A pack assessment is a 5-hour time period where we meet your dog for the first time. During the assessment, we slowly introduce your pup to the pack and observe how they respond to our environment. We observe their play styles, body language, and comfort. We then put them in one of our boarding rooms for a 30-minute nap time. This is so that we can see how comfortable they are in a boarding room. If they will settle and are comfortable and quiet, then it is a good indication that they are ready to board with us.

We do our best to make sure that your dog integrates into the pack during their assessment, but in the case that they don’t pass, our handlers will let you know why this might be the case and will recommend other options for your pup. Sometimes, a pack environment just isn’t for every dog and that’s okay!

We require Bordetella, Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus). We also require your dog to be on regular flea, tick, and lice medication. We highly recommend Leptospirosis and Influenza vaccines as well, but do not require them.

In addition to our core boarding service, we also offer private hikes, baths, paw massages, peanut butter Kongs, and many other enrichment services. Click here for more details

We generally only take spayed or neutered dogs, however we respect your right as an owner to work with your vet to decide what is best for your pup. We evaluate intact dogs on a case-by-case basis as long as owners have a plan to spay/neuter their dogs within 2 years of age. Please keep in mind that this is based on how the dog interacts with the pack and can change at any time due to the nature of the pack environment.

Since our guests must hold their bladder from 9pm to 7am we recommend that your dog is at least 6 months old for their first overnight stay. Puppies younger than 6 months can be allowed on a case by case basis.

A typical day at Homestead Hound starts at 7am with your dog stretching their legs. After our guests have had their breakfast, they play in our yard with friends or relax in our indoor play room on the couches.

During lunch we have a short relaxation break, then the dogs are brought back outside to enjoy the rest of the day.

We feed dinner and spend the evening cuddling and winding down for the night before they are tucked in by 9pm.

We can accommodate most special diets and have a fridge/freezer if your dog is on a raw or refrigerated diet. We, however, cannot cook food specifically for your dog. Any cooked foods should be pre-prepared and brought in fridge/freezer-safe containers.

Yes, we can administer most medications. We ask that you please give detailed instructions for their medication specifics when you drop them off. Please keep in mind that if medications are complicated or your dog is more difficult to administer we may charge a handling fee per day.

We believe that large and small dogs can co-exist in a pack environment and only separate groups based on play styles and energy. Some of our toughest, most playful dogs are small, and some of our largest dogs are gentle giants. We are very careful to make sure that small dogs are not put with larger dogs that lack body awareness. We focus on helping your dog enjoy their time here, whether that means playing with some bigger friends or cuddling on the couch with the calm group.

We do not have a handler in the building with the dogs from the hours of 9pm to 7am. However, we do have a baby monitor on at all times which is monitored in the general manager’s home only a few yards away.

No, due to high demand and requirement of a pack assessment, we do not take same day appointments or walk-ins.

Drop-off and Pick-up can take place anytime during our lobby hours. We have a check-out time of 12pm on their departure date. If you cannot pick your dog up from boarding by 12pm on the morning of their pickup date, please let us know by emailing us. Please be aware that there is a $85 per-dog late check out fee for boarding pickups after 12pm.

Please bring your dog’s food and any medications/supplements along with instructions. We have bedding, bowls, toys etc. but often times, owners like to bring their dog’s bedding from home and a special item or two (like a favorite toy or blanket) to make their room feel like home. Please keep in mind that we may not be able to clean certain beds or belongings.

Cancellation Policy: We require cancellation 48 hours in advance. Cancellation within 48 hours of the start of a reservation will incur a full charge of the boarding stay.

Check-Out Policy: Boarding check-out is between 8am-12pm. Check-out after 11am will incur a $85 late check-out fee.

Holiday Cancellation Policy: Please see our holiday cancellation policy answered in the question below.

We book up far in advance for the holidays, so we ask that you book as soon as possible for your holiday dates. We generally book up for major holidays at least 3 months in advance. The sooner you can let us know, the better chance we will have a spot open.

We accept cash, check, and credit card (visa, mastercard, American express, discover)

We are always looking for dog-loving individuals to join our team. We currently do not have any advertised positions available, however we would be happy to keep your resume for future openings. If you are interested in joining our team, please email your resume to—

info@homesteadhound.com

A Holiday period is considered 7 days before and 7 days after the actual holiday.
7-Days notification for holiday reservation cancellations is required to avoid a full stay charge.
Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to reservation check in date (or within holiday period) will forfeit the entire cost of their reservation (unless Homestead Hound is able to find another reservation to fill your dates)
48-hour notice is required if picking up earlier than your originally scheduled departure date to avoid a fee equal to the cost of your remaining reservation days

FAQ