HOW TO ENSURE YOUR DOG'S SAFETY AT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP
While in our care, we exercise every precaution to make sure your dogs are in a safe and happy environment, but there are always the drop-off and pick-up exchanges where some risks come into play. Let’s talk about simple steps that can be taken to ensure your dog’s safety at drop-off and pick-up at Good Dog.
1. BE MINDFUL OF OTHER DOGS IN THE LOBBY
Yes, both dogs might be in the lobby waiting to go into daycare, but what you might not realize is that your dog and that dog might not be friends and they may not typically spend time together in the playrooms. Some dogs can become stressed when on a leash around other dogs and may act aggressively – even if they are friends. The best way to handle it is to keep a distance between the dogs.
2. CLOSE THE DOOR
Never, ever leave the door open. It seems simple, but this action can prevent a dog from running out of the lobby into the street if they happen to break loose - maybe their lead was dropped or they wriggled out of their collar or harness (yes, it happens) - always make sure you’re not holding that door open. There’s a reason we put a door closer on it!
3. ALWAYS BRING YOUR DOG IN ON A LEASH
While you may be used to your dog following you and your commands, you’re stepping into an environment where there are anywhere from 40-60 dogs per day - this can cause some different behaviors in your dog. As stated in our Policies and Procedures, “All dogs MUST be wearing a quick-release collar with a name tag and should be on a leash upon entry.” We’re always happy to see dogs in harnesses (though you know they can present a challenge when we’re putting them back on at the end of the day - they’re certainly not universal!) as they are harder to wiggle out from in the lobby and while on potty walks.
4. HAVE A PHOTO IN YOUR PAW PARTNER PROFILE
While we always make sure that your dog’s profile has a photo to better identify them on check-in and check-out, we also find it helpful to have a photo of yourself in your human profile. This too is a tool to help our staff recognize that you are, in fact, that dog’s human.
5. ALWAYS LET US KNOW IF SOMEONE ELSE WILL BE PICKING UP YOUR DOG
This is extremely important - we don’t want to hand your dog off to a stranger and we’re sure you don’t want us to either. Always let our staff know if someone else is picking up your dog and whether they are always authorized to pick up or if it’s just a one-time thing.
Helping us keep your drop-off and pick-up experience safe not only benefits your dog but also benefits all humans involved. We thank you for your efforts!