Policies & ProceduresStandard of care & guidelines
This outlines the contract between dog owner or authorized representative of owner (“owner”) and National Bark LLC (“National Bark”) for the boarding/daycare/grooming and care of the dog or dogs in attendance (“dog”or “dogs”).
Facility Service Policies:
- Owner hereby represents and warrants that they are the owner of the dog in this agreement and have the sole right to enter into this agreement to authorize National Bark to provide services in accordance with this agreement. Owner also represents that the dog has not been exposed to distemper, parvovirus, rabies or any other disease that may be harmful to humans or any other animals.
- Owner understands and agrees that National Bark provides services related to grooming, boarding, daycare, training as well as provides enrichment related activities to all dogs. Owner agrees to hold National Bark harmless and without liability related to any and all services provided by National Bark.
- National Bark agrees to exercise due and reasonable care to ensure the facility is safe and properly enclosed to ensure the well-being of all dogs.
- Owner authorizes National Bark to allow my dog to interact and engage in social and enrichment activities with other dogs or individually as directed by National Bark. Owner also understands that even though the behavior of their dog and other dogs has been evaluated and even with proper supervision, there may be the potential of their dog being injured by another dog or injuring itself.
- If an injury occurs, owner understands that they will be liable for the cost of veterinary charges to properly treat the dog for any injuries that have occurred while in the supervision of National Bark. Owner also agrees to release National Bark, its officers, members, employees and or assigns from all responsibility or for claims arising from such injury.
- Owner authorizes National Bark, at its discretion, to seek medical services or attention on behalf of the dog in the instance National Bark feels it is necessary to seek or administer such care. Owner also hereby authorizes the transportation of my dog to a veterinarian or other location if deemed necessary by National Bark. I understand and agree with the risks associated therewith. When possible or applicable, National Bark will use the first choice of vet services listed for the dog, but National Bark reserves the right to make the final decision on which vet services to use. Owner agrees to be solely responsible for the payment of all medical attention received on behalf of the dog. Owner also releases from liability National Bark, its officers, members, employees, and representatives for all responsibility arising from any administration or transportation of such medical care.
- Please ensure your pet is leashed as they arrive, we will leave their leash and collar with you, but for their safety in our parking lot, we ask they have a leash and collar on for arrival.
- Small dogs shall be subject to evaluation regarding interactive play. Smaller dogs are at risk of injury during interactive play so National Bark will use its discretion whether to allow smaller dogs to be involved in certain play activities.
- If your dog is found to have fleas or other external parasites, we will use an appropriate treatment for the infestation and will bathe the dog at the owners’ expense or call and ask the dog to be picked up. They will not be eligible to return to care until the problem has been resolved. If we treat the dog a fee for the treatment of the infestation will be charged.
- National Bark may choose to use closed circuit monitors (CCM). It is currently the policy to use the CCM system internally as a safety and training tool.
- During times of severe weather, National Bark will decide according to the well being of the dog, whether outside play is appropriate. We do not want the dogs to either over heat or be exposed to weather that is too cold. Please let us know if your dog has a medical condition that may affect them in any inclement weather situation.
- National Bark assumes no liability for any loss or damage arising from disease, death, escape, theft, fire, injury to persons, other animals, or property, or any other unforeseen circumstances, while dogs are being boarded, groomed, or otherwise cared for. The facility takes all reasonable precautions and exercises due diligence in the care of the animals.
Daycare Interaction & Policies:
When you schedule a daycare appointment, we staff accordingly. Due to this we require at least 24-hour advance notice of cancellation. If you do not cancel within that period, you may be charged the daycare rate.
A full day of daycare is considered anything over 4 hours of care during that day. A half day of care is anything less than 4 hours per day.
Owner understands that some dogs will experience tender feet or pads if they run or play excessively. Some dogs may run excessively and rip their pads. National Bark will attempt to prevent this from happening, but it cannot ensure that it will always be able to determine if this will happen.
When dogs are at play outside, they may encounter insects that may bite, sting or may be ingested. National Bark strives to ensure the safety of every dog.
For dogs attending daycare, we ask that you feed your dog at least 90 minutes prior to drop off to help prevent bloat. Bloat can be a deadly condition where the dog’s stomach fills with food or gas and twists, this will require surgery and survival rates vary depending on many factors. It is pertinent you let staff know at the time of drop off, if your dog has eaten within the 90 minutes for their health and safety.
