A better conversation before you book.
Use this checklist to turn a possible listing into a specific conversation about your dog. A published service is a starting point; the provider still needs to agree to your dog’s needs and dates.
1. Explain what “no group play” means for your dog.
Describe what happens around unfamiliar dogs and people, handling sensitivities and any bite history. Ask whether their individual-play option also covers walks, corridors, arrivals and departures. Ask about visual contact and shared fences if those are triggers. Avoid relying on broad labels such as “reactive friendly.”
Ask: “Can you describe how my dog gets from the room to the exercise area without an unplanned encounter?”
2. Separate medication from medical care.
Tell the provider the prescribed medicine, route, timing and handling requirements. Ask what they can administer, who does it, what happens if a dose cannot be given, and whether the care category or price changes. Do not change a medication plan based on a directory.
The reviewed PetSuites page explicitly excludes injections. Hidden Oaks’ policy distinguishes routine medication from more complex regimens that may require hospitalization. These are materially different answers.
3. Account for every hour.
Ask when a person is physically present, whether anyone is awake, the longest period without a visit and the emergency plan. A camera is a viewing tool, not evidence of a person on site. A resident staff member is not necessarily continuous awake supervision.
For in-home care, confirm daytime gaps separately. V.I.C. lists 10- and 12-hour overnight visits; those hours do not cover a full day.
4. Request a written, all-in estimate.
Confirm the charging unit, arrival and departure cutoffs, required extras, holiday fees, medication fees, evaluations and cancellation rules. A “from” price is not your final price. Per-day and per-night prices should not be sorted as if identical.
Ask: “For my dates, room and care routine, what is the total including required extras?”
5. Confirm the fit before committing.
Request the current admission policy and discuss any trial visit or evaluation the provider requires. Review the facility or sitter’s actual credentials and emergency arrangements directly. We have not independently verified credentials, safety, availability or suitability.
A short call sheet to print.
Print this page or save it as a PDF using your browser. Keep completed notes privately; do not send care details to Hidden Leash.
- Provider and location: ____________________ Date confirmed: __________
- Care dates and exact hours covered: __________________________________
- Solo play, transfers and separation plan: _______________________________
- Medication route, timing, staff capability and extra cost: __________________
- People physically present overnight and daytime gaps: ___________________
- Handling limits, evaluation and admission requirements: __________________
- Emergency arrangements and veterinary contact process: _________________
- Total estimate, required extras and cancellation terms: ___________________
- Questions still unresolved before booking: _____________________________