Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.

1. Does Daytime Dogs handle and take care of all types of dogs?

With the exception of our Puppy Services, each dog must be at least six months old, licensed, fully vaccinated (Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza (DHPP), Bordatella), neutered or spayed, up to date/current on monthly flea and tick medication, non aggressive and well socialized. All dogs seven months of age and older must be spayed or neutered in order to participate in overnight boarding and dog daycare. Documentation of up to date vaccinations, flea and tick medication and spay and neuter certificates will be required. We at Daytime Dogs respect and love all dog breeds, however we must respectfully decline several breads in particular that statistics reflect are capable of aggressive behavior. Those breeds are: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Chows, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers. We also reserve the right to deny service to any other dog that displays aggressive and extreme non-social behavior as determined by one of our handlers.

All dogs are required to be free of any condition which could potentially jeopardize other dogs including fleas and ticks. Owners will certify that their dogs have not harmed or shown any aggressive or threatening behavior towards any person or dogs and that their dog is free of fleas and ticks. We always conduct spot checks for all dogs for the health and well being of both dogs and owners alike.
For all cats, Feline vaccinations are required and include Rabies, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP). These can all be either 1 or 3 year vaccinations.

2. How do we sign up our pet(s) for services?

You can complete the meet and greet information or give us a call and we can schedule an initial meet and greet orientation at a time most convenient to you. This meeting normally takes approximately 30 minutes. Once you have scheduled your Meet & Greet, please complete the required new client forms which include a Pet profile, Owner's Agreement and Urgent Veterinary Authorization prior to our meeting so that we can begin the evaluation process once we arrive at your home. This will also allow us to spend more time getting to know you and your pets. Understanding you and your pet's special needs and focusing on your questions and/or concerns is extremely important to us! We want you to be completely assured and comfortable with our service.

3. What emergency plans do you have in place?

We maintain every pet’s detailed information during each outing they participate in. This includes the owner’s contact phone numbers, your pet’s veterinarian and medical history. We also will have the consent forms which have been provided to us and a comprehensive listing of available veterinarians in our area. We are also fully certified in Pet First Aid by the local American Red Cross and we maintain an up to date American Red Cross Pet First Aid kit which we carry with us on all of our outings in the event of any emergency.

4. What happens if we are experiencing inclement weather on the date and scheduled time of our Dog's outing?

As we Floridians understand, if you can't stand the weather, wait 30 minutes and it will change! In many cases our stormy weather comes and goes. Most times this usually allows us adequate time to hold each group outing, however if this is not possible, at a minimum we guarantee that each dog will receive adequate exercise for that day and then full regular group outings will resume on the next scheduled outing. We will always use extreme care in our outings when it comes to hot temperatures. We will take our time giving plenty of water breaks and will adjust our routine accordingly to assure a totally safe and enjoyable session for all of the dogs in the group.

5. Can we use your Pet Taxi and Concierge Service if our pet is not actively participating in other services?

Yes; however you will still need to go through the initial in-home evaluation.

6.  What dog training methods do you use?

We believe in a positive reinforcement philosophy with every dog, utilizing praise, rewards and consistency. During our sessions with your dog, we become your dog's pack leader and as such when these standards are applied on a consistent basis, the end result will be very a positive experience for your dog and hopefully one in which every owner will benefit from as well. We practice such basic dog commands as sit, stay, come, down. We never use choke or prong collars. We utilize the safe and reliable “Martingale” type collar and leash throughout all of our outings to insure your dog's safety and security at all times.

7. Can you transport our pet to the veterinarian or groomer?

Yes; with our pet taxi and concierge service, we will transport your pet to and from the vet, groomer or wherever he or she needs to go. We can also remain with your pet throughout a scheduled vet visit, should you desire.

8. What are the requirements for our dog to participate in the adventure outings?

Prior to becoming a member of our “Pack”, we require a free in-home evaluation and meet and greet with you and your Canine best friend during which we can better determine if your pup is well suited and will be comfortable in participating in one of our outings. Often times an insecure, shy or nervous dog becomes much more outgoing and confident when once they have begun participating in one of our adventure outings. We are concerned for not only your dog's safety, but with the safety of all of our Canine participants. In our social environment, it is extremely important that we disallow dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior or that have any medical conditions that may be harmful to the other dogs.

9. How do you determine if a dog is suitable for group outings?

We will normally bring one of our dogs to our meet and greet meeting. We do this because we have found it to be an effective measure of how your dog will interact with other dogs. We will focus on your dog's behavior while we introduce ourselves and our dog. Most of our customers have a pretty good idea of how well socialized their dog is. During our time together, we will ask a number of questions about your dog's behavior and history. Then we will walk him or her around your neighborhood with our dog. We have found that most dogs will enjoy and greatly benefit from our Adventure outings.

