Dog Boarding Manual

GOLDEN RULES

FOR SITTERS

1) Keep dogs on a leash at all times when outdoors.

2) Always uphold dog walking laws and act as a responsible dog keeper.

3) In the unlikely case of an emergency, always take dogs to their registered vets. 

ALWAYS ask for the dog’s Vet details BEFORE the boarding commences so you are prepared for an emergency. If you don’t have the details and are in need of a  Vet, go to your local vet or take the dog to the closest emergency vet. You can also visit our 'In case of Emergency' page for further information.

4) Respect dog routines and habits (feeding time, walk duration, etc).

5) Food and toys must be provided by the dog Owner. Request them.

6) Make sure your doggie guests have the great time they deserve!

FOR DOG OWNERS

1) Always provide enough food for the entire stay.

2) Provide Sitters with a Veterinary contact in case of emergencies (you may choose a different one to our partner Veterinarians if it is mutually agreed).

3) When dropping off your dog (especially if it is the first time with a host) you should allow at least 30 minutes of introduction between the host and your dog. A meet and greet is always advisable. 

WHAT TO DO & WHEN

FOR SITTERS

1) Receiving a Booking or Enquiry

• Check what dog type you are being contacted for before accepting a reservation. Make sure that dog size, gender and character suit the environment you will provide when hosting. Hosting needs to be a pleasurable experience for both your guest and yourself.

• Reply promptly to confirm or decline booking as necessary.

2) Before a Sitting Service

• Remove expensive objects that you may think could be damaged by a dog while hosting (expensive rugs, glass or ceramic objects, valuable shoes etc).

• After confirming the booking and particularly if it’s the first time with a given guest, organise a meet and greet before hosting (this can be the same day or just before the drop-off). This way your four-legged guest will have a chance to meet you while their Owner is still around.

3) Meet and Greet

• Meet your four-legged guests in a neutral area (such as the park or in the street) and then slowly introduce your guest to the place where they’ll be hosted. This way dogs can gradually get acquainted with their new temporary environment.

• Dog Owners should be present and allow you to take charge. This way dogs know you are in control.

• Show them around the house on a leash first and then let them discover on their own.

• Give dogs some treats and/ or toys in order create positive associations.

• Instruct dog Owners to leave quietly without being noticed. Dogs generally keep playing and don’t realise their Owners have left - making separation almost unnoticed.

4) While Hosting

• Keep dogs on a leash at all times when outside.

• Never feed more than one dog at the same time or in the same place. If there’s one thing dogs fight over is food.

• If you notice tension between dogs, set them apart immediately and show them you are in control. After some time, gradually reunite them under your close supervision and assess the new situation. Keep repeating the exercise until you notice improvements.

FOR DOG OWNERS

1) Placing a Booking or Enquiry

• Check Sitter profiles before placing a reservation. Make sure that the host and the environment offered will suit your dog (apartment size, number of daily walks, other dogs present etc). Hosting should be pleasurable for all but most importantly for your dog.

• Check the Sitter’s reviews and see what other dog Owners say about the them.

• Place a booking only with Sitters you are sure of. If you have any questions send them an enquiry and they’ll be happy to help you with any information you need. If this is not enough, we also recommend you organise a meet & greet with the Sitter to ensure you are 100% comfortable.

2) Before a Sitting Service (booking is confirmed)

• Make sure you prepare all the necessary items your dog will need while you are away (food, treats, toys, medicines etc). Always make sure you bring some extra food should your return plans change for any unexpected reason.

• Make sure you tell the Sitter all they need to know about your dog (good and bad habits, disorders, illness, allergies, medicine times etc)

• If it’s the first time with a given Sitter, organise a meet and greet before the hosting begins (can be the same day or just before you drop-off your dog). This ensures your four-legged loved one will have the chance to get acquainted with the Sitter and new temporary home while you are still there.

3) During a Meet and Greet

• Keep cool. Make sure you act as if you were just visiting a friend’s home.

• Make sure your dog understands that the host is a friend (hosts are instructed to play and give treats during the Meet & Greet). This allows your dog to gradually get acquainted with their new temporary home in your presence.

• Allow hosts to take charge and show your dog that the Sitter is in control.

• Allow Sitters to show your dog around the house on a leash first in your presence and then let them discover on their own.

• Leave quietly without being noticed. Dogs generally keep playing and don’t realise you have left. This will ensure a stress-free transition. 

4) While Your Dog is Away

• Enjoy your time off! As dog Owners, we know how it feels to be separated from your prized pooch. Be rest assured that your furry loved one will be taken care of and everything will be okay.

• Hosts have all necessary details to contact you should there be a need for it. DogBuddy ensures you get regular photo and text updates throughout your dog’s stay. They are given veterinary contacts in advance and are instructed to take action should an unlikely emergency situation arise.