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Dog Home Boarding - Standard Operating Procedures

Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: [Date]
Review Date: [Date + 12 months]

1. PRE-ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

1.1 Booking Confirmation (24-48 hours before arrival)

  • Confirm arrival/departure times with owner
  • Verify emergency contact details are current
  • Check vaccination certificates are valid (must be 2+ weeks post-primary vaccination)
  • Confirm any medication requirements and dosing schedules
  • Prepare designated boarding room with fresh bedding
  • Review dog's information sheet for special requirements

1.2 Daily Preparation Checklist

  • Check weather forecast for walk planning
  • Ensure emergency contact numbers are accessible
  • Verify first aid kit is stocked and accessible
  • Check all gates and fencing are secure
  • Prepare daily log sheet with dog's name and dates

2. ARRIVAL PROTOCOL

2.1 Health Assessment (MANDATORY)

Before accepting the dog, complete visual health check:

  • Eyes: Clear, no discharge or redness
  • Nose: No excessive discharge
  • Ears: Clean, no strong odor
  • Skin: No visible parasites, excessive scratching, or wounds
  • General demeanor: Alert and responsive

⚠️ DO NOT ACCEPT if any signs of illness are present

2.2 Documentation Requirements

  • Check and copy vaccination certificates
  • Verify microchip number matches records
  • Obtain signed consent forms (exercise, medication, emergency treatment)
  • Record condition of dog upon arrival in log
  • Take arrival photo for records

2.3 Settling In Procedure

  • Allow 15-20 minutes for dog to explore designated area
  • Provide fresh water in clean bowl
  • Show dog their sleeping area
  • Keep initial environment calm and quiet
  • Do not attempt to interact with other dogs if present

3. DAILY CARE PROCEDURES

3.1 Feeding Protocol

Meal Times (maintain dog's home schedule):

  • Morning: 7:00-9:00 AM
  • Evening: 5:00-7:00 PM
  • Puppies: Additional midday meal 12:00-1:00 PM

Feeding Steps:

  1. Use only owner-provided food and bowls
  2. Measure exact portion as specified by owner
  3. If multiple dogs present, feed in separate areas
  4. Wait minimum 1 hour after exercise before feeding
  5. Allow 20-30 minutes for eating, then remove uneaten food
  6. Record amount consumed and appetite in daily log
  7. Provide fresh water at all times

⚠️ NEVER feed human food unless specifically authorized by owner

3.2 Exercise Requirements

Minimum Exercise Standards:

  • 2 walks per day, minimum 20 minutes each
  • Morning walk: 8:00-10:00 AM
  • Evening walk: 4:00-6:00 PM
  • Additional toilet breaks every 4-6 hours

Exercise Protocol:

  1. Check weather conditions and adjust accordingly
  2. Use owner-provided collar, lead, and harness
  3. Carry waste bags and mobile phone
  4. Keep dog on lead unless written consent for off-lead exercise
  5. Monitor dog for signs of fatigue or distress
  6. Record exercise duration and behavior in daily log

Off-Lead Exercise (only with written consent):

  • Must be in secure, fenced area only
  • Never leave dog unsupervised off-lead
  • Immediately return to lead if recall fails

3.3 Medication Administration

If medication required:

  1. Verify dosage and timing with owner's written instructions
  2. Administer only at specified times
  3. Use pill pockets or mix with small amount of food if approved
  4. Record exact time and dose in medication log
  5. Monitor for adverse reactions for 2 hours post-administration
  6. Contact owner immediately if dog refuses medication

⚠️ Contact veterinarian immediately if adverse reaction occurs

4. HEALTH AND SAFETY MONITORING

4.1 Hourly Safety Checks (during waking hours)

  • Visual check on dog's location and wellbeing
  • Ensure secure access to water
  • Check all gates and barriers remain secure
  • Monitor for any changes in behavior or appetite

4.2 Warning Signs - Contact Vet Immediately

  • Vomiting more than once in 24 hours
  • Diarrhea lasting more than 4 hours
  • Difficulty breathing or excessive panting when calm
  • Loss of appetite for more than 12 hours
  • Unusual lethargy or unresponsiveness
  • Any injury, however minor
  • Seizures or collapse

4.3 Multiple Dog Management

If caring for dogs from different households:

