Frequently Asked Questions
Are you currently accepting new clients? Please text us! To keep our pack small and happy, we only welcome 2-3 new dogs each year and do not onboard new clients from November through March.
What size and type of dogs do you accept? Happy Dog specializes in small, non-shedding dogs with hair, such as Maltese, Yorkie, mini poodle or Lhasa apso. A good rule of thumb: if your dog requires regular haircuts, they’re likely a good fit for us.
Do you require dogs to be spayed or neutered? To maintain the cleanliness of our home and a calm space for all guests, we prefer that all dogs be spayed or neutered.
Do you require a meet-n-greet? Yes, we want our home to feel like familiar territory when your dog arrives for their first stay. A quick, 20-30 minute (free) visit is scheduled when no other dogs are here, so your dog can explore peacefully.
How are arrivals and departures handled? Feel free to park in our driveway. Please text an ETA when you're on your way and let us know if you'd like to bring your dog inside or have us meet you at your vehicle. This allows us to corral any current guests to minimize transition stress for everyone.
What should I bring for my dog's stay? You only need to provide your dog's food and any medications. Of course, if your dog has a comfort item or bed they prefer to sleep in, you are welcome to bring those as well. We provide bowls, waste bags, toys, and cozy lounge spots- we even keep belly bands and extra food on-hand (just in case).
Do you accept puppies? No. All Happy Dog guests must be at least 1 year old.
What is your cancellation policy? We prioritize flexibility. There are no fees for canceling, even day-of.
Do you administer medications? Yes, we can administer medications, including pills, eye drops, and topical treatments. We do not provide injections, such as insulin.
Are you closed on any holidays? We are not closed for any holidays, except for our own scheduled travel.
Do you use crates? We use a crate upon owner request or for brief periods to ensure safety- such as when a contractor is visiting.
What is your backyard like? We have a fenced-in yard (chain link) accessed by 9 steps from our deck. Our neighbor has a medium-sized dog with a drawn-out "barroooo" bark that occasionally runs the fence line with our guests. We supervise outdoor time to keep these interactions playful.
Do you provide daily walks? Yes, we enjoy daily walks when weather permits.
Can my dog stay alone without other dogs? Yes, we can provide a stay for your dog without other guests. This option is available for an additional fee, which is detailed in our Services & Rates section.
Do you accept same-day bookings? We do for established clients. For new guests, we require a meet-n-greet prior to their first stay.
How many dogs do you book at a time? Typically, we host only 1 or 2 dogs at a time to ensure one-on-one attention. While we occasionally host 3 or 4 dogs, having a group of 4 is rare and typically occurs once or twice a year.
Is there a discount if we have two dogs? If you have two dogs staying with us, we offer a 15% multi-guest discount on the total cost of the stay.
What payment methods do you accept? We take Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, cash, and personal checks.
Will I receive updates while my dog is with you? Absolutely. You'll receive photos and updates to keep you connected while you're away.
Is Happy Dog smoke-free? Yes, we have a 100% smoke-free home.
How early can I drop-off and how late can I pick-up? 7:00 am / 9:00 pm
How far in advance should I book? Feel free to book at any time, up to a year in advance.
Are the dogs ever left alone? Yes, though not for long. While Jesse works off-site, Amy Lynn is home most of the day. We treat our guests like family, which means we may step out for errands or social plans for up to 4 hours. For safety, we never leave dogs unattended together until we are 100% confident in their temperament and interaction.
Where will my dog sleep at night? Most dogs prefer to sleep in a bedroom with us. We have king-sized beds to ensure there is plenty of room for our guests to sleep comfortably alongside us. If we have multiple dogs staying, we often use two separate bedrooms so everyone has ample space.
Do you accept senior dogs? Yes, as long as they are comfortable navigating stairs and do not require diapering. Our guests typically have a final backyard break around 9:00 PM and then settle in for the night. We are unable to accommodate dogs that require regular, middle-of-the-night potty breaks.
What is your vaccination policy? We leave medical decisions to the owner's discretion; however, we ask that all guests are healthy and symptom-free upon arrival to protect the well-being of the group.
How far is the nearest emergency vet? Peace of mind is close by. Northside Animal Hospital is 5 minutes away.
How often will my dog go outside? Dogs typically go out back every 2 to 3 hours, unless temperatures are frigid.
What is your policy on flea and tick prevention? We ask that all guests be free of fleas and ticks before arriving. We leave the specific method of prevention (natural or chemical) to your discretion.
Do you have children? No children- just a quiet, dog-focused home.
Do you charge extra for holidays or peak times? Our rates remain consistent year-round.