Duluth Dog Depot Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines/testing are required for Duluth Dog Depot services to be performed?
Current proof of Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella (Kennel Cough), and Bivalent Influenza vaccinations, as well as a negative fecal test within the past 12 months are necessary. Please click here for more information on what these health services entail and how they protect your pet.
What time does my pet need to check-in for boarding?
It is ideal if your pet’s check-in occurs after 12:00pm on the scheduled arrival date. However, we completely understand that not all travel plans can account for this, and we welcome boarding check-ins as early as 7:00am during the week and 8:00am on Saturday! Please note that we are only open limited hours on Sunday, from 1:00-4:00pm for boarding pickup and drop-off.
What time does my pet need to checkout from boarding?
Pet guest departures are scheduled prior to 12:00pm on the departure date (except for Sundays). If your pet needs to remain at the Depot past 12:00pm on the pickup date, we are happy to accommodate this with a $15.00 late pick-up fee. (This fee is waived if your pet is scheduled for a spa service on the day of pick-up).
What time does my pet need to check-in for camp?
We ask that campers arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their camp session (by 8:45am for morning or all-day play and by 1:45pm for afternoon play). This allows us to tailor play groups and transport pups out to the play yards for their play time.
What time does my pet need to checkout from camp?
We ask that campers checkout from morning camp prior to the beginning of the afternoon camp session (by 1:45pm) and that campers checkout from all day play and afternoon camp between 5:00pm and 6:45pm.
Do you require boarding reservation deposits?
Boarding deposits are only required if your pet’s stay coincides with a holiday week (even if they do not stay over the actual holiday). If your pet is scheduled to stay over a holiday (Spring Break, Labor Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s) a $75.00 deposit per reserved space will be due at the time of booking. This deposit will be applied to your invoice at check-out, or can be returned to the original payment method if the reservation is cancelled at least 5 days prior to the arrival date. If cancelled less than 5 days prior to arrival date, this deposit is forfeit.
Can I make a reservation if I am a new client?
Absolutely! The best way to do so would be to call us at 770-502-6670 so that way may create an account for you, collect your pet’s information, and answer any questions you may have regarding our services.
Alternately, you can email inquiries to info@duluthdogdepot.com or submit requests on our website via the Contact Us page (link here please) by creating an account. Once you login to your new account, you can select the “Request Services” option and follow the prompt. Please note, these are only requests and not guaranteed bookings. A team member will review your request and be in touch within 24 hours. All new campers will need to complete an “Interview Day” prior to submitting day camp booking requests.
Do you ever turn dogs away because of their breed?
Absolutely not! We welcome all sizes and breeds of dogs. Each dog is treated as an individual and suitability for camp is based on personality and temperament.
Do smaller dogs play with large dogs?
While size is taken into consideration in developing our tailored play groups, we also separate our campers by activity level and personality as well. Our multiple play yards and smaller play groups mean individual attention to each camper and the ability to create the perfect play environment for each.
Will my older dog have fun in camp?
This really depends on the personality and needs of your older pup, but we have many senior dogs that have a blast during camp play! They can be a great source of wisdom and socialization for the younger dogs, and in turn the younger dogs can make them feel lively again. Remember that camp is about more than simply exercise – many dogs enjoy the social opportunities, swimming, camp activities, and even just snoozing in the sunshine with friends while their pet parent is at work. Our complimentary interview day can help us to assess your pet’s suitability to group play. Our counselors are constantly evaluating each dog’s behavior through the day and we can share with you if we feel your pet isn’t enjoying the camp environment.
Do injuries ever occur during camp play?
Injuries during camp are rare. We have a much higher “counselor to camper” ratio than most camp facilities, and we take the individual play styles and needs of each of our campers very seriously. We keep our play groups small and specifically tailored for safety and fun. That being said, day camp is an outdoor play environment with close pet-to-pet interaction, and minor injuries like abrasions or cuts can occasionally occur, similar to children on a playground. More serious injuries are extremely rare.
What do you do if my pet is injured/ill?
In the case your pet shows signs of illness or injury, we are just steps away from Duluth Animal Hospital next door, and prompt treatment can be provided. At their medical discretion, we may also seek care at BluePearl Emergency Hospital.
Do you have cameras?
While we do not have publicly-accessible cameras, unlike other facilities our camp does not operate behind closed doors. We are right in the heart of Duluth and welcome clients to view our outdoor camp sessions at any time during the day. We also take photos and/or videos of each dog during play to send home personalized report cards featuring their activities and new friends!
Do I need to make a reservation for boarding or camp?
Yes, we do schedule your pet’s time with us by reservation. Boarding suites tend to book up quickly, especially over holidays, so be sure to call early. For camp, we ask that you call ahead so we can accommodate your pet in one of our tailored play groups. We believe in “quality over quantity” when it comes to play, so our counselor-to-camper ratio is much higher than many camp facilities. We focus on individual dogs and their personalities and play styles. This means our camp sessions can fill up some days and calling ahead can ensure your pet’s spot.
How do I make a reservation?
Of course you’re always welcome to call us at 770-502-6670 to schedule! New clients will need to speak with a staff member to create an account, and to schedule an interview day prior to submitting requests. For current clients, we also offer reservation requests via our all-new app, via your Gingr pet account, or by emailing us at info@duluthdogdepot.com. (Please note that requests made online are not guarantees of space. Our staff will be in touch to confirm within 24 hours if your request can be met.)
What should I bring with my boarding pet?
Duluth Dog Depot provides all comforts and necessities at no charge to boarding guests, including bowls, blankets, beds, toys, and more. However, if you would like to bring something from home, we accept blankets, beds under 2.5’x4.5’ in size, and toys that are safe to leave unattended with your pet. Please do not bring bowls, rope or stuffed toys, or large, bulky bedding for your pet.
Can you administer medication to my pet?
Absolutely! We are happy to give medications according to your normal schedule. All medications must be brought in their original prescription bottle with instructions in order to be administered to your pet. We unfortunately are not able to give injectable medications (such as insulin) and cannot offer boarding to these pets. If your pet requires injections, we would refer your pet to Duluth Animal Hospital’s medical boarding services.
Can I bring refrigerated pet food for my dog?
Yes, we have the ability to store and serve refrigerated pet food.
What are your hours of operation?
Duluth Dog Depot is open from 7am-7pm during the week, from 8am-5pm on Saturday, and from 1pm-4pm (for boarding pickup and drop-off only) on Sunday.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that boarding reservations be canceled early, at least a week ahead of the arrival date if possible. For holiday boarding deposits to be returned, cancellation must occur at least 5 days prior to the arrival date. We ask that camp reservations be cancelled at least 24 hours prior, if at all possible.
What is Duluth Dog Depot’s Spay/Neuter policy?
Dogs are to be spayed or neutered if older than 8 months of age and have finished their final set of puppy vaccinations. In the case of large/giant breed dogs medically recommended to finish growing prior to altering, individual cases are to be held to the discretion of the Duluth Dog Depot based on behavior and suitability. Please speak with a staff member for more information.