Pick up and drop off for daycare needs to happen between hours of operation. Any dog that is picked up late past closing will be charged 1 dollar every minute for 30 minutes until an hour after closing, where they will be charged and checked in for unscheduled boarding services.
Packages: Daycare packages are purchased in bulk and are held on file for use. We do require that the daycare package be used within one year of purchase. National Bark may issue refunds for daycare packages at the company’s discretion. If a refund is issued for a package, the visits used in the package will be charged at the then current daily daycare rate and any portion remaining will be refunded. After each visit, we will reduce a day from the daycare package total use until the purchased visits have been used. National Bark will not charge these packages on a renewal basis without prior authorization and may require a confirmation every time a package is purchased.
National Bark reserves the right to keep dogs they deem necessary out of play due to health reasons that either may or may not have been disclosed.
We do not administer medications or food for daycare dogs who are here only during the day.
Please do not bring any toys with your dog for daycare, as we have activities and provide stimulation for them throughout the day.
Health & Vaccinations:
Although each dog goes through an evaluation process that determines whether they are suitable for care in our facility sometimes temperaments change. If your dog begins to show signs of aggression toward the staff or other dogs, National Bark will use its best practices and judgment to decide whether that dog should be removed from various settings and in some instances may be prevented from continuing to attend.
National Bark requires that each dog be vaccinated and maintain an up-to-date vaccination record as well as be healthy before and during attendance. There are however viruses, including but not limited to: Colds, Bordetella, Giardia, Papilloma Virus, Conjunctivitis, etc. that cannot be fully vaccinated for and may be present in a social setting and my dog may be exposed to these and other viruses and diseases. If a dog is suspected to have any of these viruses at the time of service or prior to services with National Bark, the company may require veterinarians approval and or test results before utilizing our services again.
National Bark uses state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and procedures, as well as air exchanger equipment. Although many precautions are taken to ensure the environment is clean, there is always the potential for harmful airborne viruses and disease to be present in the facility.
Due to possible increased health complications, dogs who have tested positive for heartworms or are undergoing treatment are not eligible for services. To be eligible for services after heartworm treatment National Bark will require vet clearance for services. National Bark reserves the right to evaluate and determine the eligibility of each case.
At National Bark, our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs in our care during each visit. To maintain a safe and healthy environment, we have established a policy to restrict or deny service to dogs with certain conditions. These include but are not limited to seizures, diabetes, incontinence, kennel cough or respiratory infections, pneumonia, papilloma, conjunctivitis, a history of strokes, intestinal parasites, non-ambulatory dogs, dogs undergoing chemotherapy, and immunocompromised dogs. Additionally, National Bark reserves the right to refuse service to any dog with conditions that may pose a risk to the health or safety of the social group, even if not specifically listed here.
Dogs may experience stress-related symptoms from daycare, boarding, grooming or other services at National Bark. Some symptoms of stress can include but may not be limited to vomiting and diarrhea as well as loss of appetite. National Bark will communicate any stress-related behavior we identify.
Puppies 4 months and older are permitted for services but must have finished their puppy boosters before they are eligible for any services. They must have had at least 1 distemper/parvo booster and the yearly vaccine, a current rabies vaccine and an annual Bordetella vaccine. After their final booster, there is a 14-day waiting period prior to eligibility.
National Bark does not accept handwritten, sticker books, pet passports, breeder vaccination cards, or home vaccinations. All vaccines and shots must be administered by a licensed veterinarian practicing veterinary medicine and in good standing with the veterinary board or licensing entity in the United States for the state in which services are received.
Adult dogs are required to have proof of vaccines for distemper/parvo and rabies vaccines, administered every year or every three years depending on the timeline required by the veterinarian, and an annual Bordetella vaccine.
Any vaccinations that have not been administered prior to the expiration date or are not current will prompt a 7 day wait period prior to receiving services. If a dog is receiving their first round of vaccinations there is a 14-day waiting period prior to them being eligible for services.
