FAQ
Q: What do you do to keep my dog(s) safe?
A: We do everything we can to keep your dogs safe.
- Dogs at play are always carefully supervised by our well-trained staff.
- Boarding dogs have their own private rooms (or crates) to sleep in at night. These rooms are separated by full walls so you can rest assured there will be no fighting over toys through fences.
- All play areas are covered with rubber flooring to buffer your dogs’ young, developing joints while they run and keep their bodies safe while they wrestle.
- We regularly clean all of the areas in our facility with a nontoxic cleaner that kills canine viruses and bacteria without exposing our staff or your dogs to harmful chemicals.
- We offer a completely separate playroom just for little dogs. Some little dogs are rough and rowdy, have durable little bodies, and insist on playing with the big dogs. However, toy breeds, light-boned, and long-backed (Miniature Dachshunds, for example) aren’t allowed in with the big dogs, no matter what they say. At the same time, all of our big dogs must be nonaggressive toward dogs of all sizes; it only takes one heavy paw to cause serious damage to a tiny dog.
- All of our dog areas are separated by at least one confined area. For instance, a dog at play in one of our play areas would have to get through a gate, two doors, and our retail area before reaching a door leading to the outside.
- North Portland Club K-9 has a state-of-the-art alarm system and our entire location is recorded by video cameras. Additionally, wehave a live-in overnight caretaker.
- All dogs must undergo a strict evaluation before staying at Club K-9. If at any time a dog exhibits behavior that could potentially harm other dogs, his privileges will be revoked.
- All dogs must be healthy and free of parasites and communicable diseases before staying at Club K-9.
- We closely monitor all dogs’ health and well-being. If a dog doesn’t appear to be doing well, we’ll notify his parents immediately.
Q: Can my dog get hurt or sick when staying with you?
A: Yes. Club K-9 is the safest place around for your dog; however, there are potentially harmful situations that are out of our control. Dogs are animals, and they play rough. They wrestle and play with their mouths instead of their hands, and, just like children, they can hurt their best friends by mistake. If this type of situation occurs, you can take comfort in knowing that our knowledgeable staff is prepared to handle it.
Another common situation is dogs often spread illness before they show any symptoms themselves, so if your dog is new to the social scene – like a child starting school – you should expect him to get a few bugs while he’s building his immune system. Additionally, the rubber in our play areas that buffers your dog’s body and creates traction while he runs can be rough on the pads of his paws, and it’s common for the pads to blister and tear before they toughen. Most daycare dogs experience this, but their paws heal rapidly soon thereafter.
Most recently, in Fall of 2022, we started to experience the spread of illness that is much more contagious and harder hitting than any illness we have experienced in the past twenty one years. The veterinary community has not named a new virus, that we are aware of, but many dogs, of all ages, in our community, and across the country, have become ill with acute respiratory symptoms. This illnes often quickly progress to pneumonia. This virus is airborne and spreads before the dogs become symptomatic. For this reason, we strongly recommed that if your pup develops a cough you take them to your veterinarian.
Q: Why do you have breaks and lunchtime?
A: We have breaks and lunchtime for the same reason all daycares do. Just like children, some young dogs play themselves into exhaustion. If we let them go all day, they’ll get cranky and spat with one another. To keep them physically and mentally healthy, we make sure all dogs are well-exercised, well-fed, and well-rested. On the weekdays, any dog that brings a lunch to daycare will be put into a boarding room or crate for a period of time to eat and digest their food. If you don’t’ send your pup with a lunch, they will hang out with the rest of the pack on the play floor. On the weekends we have a mandatory lunchtime from ~12:30-2:00 p.m. Feel free to bring your dog a lunch or treat to gnaw on during this period. Usually most boarding dogs will go back midday for a rest period as they tire much quicker during the day than our daycare dogs.
Q: Do any of your services have breed restrictions?
A: No, none of our services have breed restrictions. We accept all breeds of dogs so long as they fit the service's requirements. For daycare and boarding, all dogs must pass their evaluation day.
Q: Why do all daycare and boarding dogs have to be dropped off in the morning?
A: When we first opened, we allowed dogs to be dropped off at any time. We soon realized that this was not good for them. Dogs that had already played all morning were frustrated by frisky newcomers, and late-arriving boarders didn’t get enough time to socialize and play before they were expected to settle down for the night. We know that you’ll miss them while you’re away and you want to spend every last minute with them before you go, but our rule is definitely in their best interest. If you need us to make an exception, as always, we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Q: Why do you need an emergency contact?
