FAQs
We’re happy to answer questions and help you decide what’s best for your dog. Whether you’re a new client exploring our services or a returning family member, we’re here to help.
Feeding & Medication FAQs
Clear feeding and medication instructions help us provide safe, consistent care throughout your dog’s stay.
Feeding Questions
Can I bring my dog’s own food, or do you provide food during their stay?
Yes — pet parents may choose either option. We offer quality dry kibble and canned wet food for dogs staying with us. Many families choose to bring their dog’s regular food to maintain consistency.
Benefits of bringing your dog’s own food include:
- Reduced digestive upset from sudden diet changes
- Greater comfort for sensitive or anxious dogs
- Support for special dietary needs or allergies
- Easier transitions before and after their stay
- Peace of mind knowing your dog is eating familiar food
How should I pack my dog’s food for their stay?
All food must be provided in clearly labeled bags or containers, with your dog’s name written on each item. This helps our team follow feeding instructions accurately and maintain your dog’s normal routine.
For detailed food packing instructions, please see Preparing Food for Your Dog’s Stay.
Can I bring a large bag of food for a longer stay?
Yes. For stays of five (5) days or longer, dry food may be provided in a single gallon-sized bag as long as it is clearly labeled with your dog’s name and includes a measuring device. This allows us to portion meals correctly.
How should I bring wet food?
- Canned wet food must be brought in individual, unopened cans
- Non-canned wet food must be provided in sealed, clearly labeled containers
How should I pack a raw food diet?
Raw food must be portioned into individual meal servings and provided in disposable, clearly labeled bags or containers. This ensures safe handling and accurate feeding.
Please review the full raw food guidelines in Preparing Food for Your Dog’s Stay.
What happens if my dog’s food is not packed according to policy?
Food that is not properly packaged or labeled may not be accepted. In some cases, approved alternatives may be offered, or additional fees may apply to ensure your dog’s needs are met.
Medication Questions
How should I bring my pet’s medication for their stay?
For your pet’s safety and in accordance with Virginia and federal regulations, all medications must be brought in their original, pharmacy-labeled container. This ensures correct dosing and safe administration. Please do not transfer medications into pill organizers, baggies, or unlabeled containers.
Can I put my pet’s supplements in their food bags?
No. For safety and consistency of care, supplements must be handled the same way as medications. Supplements must be provided in their original, clearly labeled container, with instructions entered in your pet’s profile so our team can administer them correctly.
Where do I update my pet’s medication instructions?
Medication instructions must be accurately entered and kept current in your pet’s profile prior to drop-off. This includes dosage, frequency, and any special instructions. Our team relies on this information to administer medications safely and correctly.
Can medications or supplements be mixed into food?
No. Food, supplements, and medications must be packed and handled separately in accordance with our policies and Virginia and federal regulations.
Dog Boarding FAQs
How do I know which boarding activity package is right for my dog?
We’re happy to help guide you. In most cases, the best package depends on your dog’s activity level, sociability, and comfort with group play. During your dog’s evaluation, we assess these factors and can recommend a package that supports their needs and well-being.
Should I bring my own dog’s food for boarding?
We provide a high-quality dry dog food at no additional cost. However, many dogs do best keeping their regular diet, especially if they have digestive sensitivities or allergies. Bringing your dog’s usual food can help maintain consistency and comfort during their stay.
If you choose to bring food, please follow our food packing guidelines.
See Preparing Food for Your Dog’s Stay for details.
How does activity and social interaction help reduce stress during boarding?
Appropriate activity and social interaction help dogs release energy, remain engaged, and feel more relaxed in a new environment. Balanced play, enrichment, and affection support calmer behavior and better rest, contributing to a more positive boarding experience.
How do you keep dogs safe while boarding with other dogs?
Safety is supported through multiple layers of supervision and structure. All social activity is supervised by trained staff. Dogs are never left unattended during group interactions, and play is redirected or adjusted as needed to maintain a calm, safe environment.
Dogs are only unsupervised when resting in their private lodging or during individual potty breaks.
How are playgroups selected?
All dogs are evaluated before participating in group play. Introductions begin one-on-one in a controlled setting, allowing staff to assess compatibility. Playgroups are formed based on play style, size, energy level, and comfort.
Groups remain small, and some dogs do best with only one or two companions rather than larger groups.
Can I tour the facility before boarding?
Yes. Tours are welcome during office hours. Many families choose to tour the facility during their dog’s evaluation so there is time to ask questions and become familiar with the space.
On drop-off days, calm and brief goodbyes help dogs transition more easily.
Is an evaluation required before boarding?
Yes. All new boarding and daycare guests complete a Meet and Greet prior to participation. This assessment helps ensure the safety, comfort, and success of each dog during their stay.
Vaccination and health records must be provided in advance to confirm eligibility.
Dog Daycare FAQs
Clear expectations and thoughtful supervision help create a safe, positive experience for every dog in our care.
How do you keep daycare activities safe?
Safety begins with careful evaluation and thoughtful group selection. Dogs are introduced individually and observed closely before joining group play. Temperament, play style, and energy level are considered to ensure appropriate matches.
How large are the daycare playgroups?
Playgroups are intentionally kept small. Groups typically range from 4–8 dogs, depending on compatibility and energy levels. Some dogs thrive in smaller groups, while others enjoy slightly larger ones. Group size is adjusted based on what is best for the dogs involved.
Are daycare playgroups always supervised?
Yes. Playgroups are always supervised by trained staff. Our team monitors group dynamics continuously and adjusts as needed, recognizing that dogs’ energy levels and comfort can change from day to day.
