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.
Trial nights are scheduled in advance of the stay and as early as possible once we begin planning. This gives you time to see how your dog settles in and make any adjustments if needed.
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.
Updated 04/26
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 or harness with identification.
Dogs must arrive healthy and free from injury or illness. If your dog becomes sick or injured before their stay and is not able to board safely, please let me know as soon as possible.
In these situations, I will do my best to be flexible; however, standard cancellation terms may still apply due to the limited number of boarding spots.
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 in advance of 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.
A recent fecal test is required prior to the trial night. I recommend completing this approximately 3 weeks in advance to allow time for treatment if needed.
The trial night is typically scheduled 1–2 weeks before the stay to ensure a good fit for all dogs before your reservation is confirmed.
If your test is clean, please do not visit any high traffic areas, like dog parks or daycare.
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.
TIP: Avoid changing your dog’s diet well before the stay to prevent dietary upset.
Advanced bookings
Reservations are confirmed closer to the stay date, typically about 4-6 weeks. You’re always welcome to reach out in advance to discuss your stay dates.
Booking & Payment
Cancellations & Changes
Updated 4/2026
I keep my boarding small and personalized, and typically schedule reservations within about 4–6 weeks of the stay date.
To get started, we’ll schedule a meet and greet and a required one-night trial stay. Trial nights are scheduled as soon as possible after your inquiry so we can make sure it’s a good fit for everyone.
A clean fecal test (including giardia) and vaccination records are required before your dog can be on the property.
The trial night is paid at check-in ($50.00).
If the trial goes well and you’d like to move forward, full payment is due within 48 hours to reserve your dates. Reservations are confirmed once payment is received.
FCDB accepts cash, check (preferred).
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, and I am reserving time and space for your pet.
Because I reserve a limited number of spots, the following cancellation policy applies once a stay is confirmed:
To ensure fairness and keep our scheduling consistent, please review our cancellation terms below:
4–6 weeks before the stay: You’ll receive a full refund of your booking payment.
3 weeks before the stay: 50% of the total stay cost is non-refundable.
Less than 3 weeks before the stay: The full amount of the stay is non-refundable.
Thank you for understanding that last-minute cancellations make it difficult to fill your reserved spot.
If you need to make changes after booking, I’ll do my best to be flexible and to accommodate when possible.
FCDB Sitter Cancellation
While I make every effort to honor confirmed reservations, Fall City Dog Boarding is a small, home-based business. In the rare event that
I need to cancel due to illness, a family emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances, I will notify you as soon as possible and do my best to provide maximum notice so you have time to make alternative arrangements.
If I need to cancel a confirmed stay, all payments, including the trial night, will be fully refunded, and I will do my best to help you find alternative care.
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)
Ready For a Stay?
Fill out the form below with your information
We’ll chat and schedule a meet and greet then trial night
Fill out the release and intake form and return before trial night
Complete trial night/temperament eval
Tip: If you don’t see a reply within a day or two , please check your spam folder and add fallcitydogboarding@gmail.com to your safe sender list so our messages don’t get lost.