Titer testing: National Bark understands that vaccinations can be harmful to some dogs and not all dogs are the same. We accept titer tests for parvo and distemper, but rabies and bordetella vaccines are required. Owners should be aware that a titer test, as well as a vaccination does not guarantee against all viruses. National Bark is not responsible or liable for any dog in the facility that may contract a virus.
I certify that my dog is up to date on all vaccinations or shots required and is in good enough health to engage in an interactive setting or activities offered by National Bark.
National Bark will administer topical or pill-based medications to boarding dogs only, and only if they are brought in in the original container. It is important that we have the original container and a medication authorization form, signed by the owner, with instructions on how and when to administer the medication. National Bark will administer over-the-counter medications with a medication authorization signed by the owner. The OTC medication must be in the original container and be accompanied by specific instructions for administering.
Dogs with open wounds, fresh hot spots, stitches or other similar conditions are not eligible for interactive daycare or grooming services.
It is important that you inform us of any medical condition you feel may prevent your dog from interacting in a group setting or participating in any activities that National Bark offers throughout the day.
We do not accept wolf or wolf hybrid breeds, as they have different instincts and interact differently than domestically bred dogs.
Spay & Neuter:
All unspayed/ unneutered dogs over the age of 6 months are not eligible for interactive daycare and must be enrolled in our solo daycare program.
Males that are not neutered and females that are not spayed over the age of 6 months will not be permitted to board together. If your dog is not eligible for interactive daycare, they must be enrolled in our solo play program for daycare. If they are boarding they will take part of our solo play rotation so they will get to play during their stay.
Females are not permitted at the facility if they are, or anticipate being, pregnant, in heat, or lactating. If this occurs during their stay, she will need to be picked up or transferred to a vet for the remainder of their stay.
Females or males who have undergone a sparing spay or neuter procedure are not eligible for social daycare, but are welcome to join our solo play program.
If your dog has recently been spayed or neutered, please give it 10 days before returning to care to ensure your dog has plenty of time to heal.
Dogs who have spay/neuter stitches are not eligible for social play during their daycare or boarding stay. They can be eligible for our solo play daycare or solo boarding play groups. They will however not be eligible for bathing services, we reserve the right to take each dog at National Bark’s discretion.
Boarding Policies:
Only dogs that live together will be allowed to board together. The number of dogs that can board together will be based on the size of the enclosure.
National Bark will administer topical or pill-based medications to boarding dogs only, and only if they are brought in in the original container. It is important that we have the original container and a medication authorization form, signed by the owner, with instructions on how and when to administer the medication. National Bark will administer over-the-counter medications with a medication authorization signed by the owner. The OTC medication must be in the original container and be accompanied by specific instructions for administering.
Boarding is considered any dog scheduled to stay overnight or any dog at the facility after 7pm. Any dog not scheduled to be boarded but is left for boarding will be charged that day’s daycare rate, the boarding rate and an additional $20 due to a possible increase in staffing or unexpected circumstances which may arise out of unscheduled boarding.
A 50% payment for boarding and any requested additional services will be charged to your payment method 48 hours in advance of your dog’s attendance. The balance will be charged once services equal to the deposit have been used. Your preferred method of payment will be kept on file. You authorize National Bark to charge your payment method according to the services used while in our care. If your dog is boarding for less than a week the payment of boarding services will be paid prior to your dog being accepted into our boarding facility. For dogs boarding longer than a week your credit card or method of payment, which is required to be on file, will be billed at the beginning of each week or billing period.
When you schedule a boarding appointment, we staff accordingly. Due to this we require at least 48-hour advance notice of cancellation. If you do not cancel prior to the 48 hours you will be charged for the boarding days required to meet the 48 hour notice period.
Although National Bark strives to maintain the integrity of all items brought from home, we cannot guarantee that these items will be returned in the same way they were brought in. We ask that you only bring up to two toys for their stay that are labeled with their first and last name in sharpie. National Bark does not allow the use of tennis balls or balls/toys smaller than a tennis ball due to choking hazards. Raw hides of any kind are not permitted for use during their stay at National Bark and will not be accepted.
Raw food and freeze-dried diets: National Bark supports raw and freeze-dried diets, but due to how extensive these meals can be, please minimize to 3 ingredients and have each meal pre-bagged for AM and PM feeding for direct administration into your dog’s bowl. We also ask that detailed instructions be given in their account and confirmed at the time of check-in.
