🐾 Gone Dog Policies & Disclaimers

At Gone Dog, we keep things structured, safe, and low-stimulation so every pup can relax and feel secure. These policies help us maintain a calm environment and give each dog the level of care they deserve.

📢 Barking Disclaimer

Dogs bark — it’s communication, and that’s okay!
However, we maintain a low-stimulation environment to keep all pups calm and comfortable.

If a dog barks excessively (especially at outside noises or during downtime) and has difficulty being redirected, they may not be the right fit for our setup. This is one reason we encourage Meet & Greets and trial days.

We’re always happy to talk through your dog’s needs and see whether we’re a good match.

Gate Protocol (VERY important):

You’re welcome to walk up to the front gate, but please do not enter the yard or open any gates without us present.
This is for safety and for our dog Olive’s comfort. Olive becomes reactive and overstimulated when people enter the yard or approach the house unannounced, and once she’s activated, she struggles to settle.

Maintaining this boundary keeps the environment peaceful for all dogs.

🌧 Rainy-day option:
If it’s raining (or if you prefer to stay in your vehicle), we happily offer curbside pickup/drop-off. We’ll bring your dog to your car and help them load in and get buckled if needed.

Transition Style:

Please keep goodbyes quick and low-key to support calm, smooth transitions.

🦴 First-Come, First-Served

We book on a first-come, first-served basis.
Your spot is not guaranteed until we confirm it.

Holidays and weekends fill extremely fast — please book early!

🕰 Extended Care Policy

Your nightly rate covers a 24-hour window from drop-off to pick-up.

If pick-up is more than 2 hours later than drop-off time:

  • +50% for 2–8 extra hours

  • +100% for 8+ extra hours

We’ll help you determine the best timing so there are no surprises.

🐶 Dog Suitability & Temperament

For in-home boarding & daycare, dogs must be:

  • 15 lbs and up

  • People-friendly

  • Generally dog-social

  • Comfortable in a home environment

We may accommodate:

  • Dogs with reactivity (case by case)

  • Dogs needing solo care

  • Dogs with anxiety or special sensitivities

We cannot accept:

  • Aggressive dogs

  • Dogs with a history of biting

We always prioritize safety for all pups involved.

🐾 Health & Vaccinations

All dogs must be up to date on:

  • Rabies

  • DHPP

  • Bordetella
    (or current titer documentation)

Dogs must arrive:

  • Flea- and parasite-free

  • Healthy (no vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or active symptoms)

Please allow 48 hours after vaccines, vet visits, or illness before returning to care.

🧸 Belongings & Packing

Please keep belongings minimal.
We are not responsible for items that are lost, chewed, or damaged (beds, toys, blankets, bowls, etc.).

Please bring:

  • Pre-portioned food

  • Medications/supplements

  • 1–2 comfort items (optional)

  • Vaccine/shot records if available (photos/screenshots are perfect)

  • Extra food for extended stays

🍗 Snacks & Feeding

We provide light, dog-safe snacks unless you request otherwise.

You must provide your dog’s own food. We do not offer house meals unless previously arranged.

Please inform us of all food allergies or sensitivities.

🛑 Special Accommodations

We’re happy to support dogs with special needs — medical, emotional, or behavioral — as long as it’s discussed in advance.

Medications (oral/topical/eye/ear) are free of charge.
We do not administer injectables.

Dogs needing modified care plans may incur additional fees depending on time, supervision, or setup.

🧽 Cleanliness & Potty Accidents

Accidents happen — we don’t mind!

Dogs who are not fully potty trained or who mark indoors should arrive with:

  • A belly band or diaper

  • Pee pads (please provide)

☀️ Weather & Outdoor Time

We play and explore outside often, adjusting for:

  • Heat

  • Storms

  • Air quality issues

  • Fireworks

  • Seasonal noise

We have shade, water, and cooling options available (including a pupper pool!).

🎉 Enrichment & Add-Ons

We offer optional add-ons such as:

  • Sensory/enrichment boxes

  • Backyard sniffaris

  • Birthday celebrations

  • Friends & Family playdates

  • Field trips (for calm, non-reactive dogs)

Availability varies.

📷 Social Media + Photos

By booking with Gone Dog, you consent to photos/videos of your dog being shared on our social media or website.

If you prefer your dog not be posted, just let us know in writing — no problem at all.

🧾 Payments & Cancellations

Payment is due in full before drop-off unless otherwise arranged.

Cancellation Policy (Simplified)

  • Cancel 7+ days before 12:00 PM → Full refund

  • Cancel within 7 days → 50% refund for the days within that window

  • Any remaining/unused days → 100% refunded

Frequent last-minute cancellations may impact future booking availability.

❗ Emergencies & Safety

If there’s an emergency, we will:

  1. Attempt to contact you immediately

  2. Contact your emergency contact

  3. Reach out to your vet or nearest emergency vet

  4. If no one can be reached, we will use our best judgment

All clients must provide a local emergency contact.

🐶 Other Things to Consider

Temperament Testing

We reserve the right to decline future services if a dog’s behavior becomes unsafe or unsuitable.

Noise Environment Notice

Our neighborhood has increased dog activity and barking during warmer months. Some dogs may find this overstimulating.

Trial Basis

For new dogs or unique cases, we may suggest trial days before long-term boarding.