GENERAL FAQS

WHY DOES MY DOG NEED AN EVALUATION?

All new guests must come for a free evaluation before joining daycare or booking boarding services.

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During the evaluation we will first let your dog explore our outdoor play yard with only a trained staff member to let them get used to all of the new smells and the new environment by themselves for a bit, then once we feel that they are comfortable, we will start to slowly introduce them to one dog at a time, while closely monitoring each interaction. During this time we will closely watch your dog's comfort level and play style to determine which play group we think your dog will be the most comfortable in. If all goes well, then your dog is welcome to spend the rest of the day with us free of charge. If we feel like your pup may need a little more time to get fully adjusted to daycare or we feel like we need more time to determine if we are the right fit for your dog, then we may suggest bringing them back again for just a couple of hours and slowly work their way up to longer periods of time if needed.

The safety of your dog and all of our guests are our top priority and we want to make sure your dog will always have a safe and enjoyable daycare/boarding experience  when they visit.

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We schedule evaluations between the hours of 10:00am-2:00pm (Monday – Friday).

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Please create an account online and upload the required vaccination records and then call/text (781) 749-1094 or email us at info@shipyarddogco.com to schedule an appointment.

WHAT IS YOUR SPAY AND NUETER POLICY?

All dogs must be spayed or neutered by 12 months old.

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In a social environment, intact males are often viewed as threats by other dominant dogs. Intact females, whether in heat or not, may be picked on by other female dogs and male dogs will view her as an intact and treat her as such.

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We reserve the right to dismiss a dog before 12 months of age if we feel as if it has become to the point that it may be unsafe for your dog or other dogs. You are more than welcome to come back for a free re-evaluation at a later date if you choose to spay/neuter them.

WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE REQUIRED?

• Bordetella (Canine Cough)

• Rabies

• DHLPP (Distemper)

• Negative Fecal Exam (within the last 12 months)

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All dogs must also be on a monthly flea/tick prevention.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOLIDAY HOURS AND WINTER WEATHER POLICY?

We are closed for daycare on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

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(PLEASE NOTE: Pick-up/Drop-off for boarding on these holidays are from 10:00am – 12:00pm)

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We close at 5:00 pm on New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve.

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If Hingham Public Schools have a weather related closing, we will close at 5:00 pm on that day. 

If there is a winter weather emergency declared and travel is restricted, we will be closed except for boarding pick-up/drop-off from 10:00am-12:00pm.

DO YOU ACCEPT ANY BREED OR TEMPERMENT?

Yes, we welcome and love all breeds!

We do not accept dogs with any aggression towards other dogs or humans. We are a group play facility, so everyone must get along for the safety of all the dogs (including your own) and staff. If any dog starts to show aggression towards other dogs or staff, then they will unfortunately have to be dismissed from our daycare/boarding program. Excessive barking/humping where positive corrections do not work, could also be grounds for dismissal due to the fact that it can upset the other dogs and can become a safety issue.

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There is no such thing as a “bad” dog! Doggie daycare is not for every dog, just as crowded parties are not for every human. Some dogs just prefer the company of humans over other dogs, some are not comfortable in a group setting, some may have behavioral issues that may be resolved with training, or some just age out of daycare (imagine still hanging out at Chuck E Cheese when you’re 15 years old… could still be fun for some… others maybe not so much).

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Every dog is different, with different personalities and we just want what is best for your pup and if we feel as if they are not enjoying their time at daycare or if it becomes a safety issue for them or the other dogs then we will let you know.

DO YOU OFFER ANY DISCOUNTS OR SPECIAL OFFERS?

Purchasing daycare packages saves you $$$ off the daily rate!

All additional dogs in the same family receive 50% off daycare and boarding if sharing the same accommodations. (must be in the same family and on the same owner account)

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Evaluations are always free and if your dog passes, they are more than welcome to stay for the rest of day at no charge.

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Refer A Friend Program- Refer us to a friend that joins our pack and both of you will receive a $30 store credit to use on any of our services. (To qualify new clients must pass the evaluation and complete a daycare or boarding reservation. The credit can be used on their first visit after the evaluation day). 
 

We offer 10% off all services for active military and first responders. Must provide proper identification.

WHAT IS CANINE COUGH AND CAN MY DOG GET IT THERE?

Canine Cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Dogs commonly contract canine cough at any place where dogs congregate, such as daycare and boarding facilities, dog parks, training groups, grooming salon, a veterinary office, or even just going for a walk and encountering another dog that has it. Dogs spread it from one another through airborne droplets, direct contact or contaminated surfaces. It is highly treatable in most dogs but can be more severe in puppies younger than six months of age and immunocompromised dogs.

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We do require all dogs that come to our facility be up to date with the bordetella vaccine, but some cases are caused by canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, bordetella bronchiseptica, and mycoplasmas, which the vaccine does not protect against, so it may not prevent your dog from catching it.

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We do everything possible to try to prevent it from entering our facility, including constantly deep cleaning and sanitizing with pet safe anti-bacterial products throughout the day, air purifiers and all water bowls are sanitized multiple times daily, but there is unfortunately, no way to completely prevent it.

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If we see any dog that is displaying any symptoms while in our care, they will be removed from group play and we will call you and ask that you pick them up as soon as possible and have them evaluated by your vet before returning.

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We also ask that you keep your dog home if they are displaying any symptoms and please let us know. Then bring them back as soon as they are cleared by your vet because all their friends (and our staff) will be missing them!