When necessary or requested, National Bark will use house food to feed your dog. The food offered to the dogs in our care is typically grain-free food as we find that most dogs are able to handle an immediate switch of food if it is grain-free. If your dog is intolerant to grain it is imperative that you inform us of that diet restriction. National Bark charges a nominal fee for this service and is given at the am feeding and the pm feeding if the dog is in attendance during those feeding times.
Dogs left in our care longer than 10 days without notice or prior approval will be considered abandoned and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Spa Policies & Practices:
Bathing fees are charged based on breed, but on occasion due to mix breeding National Bark will charge based on weight, and or fur density, unless excessive matting is present. Dogs with matted coats require a great deal more attention and if excessive matting is present, National Bark may decline to provide services if it will cause pain or discomfort to the dog. Mats cause the coat to grow tight and pull on or damage the skin. It can restrict blood and can be a breeding ground for parasites. Matting can hide moisture creating skin problems and can in extreme cases cause behavioral changes.In some cases, and to prevent undue stress on your dog, the matting may only be removed by shaving the dog, as National Bark does not offer this service, you will be directed to a grooming service. We will communicate with you to tell you our findings if this is our assessment.
Dogs being bathed or groomed must meet all the same health, shot, and vaccine standards as well as follow all the policies and procedures as all the dogs attending the facility.
While accidents rarely occur, there is always a risk while working with pets and grooming tools. Tools are sharp and although we use caution in all situations, there exists the possibility of cuts, nicks, scratches, and possible quickening of nails. These instances sometimes can be the result of the dog wriggling around. We will notify you immediately if an accident occurs. National Bark assumes no liability for any loss or damage while dogs are being groomed, or otherwise cared for. The facility takes all reasonable precautions and exercises due diligence in the care of the dogs.
In some cases, dogs become stressed or uncomfortable to the point of being aggressive or dangerous to themselves or the groomer. In this instance, we will stop the grooming immediately. Our main concern is the safety of your dog and our groomers. We will charge accordingly at the groomer’s and National Bark’s discretion.
Dogs with a history of seizures, cancer, terminal illness, heart conditions, or those undergoing chemotherapy, or suffering from stress-sensitive conditions will not be eligible for grooming or spa services. All dogs must adhere to facility guidelines to ensure their safety and well-being.
When you schedule a grooming appointment, we staff accordingly. Due to this we require at least 24-hour advance notice of cancellation. If you do not cancel prior to the 24 hours you will be charged a 50% cancellation fee to help us cover the costs of staffing and facility charges.
Dogs with open wounds, fresh hot spots, stitches or other similar conditions will not be eligible to interact with other dogs and therefore are not able to obtain spa services until the wound, hot spot, stitches or other condition has healed completely. We will evaluate these conditions as they arise.
Dogs are to be dropped off for services not earlier than 30 minutes prior and picked up no later than one hour after receiving notification of completed services. If dogs are dropped off before or after the provided time limits a half day daycare rate may be applied and the dog will be placed on our non-daycare potty rotation.
Mature or Senior Dogs:
According to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), depending on a dog’s breed or type, a dog who is 6-8 years of age can be considered a senior dog. Large and giant breeds mature later but may have shorter life spans than smaller breeds. We want to make sure that our senior dogs have a great experience while at National Bark and we will continue to monitor their interaction and mobility. Some dogs in their senior years can experience blindness, loss of mobility, and even mental health challenges. If you feel your dog is getting into its senior years, please let us know so we can make their stay as comfortable as possible.
Bordetella (Canine Cough):
Bordetella, or scientifically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is an easily spread virus and can affect all dogs. In puppies this can cause bronchopneumonia which can be fatal and in elderly dogs or immunocompromised dogs it can lead to chronic bronchitis. It is recommended by the American Kennel Club that dogs that interact in group settings such as dog parks, boarding facilities, daycare, training classes or almost anywhere in which they will interact with other dogs, should have the Bordetella vaccine at least once per year.
It is because of this recommendation, as well as information from other pet care professionals, that we require that your dog be vaccinated for Bordetella if they are going to attend our facility. As with any group setting, even with the Bordetella vaccine, your dog may contract various strains of the virus. It is our endeavor to maintain a safe, clean and healthy environment for all dogs in our care.
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