A: We strongly urge that you provide a cell phone or another number that we can use to reach you while you’re away. If anything unusual happens with your dog, we’d like to notify you immediately, and if your dog requires veterinary care, we’d like to directly collaborate with you to determine the best options for him. We’d also like a local contact who is available to pick up your dog in case he needs to leave the premises. If you aren’t reachable and don’t know anyone who can pick up your dog, we’re well-equipped to handle any situation and make the best decisions for him.
Q: Why does my dog have to be neutered? Does my female dog have to spayed?
A: All male dogs must be neutered before they reach seven months old. We find that intact males can really change the dynamics of a group setting where the vast majority of the other dogs present are neutered. If your intact male puppy joins playgroup before the age of 7 months, he will need to be re-evaluated after being neutered. Puppies must wait AT LEAST 3 weeks after neuter surgery before returning to daycare. We don’t require that female dogs be spayed; however, female dogs may not stay at Club K-9 while they’re in heat and must have someone that can pick them up immediately if they do begin their cycle. If your dog is boarding with us and goes into heat, she will be boarded privately. We will charge a $10 upcharge per night due to the excess cleaning and disinfecting involved, on top of the Private boarding fee, in the event she cannot be picked up by an emergency contact.
Q: What vaccinations do you require?
A: We require proof from your veterinarian that your dog is up to date on their Parvovirus and Distemper vaccinations. These are two deadly viruses that dogs have contracted in this region of the country. Rabies is required by the state of Oregon after 6 months of age. We also accept titers or our health certificate signed by your veterinarian in lieu of current vaccination records. It’s up to you to read up on vaccinations and discuss your options with your veterinarian to make the most educated decisions for your dog’s health. Please feel free to discuss any concerns that you may have with us. Your dog’s health and well-being is our utmost concern. Note: Rabies is not required at our facility for dogs under 6 months old or when there is a waiver signed by your veterinarian.
Q: My puppy is only 10 weeks old. Can he stay at Club K-9?
A: At this time we are not accepting dogs under the age of 5 months for dog daycare. We can accept puppies younger than 5 months of age for private boarding on a case by case basis. We do have Puppy Day Camp, Puppy Socials, and Puppy Kindergarten for young puppies!
Q: Why do you need to go over my dog’s boarding instructions at drop off every time my dog boards?
A: Because the information that we need to provide the best care for your dog is ever-changing. For example, he may be on new medication, eating more or less than before, or now allowed to have his crate door open.
Q: Why do I have to bring my dog’s own food when he’s boarding with you?
A: We provide a fun and stress-free environment for your dog, but there’s no getting around the fact that he loves and misses you when you’re gone. That fact alone causes upset tummies, and we don’t want to contribute to the problem. Also, there are a number of different foods on the market, and many dogs have sensitive digestive tracks and/or food allergies. If we change your dog’s diet, there’s a good chance that the new food will upset his system, and we could misinterpret the reaction as an illness or, even worse, attribute the reaction to the change in diet when a serious illness is to blame and medical attention is needed. All in all, when dogs are boarding with us, we pay close attention to how they’re doing mentally and physically, and we simply want to make sure they’re feeling well and having a good time.
Q: Why do I need to give you my credit card number when making a reservation?
A: While we welcome walk-ins, your reservation guarantees room for your dog at Club K-9, which means that we may have to turn away other dogs. If your dog isn’t able to make his scheduled stay, we need enough time to replace the reservation, as stated in our cancellation policy. Your credit card will only be charged in the event of late cancellations and no-shows. Please bring your credit card or chosen method of payment with you when you drop off your dog.
Club K-9 also reserves the right to charge your credit card on file for reimbursement of vet bills, or required supplies for your dog.
Q: How should I expect my dog to behave when I pick him up from daycare or boarding? What condition will he be in?
A: When your dog stays at Club K-9 for the first time, he’s sure to make quite a few friends and play more than he ever has in his entire life. While some dogs have boundless energy and behave normally when they get home, most dogs are very tired after their initial visit and often skip dinner because they’re ready for bed. And even after they get some sleep, they typically need a day or two to rest. Dogs that join us on a regular basis usually learn to pace themselves and take full advantage of naptime, but if your dog still seems too tired after each visit, simply let us know and we’ll extend the time he spends napping.
