⏱️ 4-minute read

To ensure a safe, calm, and positive experience for every dog in our care, we ask all pet parents to please review the below guidelines before booking.

Eligibility & Safety Requirements

• Park Slope Pals cares for small dogs only (25 lbs. or less).

• Dogs must be at least one year old, spayed or neutered, and not in heat at the time of their stay.

• All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations (rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella) for the health and safety of everyone.

  • We respect that families make different healthcare choices for their pets, but we can only accept dogs who meet our vaccination requirements.

  • Knowingly providing false information creates serious health risks for both people and other dogs, and may result in liability if harm occurs.

• Pet parents must disclose any bite history or behavioral concerns prior to booking.

Our Home & Capacity

• Care is provided in Britt’s home, where dogs enjoy a calm, smoke-free environment.

• Capacity is intentionally limited to 2–3 dogs at a time, allowing for individualized attention and close supervision.

• A meet-and-greet is required for all new clients; this gives each dog a chance to get comfortable with the space and meet Furby.

What To Expect: Care & Communication

• Pet parents receive multiple updates each day, including photos, so they can feel connected and reassured while away.

• If a dog has special care needs—e.g., medications, mobility support, or unique routines—these are happily accommodated. Details should just be shared in advance.

What To Bring

• Pet parents only need to provide their dog’s food but are encouraged to also provide their dog’s bed, treats, or favorite toy to help them feel at home.

Hours & Timing

Daycare

• Standard hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Boarding

• Standard check-out is 12 p.m. on the dog’s final day, with a one-hour grace period.

• Pick-ups 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. are charged at our daycare rate.

• Pick-ups after 6 p.m. are charged at our boarding rate, as this includes dinner, walks, and other elements of evening care.

Drop-Off Days

• New drop-offs are accepted Tuesday through Saturday only. Sundays and Mondays are reserved for dogs whose stays are already in progress.

Pick-up & Drop-Off Service

• Pick-up and drop-off service is available for clients in Park Slope and nearby neighborhoods, subject to location, time of day, and scheduling availability.

• The fee is $40 per trip (one-way).

• To add this to your booking, simply note it in your request and we’ll confirm availability.

Booking, Payment & Cancellations

• Bookings may be made up to 6 weeks in advance and must be made by individuals 18 years of age or older.

Payment

• Payment is due via Zelle immediately upon booking confirmation.

• Rates can always be found here.

• If a stay overlaps with a major U.S. holiday or high-demand date, a $15 surcharge applies for each day of the full stay. You’ll always be notified if your dates are affected.

• Requests made less than 24 hours prior for daycare, or less than 48 hours prior for boarding, are subject to a last-minute surcharge of $15 and $30, respectively.

• Households boarding a second dog for identical dates receive a 20% discount each night for the second dog.

Cancellations

• Cancellations made 7 or more days in advance receive a full refund.

• Cancellations made less than 7 days before the scheduled stay are non-refundable.

• In the rare event that we need to cancel, pet parents will receive a full refund and, if possible, assistance finding alternative care.

Stay Changes

• Stay extensions are accommodated whenever possible, subject to availability.

• Schedule adjustments (drop-off/pick-up time changes) are welcomed with advance notice.

Refer A Friend

• If you refer a friend whose dog completes their first stay, you’ll receive $20 off your next booking—and they’ll get $20 off their first booking with us, too! Just have them mention your name when they book.

Insurance & Responsibility

• Park Slope Pals is insured through Pet Care Insurance (PCI), and pet parents are encouraged to carry their own pet insurance also.

• While damage is extraordinarily rare, pet parents may be responsible for property damage that falls outside normal wear and tear or previously disclosed behavior. If this occurs, we’ll provide documentation and discuss it with pet parents promptly and transparently.

Stomach Upset

• Stomach upset is one of the most common issues dogs experience, and most of the time it’s minor and resolves quickly on its own.

  • But in the event it seems serious (e.g., persistent vomiting or diarrhea), we follow a standard care protocol aligned with VCA Animal Hospitals’ guidelines: consistent hydration, rest and low activity, close monitoring, no treats, and temporary separation from other animals. You’ll always be notified promptly.

Emergency Protocols

• While medical emergencies are extremely rare, we have clear protocols in place to ensure your dog receives immediate care if needed.

  • In the event of a medical emergency, pet parents will be contacted immediately and, if necessary, the dog will be personally transported to the preferred veterinarian (as requested in our intake form) or the nearest emergency vet clinic.

  • If pet parents cannot be reached immediately in a medical emergency, we are authorized to proceed with emergency veterinary treatment to ensure the dog’s safety and wellbeing.

  • All medical expenses and decisions will be communicated clearly and promptly. If needed or helpful, we will also work with with the pet parents’ pet insurance provider.

Thank you for taking the time to review these guidelines.

We know much of this is common sense, but we believe it’s important to be clear and thorough from the start—it’s how we ensure every dog in our care has the best possible experience.

We will care for your dog as if they were our own.