This is a senior-specific service which typically means ages 7 and up.
Since we are keeping this service tailored to older pups, younger housemates are not eligible for sleepovers at this time.
Any new dog needing a sleepover for more than 3 nights must do a trial overnight.
We are striving to provide a relaxing retreat-like experience for dogs in their golden years. Some dogs, as they age, can also develop new anxieties around unfamiliar places or people. This stress and anxiety can manifest in restlessness, sustained barking/whining, agitation or a flare up of atypical behavior issues. We always want what’s best for the dog, as well as what’s best for the house. Seniors displaying these kinds of stresses would not be a good fit and would likely be happier at home with a dog sitter. My eldest dog, Iggy, is at the age where she NEEDS to be in her familiar home environment. Between her senior dementia and declining physical capacity, another home is actually too stressful for her to adjust to. We will decide on a case by case basis what would be the best choice for each dog.
2. Dogs must have basic social skills.
This is a multi-dog household. We have 5 personal dogs of all sizes: 3 are elderly, 1 is middle-aged, and 1 is an adult with a puppy spirit. All home team dogs are social, well-mannered and very at ease with the constant dog guests in their space. While we keep our guest numbers small, there are always many dogs here so all guests MUST be comfortable with dogs of varying sizes and ages. The multitude of oversized dog beds are meant to be shared, and while there is no pressure to engage or play, all dogs should have the ability to calmly co-exist.
3.
Dogs must be safe to handle.
Any dog in our care needs to be safe to be leashed, moved, or picked up if needed. We may need to administer medication, pick something off their coat, check a paw or examine a body part. We will always use the least stressful method for elderly dogs, but those who are aggressively sensitive to being appropriately handled will not be eligible.
4.
Housetraining
We know that many seniors have unreliable bladders at times. Others, particularly small dogs, may have had housebreaking issues for years. Since this is our home and not a facility, we do need some level of bathroom reliability to ensure safety and hygiene for all our guests. All dogs are given easy outside access for most of the day. Dogs with very weak or unreliable systems may need to wear a diaper or belly band.
Additional Policies:
Flea policy - Bay Area fleas are active throughout the year. Our home exterior and yard is sprayed regularly for pests including fleas, but we rely on regular flea treatment to keep our home, dogs, couches, beds, rugs and guests flea free. All boarding dogs MUST be up to date on an effective flea treatment. Any dogs arriving with live fleas will not be able to stay.
Diarrhea policy - If your dog is having multiple days of diarrhea within 2 weeks of their stay, we will require a vet clearance that they are not carrying Giardia or anything contagious. Senior dogs systems can be very delicate and since beds, blankets and water dishes are shared, we need to keep everyone safe.
Cough and Illness policy - Dogs showing signs of kennel cough (active cough, nasal discharge, etc) or conjunctivitis (eye discharge, watery or swollen eye) must be cleared by a vet before their stay. If dogs show signs of contagious illness during their stay, we will either safely isolate them from the other dogs, or contact your emergency person to pick them up.
