Before your pet’s stay, we want you to feel confident and well-prepared. This FAQ page covers our most important boarding policies, including food preparation, vaccination requirements, check-in and check-out details, holiday cancellations, and seasonal rates. You’ll also find answers to common questions about our services below, so everything you need is easy to find in one place.
Thank you for helping us provide a smooth and organized experience for all our guests!
Pet Food Guidelines
To ensure every pet receives proper care and stays on schedule, we ask that all food is pre-portioned into single-serving ziplock bags before arrival.
Food Preparation Instructions:
Pre-portion each meal into a separate ziplock bag.
Label the bags only if breakfast and dinner portions differ.
Place all portioned bags into a tote or grocery bag clearly labeled with your pet’s name.
Canned food does not need to be pre-portioned; you may bring the cans as-is.
We offer on-site storage for food requiring refrigeration or freezing.
Important Notes:
Bulk food bags or large containers cannot be accepted due to storage limitations.
A /day fee applies if food is not pre-packaged as requested.
A fee per meal applies for late breakfasts or additional lunch meals outside standard feeding times.
Check-In & Check-Out Policy
Check-In:
Pets may be checked in any time during business hours on their arrival day.
Early daycare drop-offs (5:30–6:00 AM, Mon–Fri) available for $10 per reservation.
Check-Out:
Check-out time: by 12:00 PM on the final day.
Late check-outs incur a $30 daycare fee per dog or $58 for shared-room dogs.
Extended pick-up/drop-off until 8:00 PM available for $75 one-time fee (advance booking required).
Administrative Service Charge
A 3.9% administrative fee applies to all card transactions to cover processing costs.
Cash payments are welcome to avoid the fee.
Cancellation Policy
Non-Holiday Cancellations:
No formal notice required, but we kindly ask for reasonable advance notice.
Cancellations can be made via your customer portal, phone, text, or email.
Holiday Cancellations:
A minimum 7-day notice is required to avoid fees.
Cancellations or changes with less than 7 days’ notice will incur a fee, unless the change is only a 1-night reduction (in which case, a 1-night charge applies).
Applies to dates listed in our Holiday Schedule.
Holiday Schedule:
Spring Break: March 27 – April 5, 2026
Memorial Day Weekend: May 22 – May 25, 2026
Independence Day Weekend: July 3 – July 6, 2026
Labor Day Weekend: September 4 – September 7, 2026
Columbus Day Weekend: October 9 – October 12, 2026
Thanksgiving Week: November 24 – November 29, 2026
Christmas/New Year: December 22, 2026 – January 4, 2027
Seasonal Boarding Rates:
During these peak periods, a $5 night surcharge applies per guest. Begins Memorial Day Weekend.
Vaccine Requirements
We prioritize the health of al pets in our care. Up-to-date vaccinations are required for all dogs and cats.
Required Vaccines:
Dogs:
Rabies
Distemper/Parvo (DHPP or equivalent)
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
We also recommend influenza, but this optional, not required.
Cats:
Rabies
Feline Distemper (FVRCP)
Vaccine Record Requirements:
Date of Administration
Expiration Date or Duration (6 months, 1 year, or 3 years)
Legible documentation from a veterinarian with pet name and vaccine info
Please bring your dog’s regular food, pre-portioned by meal and labeled with your pet’s name. Canned, fresh, frozen, or raw food is welcome. A /day fee applies if food is not pre-packaged, and house food is available for per meal if needed.
Medications should be in original containers with vet instructions. Bedding and bowls are provided, including raised Kuranda beds (optional mattress topper available). You may bring up to two safe, non-valuable toys.
For safety and space reasons, please do not bring beds, blankets, large food containers, glass items, or valuables.
What if my dog doesn’t interact with other dogs do they get to still play?
Absolutely! Any dog categorized as a 1-on-1 or Solo dog will get 1 free 20-minute playtime with an employee on top of multiple potty breaks. We have additional playtimes available for purchase.
Do I need an assessment before my pet can stay?
No assessments are required. We tailor every dog’s experience to their needs and take it at their pace.
Do you accept intact pets or challenging dogs?
Yes. We welcome intact pets, challenging dogs, and even “no-touch” dogs. For these guests, we have kennels with outdoor space to provide comfort and safety.
What is included in boarding?
Boarding guests enjoy:
A private room with a luxury raised Kuranda bed (mattress toppers available)
Daily potty breaks built into their schedule
The option to join group daycare or have handler one-on-one playtime
Feeding at our structured times (6:30–7:30 AM and 4–5 PM) with your own food, or house food if needed
Can I bring my own food or medicine?
Yes — absolutely, and we never charge for that. We believe keeping your pet on their own diet and medication is essential for their health and happiness, and it should never be an add-on fee.
We provide feeding at our standard times (AM & PM) at no cost. If your pet requires an additional mid-day feeding outside those times, there is a small service fee.
Grooming and SPA FAQ
What is the difference between a Mini Groom and a Full Groom?
A Mini Groom includes a bath, blow dry, brush-out, nail trim, ear cleaning, and light face/feet/sanitary trimming. It does not include a full haircut. A Full Groom includes everything in a Mini Groom plus a full haircut styled to your preference.
How long does grooming take?
Grooming time varies based on your dog’s size, coat condition, and service selected. Most appointments range from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Estimated times are listed with each service.
Do you groom all breeds and coat types?
Yes. We groom all breeds and coat types. Some coat conditions or behaviors may limit the style that can be safely achieved.
Why do you require vaccines for grooming-only dogs?
We are a boarding and daycare facility, and grooming dogs may be in shared spaces. To protect all dogs in our care, we require the same vaccination standards across all services.
What happens if my dog is matted?
If matting is present, our groomers will assess what can be done safely and humanely. In some cases, shaving may be required to avoid pain or injury. We do not perform dematting that could compromise your dog’s comfort or safety.
Can I bring a photo of the haircut I want?
Yes. We strongly encourage clients to upload a reference photo to their MoeGo portal prior to the appointment to help us achieve the most accurate style possible.
What if I am late to my appointment?
Late arrivals may result in a modified or shortened groom, or the appointment may need to be rescheduled if it impacts safety or scheduling.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations, or 48 hours during peak holiday periods. Late cancellations are charged the full groom price, with 50% issued as account credit.
Do you require a card on file?
Yes. A valid card on file is required for all grooming appointments.
When do I need to pick up my dog?
Once grooming is complete, dogs must be picked up within 2 hours. Pick-ups beyond this window will incur a daycare charge.
Can The Gold Leash refuse grooming services?
For safety and well-being reasons, we reserve the right to refuse or discontinue grooming services if a groom cannot be completed safely or humanely.
Do groomers accept tips?
Tipping is optional and always appreciated. Tips for grooming-only services go directly to the groomer.
Our Commitment
Satisfaction Guarantee
At The Gold Leash, your satisfaction means everything to us. We stand behind the care and service we provide, and our team is always ready to go the extra mile to ensure every visit meets your expectations.
Our Satisfaction Guarantee gives you confidence that our ownership and staff are fully committed to making things right and addressing any concerns with the level of care your pet received. Because at The Gold Leash, we believe every guest (and their human) deserves to leave happy.
At The Gold Leash, your satisfaction means everything to us. We stand behind the care and service we provide, and our team is always ready to go the extra mile to ensure every visit meets your expectations.
Our Satisfaction Guarantee gives you confidence that our ownership and staff are fully committed to making things right and addressing any concerns with the level of care your pet received. Because at The Gold Leash, we believe every guest (and their human) deserves to leave happy.