If your dog seems unusually tired or is showing any signs of illness, such as an upset stomach, coughing, or vomiting, please err on the side of caution and take him to his veterinarian. We watch all of our canine guests very closely and immediately respond to any health concerns, but a dog can play his heart out without indicating that he isn’t feeling well until he gets home.
Overall, your dog should be in a happy and relaxed condition when you pick him up, but he may be a little stinky, especially if he likes to wrestle on the floor or play in water. We’re more than happy to bathe him before you pick him up, or if you prefer, you’re welcome to bathe him yourself in our tub. We require that your dog arrives at Club K-9 flea-free and relatively clean, but we don’t recommend that you have him groomed before his stay. Chances are that you wouldn’t be picking him up in the same condition.
Q: What is Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease?
A: What is CIRD? CIRD is a fairly common ailment in dogs. People tend to associate it with dogs who have recently been boarded (or "kenneled"). However, your dog could contract CIRD anywhere they come into contact with other dogs; such as, the Groomer, the veterinarian's office, in dog obedience class, at a dog show or any other dog related event. Any time your dog is in the vicinity of an infected dog, the potential exists for infection. CIRD is caused by an airborne virus, which is highly contagious. The incubation period is about 7-10 days, meaning your dog will not display symptoms of illness for about 7-10 days following exposure to the virus.
How do I prevent my dog from getting CIRD? Vaccinating your dog with the Bordetella vaccine can help reduce their risk. However, be aware that your dog can still contract the CIRD even if he or she has been vaccinated. There are many strains and mutations, making it a hit or miss whether the vaccine used on your dog will be the right one for the strain with which your dog comes in contact with. This is similar to the "flu shot" for people; each year a vaccine is developed based on which strain(s) are suspected to be most prevalent. Simply put, having the flu shot does not guarantee you won't get the flu and when your dog has a Bordetella vaccination it doesn't guaranteed he or she won't get CIRD. A strong immune system is best defense against viruses. This is why several dogs could be exposed to the virus or bacteria but only one may actually contract it. It may be beneficial to provide your dog with immune boosting supplements on a regular basis. Check with your local pet store or veterinarian on supplements that will aid in boosting your dog’s immune system.
**If we observe a dog presenting CIRD symptoms, they are isolated immediately to prevent further exposure to other dogs and you or your emergency contact will be called to pick them up. Unfortunately, due to the 7-10-day incubation period, dogs may come into and leave our care before ever showing symptoms, exposing other dogs to the virus. We leave our big dog floor outdoor area door open during the day to provide good ventilation within our building. In addition, we use an animal quarter's disinfectant, capable of killing even the aids virus, to clean our facility. Unfortunately, CIRD is one of the risks of dog socialization.
How do I know my dog has CIRD? The most common symptom is a cough that sounds as if there is something stuck or caught in the dog's throat. One way you can "test" for CIRD is to press the throat gently, right in the collar area. If the dog has CIRD, this will probably trigger some coughing. Other triggers include, exercise, drinking water and change of temperature. Other symptoms could include sneezing and conjunctivitis. Most dogs will act normal except for the cough and will have a normal appetite. It is also important to note that the Bordetella vaccine can cause sneezing and coughing for several days, just as the flu shots will sometimes give humans flu symptoms. What do I do if my dog gets CIRD? It generally will be gone in seven to ten days. In some cases, an antibiotic is warranted. Contact your veterinarian for their recommended treatment plan.
Q: What are your business hours?
Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM — 6:00 PM Saturday - Sunday: 8 AM — 5 PM
On holidays we are open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This includes Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Reservations are required on these days.
Q: Can I take a tour?
Yes! We love visitors. You can visit us any time from 11 AM to 4 PM, seven days a week for a partial tour. For a full facility walk through, please schedule to meet with us after hours, between 6:30 and 7 p.m. on weekdays and at 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. No appointment is necessary for a partial tour. During peak hours and holidays, please give us a call to check our availability.
Q: How do I make a reservation?
A: You can make reservations through our Gingr client portal, via email at northportlandclubk9@gmail.com, or by calling us at (503) 289-7472.