How do staff interact with dogs during daycare?
Our staff engage with dogs throughout the day to create a balanced, positive experience. This includes monitoring play, redirecting when needed, and reinforcing calm behaviors such as recall and waiting at gates. Gentle manners training is incorporated naturally into daily routines.
What activities are included in daycare?
Activities are customized based on each playgroup. Dogs enjoy supervised outdoor play, interactive games, and enrichment opportunities. Seasonal activities and themed events are offered throughout the year to keep daycare engaging and enjoyable.
How large are the play areas?
We have several large outdoor play yards to accommodate our daycare guests, along with an indoor play area used during inclement weather.
What measures are in place to protect dogs’ health and safety?
Our staff is trained in Pet First Aid/CPR, safe handling, canine behavior, and group play management. All dogs are evaluated prior to participation and observed continuously. Cleaning protocols exceed industry standards, and all play yards are fully enclosed with double-gated entry and exit points.
Our facility also utilizes a commercial air sanitizing system designed to remove airborne pathogens.
What are your health requirements for daycare?
Health policies are in place to protect all guests. Dogs must be current on vaccinations and preventative care. We require proof of DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza vaccinations, as well as ongoing heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.
An annual fecal test showing clearance of intestinal parasites is also required.
Health records must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to your dog’s visit.
Intact Dogs & Daycare Questions
Can intact dogs attend daycare?
Yes. Intact dogs are welcome at A Stay in the Country Pet Lodge. However, eligibility for group play depends on the individual dog, their age, behavior, and comfort level in a group setting.
Why aren’t some intact dogs eligible for group play?
As dogs mature, hormonal changes can affect social dynamics, tolerance, and how other dogs respond to them. In some cases, this makes group play less appropriate or less comfortable—for the intact dog or for the group as a whole.
Does being intact mean my dog can’t attend daycare?
No. Being intact does not prevent a dog from attending daycare. Dogs who are not eligible for group play can participate in Adventure Daycare, which provides structured activity, enrichment, and one-on-one interaction without group play.
What if my dog used to do group play but is no longer eligible?
Some dogs age out of group play or become less comfortable with it over time. When this happens, we may recommend a transition to Adventure Daycare so your dog can continue enjoying activity and engagement in a way that supports their well-being.
Is Adventure Daycare less enriching than group play?
No. Adventure Daycare offers mental and physical enrichment tailored to the individual dog. For many dogs—especially older dogs or those who prefer a calmer pace—it can be just as fulfilling as group play.
How do you decide what’s best for my dog?
Decisions are based on observation, behavior, comfort level, and long-term success—not labels. Our goal is to match each dog with the type of care that best supports their safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
For more information, please see How We Decide if Daycare - Group Play is the Right Fit for Your Dog.
Meet & Greet Assessment FAQs
What is a Meet & Greet Assessment?
A Meet & Greet Assessment is a structured first visit that allows our team to observe your dog, introduce them to our environment and staff, and determine whether our care setting is an appropriate fit before boarding or daycare services begin.
For more information, please see What Happens During a Meet & Greet Assessment.
How long does a Meet & Greet Assessment last?
Meet & Greet Assessments are a minimum of six (6) hours. This allows us to observe your dog across different parts of the day and see how they settle once the initial novelty of the environment has passed.
Do I stay with my dog during the assessment?
No. Dogs are dropped off for the assessment so we can observe how they adjust and interact without owner influence.
For more information, please see What Happens During a Meet & Greet Assessment.
What happens when I arrive for drop-off?
Arrival works much like school drop-off. If no other vehicles are present, you may pull up to the gate. If there is a line, please wait in your vehicle until it is your turn. We assist one family at a time to keep arrivals calm and organized.
For more information, please see What Happens During a Meet & Greet Assessment.
Does my dog need to be on a leash at arrival?
Yes. Dogs must arrive on a secure leash and remain leashed until a staff member has completed the handoff.
Is a quick handoff better for my dog?
For most dogs, yes. A calm, confident, and relatively quick handoff gives dogs the opportunity to adjust and become comfortable in our environment. Prolonged goodbyes can make the transition more difficult for some dogs.
For more information, please see What Happens During a Meet & Greet Assessment.
Will my dog be placed into group play right away?
No. Dogs are never placed directly into group play. All introductions are gradual and based on the dog’s comfort level and observed behavior.
For more information, please see What Happens During a Meet & Greet Assessment.
Does my dog have to participate in group play?
No. Group play is optional. Dogs who are not suited for group play receive individualized care, structured activity, enrichment, and rest without interacting with other dogs.
What are acclimation days?
Acclimation days are additional visits that allow dogs time to adjust, become familiar with our environment and staff, and show us how they settle once they feel more comfortable.
For more information, please see What Happens During a Meet & Greet Assessment.
What are the possible outcomes after a Meet & Greet?
Possible outcomes include approval to schedule services, additional acclimation days to further evaluate fit, or a determination that our environment is not the best match for a dog’s needs.
For more information, please see What Happens During a Meet & Greet Assessment.
What vaccinations are required before scheduling a Meet & Greet?
Dogs must be up to date on all required vaccinations and have a current negative fecal test before a Meet & Greet Assessment can be scheduled.
When must paperwork and records be completed?
All profiles, records, and required documents must be completed at least 48 hours before the scheduled assessment.
What should I bring for the Meet & Greet?
Dogs should arrive on a secure leash, wearing a collar and/or harness. You’re welcome to bring breakfast and/or lunch if needed. No additional items are required.
For detailed packing instructions, please see Packing for Your Dog’s Stay.