General Information for Boarding, Daycare and Group Play
The purpose of What A Good Dog’s Center is to provide a safe, fun, healthy and stimulating social environment for dogs. To ensure the safety and health of your pet and our other guests, we require all guests to comply with the following rules and regulations.
ADMISSION:
Our philosophy and physical set up require that all dogs can be handled for feeding and cleaning of enclosures by our staff. Inappropriate behavior may result in termination of future boarding privileges. Inappropriate dog behavior includes, but is not limited to, growling, snapping, biting or excessive stress exhibited in continual barking, pacing, and/or destruction of property.
OVERALL HEALTH:
All pets visiting the center must be in good health. For the protection of other dogs in our care, any pet with a communicable condition will not be allowed. Pets adopted from shelters need 30 days in-home prior to admittance to our facility. Pets who have been ill with a communicable condition within 10 days prior to his/her arrival will require a veterinarian’s certification of health upon being admitted to the facility. Pets must be on an effective flea and tick control program; if fleas are found at check-in, a mandatory flea bath will be given.
AGE:
All dogs must be at least 3 months of age to be eligible for Group Play.
SEX:
Neutering is not required, but may be recommended if hormones create potential “issues” in group play. Females in season may not attend group play.
VACCINATIONS:
Our policy is designed to protect the health of all pets in our care while also supporting growing concerns in the pet community about potential health risks of over-vaccination of pets. Our vaccination policy meets kennel license requirements for the state of Pennsylvania. Accordingly, we verify current Rabies vaccination for pets over 16 weeks of age. We require for our files a copy of your current Rabies Certificate from your veterinarian. We need a copy of this certificate, not an invoice showing the rabies was given or a reminder notice. We defer to each pet’s owner/veterinarian team regarding recommended vaccination protocol for that pet.
What A Good Dog does not require Bordatella (“kennel cough”) vaccination. Many veterinarians recommend the vaccination prior to boarding or participation in daycare. What A Good Dog asks that the injectable vaccination be given at least 10 days prior to boarding or initial participation in group play. It takes 7-10 days for the injectable Bordatella vaccination to confer immunity. We ask that the intranasal or oral Bordatella vaccination be given at least 3 days prior to boarding or initial participation in group play. It takes up to 72 hrs. for the intranasal or oral Bordatella vaccination to confer immunity. Dogs given the intranasal or oral Bordatella vaccine will not be allowed in group play for 72 hrs. after being given the vaccine. Please be aware that even though your dog has been vaccinated, it can still acquire “kennel” cough.
DOG LICENSE:
All dogs age 3 months or older are required to have a Pennsylvania Dog License. Please see website for further information:
http://padoglicense.com/
We request evidence of a current Pennsylvania Dog License. Failure to provide up-to-date license verification may result in a fine, for the owner, up to or greater than $300.00 from the Chester County Dog Inspector.
CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT
Please allow several minutes to give us some time to acquaint ourselves with your pet and its social and medical history (approximately 15 minutes) for their first visit. At this time, as on each check-in, we will briefly examine your pet for obvious health problems and confirm reservation details. We require paperwork for each boarding stay (including vaccination and dog license) to be submitted 72 hrs. prior to scheduled reservation. A $25.00 fee will be added for paperwork submitted within 72 hrs. of thereservation.
Boarding: 8:00AM – 11:30AM and 1:00PM – 4:00PM
BOARDING CHECK-INS EARLIER THAN 8AM AND CHECK-INS LATER THEN 4:00PM ARE SUBJECT TO AN ADDITIONAL $25.00 CHARGE.
Daycare/Group Play: Check-in: 7:30AM – 9:30AM, Check-out, by 7PM
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT TIMES OUTSIDE OF THIS SCHEDULE ARE SUBJECT TO AN ADDITIONAL $10.00 CHARGE.
Note: If your available check-in/ check-out time(s) do not fit with our preferred schedule, we will try to work with you to find a mutually acceptable time; however, these times must be scheduled in advance and will be subject to an additional charge.