Q: What time is check-in and check-out for boarding stays?
A: Daycare and boarding have the same drop off hours- by 10 a.m. on weekdays and by 11 a.m. on the weekends. Checkout time is 10 a.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on the weekends. Standard daycare or day boarding rates apply after that time period.
Q: Do I need to make daycare reservations?
A: While we do accept daycare drop-ins, we strongly encourage you to call ahead. If your dog will be joining us regularly for daycare, we recommend making a standing reservation. This way, your pup will always have a spot at Club K-9.
Q: What is your daycare cancellation policy?
A: We ask that you cancel at the latest before closing the night prior to the reservation. No shows will be charged the full fee for the reservation. If you miss two appointments without notice, your future daycare reservations may be cancelled.
Q: Why do you have a waiting period for Bordetella?
A: Some pups can become symptomatic after receiving the intranasal or oral immunization. During this time they can exhibit symptoms that are indistiguishable from the virus, they also can shed the vaccine and spread the symptoms to their friends. To avoid a cough from spreading, we require that your pup stays home for seven days or until any symptoms have resolved if they do begin to cough. Please, note that this vaccine is not required and that your pup is welcome to attend Club K-9 24 hours after the injectable vaccine.
Q: Can I bring personal items for my dog's stay?
A: Yes, you may. However, as a full-service facility, we provide the comforts of home including comfy dog bedding and bowls. Please clearly mark any items you intend on leaving. Club K-9 cannot guarantee their condition upon check-out and we will not leave items in your dog’s room if we feel it is unsafe (rawhides, certain bones, bedding if your dog is eating it).
Q: What is included in the daily rate for my dog?
A: We have several room types with different amenities, but each room (or crate) is private and includes cozy bedding and bowls for their prepared meals. As for exercise, all rooms include daycare play OR bathroom breaks with a nice long midday walk(for Private Dogs). Best of all, there is no shortage of love, kisses and cuddles.
Q: When are the boarding peak periods?
- Memorial Day Weekend
- July Fourth
- Labor Day Weekend
- Thanksgiving Holiday (Plus the day before and after)
- Christmas & New Year’s (December 18 - January 3)
- Spring Break (March 15 - April 15)
We have a minimum stay requirement of (2) nights for peak holiday periods as referenced below: Thanksgiving plus the day before and the day after and December 24-27. If for any reason you need to cancel a holiday reservation, please see our holiday cancelation policy below.
**As of 1/1/20, we charge a $10 per family, per night fee for the following nights of boarding: Thanksgiving and the nights before and after, and December 24-27.
Q: What is the cancellation policy for boarding?
- For non-holidays and reservations less than 7 nights in length, please notify us of your cancellation 48-hours in advance.
- For holiday reservations or reservations over 7 nights in length, we require 7-day advanced notice. If we do not receive your cancellation within the timeframe listed above, you will be charged for up to the first 7 nights of your boarding stay. No shows will be charged for the reservation in its entirety.
- We have a minimum stay requirement of (2) nights for Thanksgiving and December 24-26
Q: What does our vet say about Papilloma Virus?
While papillomas are indeed contagious, preventing the spread of the virus in a group with close contact is just not possible. The incubation period can be 1-2 months, so if a dog has visible warts/lesions, they contracted the virus some time ago and can be contagious up to 2 months after the lesions are gone. With that in mind, contracting the virus is possible with any dog-dog interaction, removing a dog with warts from the group is not effective in preventing further spread or exposure.
This is such a tough one...from a behavioral standpoint, since it tends to occur when a dog is young, it can really mess up the socialization and training period. Especially since these tend to persist for a few weeks to months. I am a behaviorally focused vet, so my stance is that this is a relatively benign issue that has the potential to put a dog out of commission for weeks if we go off the typical recommendations of no contact until lesions are resolved. In my opinion, isolation is not practical; especially with young dogs during their key developmental period. I strongly believe that the social and behavioral benefits of daycare play far outweigh the risk of contracting this harmless virus. This is the same stance as puppies who aren't completely vaccinated being allowed to socialize with other puppies. There is always a small risk of contracting a contagious disease. Only with papillomas, there is essentially zero risk of mortality unlike other contagious viruses like distemper and parvo. My advice to clients is that papillomas are a relatively benign virus that is contagious and to check with their daycare facility/training on their policies. Back to top.