The House Rules

Policies & Guidelines

We like to keep things easy, safe, and tail-waggingly fun. A few house rules help us make sure every Dogpatch pup gets the same thoughtful care we’d want for our own.

 

Meet & Greets

New around here? Let’s sniff things out first.

A meet & greet may be required before your pup’s first service so we can get to know each other, talk through routines, medications, quirks, favorite treats, and anything else that makes your dog your dog.

For boarding and certain services, a meet & greet may be required before we can confirm the reservation.

 

Health & Vaccinations

For the safety of everyone in the pack, dogs should be healthy, free of contagious illness, and current on veterinarian-recommended vaccinations appropriate for their age and lifestyle. Please let us know about any medical conditions, allergies, medications, recent illnesses, injuries, or other health concerns before your dog’s visit.

If your pup isn’t feeling well, tell us. We’ll work together to determine whether their scheduled service should be changed or rescheduled.

 

Behavior & Safety

Every dog has a personality. Some are social butterflies. Some prefer a smaller circle. And some think the mail carrier is clearly up to something. Please tell us about any history of aggression, biting, resource guarding, reactivity, escape attempts, or other behavior that could affect your dog’s safety or the safety of others. Not every service is right for every dog. Dogpatch may modify or decline a service when necessary to keep your pup, other animals, and humans safe.

 

Walks, Adventures & Weather

Michigan weather has opinions. Walks and outdoor adventures may be shortened, modified, relocated, or rescheduled when extreme heat, cold, storms, poor air quality, icy conditions, or other circumstances make the original plan unsafe. Your dog’s safety always comes before the clock.

 

Home Access

For services provided in your home, please make sure we have reliable access before your scheduled visit.

Keys, entry codes, alarm instructions, and other access information are treated with care and used only as needed to provide your dog’s service. Please let us know about anyone else who may be entering the home during our scheduled visit.

 

Emergencies

If something unexpected happens, we’ll make reasonable efforts to contact you or your designated emergency contact right away. If we believe your pet needs urgent veterinary attention and you cannot be reached, you authorize Dogpatch Social to seek appropriate veterinary care on your behalf. Veterinary and related expenses remain the pet owner’s responsibility.

 

Cancellations

Plans change. We get it. Please give us as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows may be subject to a cancellation fee, particularly for services where time or space has been reserved exclusively for your pup. Specific cancellation requirements will be provided when booking.

 

Boarding

Our boarding space is intentionally limited so we can keep things comfortable, personal, and home-like.

Boarding dogs must be a good fit for the Dogpatch environment. A meet & greet or trial visit may be required before an overnight stay. Please provide accurate feeding, medication, behavioral, and emergency information before your dog’s stay.

 

Pickups & Returns

Running late? Just let us know.

For services involving scheduled pickup, drop-off, or boarding departure times, additional charges may apply when significant delays require additional care or interfere with another scheduled service.

 

Payment

Pricing and any applicable fees will be confirmed before service. Payment is due according to the terms provided at booking.Additional services or expenses requested or authorized during your dog’s care may be added to the final total.

 

One Last Thing…

Dogs aren’t robots, weather isn’t predictable, and sometimes the best-laid plans encounter a squirrel.

We’ll always use good judgment, communicate when something changes, and make your dog’s safety and well-being our priority.

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