DEPOSITS & CANCELLATIONS:
A deposit is required over holiday and peak season boarding stays. A deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made at least 72-hours prior to scheduled arrival. Deposits are non-refundable for a cancellation within 72 hrs. of the scheduled reservation.
HOLIDAY WEEKENDS/PEAK SEASON:
Holidays include: New Years, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Peak season is from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Our office is CLOSED for arrivals and departures on the following holidays: Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
MEALS:
In an effort to make your pet’s stay with us as stress-free as possible, we feed your pets what they eat at home, the same amount of food and the same number of feedings as at home. All dry food feedings should be bagged per meal. Bags should be clearly labeled with your dogs first name and first initial of last name. If your dog is staying for more than 2 weeks, you may bring the food in a single container. We ask that you provide 1 – 2 extra meals in the event your return is delayed. In the event that additional food needs to be purchased, a charge will be added to your invoice for the food and travel.
PLEASE DO NOT MIX SUPPLEMENTS OR MEDICATIONS WITH THE FOOD.
Please do not bring measuring cups, spoons or bowls.
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS:
It is the responsibility of What A Good Dog to ensure the safety and health of your pet in all aspects of our care. Our responsibility includes administering prescription and non-prescription medications/supplements to your pet(s). While we have veterinary technicians on staff, other non- licensed staff administer medications. What A Good Dog has policies and procedures for the safe administration of medications/supplements. Like the administration of medications in human health care settings, our procedure includes:
“THE RIGHTS OF ANIMALS RECEIVING MEDICATIONS”
1. Right Dog, 2. Right drug, 3. Right dosage, 4. Right time, 5. Right route, 6. Right documentation.
If a medication is to be given on an “as needed” basis, it is necessary for What A Good Dog to know what signs/symptoms your pet my exhibit to warrant administration of the medication. What A Good Dog will administer medication in cream cheese or peanut butter, per your instructions. If pill pockets are the requested method for administrating the medication(s) they must be provided by the owner or a charge will be incurred.
VETERINARY CARE/EMERGENCIES:
In the event your dog requires veterinary care, we will attempt to contact you. If we are unable to reach you, we reserve the right to utilize one of our consulting veterinarians to provide care. In the rare case of an emergency, we contact you, and utilize either one of our local consulting veterinarians or one of the local emergency veterinary services. For any health concerns that may arise, our pet care technicians maintain a detailed log. A veterinary service fee will be applied based on time and distance and charged to the customer.
Please refer to the What A Good Dog Pet Services Agreement/Liability Release for more detailed information.
ELECTIVE SERVICES:
The following services are available, with an additional charge, for owners who would like to choose extra amenities for their dogs during their boarding stay.
Fun Swim
Leash Walks
Brushing
Group Play
Playtime/Field Time
Board and Train
Personal Time
WHAT TO BRING:
We provide your pet with everything they will need; however, if you wish to bring the following, you may.
Treats
Safe toy (no raw hides or bully sticks), preferably 2-4 toys
T-shirt or small towel with your scent on it
Bedding, (a kuranda bed is provided for each pet)
Brush (if you elect this service)
Coat for colder weather
Food as described above
WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDITION OF ANY ITEM BROUGHT INTO OUR CENTER UPON ITS RETURN. ALL ITEMS MUST BE LABELED WITH YOUR PET’S NAME AND FAMILY LAST NAME WITH INDELIBLE INK.
What A Good Dog Pet Services/Liability Release
In consideration for participation in and/or receipt of any and all services rendered by What A Good Dog, LLC, its employees, owners and agents (hereafter referred to as “What A Good Dog or WAGD), the Pet Owner (hereinafter referred to as “Owner” and the term “Pet” shall have either a singular or plural meaning and refer to dog or dogs) and WAGD agree to the following:
1. Owner hereby certifies and understands that What A Good Dog’s staff rely on Owner’s representation that the Pet is in good health and has not been ill with any communicable condition in the last 30 days, has not been in a shelter within the past 30 days, and has not been exposed to rabies or distemper within a 30-day period prior to receipt of services.
