Policies & Requirements

Boarding Requirements

Please read the following policies and requirements to be sure that you are comfortable with the polices at Fall City Dog Boarding. 

This is a small home-based business which allows me to bond with each dog and cater to their needs while you are gone.

But, it also means that extra measures are in place for health and safety for humans and other pets. Some of these policies may feel strict, but they’re designed with everyone’s wellbeing in mind.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out.

Health Requirements

Trial Overnight

Before your dog’s first full boarding stay, we’ll schedule a required one-night trial visit to ensure they’re comfortable here and that the environment is a good fit.

The trial night is typically scheduled 2–3 weeks before your booked stay, so if things don’t work out, you’ll have time to make other arrangements and receive a full deposit refund.

A standard trial visit includes an afternoon check-in and pickup before noon the following day. This short stay helps your dog relax and adjust to the routine, and it gives me a chance to observe how they interact with other dogs and settle in.

For everyone’s safety, I’m unable to accept dogs that show signs of aggression or high stress in this environment.

General

  • Age|Size: FCDB caters to small breed dogs. Dogs should be at least 1 year old and be under 30 pounds.

  • Temperament: I kindly ask for the dogs that stay here to be housebroken and without major behavioral issues, such as aggression, bite history or prone to barking for long periods (repetitive barking). Dog will successfully complete a trial night.

  • General health: Dogs must be in good health, independently mobile, and free from fleas.

  • ID Collar: Pet should have a collar with identification.

Vaccinations - the usual stuff

  • Rabies: Dogs need to be current on their rabies shots. Most adult dogs are on a 3 year booster shot. That is fine as long as they are current. The certificate is required.

  • Bordetella (kennel cough): Dogs need to have received a bordetella vaccination within the 6 months before a stay.

  • Distemper/Parvo: Many adult dogs are also on a 3 year booster for DHHP. That is fine as long as they are current.

IMPORTANT: Please have your veterinarian email proof of vaccinations and fecal test results, to FCDB at least a week before your arrival at fallcitydogcare at gmail.com

Your dog needs to have all the following shots completed at least a week before his/her stay. with us. I can not accept your dog if vaccinations are administered in the week prior to his/her stay.

Fecal Float

Fecal float: A clean fecal float test that includes giardia is required before any stay.

Please schedule the test at least 3-4 weeks in advance so there is enough time to treat any parasites if the results are positive. After the test is completed, dogs should not visit dog parks or day care until after their boarding stay. Again, have your vet email the results to fallcitydogcare at gmail.com

If your dog tests positive for parasites, you will need to complete the full treatment cycle and pass a second fecal exam before he/she can be boarded here. Giardia can be treated in about one week, while roundworm treatment is spread out over the course of several weeks. Because some treatments can take up to 4 weeks, it is recommend conducting the fecal test a month before your stay, then no dog parks or daycare care.

Deposit & Payment

A 50% deposit of the total boarding stay is required to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due at drop-off.

The trial night fee of $40 is due in full at the time of booking and is separate from your boarding deposit.

Deposits and trial night payments confirm your spot on the calendar. Reservations are not held without payment.

Accepted payments: Cash, check (preferred), Zelle, or Venmo.*
Venmo payments include a small processing fee added to the total.

The deposit is fully refundable if the cancellation is done within the policy guidelines OR the dog does not do well at the trial night.

    • You cancel your dog’s stay less than 2 weeks from the start date.

    • You cancel your dog’s stay less than 3 weeks from the start date during the holiday period.

    • Your dog has not been vaccinated at least a week before the stay.

    • Your dog’s fecal test is positive for a parasite and there is not enough time to complete all necessary rounds of treatment.

    • Thanksgiving
      (November 23, 2025 - November 30, 2025)

    • Christmas/New Years
      (December 14, 2025 - January 4, 2026)

      2026

    • Presidents Day | MLK
      (February 13, 2026 - February 20, 2026)

    • Easter Closed
      (April 1, 2026 - April 9, 2026)

    • Memorial Day
      (May 22, 2026 - May 29, 2026)

    • 4th of July Closed
      (July 3 2026 - July 6, 2026)

    • Labor Day
      (September 4, 2026 - September 11, 2026)

    • Thanksgiving
      (November 23, 2026 - November 30, 2026)

    • Christmas/New Years
      (December 21, 2026 - January 4, 2027)

Cancellations & Changes

I understand that life can be unpredictable, booking travel is hard, and plans may need to change.

Fall City Dog Boarding, is a small, low volume business, and each reservation is important to me.
Because I set aside space just for your dog, I kindly ask that you review our cancellation and booking policies below.

  • Please notify us at least 2 weeks in advance if you need to change or cancel your booking for boarding.

  • Changes/cancellations made with less than 2 weeks notice will be charged a fee equal to 50% of the full service boarding amount.

  • For holiday bookings, cancellations made with less than 3 weeks notice will be charged the full amount of the stay.

Property Visits | Drop offs

  • Appointment only: Visits to the boarding home are by appointment only — no drop-ins, please.
    To keep all dogs safe, pets can’t be brought to the property until we’ve received their health records and a current fecal test.

  • Drop-offs and pick-ups are scheduled in advance. I appreciate punctuality and a quick text if your timing changes.

  • For safety and insurance reasons, guests are not permitted inside the home. I’m happy to personally give you a brief tour of the property, where you can view the sleeping areas from the outside windows and see the fenced yard.

Transparency & Care Policies

I’m honored to be entrusted with the care of your family member — it’s a responsibility I take very seriously. Your dog’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment are always my top priorities.

There may be times when your dog is left alone briefly for errands, other pet-related business, or activities. I’m usually home, and there’s almost always someone here keeping an eye on things. When short absences are necessary, your dog will be safely settled in a spacious playpen or crate. I make every effort to ensure dogs are relaxed and ready to rest before I step out.

I am happy to discuss what the care schedule looks like and discuss any expected away times during the booking.

Documents & Releases

These documents need to be completed before the trial night. You can print them out and email them back.

Fall City Dog Boarding Release Form: Release Form (PDF Format) Release Form (Word Format)

Intake & Veterinary Release (Need one for each dog) : Intake Form (PDF format) Intake Form (Word format)

two jack russell dogs playing

Ready For a Stay?

  • Fill out the form below with your information

  • We’ll chat and schedule trial night

  • Fill out the release and intake form and return before trial night

  • Complete trial night/temperament eval