Frequently Asked Questions

 

• Will you accept my dog for boarding and off-leash park visits?
  Most dogs are accepted. . Dogs that have been rejected include those with severe separation anxiety (uncontrollable barking and whining), extremely independent temperaments (inability to obey recall and other commands), and aggression/fear towards people or other dogs. Also, dogs must be...
  
  (a) At least 6 months old with some recall training.
  (b) Neutered or spayed. If your dog was neutered after 7 months of age, he must wait 4 months post surgery to reduce testosterone-driven behaviors.
  (c) In good health and have written proof of up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, parvovirus and bordatella (kennel cough), and be free from communicable disease for 30 days.
  (d) Non-aggressive and not food or toy-protective.
   
  
• Would you like to meet me and my dog before playing/boarding?
  Absolutely! Even if we met at the park, I need to see how they act toward me in their own territory.
   
  
• Can I see you in action?
  Yes. I am normally at the park at 11:20AM and again at 2:40PM. You are more than welcome to check out how I can manage 10 good dogs at a time.
   
  
• How long have you been in business?
  Since January of 2003.
   
  
• Do you have any employees besides yourself?
  Yes, Josh Knigge has moved to full time May of 2007, after part timing for a year as training. He also has 12 years of experience at a large kennel which he is happy to put behind him. 
  
• Are you insured?
  Yes, by Pet Sitters Asc., LLC and COMERCIAL auto insurance by Progressive. 
   
  
• Are you licensed?
  Good Stay is licensed by The State of Washington and the City of Seattle.
   
  
• Are you bonded?
  I am not bonded because it takes a conviction in a court of law to recover moneyfrom the bond, whereas with insurance the claim can be dealt with right away.
   
  
• Do you give volume discounts?
  No.
   
  
• Where do you take the dogs?
  I go to the off-leash area of Magnuson Park, mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
   
  
• How often do you go to the park?
  Twice a day Monday through Friday and work the boarding dogs out in our large backyard on the weekends.
   
  
• How long do you stay at the park?
  Between 60 to 75 minutes. 
   
  
• How many dogs do you walk at a time?
  From one to eleven at a time depending on compatibility.
   
  
• How do you make sure the dogs are compatible?
  At the FREE interview, I will meet you and your dog in person and ask a lot of questions to see if your dog is compatible with me and my current dog pack. Hostile, strongly independent, or extremely dominant dogs will not be eligible for service.
   
  
• How do you keep track of all the dogs at the park?
  Head counts and training for recalls. Dogs that wonder or simply do not want to be with us, will be, and have been kicked out.  
   
  
• What happens if my dog gets injured while at play?
  My insurance will only cover negligence on my part. If your dog swallows something, has an allergic reaction, etc., then I will gladly take them to the emergency room where the vet will ask you for your credit card info. The trip there is on the house (my house).
   
  
• When it’s muddy at the park do you hose off the dogs?
  Yes, at your place, if they are dirty.
   
  
• How do you charge for boarding?
  We charge much like a hotel. If you drop off the dog at 8 am until 9 PM then pick them up at 9:30 AM the next day that would be $30. If we drop them off that afternoon we'll charge you an additional for a $15 park run/additional care time (late check out) for a total of $50. Pick ups from 6PM-9PM the next day will incur an additional $30 charge for a total of $60.
   
  
• What about reservations and cancellations during holidays?
  To reserve space for your dog during holiday periods, a non-refundable 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. Holiday periods are: Martin-Luther King Weekend, President’s Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July, Labor Day Weekend, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.
   
  
• When can we pick up the dog?
  Hours for pick up are 8AM to 9:30AM and 6PM to 9PM. Later pick ups are NOT allowed because of neighborhood noise considerations. We also offer drop-offs during normal routes in our service area and are included in the $15 park run/care time of the last boarding day.
   
  
• How many dogs can you board at one time?
  12.
   
  
• How big is your boarding area?
  I have about 1200 square feet divided into two rooms of a daylight basement, as well as 3000 square feet of well-fenced backyard.
   
  
• Will my dog go to the park?
  All dogs will go to the park at least one time during the day if they behave well at the park. We would rather take care of well exercised dogs.
   
  
• Can I bring my dog’s bed/toys/blanket when he boards?
  No. To avoid any confrontations these items are not permitted.
   
  
• Should I bring my dog’s food when he boards?
  Yes.
   
• Where will my dog sleep when boarding?
  In one of two large rooms with comfy leather couches and dog beds.
   
  
• Can you administer medications?
  Yes.
   
  
• Do you use kennels?
  Yes, when a dog becomes ill, is rambunctious after bed time, displays destructive behaviors or per an owner’s request.
   
  
• What do you clean with?
  Simply Green, Dr. Bronner’s soap, bleach.