Daycare Policy

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Harbour Hounds Daycare Policy

At Harbour Hounds, the safety, happiness and wellbeing of every dog in our care is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a calm, enriching and personalised daycare experience where every dog receives individual attention, exercise and affection.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all dogs, owners are asked to read and agree to the following policy before using our daycare service.

Assessment Before Joining

All dogs must complete a pre walks & Assessment before attending daycare. This allows us to get to know your dog, assess their behaviour around other dogs, identify any triggers and ensure they are a suitable fit for our small-group daycare environment.

Acceptance into daycare is entirely at the discretion of Harbour Hounds. Not all dogs are suited to group daycare, and we reserve the right to refuse or discontinue daycare if we believe it is in the best interests of your dog or the safety and wellbeing of other dogs, people or property.

Limited Spaces

To provide personalised care and maintain a calm, low-stress environment, Harbour Hounds accepts a maximum of three dogs per day.

All daycare sessions must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.

Vaccinations & Health

For the safety of all dogs attending Harbour Hounds:

  • Dogs must be fully up to date with their core vaccinations.

  • We strongly recommend vaccination against Kennel Cough (Bordetella).

  • Dogs that have received the Kennel Cough vaccine must not attend daycare for 14 days afterwards, as it is a live vaccine and may pose a risk to other dogs.

  • Dogs must be free from contagious illnesses, parasites, fleas and ticks.

  • Dogs showing signs of illness, including coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or nasal discharge, must not attend daycare.

  • Owners must disclose any medical conditions, allergies, existing injuries or medications before attendance.

  • Proof of vaccination will  be requested before your dog's first visit or at any time thereafter.

Behaviour & Temperament

Dogs attending daycare must be friendly, sociable and comfortable around both people and other dogs.

Owners must disclose any history of:

  • Aggression

  • Reactivity

  • Anxiety

  • Separation anxiety

  • Resource guarding

  • Excessive barking

  • Escape attempts

  • Any other behavioural concerns

Providing complete and honest information helps us provide the safest possible environment for every dog in our care.

Owner Responsibility

Owners confirm that all information provided regarding their dog's health, behaviour and temperament is accurate and complete.

The owner accepts responsibility for any injury, loss or damage caused by their dog that results from undisclosed behavioural issues, aggression, medical conditions or any other information that was not disclosed before attendance.

Harbour Hounds reserves the right to refuse admission or immediately end a daycare session if a dog's behaviour presents a risk to themselves, other dogs, people or property.

Owners remain responsible for any veterinary costs, property damage or other expenses arising from their dog's actions where these result from undisclosed or withheld information.

Female Dogs

Female dogs in season cannot attend daycare.

Please notify Harbour Hounds immediately if your dog comes into season before a scheduled booking.

Food & Feeding

Owners must provide their dog's own food if feeding is required during daycare.

Please ensure:

  • Food is clearly labelled with your dog's name.

  • Feeding instructions and portion sizes are included.

  • Only the amount required for the day is supplied.

  • Any allergies, intolerances or special dietary requirements are discussed with us beforehand.

 

Medication

We are happy to administer medication during daycare at no additional charge.

All medication must:

  • Be in its original labelled container.

  • Display the dispensing label from your veterinary practice.

  • Be accompanied by clear written dosage instructions.

Medication that is not correctly labelled cannot be administered.

Bedding & Personal Belongings

Owners are welcome to provide a blanket or comfort item to help their dog settle. 

Favourite  treats are also welcome.

Please note:

  • Bedding/blankets should be clean before arrival.

  • Leads and food bowls are not required unless specifically requested.

Existing Injuries or Medical Conditions

If your dog has an existing injury, illness or requires ongoing treatment, this must be discussed with Harbour Hounds before attendance.

Where appropriate, an injury or medical care form may be completed before your dog's visit.

Safety & Emergency Veterinary Care

While every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure your dog's safety, owners acknowledge that dogs participating in supervised play, walks and outdoor activities may occasionally sustain minor injuries.

Should your dog become ill or injured while in our care:

  • We will contact you immediately.

  • If emergency veterinary treatment is required and you cannot be reached, you authorise Harbour Hounds to seek veterinary treatment on your behalf.

  • All veterinary costs incurred remain the responsibility of the owner.

Collection & Drop-Off

A collection and drop-off service is available, subject to availability, for €5 each way, per dog.

Payments

Daycare is €45 per dog, per day.

Payment is due on the first day of the week booked, unless otherwise agreed in advance.

As Harbour Hounds provides highly personalised care with very limited spaces, discounts are not available.

Photos & Social Media

With your permission, we may take photographs or videos of your dog enjoying their day.

These may be used:

  • To send you updates during the day.

  • On our website.

  • On our social media platforms.

  • In promotional material.

If you would prefer your dog not to appear in photographs or videos, simply let us know.

Cancellation Policy

We kindly ask for as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or rearrange your booking.

Late cancellations or repeated no-shows will incur a cancellation fee which is covered in our cancellation policy.

Our Commitment

Harbour Hounds is committed to providing a safe, calm and enriching environment where every dog receives the highest standard of care.

By limiting daycare to just three dogs per day, we can give every dog the individual attention, companionship, exercise and affection they deserve while ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Owner Agreement

By booking daycare with Harbour Hounds, you confirm that:

  • The information you have provided about your dog is accurate and complete.

  • Your dog is healthy, suitable for group daycare and free from contagious illness.

  • Your dog's vaccinations are up to date.

  • You have disclosed all behavioural concerns, medical conditions and medications.

  • You authorise Harbour Hounds to obtain emergency veterinary treatment if you cannot be contacted.

  • You accept responsibility for all associated veterinary costs.

  • You understand that while every reasonable precaution is taken, dogs participating in supervised daycare may occasionally sustain minor injuries.

  • You have read, understood and agree to abide by this Daycare Policy.

Thank you for choosing Harbour Hounds. We look forward to welcoming your dog into our pack and providing them with a safe, happy and enjoyable daycare experience.