Daycare information
At Harbour Hounds, we understand that leaving your beloved companion can be a big decision. Our daycare service in Skerries, North County Dublin, is designed to provide a safe, fun, and enriching environment for your dog when you can't be there. We offer personalised care for a maximum of three dogs per day, ensuring individual attention and a calm atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
We've put together some of the most common questions about our dog daycare service to help you make an informed decision for your furry friend. If you have any further queries, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Is daycare right for my dog?
Dog daycare is a great option for friendly, social dogs who enjoy spending time with people and other dogs. Whether your dog is full of energy or simply enjoys companionship during the day, we'll help determine if daycare is the right fit with an initial pre walks & assessment. This is a requirement to ensure the safety of all dogs in our care.
How many dogs do you accept each day?
We only accept 3 dogs per day, allowing us to provide a calm, safe environment with plenty of individual attention and care.
What happens on my dog's first day?
Your dog's first visit is designed to help them settle in at their own pace. We introduce them gradually to suitable playmates while monitoring their comfort and behaviour. Our priority is making the experience positive and stress-free.
Do you assess every dog before they join?
Yes. Every dog completes an assessment before becoming a regular daycare guest. Our asessment process is strict and we may ask you to book in for walks so that we can assess your dog on an individual basis and asses behaviour with people, other dogs, look for triggers etc. This allows us to get to know their personality, play style, and social skills so we can ensure daycare is a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Why do you only have 3 spaces available?
By keeping our daycare small, every dog receives one-to-one attention, supervised play, rest breaks, training if required and a relaxed experience without the stress of large groups. We offer a personalised service and like to get to know each dog individually providing a unique small scale service.
How do I book my dog's place?
Simply get in touch via our contact form, or social media and we will get back to you with further information. As spaces are limited, we recommend booking as early as possible.
Can I book regular weekly days?
Yes! We offer regular weekly bookings for dogs who attend on the same day(s) each week, subject to availability.
Will my dog be with other dogs?
Yes, but only in a very small, carefully managed group of up to three dogs. We ensure all dogs are compatible and comfortable together. By keeping our daycare small, every dog receives one-to-one attention, supervised play, rest breaks, and a relaxed experience without the stress of large groups.
Does my dog need to be vaccinated?
Yes. All dogs must be up to date with their core vaccinations and worming/flea and tick treatment and be in good health before attending daycare.
Does my dog need a Kennel cough vaccination?
All dogs attending Harbour Hounds daycare MUST be vaccinated against kennel cough 14 days prior to attending, as they will be socialising with other dogs.
Like the common cold in humans, kennel cough can still spread even among vaccinated dogs, but vaccination can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
If your dog is showing any signs of illness, including coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge, they must not attend daycare. Please let us know as soon as possible so we can rearrange their booking.
The health and wellbeing of every dog in our care is our top priority. We ask all owners to help us maintain a healthy environment by keeping unwell dogs at home until they have fully recovered.
What do I need to know before inquiring about joining my dog for daycare?
Before joining our daycare, every dog must first attend a FREE meet and greet. We may suggest your dog starts with some solo walks, This gives us the opportunity to get to know your dog, assess their behaviour around other dogs, identify any triggers, and ensure they are comfortable in different situations. Because we only care for three dogs per day, it's important that every dog is a good fit for our small group environment. Assessments are really important to helps us create safe, positive experiences for everyone and allows us to match dogs with suitable companions.
Can you describe what a dog's day looks like, from drop-off to pick-up, when they're at Harbour Hounds daycare?
Every day is designed to be fun, enriching, and tailored to the needs of the dogs in our care. We will collect your dog from thier home, your dog will settle in with their small group of friends before heading out for an adventure-filled Walk & More. This includes plenty of opportunities to explore, sniff, play, and enjoy the outdoors at a pace that suits the group. Dogs enjoy supervised play, enrichment activities, mental stimulation, and, just as importantly, time to rest and recharge. Fresh water is always available, and if your dog requires lunch or medication, we're happy to follow their usual routine and follow any specific feeding or medical instructions (foods/medicnes must be provided in a ziplock bag and labelled with dogs name/instructions). Because we only care for three dogs per day, every dog receives lots of individual attention, affection, and care throughout the day. We adapt activities to suit each dog's personality, energy level, and needs, ensuring they feel safe, happy, and included. By the time it's home time, your dog will have enjoyed exercise, companionship, enrichment, and plenty of love.
Can I see photos of my dog/s during the day?
Yes! With your permission, we love sharing updates and photos so you can see what your dog has been up to.
Will my dog get Muddy?
Possibly! We love outdoor adventures in all seasons. We do our best to clean muddy paws before home time, but your dog may come home with evidence of a fun-filled day.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel. Any cancellations outside of our 24 hour cancellation policy results in a full charge.
Can I book occasional daycare or do I need a regular space?
We offer both regular and occasional daycare, subject to availability. As we only have three spaces each day, early booking is recommended as spaces are generally booked up ahead of time.
Do you take dogs with Behavioural issues?
We carefully assess every dog during their Walk & assessment sessions. While we can accommodate many personalities, dogs displaying aggression or behaviour that could compromise the safety of others may not be suitable for daycare.
What if my dog has allergies or special dietary requirements?
We're happy to accommodate special diets, allergies, and feeding routines. Please tell us about any dietary or medical requirements before your dog's first visit.
What Happens if my dog becomes Ill/Injured?
While we do take every precation to provide a safe envoirment for all. Accidents can sometimes happen. If your dog becomes unwell or is injured while in our care, we will contact you immediately. If emergency veterinary treatment is required, we will seek prompt medical attention while keeping you informed.
What should I bring/give you?
Please bring your dog's lead, collar or harness, any required medication, and lunch if needed. We provide fresh water, enrichment activities, and comfortable places to rest.
How old does my dog need to be to attend daycare?
Puppies are welcome once they have completed their core vaccinations and are confident enough to enjoy a social environment. Contact us to discuss whether your puppy is ready for daycare.
Ready for a happy day at Harbour Hounds?
We're dedicated to providing the best possible care for your dog in a small, personalised setting. Get in touch today to learn more or book your dog's assessment.