What are the drop-off and pick-up times for dog boarding and daycare?
Drop-off and pick-up are available during specific times each day.
- Morning Drop-off/Pick-up: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Afternoon Drop-off/Pick-up: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
We ask that all arrivals and departures occur during these times, as our staff may not be available outside of those hours.
If you need to arrange a time outside these hours, let us know in advance – occasionally, we can often accommodate for an additional fee.
A Note About Our Guardian Dogs: Please note that if you come OUTSIDE of the available pick-up/drop-off hours, our guardian dogs, Mufasa and Fara, will be on duty. They are large and can be a bit intimidating. It would be best if you remained inside your vehicle until a staff member is available to assist you.
Can I just come by in the middle of the day to pick up or drop off my dog? It will only take a minute and you are there anyway …
Sadly, no. We are:
- playing with and supervising your dogs
- ensuring the kennels are clean
- ensuring the water and food bowls are clean
- ensuring the eight fenced outdoor play yards are clean and safe
- feeding and tending horses
- feeding and tending goats and chickens
- grooming the trails on this 215 acre property and ensuring they are safe
- mending fences
- tending gardens
- shoveling snow
… and 1,000 other tasks that go into running a dog boarding facility and working farm. We have no dedicated customer service staff – all staff are dog wranglers and farm hands. To be clear:
- Morning Drop-off/Pick-up: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. We cannot help you after 9:00 a.m. If you arrive late, please expect a significant wait time until a staff member is free to assist.
- Afternoon Drop-off/Pick-up: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We cannot help you before 4:00 p.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
- A note about our Guardian Dogs: Please note that if you come OUTSIDE of the available pick-up/drop-off hours, our guardian dogs, Mufasa and Fara, will be on duty. They are large and can be a bit intimidating. It would be best if you remained inside your vehicle until a staff member is available to assist you.
Where do I go?
When you arrive with your dog, please park in the area marked Parking for Killara Station. Please exit your vehicle and proceed with your leashed pet to the kennel door opposite the house entrance. A staff member will come to assist you within a few minutes. Be aware that others may be picking up or dropping off their dogs at the same time. Always maintain a safe distance between leashed pets – do not crowd too close to other pets or pet parents.
When you arrive to pick up your dog, the same process applies. Please wait by the kennel door until a staff member can assist you.
Here is a full list of our services and rates!
What should I bring for my dog’s boarding stay?
We want your pup to feel at home! When boarding your dog with us, please pack a few essentials:
- Food: Bring enough of your dog’s regular food to last their entire stay
- Bring More Food: If your dog is super active during their stay, they may require MORE food than usual. Our staff can advise you after your dog’s first visit.
- Feeding Instructions: Provide feeding instructions in the online booking form OR in writing with our staff.
- Containers and Measuring: You can either bring an entire bag of food or pack your food in plastic containers. It would be very helpful if you provided the measuring tool specified in your instructions. If you ask for “two scoops” of food twice a day, please provide the scoop. If you ask for “two cups”, please provide the cup you prefer us to use – these are cheap at any dollar store. We want to be accurate and would prefer not to over- or under-feed your dog during their stay.
- Raw Diets: We have refrigeration to accommodate a raw food diet. Please provide written instructions for our staff. To ensure accuracy (we don’t want to over or under feed your pet), please measure out the exact portions per meal for every day your dog is with us.
- Medications (if any): Include any medications your dog needs, along with written instructions on dosage and timing. Spreadsheets are welcome! 😊 There will be a small dispensing fee for medications.
- Comfort items: You’re welcome to bring a favorite toy or blanket that smells like home, if you think it will make your dog more comfortable. (We just suggest not bringing anything irreplaceable or of great sentimental value, since dogs play hard and personal items could get chewed, dirty or broken during the stay.)
DO NOT bring bowls or bedding – we provide clean water bowls, food bowls, and comfy bedding for every guest.. And of course, we supply plenty of love, play, and attention, so your dog will have everything they need for a safe and happy stay!