  • Never leave unfamiliar dogs unsupervised together
  • Feed dogs in separate rooms
  • Provide separate water bowls and toys
  • Monitor for resource guarding or tension
  • Be prepared to separate immediately if conflicts arise

5. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

5.1 Medical Emergency

  1. Assess the situation - Is the dog conscious and breathing?
  2. Contact emergency vet immediately - [Insert local emergency vet number]
  3. Call owner - Inform of situation and actions taken
  4. Transport safely - Use towel or blanket as stretcher if needed
  5. Document everything - Time, symptoms, actions taken

5.2 Escape Protocol

  1. Do not panic - Remain calm
  2. Search immediate area - Call dog's name calmly
  3. Alert neighbors - Ask them to watch for the dog
  4. Contact owner immediately - Within 10 minutes
  5. Contact local vets and Dogs Lost UK - Provide description and contact details
  6. Put out familiar items - Dog's bedding, owner's clothing
  7. Continue active search - Check regularly for 24+ hours

5.3 Fire Emergency

  1. Evacuate all animals first - Use leads/carriers
  2. Call 999
  3. Move to designated assembly point - [Insert location]
  4. Contact owners immediately
  5. Do not re-enter building for any reason

6. DAILY RECORD KEEPING

6.1 Daily Log Requirements

Complete every day for each dog:

Morning Entry:

  • Time of first toilet break
  • Appetite at breakfast (good/fair/poor)
  • Amount of food consumed
  • Exercise time and duration
  • General mood and behavior

Evening Entry:

  • Afternoon exercise details
  • Evening meal consumption
  • Any incidents or observations
  • Medication given (if applicable)
  • Overall assessment of day

6.2 Incident Reporting

Document immediately:

  • Any illness or injury
  • Behavioral issues or aggression
  • Property damage
  • Medication reactions
  • Escape attempts
  • Interactions with other animals

Report to owner within 2 hours of any incident

7. CLIENT COMMUNICATION

7.1 Daily Updates

Send to owner daily between 6:00-8:00 PM:

  • Photo of their dog
  • Brief summary of day's activities
  • Any observations or concerns
  • Confirmation of next day's schedule

Use owner's preferred communication method:

  • WhatsApp (most common)
  • Email
  • Text message

7.2 Immediate Contact Required

Contact owner within 30 minutes for:

  • Any health concerns
  • Behavioral issues
  • Refused meals (after 12 hours)
  • Any incident requiring veterinary attention
  • Property damage

8. DEPARTURE PROTOCOL

8.1 Pre-Departure Checklist

  • Complete final health check
  • Prepare departure report summarizing stay
  • Gather all owner's belongings (leads, toys, food, medication)
  • Take departure photo
  • Calculate any additional charges (medication, extended stays)

8.2 Handover Procedure

  1. Provide verbal summary of stay
  2. Present written daily logs
  3. Discuss any observations or recommendations
  4. Return all belongings
  5. Process payment
  6. Schedule follow-up feedback call (24-48 hours)

8.3 Post-Departure Tasks

  • Deep clean boarding room (see Infection Control Procedure)
  • Wash and sanitize food/water bowls
  • Update client records
  • File all documentation
  • Request written feedback from owner

9. INFECTION CONTROL

Refer to separate Infection Control Procedure document for detailed protocols

Key Daily Requirements:

  • Clean and disinfect food/water bowls after each use
  • Remove and wash bedding between guests
  • Sanitize hands before and after handling each dog
  • Clean up accidents immediately with approved disinfectant
  • Maintain cleaning log as required

10. QUALITY ASSURANCE

10.1 Weekly Review

  • Review all daily logs for trends or concerns
  • Check emergency supplies and equipment
  • Update client contact information
  • Review and update procedures as needed

10.2 Monthly Tasks

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Check first aid kit expiry dates
  • Review insurance coverage
  • Update training and qualifications
  • Conduct fence and security inspection

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Primary Veterinary Practice: [Number]
Emergency/Out-of-Hours Vet: [Number]
Local Authority Licensing: [Number]
Insurance Company: [Number]
Key Holder/Emergency Contact: [Number]

STAFF ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I have read, understood, and agree to follow these Standard Operating Procedures.

Name: ________________________
Signature: ________________________
Date: ________________________

Next Review Date: [Date]
Document Controller: [Name]

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    Dog Home Boarding - Standard Operating Procedures | Claude