10. What are the pickup and return arrangements?

Pickups and returns are done in the first and last half hour of each outing. Because we are fully bonded and insured, we are able to pick up and return each dog whether or not the owner is home. During our initial evaluation we will obtain preferably two sets of keys to your home. Each client's keys are security coded and that code always remains separate and secure from the keys which are stored in our secure safe. At the end of each outing, your dog is returned home safe and sound based on any specific instructions you have given to us. We will make certain that every dog has adequate water supply prior to leaving your home. Any specific issues regarding your dog will be left for you on our “Doggie Report Card.

11. Is there a minimum number of outings required for our dogs to participate in Dog Day Adventures?

No, but we recommend participation at least once a week.  While the days and times can vary from week to week depending on what best serves your situation, we highly recommend regular participation to promote consistency and to encourage regular activity and exercise.  Dogs, like people, are creatures of habit.

12. Where do you take the dogs on each outing?

We utilize a number of approved local parks and nature trails in and around Gainesville. The focus of each outing is the benefit of exercise that each dog will receive from brisk walks. Along the way, the camaraderie of the dogs in each group, combined with the sights and smells provide a wonderful beneficial experience for every dog in the group. Throughout each outing, your dog will benefit from the positive reinforcement we utilize of basic obedience commands.  At all times every dog is closely observed and supervised while always focusing on the safety of every dog.

13. What do you do in case of illness or injury?

We will assess the situation to determine what plan of action is best to take. Our concern is always what will be best for your dog. Depending on the situation, we will either rush the dog to the closest veterinarian or, in a non-emergency, we will make every effort to take them to your designated veterinarian. We will always attempt to contact the owner to get their permission for our chosen course of action.

14. I have an older dog. Will they enjoy this environment?

This will depend on your dog. Some older dogs love the interaction with other dogs and will benefit greatly from the exercise and stimulation these outings provide. During our initial evaluation meeting, we may determine based on size and the activity/comfort level your dog exhibits, that he or she should be placed in a grouping with smaller, more laid back dogs, or with larger and more energetic dogs. Your input during this evaluation process will help us determine the best possible situation and environment for your best friend. During each outing, we will always be observant of each dog and should we find that your dog might be best suited to a different group, we will give you our recommendation on our “Doggie Report Card.

15. My dog has health issues; can he/she still come?

This depends on the health issues. There are certain illnesses that don't mix well in a social environment. We cannot accept Epileptic dogs. We cannot give your dog injections if they were to have a seizure. We also cannot accept any dog with communicable diseases or parasites or any condition which could potentially jeopardize the health and safety of other dogs. There are other health issues such as ear infections, arthritis, glaucoma, and cancer which we are usually able to accommodate. It is best to discuss any possible issues with us during our initial meeting with you and your dog.

16. Should I feed my dog before going on a Daytime Dog Adventure?

It is best to have your dog eat a minimum of 1.5 hours prior to he or she being picked up by us. This is to prevent potential bloating. Bloat can be caused from exercising and playing too soon after eating and can be harmful. If your dog ate less than 1.5 hours before his or her scheduled activity, please let our handler know for the safety and well being of your pet.

17. Is there a specific kind of collar my dog must wear to come to camp?

Daytime Dogs does require all dogs wear a collar with an ID tag including your name and phone number.

18. What happens if my dog gets sick or injured?

Our handlers are all highly experienced dog handlers and are certified in pet first aid and CPR by the American Red Cross. We will take excellent care of your dog if anything comes up. You will be contacted and in the event of an emergency your dog will be brought to a vet immediately.

19. Are you insured?

We are fully insured and bonded. Our certificates of coverage are on file and available upon request.

20. Are you licensed?

Daytime Dogs, LLC is a registered business with the State of Florida and Alachua County.

21. Can you provide references?

We sure can. Please contact us and we will be glad to send you a list of personal references.

22. Are the dogs ever taken off leash?

We do not promote off leash walking and strictly adhere to all local regulations. Off leash walking is only permitted in leash-free locations designated as such by the City of Gainesville and/or Alachua County. The safety and security of your dog is our utmost concern and priority!  

23. Who will have access to my home?

Daytime Dogs, LLC, its employees and employer, will be the only parties with access to your home. All keys are kept in a secured safe when not in use and no address or other personal information is attached to your key. We are fully bonded and insured and copies of our certificates are available to you by request.