Frequently Asked Questions & Our Policies

How do I book a service for my pooch?

• We do all of our bookings online for Thunder Bay and you will receive confirmation by email and reminders by email with the option to opt in for text reminders as well. Please note the service is not fully booked until we have confirmed it. All of our services are appointment only.

What forms of payment do you take?

• We accept cash, e-transfers and credit cards online ONLY. Payment is due at drop-off

Can my dog be involved in more than one service in a day? Do I receive a discount if I do?

• Yes absolutely! Add-ons are available when you book online. For example, many clients add daycare to their grooming or teeth-cleaning service for a more flexible pick-up time, though almost any services can be combined.

What happens if my dog has a medical issue while they are at Happy Pooch?

• Our staff take diligent care and attentive to pets. For non-emergencies, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss options. In the case of emergencies, we will perform pet first aid as needed and transport your dog immediately to GSAH and notify you as soon as possible.

Does my dog have to be vaccinated?

• We do require that all dogs have annual vet visits, and we will consider natural dogs based on discussion with your vet. For dogs who are not fully vaccinated, there is an express grooming option in which they have the spa to themselves with no interaction with other dogs.

Can you pick up / drop off my dog for me?

• Availability for this service varies – please contact us directly to inquire.

What times can I drop off and pick up my dog?

• Boarding drop offs and pick ups are by appointment only. When you book, you will select your drop off / pick up time. Regular daycare dogs are welcome to drop in during our drop off and pick up windows Tuesday – Saturday.

How much is boarding?

• Please see online booking for specific boarding prices. Rates are per CALENDAR DAY,  not per night.

What are your boarding options?

• VIPooch: The royal treatment! Your dog gets to partake in daily activities, sleep in a home at night, and hang out in the house. Basically your pooch becomes a part of the in-house happy-pooch family. We also accept puppies and senior dogs who have special house-training needs. VIPooch can also be an option if you don’t want your dog to be socialized with the daycare group.

• Private Suites: These are colourful rooms with lots of natural light in a heated building with direct access to our fenced in play park. Suites are for dogs who enjoy their private space at times and through the night.  Multiple medium sized family dogs can share the private suites.

• Private Deluxe Suite: Extra large private suite. Can house multiple large dogs from one household.

• Toad’s Family Suite: In Toad’s Family Suite you can board multiple pets from same family and dogs who do best with buddies can share this space with other guests. It is a large room with lots of natural lighting and its own exterior entrance. It is also independently climate controlled, so if you have an elderly dog who needs a warmer temperature this is possible. (max: 4 large dogs)

With all options dogs have unlimited outdoor playtime, based on weather. All dogs get lots of pats and cuddles.

Is there a minimum or maximum stay?

• The minimum stay is 2 days with no maximum. We’ve had dogs stay with us for 3 – 6 months.

Will my dogs be taken off leash while boarding at Happy Pooch?

• Unfortunately, this is no longer an option at Happy Pooch because of changes to our service offerings.

What are my options if my dog is not good with other dogs? Or if I don’t want my dog to socialize?

• Please contact Happy Pooch to discuss. We can accommodate dogs who just prefer more private space and attention but we cannot accommodate dogs with high reactivity.

Does my dog have to be vaccinated to come to Happy Pooch?

• Yes, for boarding & daycare we require up-to-date rabies, DAPP and bordetella. In the rare situation that your vet has recommended against vaccinations please contact us to discuss a vet supported exemption.

• For grooming services, we are able to accommodate all dogs as there is an express grooming option in which they have the spa to themselves, with no interaction with other dogs.

Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered?

• No, but if you have an unspayed female it is important you can ensure she will not be in estrus during her stay and provide a back up should this happen. And intact dogs may have reduced socialization options.

Does my dog need a jacket for boarding or daycare?

• Keeping dogs comfortable and safe is our top priority. Time outdoors is reduced and/or broken up with indoor time as the temps drop. Each dog is different but we find that many dogs need a coat and boots even just for potty breaks on very cold days. We ask that owners provide proper fitting coat and boots (ask us for advice on this).

How do grooming rates work?

• When you book online – Thunder Bay grooming estimates are provided. These are only an estimate and may change depending upon time, coat condition and pet’s temperament.

• Please note that if your pet has not been to a professional groomer in over 8 weeks you will likely have a cost of 20% or greater.  I recommend pawdicures every 3-4 weeks and grooming every 4-8 weeks. A dog that is groomed regularly will never need to be shaved due to matting and can stay comfortable and handsome all year long!

How old does my dog have to be to get groomed?

• No age limitations. In fact, we recommend the sooner the better. We even have special gentle techniques for clipping little puppy nails.

