What to bring with your pet, and other points to consider.

Food: Please bring your pet’s regular food and treats, no dishes or scoops. Use labelled plastic bags and/or pre-measured zip-lock bags, as they easily fit inside our storage areas. Do not send food or treats that you wish to have returned. If there are any special instructions, note them on your dog’s profile page and on the zip lock bag. Please bring enough, but not so much extra that you want it returned. If there is a little left over it is pooled into another lidded storage container for anyone that is short. We cater to all dogs' diets including raw food but if you have any questions please contact us. All special diets should be simple for us to prepare and ideally portioned out prior to arrival.

Beds, Blankets, Bowls & Toys: Please do not bring these items from home. While it might seem comforting to include things that smell like home, these scents often remind dogs of who they are missing, and distract them from having fun! For the wellbeing of each dog, we ask that you leave beds, blankets, and toys at home. Additionally, please do not bring your dog’s food bowl, as we have plenty here, and all bowls are thoroughly washed and disinfected between uses.

Leashes & Collars: Please remember to take your pet’s collar and leash with you at drop-off and bring them back with you at pickup. We do not store these items. For safety reasons, our guests don’t wear collars during their stay, as they can become snagged during play or in natural vegetation.

Diarrhea: This can occur for many reasons, such as changes in water or food, and simply from excitement. Like us, different water flora can affect vacationing dogs, too. We are fortunate to be in the Kettle Lake area (spring fed headwaters for Lake of Bays) and have Springhill Bottled Water Company as a neighbour. Diarrhea is always a possibility when putting your dog in any facility and not a reflection of neglect, or our financial responsibility.

Ticks and Fleas: Most of our clients and resident dogs use regular, veterinarian-prescribed flea and tick prevention. As a result, we do not have issues with fleas or ticks. If you are not currently using prevention and have concerns, we encourage you to reach out to your dog’s veterinarian to purchase the appropriate prescribed prevention. Please note that we do not allow flea or tick collars, or any other medicated collars, for the same reasons we do not allow regular collars (as noted above): they can become snagged during play or caught in natural vegetation.

Parasitic Diseases: Our clients care about their pets, and use full veterinary preventative methods to keep them in good health. You should regularly test your dog’s stools and blood for parasites, or keep them on vet-approved seasonal and/or year round medications.

Medications: Please do NOT put medication in your dog’s food, as this can be dangerous. All medications must be clearly labeled, and detailed instructions must be added to your dog's profile. We will administer the medication ourselves, and there is no charge for this service. Additionally, please avoid bringing surplus medication that you expect to be returned.

Black Flies, Mosquitoes & Deer Flies: These insects are common in Muskoka. While a dog’s thick coat can offer protection, bites may still occur on exposed areas like the belly and ears. If you know your dog tends to attract bugs (black dogs are particularly appealing to insects), you’re welcome to send along prevention products. Alternatively, you can prepare a 50/50 mix of canola oil and lemon juice and bring it with you if desired.