I have had dogs for 29 years, and worked full time with dogs for 7-8 years. I co-owned a treat shop for dogs and used to also manage a grooming salon, so lots of dog interaction there. I currently have 2 mongrels of my own that are healthy and 12 years old, and another who just recently passed after a battle with cancer. I am quite familiar with managing different dog behaviours as long as owners work with me. I have done home boarding for 2 years.
Price may be adjusted lower for smaller and "easy dogs", or may be higher for puppies, older or sick dogs that need constant care, or dogs with behavioural issues.
Walks: Within 2km of my home; $35 for up to 1 hour walk or part thereof, depending on your pup's willingness or ability to walk.
Daycare: Up to 8 hours.
House visits: Up to 2 hours per visit, for up to 2 pets. This will include cleaning up pee/poop if needed, and taking your pet out for a short walk and feeding it, and also playing with it and giving it some human love. I can also water some plants; whatever I can do in 2 hours.
House stays: I will basically stay over at your home to take care of your pets. Up to 2 pets. If I have prior engagements, I will not leave for more than 4 hours per day. I would need a carpark space. I will try to keep to your pets' regular schedule. Up to 2 walks a day. If there are any CCTV cameras in your house, all locations must be disclosed.
Boarding: Per 24 hour block or part thereof
- I would not board from more than 1 family at a time, unless it is a regular and I know their temperament very well. Please note that during peak seasons like December holidays, I may have to board extra dogs but will make sure to keep it manageable and fair.
- In general, I charge between $70 a day depending on size, ease of care, etc. Large dog breeds or breeds that shed a lot may be charged more, unless the dog is easy to handle. Dogs with behavioural problems may also be charged more since they may require constant supervision and handling.
- Puppies or senior dogs may require extra care and thus extra charges.
- I do not take dogs that mark indoors unless they can have a diaper on
- I do not take dogs that are more aggressive towards other dogs or people, nor dogs who resource guard, unless owner is very sure of all triggers and the dog has been muzzle trained
What do the dogs do with me?
Dogs I board generally follow my schedule in the day. They accompany me to work, go on whatever activities my dogs go to (like to their gym class, their swimming pool, to their weekly outings etc), and go back home with me. If there's nothing planned in particular, I try to bring them out to a park every other day. So it is usually quite an eventful and they won’t get bored. Please note that all these outdoor activities are probably only suited for dogs who are used to going out with their owners and will not be skittish. I usually do not bring dogs to dog runs unless it is empty or with very few dogs inside. For dogs who will do better indoors, I can always do basic obedience training as well as sniffing games.
Our dogs typically get several pee breaks a day wherever we are, and there is also a small garden at home. We usually walk an hour a day but this can be discussed according to what your dog is used to.
They will have free run of the house and garden, and will sleep in my aircon bedroom.
Will your dog be left alone?
Highly unlikely that it will ever happen. Even if I need to go out for an appointment, I am usually gone for max 3 hours, and there is always someone around. At my home, there is my retired parents, brother, as well as 2 helpers. But rest assured, I am the one who will be responsible for your dog.
Feeding medication
I don’t usually have any issues with feeding medication either, unless the dog bites when I try to pop it at the back of the throat. You can tell me your preferred method. I have also done sub cuts before but will need instruction for your dog if necessary.
I am pet CPR and first aid certified.
Your dogs' belongings and food
All food and necessary supplements or medication should be provided by owners, as well as a fitted collar/harness with name tags. Please bring along your dog’s bed as well as bowls if your dog is particular, and even a used tshirt of yours if you know your dog has separation anxiety. If your dog isn’t picky, I have plenty of dog beds and bowls. (But my beds are for 20kg dogs so if you have a small dog, best bring your own)
I am happy to feed whatever treats my dogs get at my own cost, which is quality single protein meat treats, but of course you are welcome to bring your dogs’ fave treats that will help it listen when out on walks etc.
I do try to sit with dogs that are fearful and shutting down for as long as possible, to try to make sure they eat at least a bit.
I do not coddle fussy dogs and hand feed them for an hour; I will offer or try hand feeding for 15 minutes. If they continue to be fussy with their food, I do not offer treats etc and they will get their food again the next meal time.
Grooming
I can do a quick brush of all coats once daily, up to 15 minutes. If your dog has a more difficult coat and needs detailed brushing daily, this is possible as an add on. I am also able to do a basic groom for your dog before he or she goes home (fees apply depending on breed).
Do bring your preferred grooming tools as well if you want.
Updates
Generally I keep pawrents up to date as much as possible if we are out on any activities and try to send at least one photo or video update a day, probably more if I brought your dog out. I'm kidding, usually I send many video updates unless pawrents don't want it.
Emergencies
I drive and usually have a car available. In an emergency, I will bring your dog to my trusted vets which are Gentle Oak and VES, or whichever nearest vet if necessary.
Requirements
A recent titer test or vaccination record is mandatory, from within the last year. I will not accept a dog for boarding unless this is provided.
Please also make sure that your dog is clean, and is free of fleas and ticks. Dogs should also not have any transmittable airborne illnesses or diseases such as kennel cough or ring worm. If in the case that a boarding dog arrives without prior acknowledgment in situations such as these, extra fees will be charged. It will also help if they are recently showered as we do have asthmatic people in the house. Thank you.
If you are already aware of it, please alert me so we can discuss me staying at your home instead of my own, so your dog is still being cared for without me having to put my own dogs and/or other customers’ dogs at risk.
If you are not aware of it and for whatever reason that I think your dog is sick, I will bring it to my preferred vet, and all vet bills as well as transport charges are to be fully paid by owner. If it is found that nothing is wrong at all and I was just being dramatic (aka kiasu), I will cover that cost.
If your dog is found to have ticks or fleas, it will immediately also be brought to a vet or groomer and a cleaning company for my home will be called, and these fees will also be covered by owner. In short, please be responsible so we both have a pleasant experience.
Meet and greet trial
Before the boarding period, I require to have the doggo for a meet and greet session to observe temperament, whether it is toilet trained, how it will get along with my own dogs (we can house them completely separately if needed), if there’s separation anxiety, etc. This allows me some time to interact with the dog without the owner around, and also take it on a short walk and drive. For long stays, a one night trial stay is preferred.
Owners are encouraged to be 100% honest if their dogs have any behavioural issues or medical problems so I can be prepared to handle it.
I hope this is detailed enough. Let me know if you have other questions. Thank you!