2. Owner understands and agrees to fully disclose to the staff at What A Good Dog, prior to the commencement of boarding, day care, training, grooming, or other services provided by What A Good Dog, any and all information regarding Pet’s health, including presently existing conditions or conditions which Owner is aware may arise.
3. Owner further certifies that Pet has been on an effective flea and tick prevention program. If any external parasites are found on Pet upon entry to or during a stay at the facility, Owner agrees to pay expenses associated with prescribed treatment.
4. Owner certifies that Pet has not harmed or shown aggressive or threatening behavior towards any person or any other animals except as described herein:
5. Owner agrees to provide proof of Pet’s vaccinations in accordance with What A Good Dog’s vaccination policy.
6. Owner understands and agrees that in enrolling Pet at What A Good Dog, Owner can expect that What A Good Dog will exercise all due diligence and care in the guardianship of Pet. Owner hereby waives and releases What A Good Dog, its employees, owners and agents from any and all liability of any nature, both known and unknown, for injury or damage, including that which may result from the action of any pet, including Owner’s Pet, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Owner expressly assumes the risk of such damage or injury while Pet participates in or attends any activity of What A Good Dog while on the facility’s grounds or the surrounding area thereto or any location where What A Good Dog provides services.
7. Owner understands and agrees that Owner is solely responsible for any harm and/or damage caused by Pet to persons, property or other animals while Pet is attending What A Good Dog, and as such, agrees to take full and financial responsibility for any damage or injury caused by Pet.
8. Owner understands and agrees that there are some inherent risks to pets receiving services from What A Good Dog. These risks may include, but are not limited to: transfer of communicable diseases such as Canine Papilloma virus (Puppy Warts), Canine Cough, and Canine Influenza. Injuries may include, but are not limited to: broken nails, sore feet, puncture wounds, abrasions and cuts. These injuries are generally benign and can usually be managed by What A Good Dog’s staff. Owner understands that in some cases more serious conditions or injuries may arise, including permanent disability or death, for which veterinary care may be required, and Owner is solely responsible for any and all associated costs.
9. Owner understands that if Pet appears to be ill, or in the event of an emergency, What A Good Dog’s staff will first attempt to contact Owner, followed by an attempt to contact the emergency contact persons listed. What A Good Dog may also directly and immediately contact the veterinarian listed, or a consulting or emergency veterinarian, if the circumstances are deemed such that immediate treatment is necessary. What A Good Dog’s staff and management retain sole discretion in emergency matters, including determining what constitutes an emergency, as well as decisions required for Pet’s veterinary treatment, without liability, and Owner agrees to make prompt payment for all medical treatments received. Owner will not hold What A Good Dog liable for failure to seek veterinary attention or for decisions made under this contract.
A veterinary service fee will be applied based on time and distance and will be charged to the owner.
10. Owner understands and agrees that What A Good Dog’s liability shall in no event exceed the lesser of the current chattel value of a pet of the same species, or the sum of $500.00 per animal brought to What A Good Dog for daycare or any service/activity, including boarding, daycare/group play, grooming, training, swimming or any combination thereof.
11. Owner understands and agrees that What A Good Dog will make every effort to return items left with Pet. However, these items may not be returned or they may be returned in poor condition and, as such, Owner understands that What A Good Dog is not responsible for said item(s).
12. Owner further agrees to grant What A Good Dog the right to use, reproduce and publish any videos and/or photos of Pet for educational and/or social media purposes, unless stated otherwise. Owner hereby releases What A Good Dog from any and all claims, actions, and liability relating to its use of said photographs or recordings.
13. Owner agrees to pay the rate for all services agreed upon and in effect on the date Pet is checked into the facility, as well as any other applicable charges as outlined in What A Good Dog’s general information and policies.
14. Owner further agrees that Pet shall not leave the facility until all charges are paid.