Are you hiring?

No. Because of the government-controlled-lockdown, my highly valued team has been laid off for most of 2020, and still in 2021. Business needs to return to normal before they can come back and I can consider hiring another team member.

Can I volunteer or do an internship?

No. There are no volunteers in a for-profit-business. This is not a non-profit organization and not affiliated with any education program or school.

Will you post photos on your website & social media?

No, we do not post photos, in order, to respect clients' privacy.

May I take photos?

No. Please respect privacy of fellow pet owners.

Why are retractable leashes not allowed on premises?

There is too much risk of dogs or people getting tangled during check-in and check-out, which can cause injuries from fights or falls.

Do you have a referral program?

Not specifically. I do try to always say thank you but sometimes callers don’t remember who referred them. Regardless, referrals are always appreciated.

Why can't I be with my dog during the trial/evaluation?

In my experience, it's just easier for the dog to not worry about their owner. Owner anxiety and dog anxiety can create a cycle that's difficult to work through. I'm happy to answer any questions but I have a system that works well. I've been known to say, there is a method to my madness. ;)

I feel like I'm taking up your time; is it okay to chat with you or ask questions?

Please feel free to ask any questions or chat. There are times when time is limited with more dogs on-site and when trying to keep traffic flowing as dogs are dropped off and picked up. This is why I play phone tag and there are delays in responding to voicemail messages. Certainly happy to schedule a time frame for us to talk on the phone or in person when things slow down a little. From where I stand outside, I can't see who's waiting so I rely on everyone to help me keep traffic flowing. if you're not in a hurry, you're welcome to let others pick up and drop off then come back in the buffer zone.

What is the cost of the trial/evaluation day?

The first day is free to you. Only 1 new dog, is scheduled, per day. This is the best way for me to introduce your kiddo to existing pack members.

Do I have to buy a daycare package?

No. It’s okay to pay by the day. The advantage to a package is that you get 1 day free for every 9 you buy. Nail trims are also at a reduced price. Having a package can help keep traffic flowing as dogs are picked up & dropped off.

What if my dog can’t come to daycare or boarding after the trial/evaluation?

The goal of this evaluation is simply to find out your dog’s reactions and social interaction within this highly-active environment. If your dog isn’t suited; it doesn’t mean they’re a bad dog.

What if I have multiple dogs for the trial/evaluation day?

We will coordinate different days or trade dogs out during a day.

Can I bring all dogs at the same time for the trial/evaluation day?

Generally, I prefer to have 1dog at a time; family dogs are their own pack so it is easier to do the introduction day as individuals. Once this day is over, most family dogs can come on the same day.

What if I need to reschedule the trial/evaluation day?

I understand if you need to reschedule but, please keep in mind, I may have specifically brought in extra help that I might not have otherwise needed. Especially, with lost income from the government-controlled-lockdown; every trial day is part of the whole picture for me to continue to survive, while hoping I have a business to bring my valuable team members back to.

Why is it so noisy when I drop my dog off and pick him up?

It’s normal for dogs alert/bark at activity. This entry point is the same as your front door. When I had my team we didn’t have pet-owners and dogs going directly to, and from, the play yards simply to prevent this confusion. Now that it’s usually just myself, the only way I can still be with the dogs while owners come and go is to move the reception area and office outside. Trying to keep everything as simple, easy and uncomplicated, as possible.

Will my dog get training in daycare?

Yes, and no. There are some behavior issues I may be able to work through, but this is not an organized training class. You, and your family, still need to train your dog. I can provide ideas and limited assistance but you need to seek someone who can focus on teaching you to train your dog. Not one single person has all the answers in life. Open, honest, and drama-free, communication is necessary.

How old does my pet need to be?

Puppies should be minimum of 5 months old. There may be occasion where pups are allowed in as young as 4 months old depending on pup temperament, personality, as well as other factors but they can get overwhelmed with the high-energy if not careful. We have many happy dogs who truly run fast & play hard; young pups can be overwhelmed. We must work within the space we have available; we have limitations on number of play groups we can have.

What if my pet is over 7 years old?

