Daycare & Boarding Policies

At Dog Devotion, we provide safe, structured, small-group daycare and home-style boarding designed to support natural dog behaviour, enrichment, and comfort. Our goal is to create a calm, reliable, and positive environment for every dog in our care. This page is provided as a reference for current daycare and boarding policies, which may be updated periodically. Full Terms of Service are outlined in the Dog Devotion Service Agreement signed upon registration.

1. Reservations & Booking Requirements

Daycare

  • All daycare visits must be booked in advance by text or email.
  • Daycare clients must commit to a minimum of one scheduled day per week.
  • Occasional cancellations or day changes are permitted in accordance with the cancellation policy.
  • Tentative dates cannot be held without confirmation.

Boarding

  • A non-refundable booking retainer is required once a boarding request is accepted.
  • This retainer is applied to the final invoice.
  • Boarding is available only for established clients who attend regularly and are comfortable in our environment.

Communication

  • All bookings, schedule changes, and confirmations must be made by text or email.
  • Verbal conversations are not considered confirmed until written.

2. Drop-Off & Pick-Up

  • Drop-off and pick-up are by appointment only during Dog Devotion business hours.
  • Arriving more than 15 minutes early or late without prior notice is subject to a $5 per 15 minutes fee.
  • If you are more than 15 minutes late for daycare drop-off, we may not be able to accept your dog that day.
  • Maintaining predictable routines helps Dog Devotion operate smoothly and provide consistent care for all dogs

3. Payment Policies

  • Invoices are emailed at the end of each month.
  • E-transfer is the preferred payment method.
  • HST (13%) applies to all services.
  • Payments not received within 15 days are subject to a late fee.

4. Cancellation Policies

Daycare

  • Cancellations may be made until 5:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled service.
  • Cancellations after 5:00 p.m., same-day cancellations, missed days, or schedule changes are billed at the full daycare rate.
  • If you request an additional day during the same week, we will do our best to accommodate; however, late cancellation fees still apply.

Boarding

  • A non-refundable booking retainer of 50% is required to reserve boarding dates. Dates are not held without a deposit. The deposit is applied to the final invoice.

Cancellation Terms

More than 14 days before the scheduled stay:
A credit will be issued, less the equivalent of one day of boarding as a cancellation fee.

Within 14 days of the scheduled stay:
The deposit is forfeited in full

March Break, Christmas and Summer: No cancellations or credits are permitted. Deposits are non-refundable regardless of notice during these-high demand periods.

5. Emergency Care

  • All client information must be accurate and up to date.
  • If your dog requires urgent care, Dog Devotion is authorized to transport your dog to the veterinarian listed in your Client Profile, or to the nearest emergency clinic if necessary.
  • You are responsible for all veterinary expenses resulting from illness or injury during or following your dog’s stay.
  • Veterinary charges must be reimbursed within 7 days.
  • Dog Devotion is not responsible for the decisions or actions of veterinary professionals.

6. Weather & Safety Adjustments

  • We operate in most weather conditions; however, during extreme heat, severe cold, icy conditions, or unsafe travel conditions, Dog Devotion may modify or cancel services.
  • Adjustments are made in the best interest of your dog’s safety as well as ours.

7. Collars, Leashes & Required Equipment

For safety and group management:

  • Dogs must arrive wearing a properly fitted flat collar or harness.
  • Retractable leashes, chain collars, prong collars, and e-collars are not permitted.
  • Dog Devotion is not responsible for malfunctioning or damaged equipment.

8. Contagious Illnesses (Including Kennel Cough)

We take health and sanitation seriously. All dogs must be up to date on DA2PP and Bordetella vaccines. Regular flea/tick prevention and Leptospirosis vaccination are strongly recommended.
Dogs showing any signs of illness will not be accepted for daycare or boarding.
To reduce the risk of illness, it is recommended that dogs avoid contact with other dogs for two weeks prior to boarding to ensure they are healthy and eligible for their stay.

Kennel Cough Awareness
Kennel cough (canine infectious respiratory disease) is extremely common and highly contagious, similar to the human cold. It can be contracted anywhere dogs share airspace, including daycares, parks, vet clinics, grooming facilities, training environments, and brief nose-to-nose interactions. Despite vaccination, sanitation protocols, and careful screening, kennel cough is an unavoidable risk in any dog-social environment. Vaccines may reduce severity but do not prevent all strains.

Common Symptoms

  • Dry, persistent cough
  • Gagging or retching
  • Mild lethargy
  • Clear nasal discharge
  • Reduced appetite

Protocol

  • Do not bring your dog if symptoms are present.
  • If symptoms develop during care, you will be contacted immediately for pick-up.
  • Dogs suspected of or diagnosed with kennel cough must remain home for 14 days after symptoms stop.
  • Owners must notify Dog Devotion within 24 hours of a suspected exposure or diagnosis.

9. Behaviour Expectations & Dog Suitability

Dog Devotion reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services at any time if a dog is not suitable for group care.
Dogs may struggle in a daycare environment for many reasons, including difficulty reading social cues, challenges with self-regulation, stress, over-arousal, or incompatibility with the group dynamic. Decisions are made in the best interest of your dog, the group, and overall safety.
Owners are responsible for injuries, excessive damage, or losses caused by their dog, including medical expenses and property damage.

10. Unplanned Fees

Clients are responsible for reimbursement related to:

  • Replacement of depleted supplies required specifically for their dog (medications, food, etc.)
  • Repair or replacement of items damaged due to their dog’s behaviour

11. Holidays & Closures

Dog Devotion is closed on all statutory holidays, including:
New Year’s Day
Family Day
Good Friday
Victoria Day
Canada Day
Civic Holiday
Labour Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Boxing Day

Additional closures for vacation, maintenance, or unforeseen circumstances may occur with advance notice whenever possible.

12. Media Release

Dog Devotion may photograph or film your dog for use on social media, promotional materials, and the Dog Devotion website. No compensation will be provided.

Last updated: January 2026