Policies and Terms

Dog policies

Leash

For safety reasons, your dog must be kept on a leash on the property, as well as on arrival and departure at the dog centre’s reception.

We ask that you not let your dog approach other leashed dogs unless their owner gives you permission. Your dog may be friendly, but some dogs on site may not have been assessed yet, or may be in social rehabilitation.

Even while you are on the premises of Centre Canin La Patte Champêtre, you remain responsible for your pet’s behaviour.

Flat collar

For safety reasons, all dogs staying with us for daycare or boarding, or taking part in our classes, must wear a flat collar.

You may also use a walking harness or a head halter, but your dog must still wear their flat collar. Please note that choke collars and martingale-type collars are not considered flat collars.

We reserve the right to remove any collar or accessory we consider dangerous to the safety of your pet, of other dogs or of our staff. An additional fee of $10 may apply if we have to provide a flat collar for your dog.

Vaccinations

All dogs attending daycare or boarding must have up-to-date vaccinations: core vaccine, rabies and Bordetella.

The Bordetella vaccine takes several days to become fully effective. We therefore recommend that your dog receive their vaccines at least 10 days before arriving.

It is your responsibility to provide your dog’s vaccination record at check-in. We reserve the right to refuse an animal whose vaccinations are not up to date.

For puppies 6 months and under, the rabies vaccine is not required. They can still be admitted to the centre.

What to bring for your dog’s stay

Dry or wet food

We recommend bringing your dog’s usual food to avoid digestive problems linked to a change in diet. Raw food is also accepted.

Please bring the food in an airtight, resealable container. To make our team’s work easier, you can also portion it out in advance in small containers, but this is not required.

We recommend bringing a little extra food in case your travel plans change. You can also plan slightly more generous portions, since your dog’s activity level may be higher during their stay.

For fussier dogs, it can help to bring a few cans of food to encourage them to eat.

If your dog refuses to eat or has diarrhea, we reserve the right to temporarily adjust their diet to support their well-being.

Treats and chews

You can leave treats with us that we will give your dog during their rest periods. The same goes for chewing activities such as bones, nylon bones or Kong-type toys.

Medication

If your dog takes medication, please bring it in its original packaging with all the necessary information.

We also need clear written instructions so the dosage is followed correctly.

What to leave at home

Bowls

We have everything needed on site, so there is no need to bring a bowl for your dog.

Breakable items

Please do not bring glass or breakable objects. Food, treats and other items for your dog must be placed in sturdy, resealable containers.

Blankets and cushions

We provide beds and blankets, so there is no need to bring bedding for your dog.

Accidents and injuries

Just as a school or a summer camp cannot prevent 100% of injuries, Centre Canin La Patte Champêtre cannot completely eliminate the risk of accidents or injuries among dogs.

All of our play groups are supervised by our qualified team. Our staff are trained in canine behaviour, dog group management and pet first aid.

The most common injuries can include cuts or scrapes to the paw pads, broken nails, hot spots, insect bites, muscle strains, sprains and other minor mishaps.

You need to be comfortable with these risks before entrusting us with your dog for group play.

Our team places great importance on your pet’s well-being and is always transparent about how an injury occurred.

Emergencies

If your dog is injured or has a health problem during their stay at the dog centre, we will take any measures deemed necessary to ensure their safety, health and well-being.

Although our staff are trained in first aid, some situations may require a visit to the veterinarian or emergency veterinary care. By signing the dog centre’s contract, you agree to cover all expenses related to your pet’s care.

You can also set a maximum amount that you authorize us to spend if your dog requires emergency care.

If our team is concerned about your dog’s health, we will contact you or the person listed as your emergency contact.

Daycare and boarding admission policy

Vaccinations

Centre Canin La Patte Champêtre requires the following vaccines for all dogs attending its facilities: core vaccine (DAP, DHPP or DA2PPv), rabies and Bordetella.

All vaccines must be up to date and have been given at least 7 to 10 days before your dog arrives. If vaccinations are not up to date, Centre Canin La Patte Champêtre reserves the right to refuse admission.

It is your responsibility to provide your dog’s vaccination record when they are admitted to the centre.

Behavioural assessment

To ensure your dog’s safety and well-being, as well as the cohesion of the groups, your dog must go through our assessment process before attending daycare or boarding.

This assessment takes place on their first day of daycare. When you arrive, you will meet a member of our team to answer a few questions, then leave your dog with us for the day.

The assessment is required. It allows us to observe how well they adapt and to determine the conditions best suited to their well-being.

We also reserve the right to request a new assessment for a dog who has not attended our facility for several months.