What can I expect for my dog during the day at PAWS?
| Time | Overnight Boarding Guests | Day Care Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| 7 a.m. | Out to exercise area for first bathroom break | Check – in |
| 8 – 9 a.m. | Breakfast / Check in/out | |
| 9 a.m. – noon | Outside play and activities | |
| noon – 2 p.m. | Rotation through play areas, lunch, naptime | |
| 2 – 6 p.m. | Outside play and activities Dinner |
|
| 4 – 6 p.m. | Check in / out | Check out |
Here is a full list of our services and rates!
Will my dog be crated at night?
Yes – all dogs have roomy kennel spaces, fresh water and bedding – nighty night!
One advantage of having dogs in individual crates is that it allows us to monitor the amount of water consumed as well as to identify if a dog had any vomiting or diarrhea overnight. This is more difficult if dogs are together in a crate, or left in a pack in an open room.
It is also worth noting that dogs are kennel creatures. Unlike humans, dogs associate a close enclosed area with safety and security – a “den”, such as their ancestors would have known. For most dogs, it is easier for them to settle down and understand that it is rest time if they are crated.
How do you decide on the size of crate for my dog?
Our staff are experienced with crate training and will place your dog in a kennel that allows comfortable movement, feeding, sleeping, and drinking. We have kennels of all sizes and will make sure your dog is comfortable. We will not place your dog next to a dog that they do not get along with, based on our observation.
It is also worth noting that dogs are kennel creatures. Unlike humans, dogs associate a close enclosed area with safety and security – a “den”, such as their ancestors would have known. For most dogs, it is easier for them to settle down and understand that it is rest time if they are crated.
Can my two dogs bunk together?
Yes, they can, however, they will be fed separately. Please see rates for pricing as you would get a slight discount for two dogs that need only one kennel.
Can my two dogs sleep separately?
Yes, they can. Please let us know your preference. One advantage of having dogs in individual crates is that it allows us to monitor the amount of water consumed as well as to identify if a dog had any vomiting or diarrhea overnight. This is more difficult if dogs are together in a crate, or left in a pack in an open room.
It is also worth noting that dogs are kennel creatures. Unlike humans, dogs associate a close enclosed area with safety and security – a “den”, such as their ancestors would have known. For most dogs, it is easier for them to settle down and understand that it is rest time if they are crated.
Here is a full list of our services and rates!
How will my dog be socialized and kept safe during daycare or boarding?
Your dog’s safety, health, and happiness are our top priorities. We have eight large outdoor play yards on our farm, and we group dogs into compatible playgroups based on their size, age, temperament, and social skills. For example, in most cases, little dogs play with little dogs and big dogs with big dogs – we can determine who your dog’s best friends should be!
Size is only one factor. We have many large dogs, our gentle giants, who adore and respect little dogs so sometimes that works out well. Once we get to know your dog, we will find their best group of mates.
Play sessions are closely supervised by our trained staff, and the yards are securely fenced and monitored to ensure safe play. We also keep them clean by promptly picking up and maintaining the space.
Indoors, we focus on hygiene, safety, and comfort. Dogs have clean individual sleeping areas, and we never place dogs next to each other if we know they don’t get along. We can add dividers between kennels to help nervous dogs feel safer.
We strongly urge that all visiting dogs be healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations – no contagious dogs are allowed. If you wish to bring your unvaccinated dog to our care, you will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging that you are assuming that risk for your pet.
The same is true for dogs in heat. We can do our best to keep them separate from intact males but … dogs will be dogs. If you wish to bring your bitch while she is in heat, you will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging that you are assuming that risk for your pet.
Our team members are true “dog people” with training and experience in dog behavior, and they know how to manage group play and intervene if any dog needs a break, ensuring a positive social experience for all.. We also maintain climate-controlled, secure facilities (air conditioning in summer, heat in winter) so that even when dogs are resting, they’re safe and comfortable. You can relax knowing your pup will have fun with friends under careful supervision in a healthy environment every day of their stay.
How do you group dogs and manage playtime?
- Dog Grouping: After some observation by our staff, dogs are play-matched based on age/health, temperament, social skills, size, compatibility, and safety.