Most seniors don't handle the higher energy of the many young and/or highly active adults. New guests will be considered on an individual basis. Smaller to medium-size breeds, generally age slower than large & giant breeds. Generally, small to medium-size dogs under 10 years old & larger dogs under 7 will do well. All factors will be considered to make sure pets will do well.

Will my dog be allowed to keep coming as they become seniors?

Yes, but if they’re no longer handling the high-energy and activity well, we will have that discussion. Same things happen to dogs and people as we age. This is a small building and property. Part of my vision is to have ability to have an area dedicated to seniors but unless/until I can afford to renovate, and/or open another facility in another area, that's on hold.

What size dogs do you accept?

Generally, dogs from about 12 lbs to 90 lbs. A couple of pounds under 12 & over 90 will be accepted as long as do well. We aren't set up to handle giant dogs.

How often can my dog come to daycare?

You can bring them 5 days per week IF they can handle that much physical and social activity. There are a few dogs who come every day that daycare is available but those owners are aware of dogs desire and willingness to stay home or come play with their friends. Generally, 2 or 3 days per week is more than enough for most dogs. It really depends on your schedule and needs while not burning your dog out. Much like us, as weekend warriors, dogs can be sore or stiff the next day. There are dogs who have been trained to hunt or perform specific jobs, who are still ready to keep going even after a fun, active day of play. I will inform you if I've noticed anything unusual while your pet is here. Happy dogs is the goal!

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Yes. At check-in, IF required vaccinations are found to be expired, we will not accept your pet for daycare or boarding. Distemper Combination & Rabies are required. Lepto is highly recommended but not required. Bordetella (canine cough) is not required Every business owner makes their own decisions so may have different policies. Vaccination is a “hot-button” issue but I’ve had, and still have pets, who have had reactions of varying degrees. I’m not going to force clients to do more than I would for my own pets or myself. I believe as a society, we over-vaccinate; we should make decisions for the individual, instead of using cookie-cutter medicine. Illnesses have been around and will always be around. The immune system can fend off much if we provide good nutrition, fresh air, exercise, etc. Many of my health issues started, many years ago, after a series of pre-exposure rabies vaccinations while working for an animal control agency. My decision to vaccinate, or not, is not lightly made.

Do you accept pets if the owner has given the vaccine?

No. Vaccines must be administered by a veterinarian or their qualified staff.

Will you contact my veterinarian for my pet’s vaccination records?

No. Please have your vet email the records to classydogs@fastmail.com. Most vets have a vaccination summary or reminder report that's easily accessed in their veterinary software. If you have the current information, you may send it via email.

Why do I have to wait 5 days after vaccination to bring my pet in?

Dogs can have mild to severe, even potentially, life-threatening reactions to vaccines. Other dogs in the pack can sense illness or weakness, which can sometimes affect the dynamic of the pack. We do want guests feeling their best, so they're happy dogs who run fast and play hard.

Are you a veterinarian?

No, I'm not a veterinarian. I grew up with horses and loved to read. I credit dad with teaching me to be prepared while he and mom, allowed me, and those horses, to explore the hills and mountains, as a kid. Being on the trail taught me to be self-reliant, independent and to be a problem-solver. My horses depended on me and I on them. In my lifetime, I’ve had many other animals, as well as worked for both large-and small-animal-veterinarians, animal control, animal rescue, and I’m an information hound. When time allows, before making decisions, I listen to my veterinarian, read and research. When no time to research, I rely on my veterinarian’s advice. I’ve been fortunate to have some great veterinarians help me keep my animals healthy and provide advice and treatment for routine and emergencies. I don't provide veterinary treatment. I do provide first aid if the need arises.

What happens if my pet gets sick or injured?

