FAQS
You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers.
HOW CAN I CHECK ON MY PET DURING THEIR STAY?
We regularly send photo and video updates via Facebook messenger and whatsap based on your contact preferences.
MY PET HAS A SPECIAL NEEDS. CAN THEIR NEEDS BE ACCOMMODATED?
Absolutely, we will make sure your pet's needs is seen to. I have a qualification in Canine psychology and physiotherapy so be at ease your dog will be in loving, gentle hands. My qualification allows me to carry out massages and exercises as per prescribed by it's vet. I am not able to make a diagnosis, or carry out exercises or massages pre diagnosis. If your dog is on a special diet please provide us with their food.
WHAT DO YOU SUPPLY FOR OVERNIGHT BOARDING?
We have everything your pet would need for sleepovers but they usually prefer a bed and/or blanket from home. We ask not to provide a favourite toy or chew as this could lead to tension between the dogs. After a final potty, dogs are tucked in and given a gravy bone biscuit as a bed time treat.
We replicate your dogs sleeping arangments at home to ensure they have a safe, comfortable and stress free stay.
DO YOU TAKE BIG DOGS?
We do not take dogs larger than 20kgs.
This ensures a safe and secure enrolment for your wee furbabys
WHAT BREEDS DON'T YOU TAKE?
We cannot take breeds that has been bread for fighting in the past as stipulated in the Dangerous dog act 1991. We understand your dog may be a sweetheart but we would be breaking the law and voiding our insurance if we accept your dog on our premises. Please understand this is by no means a reflection on our view on these breeds.
ARE YOU LICENSED?
Yes, we have everything in place according to the rules and regulations.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE FIGHTS?
Mostly all the dogs get along, but it's natural to have a tiff now and then. Firstly we try a noise aversion technique where a loud unusual noise is made to distract the dogs, if that doesn't work water is used to stop anything escalating. We do have cool down areas where the dogs are separate for a while and this is the only time your dog may spent a little time on it's own. Needless to say they will never be left unattended and unhappy. It's important that you tell us if your dog has certain triggers so we can try to avoid situations that could cause tension.
I LIVE OUTSIDE OF DUMFRIES, CAN YOU PICK UP AND DROP OFF MY DOG?
Yes the pick-up and drop-off price that are on the list cover 5 miles outside of Dumfries. If you live out further, contact us and we can discuss a price.
WHAT FOOD DO YOU USE?
To ensure a varied diet we change brand regularly but usually use Pedigree sachets and dry food from Happy Pets in Dumfries. Treats used for training is normally cooked unseasoned liver or chicken. Please let us know if your dog is on a diet or have specific dietary requirements. Specialist food needs to be provided by the owner.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE FEEDING TIME?
Dogs can get protective over their food so we have separate feeding stations and staggered feeding schedule to ensure a stress free breakfast and supper.
DO I NEED MY OWN PET INSURANCE?
Yes, our insurance is business and public liability insurance. If your pet gets injured or need to go to the vet you would need to use your own insurance or cover the cost on your own.
CAN I GET A REFUND IF I MAKE A CANCELLATION?
You can get a full refund for cancellations up to 24h in advance. Discounted bookings can get 50% refund. Any missed booking or cancellations made with less than 24h to the booking, will not qualify for a refund.
WHAT IF I'M RUNNING LATE?
As long as you let us know we will keep your pet for as long as needed. Day care has a 12h leeway and if your pet needs to stay longer you will be charged for an overnight 24h stay. If we are picking up or dropping off and we have to wait longer than 15min to pick your pet up or drop him/her off you will be charged as if you are using the pet taxi service.
I DON'T ALLOW MY PETS ON SOFAS AND BEDS AT HOME. CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE MY PREFERENCES?
Absolutely. Please let us know. Any preferences you have will be accommodated.
HOW/WHERE DO YOU KEEP MY PERSONAL INFORMATION??
We use old school paper system so you don't have to worry about your information getting lost, stolen or shared. Your information will never be shared or passed on.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE EMERGENCIES?
Trained staff will manage the situation. If the matter cannot be taken care of on site. One member of staff will take your pet to its designated vet, whilst the other will stay on site to look after the rest of the dogs. If your vet is closed or unavailable we will take it to the nearest available vet. We will then inform you as soon as possible. Any charges incurred by a vet or otherwise will have to be covered by your insurance or by yourself.
DO YOU OFFER A WALKING SERVICE?
Unfortunately we do not offer a walking service. There are a few reasons for this, the main one being that the dogs get plenty of exercise in the playground and with the games we play. We do sometimes give puppies and dogs who need to learn how to walk on leash a walk around to the park. At the moment however, due to the rising number of dog theft in nearby areas, we prefer to practice within the yard.
ARE PUPPIES ALLOWED?
Yes. Puppies are allowed after their second vacination. They are also required to have been treated for kennel cough. If your pup is still potty training, please provide us with puppy pads. We spend time with your pup to help them with their potty training, basic commands and manners.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF DAYCARE WILL SUIT MY DOG?
We suggest that you make an appointment, come around to see how your dog reacts in the environment and around other dogs. That way we can both assess if its the right fit for your pet. Your dog's first visit or stay is free, so no loss to you if not.
MY DOG ISN'T GOOD AROUND OTHER DOGS, CAN HE/SHE STILL COME?
Unfortunately not. If your dog doesn't enjoy socialising then Dumfries Doggy Daycare isn't the right place for him/her.
WHAT TIME IS PICKUP AND DROP-OFF?
We can discuss this with you. We will do our best to accommodate our schedule. If it isn't possible to collect your dog at your preferred time we may have to arrange getting a key off you. Generally speaking our morning drop off is after 8am and our pick up is after 6pm but we are very flexible and understand the needs of shift workers.
DOES MY DOG NEED TO BE NEUTERED TO ATTEND?
Scottish licensing states that all dogs over the age of 6 months should be fixed, neutered or dressed in an open play environment. This rule applies to all daycare licensed premises in Scotland and there are no exceptions.
If there is a change in your dogs behaviour its likely to show first at daycare where they are around other dogs and we will let you know if this happens. Dumfries Doggy Daycare cannot accommodate dogs in heat.