Assessment process

• A short meeting with a member of our team, with your dog present.
• A questionnaire and contract to complete at check-in.
• An assessment of their ability to settle down after you leave.
• A supervised exploration period in the large park, with no other dogs.
• A period of getting to know the members of our team.
• A socializing period with one dog.
• A socializing period with several dogs.
• A settling-down period in the kennel and an assessment of their ability to stay in a confined space.
• A summary of our observations and a debrief when you pick up your dog.

All socializing periods are supervised. Groups are formed based on factors such as age, size, play style and the dogs’ ability to settle down.

We reserve the right not to put your dog in contact with another dog if we feel the situation could pose a risk.

For safety and animal welfare reasons, we do not accept any dog who is reactive toward people. Our team must be able to handle your dog, provide the care they need and move them safely.

A dog who poses a risk to other dogs or to group cohesion may be cared for individually during their stay.

Additional fees may then apply, as a member of our team will need to look after your dog exclusively for their outings, walks and activities.

Medical or behavioural issues

If your dog develops a medical or behavioural issue that could affect their ability to take part in group play, it is your responsibility to inform our team.

The enrichment program can then be a good alternative.

Our staff continually assess your dog’s behaviour and their ability to adapt to other dogs and to their environment. These abilities can change over time and depend on several factors.

Our team therefore reserves the right to determine the option best suited to your dog, to ensure their safety and well-being.

Breed and dangerousness

All dog breeds are welcome. We do not discriminate based on breed or type of dog.

All dogs must nonetheless go through an assessment so we can be sure they do not pose a danger to other dogs or to our staff. If in doubt, we reserve the right to refuse an animal.

If a dog attacks a person or another dog and we believe they may pose a danger, we reserve the right to refuse to welcome them again, or to accept them only with individual care.

It is also your responsibility to be transparent during your dog’s assessment, particularly regarding any bite history, cognitive disorders or behaviours that can trigger aggressive reactions.

Environmental enrichment

We place a great deal of importance on enriching our guests’ environment. Some dogs, however, have a greater need to burn off energy.

Feel free to ask our customer service which activities can be added to your dog’s stay to better meet their needs.

Rest periods in daycare and boarding

All dogs taking part in group play need rest periods. Playing for several hours can be exhausting and can increase the risk of injury or irritability.

Some dogs may therefore be taken out of the group for an hour or two in the morning and about an hour in the afternoon.

They can rest in their kennel or in a quiet room with something to chew. Our team determines the best times and methods based on each dog’s needs.

Dogs who play in a group for half a day do not automatically have a rest period, but our team can schedule one if they feel it is better for their safety or that of the other dogs.

Fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites

We strongly recommend protecting your dog against fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites.

If we find fleas or ticks on your pet, we will contact you to look at the options for correcting the situation as quickly as possible. The same applies if we suspect the presence of an intestinal parasite.

Cuddles and play

Although we give every animal the same attention, some dogs find separation harder or have a greater need to burn off energy.

For these dogs, we offer additional one-on-one activities with a caregiver or a trainer.

Ball games: $15 / 20 minutes

LOVE, cuddle session: $15 / 20 minutes

Late fees

You must pick up your pet during our opening hours.

A late fee of $5 per 5-minute period applies if you arrive after the scheduled time.

After 30 minutes, our staff will close the reception and you will need to pick up your pet the next day during our opening hours. Late fees and boarding fees will then be added to your invoice.

We know your schedule can change or your return from holiday can be delayed. If that happens, contact the dog centre’s reception to extend your pet’s stay and avoid late fees.

Nail care

We ask that you trim your dog’s nails before their stay. Well-maintained nails reduce the risk of them injuring themselves or another dog during play.

Nails that are too long can also break when your dog runs or plays.

We reserve the right to trim your pet’s nails if we feel they are too long. A fee of $13.50 will then be added to your invoice.

Abandoned dogs

Centre Canin La Patte Champêtre is neither a shelter nor a foster home for abandoned animals. We do, however, work with various organizations that fulfill this mission and can share their contact information with you if needed.

No dog may be abandoned at Centre Canin La Patte Champêtre.

Any dog left at the centre without confirmation of an extended stay and without appropriate payment may be considered abandoned.

A dog may also be considered abandoned if they have not been picked up by their owner or by the person listed as the emergency contact within 7 days of the pickup date on file.

It is therefore important to give us the contact information of someone to reach in an emergency, ideally someone who does not usually travel with you. That way, if you are unable to contact us or pick up your pet, we can reach them.

If your dog is abandoned, you remain responsible for full payment of the stay and of all costs incurred, including any applicable legal fees.

If your dog is considered abandoned under applicable laws or regulations, Centre Canin La Patte Champêtre may become their legal owner.

Centre Canin La Patte Champêtre will then determine whether to find a new family for the dog or to place them with a shelter of its choosing.

In the event of abandonment, you acknowledge that you will not be able to reclaim your dog and you release Centre Canin La Patte Champêtre from all liability in this regard.