- Supervision and Safety: Our experienced team are always close at hand, ensuring safe, fun play. Rest assured, quickly learn what works for your dog, and what does not, during group play.
- Play Space: Our eight exercise yards are fully fenced and are cleaned on an ongoing basis throughout the day. We have three large play areas (for lots of chase and ball games) and five smaller play areas.
- New Dogs: New dogs are gradually introduced to a group at their own pace, starting one-on-one or with a small compatible group while we observe and assess their comfort level. Dogs who prefer not to socialize will not be forced into group play – they will get our attention instead!
How do you Assess Temperament and Compatibility?
- We Listen: No one knows your furry family member better than you! As you consider placing your pup with us for daycare or overnight boarding, we’ll ask you to help us understand your dog’s temperament, preferences, and previous playtime/socialization experiences.
- We Observe: Taking your comments into consideration, we also observe your dog to assess their preferences and limitations.
- “Meet & Greet”: For first-timers, we can arrange a “meet & greet” session. This optional session allows us to assess your dog’s comfort level and play style and ensure they will be a happy member of our pack.
- Report Back: After your dog’s first visit, we’ll let you know how your pup interacted and whether they’re a good candidate for group play. In the rare case a dog is overly anxious or reactive, we’ll discuss tailored care options or training to help them adjust.
Here is a full list of our services and rates!
Do You Have Age and Spay/Neuter Policies?
- Minimum Age for Puppies: We welcome puppies who are at least 4 months old and have completed their initial vaccination series to ensure everyone’s safety.
- Spay/Neuter: Both intact and neutered dogs are welcome.
- Females in Heat: We can do our best to keep females in heat separate from intact males but … dogs will be dogs. If you wish to bring your bitch while she is in heat, you will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging that you are assuming that risk for your pet. If she comes into heat while staying with us, we will remove her from the larger pack and she can play with her gal pals.
- Intact Males: We have many intact males who visit with no issues. We will discuss any dog displaying problematic behavior (aggression, dominance, enthusiastic humping …) with their owners. We have a few options for managing these situations, including isolating the dog temporarily from other dogs until the behaviour has been resolved. Dogs who require this will get human attention and play time. Extra charges will apply.
- Senior Dogs and Special Care: We happily take seniors and adjust play/exercise to their comfort level. Please leave written instructions for medications and special care needs. We love our senior visitors and ensure they are closely monitored for their comfort and safety. Depending on the level of care, there may be an extra charge for this.
Do you require flea/tick medication and de-worming?
We strongly prefer that dogs have flea/tick medication as well as deworming. While we do not insist on flea/tick medication or de-worming, dogs in close quarters will spread these parasites easily. The available flea/tick medications often now come with de-worming meds. Please discuss with your veterinarian.
What are the Health and Vaccination Requirements?
We strongly urge that all visiting dogs be healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations – no contagious dogs are allowed. If you wish to bring your unvaccinated dog to our care, you will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging that you are assuming that risk for your pet.
The same is true for dogs in heat. We can do our best to keep them separate from intact males but … dogs will be dogs. If you wish to bring your bitch while she is in heat, you will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging that you are assuming that risk for your pet.
Let’s talk about Bordetella (kennel cough) … The Bordetella vaccine is administered to your dog through drops in their nasal passages. This vaccination is like getting a flu shot. Veterinary scientists identify the strains of kennel cough that are likely to arise in a given year and they design a vaccination for those strains. We do recommend this vaccine and please know that your dog can still get kennel cough even after receiving this vaccine.
Here is a full list of our services and rates!
What Are Your Emergency and Safety Protocols?
Your dog’s safety, health, and happiness are our top priorities. We have eight large outdoor play yards on our farm, and we group dogs into compatible playgroups based on their size, age, temperament, and social skills.
