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
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
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 that include a health history, 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 and Giardia test are required before any stay or property yard visit.
A recent fecal test is required prior to the trial night and yard visit. I recommend completing this approximately 3 weeks in advance to allow time for treatment if needed.
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. Hookworms can shed for months and may require 2 tests spaced apart. A dog with a current or recent hookworm infection realistically needs 4–6 weeks before boarding, sometimes more. You may be asked to provide two clean tests a few weeks apart after hookworm, not just one. (Updated 10/09/2026)
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.
If your test is clean, please do not visit any high traffic areas, like dog parks or daycare.
Fecal Test Scheduling Details- How Recent?
For first-time clients, fecal testing depends on your dogs’ age and exposure:
Adult dogs (over 1 year) who do not frequent high-traffic areas (like dog parks or daycare): test within the last 3 months of the trial night
Dogs who visit dog parks, daycare, or other high-exposure areas: test within 3–4 weeks of the trial night
Puppies (1 year or younger): test within 3–4 weeks of the trial night
For returning clients:
Adult dogs with low exposure: every 6 months
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.
Trial Overnight
Before your dog's first full boarding stay, we typically schedule a one-night trial visit to make sure they're comfortable here and that the environment is a good fit. For short boarding stays of 1–3 nights, the trial night may be waived at my discretion, based on how your dog does with other dogs and their overall temperament. For longer stays, a trial visit is required.
When needed, 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 a morning-to-noon check-in, with check-out by 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.
Booking & Payment
Cancellations & Changes
Payment & Reservations
The trial night is paid at drop-off, or in advance if it’s scheduled well before your stay ($50.00) After a successful trial night, if you decide to book, I’ll send an invoice for the full stay. Your dates are held for 7 days while awaiting payment, and your reservation is confirmed once payment is received. Cash or check only.
I understand life can be unpredictable and plans sometimes change. Fall City Dog Boarding is small by design, so each reservation means I’m holding time and space for your dog that I can’t offer to someone else.
Once your stay is confirmed:
4 or more weeks before the stay: Full refund.
3–4 weeks before the stay: 50% refund.
Less than 3 weeks before the stay: No refund.
If you need to make changes after booking, I’ll do my best to be flexible and to accommodate when possible.
Early pickups and late drop-offs are not refunded for unused days.
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.
We’ll chat and schedule a meet and greet.
Send your dog’s vaccine records, rabies certificate, and fecal test results (see Policies for details).
Complete the release and intake form before the trial night.
Complete the trial night and temperament evaluation.
I’ll send an invoice to confirm your stay.
Tip: If you don’t see a reply within a day or two , please check your spam folder and add fallcitydogcare@gmail.com to your safe sender list so our messages don’t get lost.