What are the drop off and pick up times?
We are available for drop off and pick up from 7-9am and 4-6pm, 7 days a week. The only days we are closed for drop off and/or pick up are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and July 4. Additional charges apply when a dog stays past a 24 hour period.
What are the kennels like?
Dogs board in our spacious 10' by 4' indoor runs. The boarding area has heated floors for the winter months, and AC in the summer. The kennels have solid walls so your pup won't be bugged by their neighbor, and a chain-link front so they know someone's there. We provide cot-style beds for each dog. You are welcome to bring a small blanket or towel from home but we are unable to accept dog beds.
Dogs may only board together if they are from the same family and owners are comfortable with them being unsupervised over night. *YB&P may separate dogs, and board them in separate kennels if we feel uncomfortable leaving two dogs in the same kennel over night. Additional charges will apply.*
What should we bring?
Please bring food for your dog, and a collar and leash. Since cleanliness is extremely important to us, we ask that you do not bring any food bowls or water bowls. (We provide our own, and they are washed between every meal). If you'd like to bring bedding for your pup, it must be small enough to fit inside a standard size washing machine. Most owners like to bring a small blanket or towel for their dog. You are also welcome to bring a couple (no more than 2) toys to leave in the run with your dog.
Should I bring my own food?
Yes! Please bring your food pre-measured in 1 meal portions. We have a refrigerator and microwave and can accommodate most dietary preparations! (Cans/containers of wet food do not have to be pre-measured). We have kennel food - Natural Balance (grain free), if your dog runs out of food during their boarding stay, or if your pup ends up spending the night unexpectedly from daycare. Kennel food costs $3/day.
my dog has medications. Is that okay?
Yes! We are able to administer most medications at no extra charge. If you usually give your dog a treat with his meds, such as peanut butter or cheese, please bring it with you to keep his routine as normal as possible! Please bring the medication in the pill bottle so we can identify the prescription and give the proper dosage.
What does my dog need to attend Daycare?
All dogs need to be up to date on Distemper, Kennel Cough and Rabies vaccinations, as well as using a flea/tick preventative. You must submit up to date vaccinations prior to check in day! Either you or your vet can email to yorkbarkandplay@gmail.com or fax them directly to us at 207-361-4759.
You will also need to fill out a registration form, which you can download here and send in to set up a reservation.
If your dog is staying for a full day of daycare, you can bring lunch if your dog is used to it. Please just bring one portion in a ziplock bag. We will provide the bowls.
Please do not bring: Toys, dishes or bedding. We have lots of toys that have to pass our strict guidelines (including being sanitized every night!) and the dogs are only resting for an hour.
How old does my dog need to be to attend Daycare?
As long as they are old enough to be up to date on the required vaccines, they are welcome to come play with us! Generally Rabies shots are not given until a dog is at least 16 weeks of age.
How do you introduce the dogs?
When a new dog comes in, we introduce them slowly, starting with an introduction to a dog that is known to be quiet and non reactive. We keep them in a separate section of the yard, adding a few dogs at a time of different personality and play styles. When we feel the new dog is comfortable, we introduce them into the group we feel they will have the most fun in; usually by this time they are ready to play!
Are the dogs separated into different groups?
Generally, yes, but it depends! Our goal is to make sure that all the dogs in daycare feel safe and comfortable here. If we have a small number of dogs, and they are all easy going, we may put them in one play group. We separate the dogs when we come across different play styles. Group types include the more active "wrestling type" dogs, quiet/shy dogs, and easy going dogs. We group by temperament first, then size if applicable. The dogs are always closely supervised to make sure no one is left out or uncomfortable!
Does my dog need to be spayed/neutered?
Although we strongly encourage "fixing" your dog, they do not need to be spayed/neutered to attend daycare, however, they must have excellent obedience skills (sit, recall, stay), and have appropriate social temperament. **Female dogs in heat may not attend daycare until 2 weeks after the heat is over**
What is Kennel Cough?
Doggy daycare, just like a human daycare, is a place where animals are in close contact. Kennel cough is similar to the human "common cold", and spreads easily through the air. The vaccine, although not foolproof, helps reduce the risk of this disease spreading. Kennel cough is not usually fatal in dogs, although if left untreated it can develop into pneumonia. Treatment is usually just rest and relaxation until symptoms are gone! For more information, please check out this website: http://www.askavetquestion.com/kennelcough.php