Booking FAQ's
Everything you need to know about booking and using Harbour Hounds services.
Harbour Hounds Booking Frequently asked questions
How do I book a service?
Booking is easy! Simply complete our online contact form, contact us by email or social media, and we'll confirm availability. (Meet & Greet Pre-pre-requisite prior to first booking where we can confirm availability)
Do you offer a meet and greet?
Yes. All new clients are required to complete a complimentary Meet & Greet before their first booking. This gives us the opportunity to meet you and your dog, discuss their routine and care requirements, and answer any questions.
For daycare, all dogs must also complete a some walks & Assessment before joining.
Which areas do you cover?
Skerries
Balbriggan
Balrothrey
Loughshinny
Rush
Donabate
Gormanstown
Stamullen
What services do you offer
Harbour Hounds provides:
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Dog Walking
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Small Group Daycare
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Home Pet Care
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Puppy Visits
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Collection & Drop-Off Service
Does my dog need to be vaccinated?
Yes.
Dogs must be up to date with their core vaccinations.
For Daycare We also strongly require the Kennel Cough vaccination.
Please note that dogs must not attend daycare for 14 days after receiving the Kennel Cough vaccine.
Can my dog attend if they are unwell?
No.
For the health and safety of all dogs, dogs showing signs of illness, including coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea or other contagious conditions, must not attend.
Please contact us as soon as possible if your dog becomes unwell before a booking.
Do you walk dogs off-lead?
Only with the owner's permission and where we believe it is safe to do so.
If we have any concerns regarding recall or safety, your dog will remain on lead or be walked using a long line.
How Many dogs attned daycare?
To provide individual attention and maintain a calm environment, Harbour Hounds accepts a maximum of three dogs per day.
What happens in the case of an emergency?
If your dog becomes ill or injured while in our care, we will contact you immediately.
If emergency veterinary treatment is required and we cannot reach you, you authorise us to seek veterinary treatment on your behalf.
Any veterinary costs remain the owner's responsibility.
What happens if I need to cancel?
We understand that plans change.
Please give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or amend a booking.
Our full Booking & Cancellation Policy is available on our website.
Will I recieve updates?
Yes!
We love keeping owners updated and can send photographs and messages during walks, daycare or home pet care visits (with your permission).
What information do you need before my first booking?
We'll ask you to complete our client registration form, which includes information such as:
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Your contact details.
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Emergency contacts.
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Veterinary details.
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Vaccination records.
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Feeding routine.
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Medical information.
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Behaviour and temperament.
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Medication requirements.
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Home access arrangements (where applicable).
This helps us provide the safest and most personalised care possible.
How do I pay?
Payment details will be provided when your booking is confirmed.
Payment is due in accordance with our Booking & Cancellation Policy which is available to view in the policies section of our website.
What if my dog isnt suitable for daycare?
Not every dog enjoys or benefits from a group daycare environment.
If we feel your dog would be happier with an alternative service, we'll discuss this with you and recommend the most suitable option, such as individual dog walks or home pet care.
Have a question we haven't answered?
We're always happy to help.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch and we'll be delighted to answer any questions about our services.
Do all dogs require pre walks & assessment before daycare?
Yes. Dogs wishing to attend daycare must complete a series of pre walk & Assessment before joining to ensure they are comfortable in a small group environment and our that they are suitable for this service. We take safety very seriously and want all the dogs in our care to be as safe and comfortable as possible. We aim for quality over quantity.
Can I book a regular weekly slot?
Yes. We offer recurring weekly bookings, subject to availability. Regular clients are allocated a reserved space.
How long are your walks?
Walk lengths vary depending on the service booked and your dog's age, fitness and individual needs. We'll discuss the most suitable option during your Meet & Greet.
Do dogs get rest time during daycare?
Absolutely. Rest is just as important as exercise, and all dogs have opportunities to relax throughout the day.
Can you care for elderly dogs?
Yes. We tailor our care to suit dogs of all ages, including senior dogs and those with additional care needs.
Are you insured?
Yes. Harbour Hounds is fully insured for the services we provide.
Where can I read your policies?
All of our policies, including Booking & Cancellation, Daycare, Dog Walking, Home Pet Care and Privacy Policy, are available on our website.
Why do you only accept 3 daycare dogs?
We believe quality is more important than quantity. By limiting daycare to just three dogs per day, we can provide a calm, safe and personalised environment where every dog receives individual attention, supervised play, enrichment, exercise and plenty of affection. This allows us to get to know each dog's personality and tailor their day to their needs.