These care policies explain our standards across two council-licensed Washington homes. Detailed operational records and procedures are maintained for licensing and inspection; individual care choices are recorded for each dog.
Licence, records and identity
Our home-boarding licences are displayed as required. We keep arrival, departure, ownership, emergency-contact, veterinary, insurance, health, behaviour, diet, vaccination, parasite-treatment, medication and consent records. Licensing records are retained for at least three years and can be produced for inspection. Dogs wear suitable identification while outside the premises.
Bookings and suitability
Care begins only after the required enquiry information, introductions, forms, confirmation and payment are complete. Before first holiday boarding we arrange at least two daycare trials and one overnight trial, adding settling visits where needed. We remain within each home's licensed capacity. Every dog has suitable rest and separation space; dogs from different households mix only with individual consent, familiarisation and supervision.
Skilled, attentive care
Our team maintains the knowledge needed to recognise normal behaviour, pain, illness, fear, poor welfare and changing needs. We continue learning about dog welfare and dachshund care and respond early when a dog tells us they are uncomfortable.
A safe home environment
Dogs live inside our homes, not in external kennels or runs. Indoor and outdoor areas are secure, maintained, escape-aware and free from avoidable hazards. Each dog has a clean, warm resting place, enough room to move normally, and the option of separation when needed.
Bedding and crates
Familiar bedding is encouraged where it helps a dog settle. Crates are used only when a dog is already comfortable with one, it forms part of their normal routine and the owner consents. Any crate must be safe and large enough for the dog to stand, turn and lie flat; dogs are not routinely confined for long periods.
Comfort, light and temperature
We monitor temperature, ventilation, noise, lighting and draughts. Dogs can move away from direct heat, enjoy a period of darkness overnight and are checked for signs that they are too warm, cold or unsettled.
Cleanliness and toileting
Rooms, bedding, bowls, equipment and vehicles are cleaned and disinfected appropriately. Dogs are moved away while areas are cleaned. They receive frequent toilet opportunities suited to their needs, and waste is removed safely and promptly.
Food and water
Owners provide the agreed food and supplies so routines can remain familiar. Dogs are fed according to individual needs and usually separated for meals. Dogs from the same household share a feeding room only when each dog's record names the permitted siblings and the arrangement is suitable. Intake is monitored, clean fresh water is always available, and veterinary advice is sought if appetite or weight gives cause for concern.
Behaviour, enrichment and rest
We use force-free, reward-based handling and training. Dogs receive exercise, play, enrichment, affection and rest tailored to age, health, confidence and preference. Resources are provided to reduce competition, and dogs are separated whenever that is the kinder or safer choice.
Exercise and secure transport
Walks and activities are agreed with owners and adapted to weather and welfare. Dogs are securely restrained during transport using an appropriate harness, guard or crate. Vehicles are kept clean and ventilated, breaks are provided when needed and dogs are never left where temperature could put them at risk.
Preventative healthcare
Vaccination or accepted titre-test evidence and appropriate flea, tick and worming arrangements are required. Dogs that appear infectious or unwell may be declined or separated while we seek veterinary advice. We ask about recent exposure to kennels or high-volume daycare to assess infection risk, but that alone does not automatically exclude a dog. Tell us when a dog is due in, in or close to a season.
Medication, illness and veterinary care
Medication is administered only with clear instructions and consent. If illness or injury occurs, we try the owner and emergency contact promptly and seek veterinary advice or treatment where needed. Treatment limits, end-of-life wishes and cost permissions are recorded for each dog; reasonable fees are handled under the agreed medical terms and legal rights. Infectious cases are separated and managed in line with veterinary and licensing guidance.
Emergencies and security
We maintain arrangements for fire, evacuation, loss of utilities, extreme weather, escape, staff illness and other emergencies. Gates, doors, keys and access arrangements are managed to protect the dogs and our homes. Owners must provide a reachable emergency contact able to take over care if necessary.
Respect, property and privacy
We care for dogs and clients' property with respect. Owners remain responsible for damage caused by their dogs where appropriate. Personal information, keys, access details, photographs and communications are handled carefully and only used for agreed care, administration, safety or marketing consent.
Your dog is an individual.
Policies give us a safe framework, but good care depends on knowing the dog in front of us. Tell us about their routines, worries, health and history so we can tailor our approach honestly.
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