If there is a life-threatening emergency we transport to a veterinarian as soon as possible, juggling notifying the owner, emergency contacts, using telephone numbers on record with transport. We prefer using your regular veterinarian but that isn't always possible. We provide treating veterinarian with a copy of our Client Form/Contract so they know they have owner permission and can expect payment from the owner. If it's a non-emergency but needs attention, we will contact owner, emergency contacts, telephone numbers on the record so we can coordinate best option. Before you bring your pet to us for boarding, we highly recommend, you notify your veterinarian that your pet is with us so they can help us care for your pet if the need arises. The adage of it's better to have a plan and not need it than to need a plan and not have it, is very true. The text below is copied directly from client intake form: Veterinary Treatment; Please notify your local, regular veterinarian when your pet is boarding. A 24-hour Emergency Veterinarian is approximately 5 miles away. Wherever treatment is provided, all fees are the responsibility of the owner and must be paid to the veterinary hospital. Classy Canine Country Club attempts to notify owner and/or emergency contact, by phone; if unable to make contact, you and/or agent, authorize necessary, and reasonable, treatment to sustain life, if/when possible.

Do you take stray pets?

No. There is a process for attempting to locate an owner. Animal Services is the best place to take an animal missing it’s owner. You can also post on social media forums. I do have a microchip reader and am happy to scan for a microchip at no charge.

Will you take my pet if I can no longer keep them?

Generally, no. All factors will be considered. My personal pack is full of dogs that came with a variety of behavior issues, for a multitude of reasons. However, I've been known to help my clients if/when possible.

Are you prepared to care for my pet if there is a natural disaster?

Yes, I’m prepared, as much as, reasonably, can be. I can’t predict the future but have taken steps since bought this old place in 2015. Of course, we can communicate if cell towers are still operational or internet is available. The business phone is a landline and doesn't rely on internet. I have ability to text via satellite but most people won’t have a way to respond unless have a similar unit.

Why is it when we’re talking, it seems like you aren’t paying attention to me?

I have to be a multi-tasker. My ears are tuned in to what’s happening behind me, in the dog pack, so my head is on a swivel. We have hawks and eagles who often fly overhead so I try to be ultra alert especially if have small dogs in the big yard. We have other wildlife in the area; fox, coyote, raccoon, possum, occasionally a cougar or bear. And, the ever annoying wild rabbit that tease the dogs outside the fences, like the old game of duck hunt. Some dogs love to chase those pesky wabbits more than others but definitely amps everyone up. Please be patient, I promise I’m not ignoring you.

Can I get an update while my pet is here for daycare and/or boarding?

Yes, and no. I do, provide a brief update at the end of the day for daycare dogs, especially if there are any behavior issues. I don’t have a receptionist or office assistant, so the more time I’m responding to emails or voicemail messages, the less time I’m with the dogs. I have, on occasion, called with non-emergency questions or updates, but, overall, it’s not something, I do for daycare dogs. For boarding guests, it depends on the length of the stay. The longer a guest is here, it’s okay to occasionally check-in but I won’t respond to daily emails or voicemail messages. Generally, the premise, "no news is good news" is the best, most effective method of operation, for now. My small team is not back to their normal work schedule, due to ongoing, government overreach.

Why can’t I pick up or drop off on weekends and holidays?

I’d like to be able to offer, at least, Saturdays by appointment, but I don’t have the manpower. With the current daycare schedule, and no longer offering grooming, it isn’t feasible to be open on Saturdays, for boarding guests to check-in or check-out. I’m not out to purposely anger people but as the old saying goes, ya can’t please all the people all the time. I realize this and have had to figure out what I can, and cannot offer. If business returns to where it was prior to 2020, if I can bring my small, highly-valued team back, and if I can make up my financial losses, then I might be able to begin offering limited Saturday hours. Any changes will be on this website. As always, I appreciate all who have continued to keep my dream and vision alive during tough times.

Sometimes business gate is open after-hours, weekends or holidays, with cars & people, why can't I pick up or drop off my pet?

There are times it's easier to have projects done without regular business traffic. There also times, it's easier for my own personal "down-time" with friends & family, since I'm here caring for boarding guests.

How did you come up with the name "Classy Canine Country Club"?

I didn’t. During the purchase process, while going through old paperwork, I discovered the name had been shortened to Classy Canine, by the previous owners. Even though, the place was allowed to run down, the original name matches my vision. However, since taking on many happy bulldozers & teenager-juvenile-delinquents, I have, jokingly, considered changing the name to Crazy Canine Country.