Should I have my double-coated dog trimmed in the hot months?

• We have a swimmer’s cut in the summer to keep your dog’s fur manageable, and we will do shave downs when medically necessary. 

How often should I have my dog groomed?

• We recommend you have your dog groomed every 4 – 12 weeks.

Can I come just in for a nail trim?

• Yes. We recommend your dogs nails be trimmed monthly. You can book online – Thunder Bay.

Will my dog get cold if they are groomed in the winter?

• If you bring your dog in frequently for grooming and we can keep it tangle-free, then we will be able to keep your dogs fur longer. Your dog will also be dried immediately so there is no risk of them getting chilled.

Can you groom very difficult or disabled / arthritic dogs?

• Yes! Please make the request with Tia when you book your appointment. The doggy lift product may be used, reducing muscle and joint strain for your dog. 

How do I book an appointment?

• You can book online – Thunder Bay 24/7. We do this because it is the clearest communication method. Please note the appointment is not booked until we have confirmed it – usually within a few days but in busy times it can take longer. Please be patient as we do not have full-time administrative staff.

What if my dog has skin conditions or allergies?

• Hypoallergenic shampoo is available upon request. Additional fees may apply.

Can I leave my dog all day? Does my dog need to be picked up immediately?

• You can add daycare to your groom to add some flexibility in your pick up time. Otherwise we will call when your pooch is ready to be picked up immediately.

• Book Now – Thunder Bay

SAFETY & SECURITY
Your pet's wellbeing is always our top priority. Accidents can happen, but together we can minimize risks by communicating openly about your pet's needs. Please share any medical concerns, special needs or personality traits that need require extra attention. During their stay with us, we will focus on keeping them comfortable and included as part of the Happy Pooch family - with raised beds, in floor heating in the cool months and climate control in the warm months, enrichment activities and safe social opportunities where appropriate. Every pet is different, so we tailor their experience based on what you share in the intake questionnaire and our own observations.

HEALTH
Please let us know about any health conditions, medications, or sensitivities your pet has before arrival. All core vaccines must be up-to-date and an annual check up is required. We take contagious illness seriously-particularly canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD or "kennel cough"). Bordetella is just one component of protection and does not cover all strains so please be cautious if your dog has been around coughing dogs recently. If your dog shows any signs of illness before boarding, or if they've had contact with a sick dog, please tell us so we can decide on the safest plan. If your pet becomes ill while in the care of Happy Pooch Superior we will contact you as soon as possible and it will be the client’s responsibility to pay for any charges incurred related to transport, treatment, or expense.

EMERGENCY CARE
Please note that veterinary clinics in Thunder Bay currently limit emergency services to their existing clients and are not accepting new patients. Unfortunately, this means that if your pet does not have a local veterinarian, emergency options may be extremely limited. Because of this, we ask every client to provide an emergency contact who is able and willing to drive your pet to a veterinary clinic (local or out of town) if an emergency arises. Please make sure your listed emergency contacts are reachable and able to act quickly if needed. We will always do everything we can to keep your pet safe, healthy, and comfortable. Having a clear plan in place ensures your pet receives the fastest possible help if the unexpected happens.

💡 To confirm you’ve read this carefully, please enter the word ‘pinecone’ as your middle name when you sign below.

PHOTO RELEASE
By signing below, you give Happy Pooch Superior permission to share photos or videos of your pet in print or digital form (for example on Facebook or our website). These images are used respectfully to celebrate the pets in our care and to show others what life at Happy Pooch Superior ooks like.

POLICIES & SCHEDULING
Keeping with scheduled drop-off and pick-up times for boarding guests is very important, and we ask that you arrive on time for your booked time. We cannot accommodate early or late drop off or pick up without prior arrangement. We understand that unforeseen circumstances come and, in that case, please contact us immediately to discuss an alternative time. A fee of $25/15 minutes applies to all outside of hours pick ups.

When arriving with your pet(s) for boarding, please bring enough food for the duration of their stay along with their measuring scoop and a little bit extra for contingency. Please provide any medication and administration instructions. We welcome a bed or blanket and toys from home but we are not responsible for personal items if they are damaged or go missing and encourage labelling their things. 

LIABILITY & CONDUCT
Happy Pooch Superior is not liable for any injuries to your pet, up to and including death. The Client is responsible if their dog or cat bites or attacks anything (animal or person), and Happy Pooch Superior reserves the right to refuse service. Bites must be reported to the authorities, and the owner will be liable for all medical care expenses and damages that result from the incident. The Client agrees to pay for any damages to Happy Pooch Superior property caused by the Client’s pet.