The mere act of owning a dog assumes risk. Dogs play hard together and are not always concerned with their own safety. Part of our mission here is, in fact, to allow dogs to be dogs and to have fun together. Nonetheless, accidents happen, whether in our care or yours. Every precaution is taken to ensure your dog’s safety, however, no matter how vigilant we all are, sometimes they go too far before they can be restrained. Although accidents are extremely rare at PAWS @ Killara Station, here is what we will do if needed:
- Illness: If a dog becomes ill while in our care, we will:
- Contact the owner and the veterinarian (if required) listed on the intake form
- Discuss a plan to care for the dog
- If the owner is not available, please trust our 40+ years of experience and judgement to take appropriate steps to care for your dog
- Minor Injury: If a dog becomes injured in a non-life-threatening manner while in our care, we will:
-
- Administer first aid as needed
- Contact the owner and the veterinarian listed on the intake form
- Discuss the incident and the injury
- Discuss a plan to care for the dog
- If the owner is not available, please trust our 40+ years of experience and judgement to take appropriate steps to care for your dog
- Major Injury: If a dog becomes severely injured while in our care, we will:
-
- Rush the animal to the nearest available emergency veterinarian while administering first aid as needed
- Contact the owner and the veterinarian listed on the intake form
- Discuss the incident and the injury
- Discuss a plan to care for the dog
- If the owner is not available, please trust our 40+ years of experience and judgement to take appropriate steps to care for your dog
Owners will assume all costs for veterinary care and transportation.
- Evacuation (in case of fire or natural disaster): We have a large trailer on the property that will accommodate all crates and kennels. If an evacuation order were to be given for this area, we estimate we could be on the road to safety, with all dogs on board, within two hours.
- Overnight Supervision & Security: We have an experienced senior dog expert on site 24/7. We have cameras at various locations on-site for security and monitoring. We maintain climate-controlled, secure facilities (air conditioning in summer, heat in winter) so that even when dogs are resting, they’re safe and comfortable.
Here is a full list of our services and rates!
How do you update Owners?
- Updates During Stays: We know it’s hard to be away from your pet. During extended stays, our staff may be able to provide periodic updates – we can text you a photo or a quick message to let you know how your dog is doing. However, our first priority at PAWS is the dogs and their care. We may not have time, especially during busy seasons, to update owners. Please make a note on the booking form when you make your reservation and we will do our best.
- The Socials: Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for photos of our daily adventures – you might even spot your pup playing fetch by the pond!
Can I tour the facility?
Yes and also no. With so many dogs in eight different exercise yards, a stranger walking amongst the dogs is not advisable. However, we can walk you around the perimeter of the exercise yards (weather and snow permitting) and show you the kennel areas if you wish. Please be sure to book an appointment in advance for such a tour.
How do you handle dog aggression or dominance issues, or conflicts?
With our temperament assessments and closely monitored introduction to socialization at PAWS, we can reduce the possibility of aggression or tantrums right at the outset. However, on the rare occasion a furry guest does display aggression, the staff member supervising the yard will separate the instigator for a time out. They may need to remain isolated until we can determine what caused the incident in which case they will get human attention rather than canine attention. If it is a matter of two dogs just not getting along, our extensive yard system allows for those two dogs to simply not be put back in the same exercise area again in the future. Notes are made on each incident to ensure that this information is on file and available to all staff members.
Do you cater to special diets or give medications?
Yes!
- Food: Bring enough of your dog’s regular food to last their entire stay
- Bring More Food: If your dog is super active during their stay, they may require MORE food than usual. Our staff can advise you after your dog’s first visit.
- Feeding Instructions: Provide feeding instructions in the online booking form OR in writing with our staff.
- Containers and Measuring: You can either bring an entire bag of food or pack your food in plastic containers. It would be very helpful if you provided the measuring tool specified in your instructions. If you ask for “two scoops” of food twice a day, please provide the scoop. If you ask for “two cups”, please provide the cup you prefer us to use – these are cheap at any dollar store. We want to be accurate and would prefer not to over- or under-feed your dog during their stay.
- Raw Diets: We have refrigeration to accommodate a raw food diet. Please provide written instructions for our staff. To ensure accuracy (we don’t want to over or under feed your pet), please measure out the exact portions per meal for every day your dog is with us.
- Medications (if any): Include any medications your dog needs, along with written instructions on dosage and timing. Spreadsheets are welcome! 😊 There will be a small dispensing fee for medications.
Here is a full list of our services and rates!