Guidlines and Procedures

F A Q’ S

How do I know if daycare is right for my dog?

Daycare can be a great opportunity to socialize your young puppy, give others an outlet for proper exercise and stimulate their minds. It can also help them gain confidence, especially for the shy or sensitive dog. It is a great and fun alternative to leaving the pup home alone.

Keep in mind that Daycare may not be the best option for dogs who have:

-High separation anxiety -Geriatric or have Medical Conditions -Reactive dogs

-Older dogs that were not properly socialized in their younger years

*Here is a great article to read when considering daycare (include “How to Know” link to article. http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/how-to-know-if-doggy-day-care-is-right-for-your-dog )

What do I bring for my dog for daycare?

Your four legged friend who is ready to play! If they are a young dog who is eating a midday meal, send a small, pre-measured amount when you drop off. If they participate in daycare frequently, you can send a small Tupperware container or bag of food for the week.

Can my dog get hurt playing in daycare?

Just like children who play on playgrounds in daycare or at school can get hurt from time to time, dogs playing with each other on the playgrounds can get hurt too. Dogs play with their mouths and paws and like to wrestle around on the ground with each other. Because of our screening process and small setting, injuries are not the norm. If injuries do occur, you (not The Red Barn Inn) are responsible for any medical expenses for your dog, as you would be for a child. You need to be sure that you are comfortable with this before allowing your dog to play in the playroom.

Can my pet be groomed/bathed while staying at The Red Barn Inn?

Yes, appointments must be scheduled in advance to ensure availability. You have the choice of participating in a half day of daycare, then having your pup bathed at the end of the day before pickup, ensuring they go home tired, but clean and fresh.

What if my dog has separation anxiety?

If your dog has separation anxiety, we strongly encourage you to use the services of a pet sitter, we can suggest local ones here in the Kennebunk area. Boarding a dog with separation anxiety is not kind or safe for the dog as well as creating an overly stressful environment for the other guests. Your dog could also seriously injure themselves in an attempt to escape the unfamiliar space.

What if I have an older dog or a dog with special needs?

We asses each new client on a case by case basis. We do our best to accommodate dogs of any age. We are willing and able to give your pet any medications (with the exception of insulin or other intramuscular/intravenous drugs) during their stay. Geriatric dogs, especially frail, or ones with limited mobility may not strong enough to participate in group socialization. We allow dogs who enjoy their space more than participating in group play the chance to relax in a quiet space apart from the group. We recommend that dogs on a high number of medications or those with potentially fatal diseases look into boarding with an area Veterinary Practice.

Can I visit my pet while they are boarding at The Red Barn Inn?

This is not always encouraged, as sometimes the constant back and forth does not allow the dog a chance to settle in to the new environment. You may call and check in on their progress as well as follow us on Facebook, where we post pictures of our guests often.

If the back and forth does not seem to upset your pet, you may pick up and drop off as long as it is with in our scheduled times.

If you are a new guest, we encourage your dog to participate in a few days of daycare before their stay to familiarize them with the space as well as giving us the chance of getting to know their needs and "canine"-ality" better!