Boarding guests. Just let us know if you would like your Pup to be bathed prior to checkout. We will bathe any dogs that have accidently soiled themselves overnight.
I'm boarding my pet for the first time? What should I expect?
Your pet will adjust quickly to our boarding facility, our staff and routines. You can do a lot to help prepare your pet for this environment in the days before your pet is to be boarded. First, establish (or reinforce) a routine schedule of meal times and limit feedings to twice per day. We feed in the morning, and again in the late afternoon, as required.
Also, we routinely quiet the kennel down after closing hours (after 7PM) to give the pets adequate rest and comfort. It's best if your evening schedule, in the week before boarding, is stable and consistent, and getting the pet(s) into a comfortable "wind down" to their day by 8 PM to 9 PM will enable them to adjust quickly to the kennel, once boarded.
Can My Pet Catch A Disease by being kenneled with other pets?
Yes, your pet can be exposed to disease when kenneled with other animals. The risk is, however, quite low, and virtually eliminated as we require advance vaccination to ensure a healthy population of boarded guests. Additionally, high sanitation standards and quality living conditions are established to ensure an absence of disease.
Why is my pet is so thirsty when she comes home from a boarding visit?
Pets will frequently become very thirsty from the excitement and stress of seeing their family and loved ones again when they're picked up. It's natural and you should expect your pet to be a bit dehydrated from all the excitement once you get them home. While in our care, pets are monitored carefully for their consumption of fresh water, which is continuously checked and refreshed throughout the day.
Can all my pets stay together in the same suite?
Yes, we can accommodate your wishes and board your pets together in the same suite, as space allows (typically we allow up to 3 dogs under 20 lb. each to board together in the same suite - this allows adequate space for each pet and promotes both comfort and safety).
Do you require a deposit?
Due to high volume over holidays, Pawderosa Ranch requires a deposit in advance to guarantee holiday reservations. Deposits apply to all clients and will be strictly enforced due to the volume of clients we are unable to accommodate over holidays. Deposits are not required for other dates throughout the year.
What is your cancellation policy?
A seven(7) days' notice for change in number of days or cancellation is required for all holidays except Christmas & New Year's. Christmas and New Year’s holiday changes must be made by December 1st to avoid forfeiting your deposit & being charged for the days reserved.
Reservations over non-holiday periods can be changed/cancelled within 48 hours of the check-in day at no fee. Cancellations within the 48-hour period prior to the reservation day will be charged 1 night’s boarding.
While my dog is boarding with you, will he be taken out for walks?
As a daycare facility, Pawderosa Ranch offers 100% supervised off-leash playtime during the day. Your Pup will then retire to his den at 6pm. He will be taken out for one last potty break at 10pm and tucked in for bedtime.
My dog likes to have toys with him, Can he have his favorite toys while boarding? What will he sleep on?
Nothing makes a dog feel more at home than one or two of his favorite toys. Please label all toys with your Pup’s first and last name. Though we do our best to ensure toys are returned to the proper owner, Pawderosa Ranch cannot guarantee the return of all toys.
As for bedding, we will provide a raised platform bed for the comfort of your pup (and for your convenience!), but feel free to bring their own bed if you would like. Also, we recommend you bring something that smells like home (blankets, t-shirt, bedspread, etc.).
My dog is on a special diet. Can I bring in my own food?
Absolutely. In fact, we recommend you bring your dog’s food so that his diet remains stable. By pre-bagging each meal in a separate bag labeled with your pet's name, your pet will receive the exact amount of food that you feed him or her at home. If you would like us to feed your pet our house blend dog food, there will be a $2 charge per meal.
My pet is diabetic and requires shots?
Pets with significant medical needs are better off under a veterinarian's care than in our pet boarding centers, despite the qualifications of our well-trained staffs. We do not accept diabetic pets for boarding but will refer you to a highly qualified veterinarian who can board and administer treatments to your pet.
DOGWASH
Why should I wash my dog at a dog wash?
1) less stress for your dog, 2) no mess for you to clean at home, 3) less expensive than paying a groomer, 4) no supplies to buy, 5) one quick stop 6) no appointment necessary, 7) no aching back and sore knees from your bathroom tub, 8) spending quality time with your 4-legged friend, 9) no more hair-clogged drains or backed-up septic tanks at home, 10) teaches children about responsible pet ownership, 11) professional facilities make the job easier, and finally, 13) because it's FUN!
When is the best time to visit so I don't have to wait?
The slowest times are generally mid-day. If you have the ability to come during the week, its best to avoid Saturday and Sunday, which can be rather hectic at times. We also tend to be quite busy the week before any major holiday. While we don't hold tubs by reservation, you can call in advance to see how busy we are before you come in. Our number is 210-404-9941.
My dog is aggressive. Is he welcome at the BathBarn?
In most cases, yes, but under certain conditions. If your dog exhibits the tendency to bite we may require you to muzzle him, or make a special appointment outside normal business hours. Please contact us to discuss the situation prior to bringing your dog to the Ranch.
Can I leave my dog at the shop while I run errands?
Yes,we will be happy to keep your non-aggressive, altered, healthy dog in our daycare facility until you complete your errands. Depending how long your errands take, you will be charged for either 1/2 day or a full day of daycare.
How do I get my big dog into your raised tubs?
We offer steps to help get large dogs up into the tubs. If your dog won't utilize the steps, we are happy to assist with a lift into the tub, provided it is safe for everyone involved to do so. Please note, however, that we do not require our staff to handle customer's dogs... assisting with lifts is completely at their discretion, if they feel safe and comfortable handling your particular dog.
Do you allow animals other than dogs?
Yes, but usually not during normal business hours. Most small domestic pets, such as cats, ferrets, rabbits, etc are welcome, but please call the shop first to check if your pet type is allowed, and if the "coast is clear". Advance appointments are REQUIRED for animals other than dogs in order to keep the peace, and make the shop safe for all visitors.
Can I bring my own supplies?
Yes. We have all the supplies you'll need to get your dog clean, but you are free to bring along anything you'd like from home. Please note, however, that we do not discount the fees if you bring your own supplies.
How does the dryer work?
Our dryers are made especially for pets. They offer a high-velocity, forced air stream that literally "blasts" the water out of the dog's coat. They have no heating element so they dry even heavy-coated dogs without drying out the coat or skin. The dryer output is approximately 60 degrees above room temperature, so the temperature will vary slightly during the day, and will run warmer when the dryer has been used for prolonged periods of time. Because of the noise level and high velocity of the airstream, the dryer nozzle should never be pointed directly at the dog's eyes or ears.... a towel is best used on these sensitive areas.
What if my dog is afraid of the dryer?
Most dogs don't particularly like the dryer, but are willing to tolerate the process if you are gentle and encourage them to be calm. Dogs that are noise sensitive can usually be calmed by putting cotton balls in their ears to muffled the sound of the dryer. We have some on hand, so please ask if you need them. If you don't want to use the dryers, we are happy to supply all the clean fluffy towels you need to get the job done, but the dryer is definitely quicker and more efficient.
