Everything you need to know about our dog boarding and daycare services, our policies, and our commitment to your dog’s care.
New Client Guide
Starting Your Journey
We begin every relationship with an evaluation day, ensuring your dog will thrive in our unique environment. Here’s what you need to know:
Essential Requirements
- Health Records: Current vaccinations (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella/6 months)
- Age & Development: Under 13 years, spayed/neutered if over 6 months
- Preventative Care: Current flea/heartworm prevention
- Equipment: Flat collar/harness for wear during stay
- Arrival: Your own leash for drop-off and pickup
Your Dog’s First Day
- Full evaluation in our daycare program ($30)
- Expert assessment of social interaction
- Comprehensive behavior report at pickup
- Drop off between 7-10 AM and pickup between 4-6 PM
Enrollment Paperwork
Paperwork must be submitted via email and approved to make reservation.
Current Client Information
Service Policies
Reservation Management
All reservations are made via email at this time.
Daycare:
- 24-hour advance notice for changes (by 7 AM prior day)
- Late cancellation fee: $37
Boarding:
- Standard stays: 3 days notice (by 7 AM)
- Holiday stays: 10-21 days notice
- Secured by credit card
- Cancellation fees apply
Timing Guidelines
Daycare Hours:
- Drop off from 7:00 – 10:00 AM and pickup between 4:00 – 6:30 PM
- Grace period until 6:45 PM ($15 fee)
- After 6:45 PM: Overnight care ($53)
Boarding Schedule:
- Weekday drop offs: 7-10 AM or 4-5 PM
- Weekday pickup: 7-10 AM or 4-6 PM
- Weekend dropoff and pickup: 10 AM or 3 PM (appointment only)
- Mid-day dropoff and pickup may be arranged in advance for an additional fee
- No after-hours dropoff or pickup available
Paperwork for Current Clients:
Essential FAQs
Our Approach
Q: What makes Austin Dogtown unique?
A: We combine structured socialization with expert supervision in our 7,000+ sq ft facility. Every day is thoughtfully designed to balance activity and rest, with professional oversight that adapts to each dog’s needs. Our approach focuses on creating an environment where dogs can build confidence while having fun.
Q: How do you maintain safety?
A: Safety is our top priority, maintained through multiple layers of protection:
- Constant professional supervision with staff rotating every 30 minutes for fresh oversight
- Structured entry and exit procedures to maintain secure boundaries
- Strategic grouping of dogs based on size, temperament, and energy levels
- Multiple secure play zones with regulated access
- Comprehensive vaccination requirements
- Off-hours monitoring for emergency response
- Regular facility maintenance and sanitization
- Trained staff who understand pack dynamics and body language
Q: What if my dog isn’t a good fit for the pack environment?
A: Not every dog thrives in a social setting, and that’s okay. During the evaluation day, we assess each dog’s comfort level with group play. If we notice signs that your dog is consistently stressed or uncomfortable in our environment, we’ll have an honest conversation about whether our facility is the best fit. We can often suggest alternative care options or modifications that might work better for your dog’s personality and needs. This being said, dog behavior is heavily influenced by pack dynamics. Your concern about your dog’s social skills may actually be unwarranted, and they may thrive in a social environment! This is why evaluation days are so helpful for all involved.
Q: What happens if my dog becomes ill or injured during their stay?
A: Your dog’s safety and wellbeing are our top priority. For injuries requiring immediate emergency care, we will contact you or the local emergency contact and transport your dog to the nearest emergency animal hospital. For illness or non-emergency situations, we will contact you or your boarding-required local emergency contact for assistance with transportation and care decisions. We maintain clear communication with pet parents about any health concerns that arise during your dog’s stay with us.
Daily Experience
Q: What does a typical day include?
A: Each day is structured to provide enrichment and engagement. Dogs participate in rotating activities between 10 AM and 4:00 PM, moving through different play areas for mental and physical stimulation. Our professional team monitors energy levels and ensures appropriate rest periods throughout the day. Boarding dogs fully participate in these daycare activities, creating a consistent, engaging experience.
Q: Why are rest periods important?
A: Strategic rest periods are essential for both physical and mental wellbeing. These breaks allow dogs to process social interactions, prevent overstimulation, and maintain positive energy levels throughout the day. All dogs must be comfortable in crates for periodic rest periods, creating a space for quiet and relaxation. This helps them stay balanced and happy during their time with us. Since personalities can ebb and flow over time, our staff maintains regular communication about any behavioral changes and their ongoing fit with our pack environment.
Q: Why do you have specific drop-off and pickup windows?
A: Our structured drop-off (7-10 AM) and pickup (4-6/6:30 PM) windows are designed to maintain a calm, consistent environment for all dogs in our care. These designated times allow us to focus completely on pack activities during mid-day hours, minimize disruptions that could create anxiety or overexcitement in the pack, and ensure proper staffing for safe transitions. When dogs arrive and depart during these set times, they can better settle into their routine and get the most out of their social experience with us. Please note there are a few adjustments to this timeframe depending on the days of the week and the services your dog is receiving.
Ready to join the pack?
Reach out to schedule your boarding, daycare, or grooming services.
