Daycare, Boarding & Training Policy Overview

The Board Hound’s Commitment to Care Statement

The Board Hound was created to allow dogs to play, learn, and socialize in a fear-free environment. Our goal is to build confidence, teach and guide appropriate social behavior, and provide resources to help owners create healthy relationships and habits with their dogs.

Please read our policies below as it pertains to daycare, boarding, and training requirements for enrollment, operational information, risk assessment, and quality of care expectations.

Enrichment Daycare & Boarding Requirements & Operational Policies

Daycare & Boarding Evaluation & Enrollment Status: An initial evaluation and at least 4 hours of daycare participation (trial day of daycare) is required prior to being enrolled into daycare, or scheduling a boarding reservation. All dogs must be human friendly, and show appropriate behavior during the evaluation to be accepted for daycare services. However, dogs participating in daycare do not have to be dog-friendly, and can opt out of social interactions. The evaluation requirement must be completed prior to scheduling future daycare services. Furthermore, each dog must attend daycare with The Board Hound at least once every three (3) months to maintain their active status for daycare participation. Please visit https://theboardhound.com/registration/ to begin the enrollment process for daycare and boarding.

Continuing Daycare & Boarding Evaluation: All dogs are continuously evaluated while participating in daycare and boarding activities. Behavioral changes are monitored and may result in your dog’s removal from any daycare activity, temporarily or permanently, as determined by The Board Hound’s management and behavior teams. Any behavioral changes, not limited to: social behavior changes, increased signs of stress, decreased tolerances, or signs of fearful behavior will be addressed with the dog’s owner(s) and, if appropriate, The Board Hound’s behavior team will communicate concerns. It is very normal to see dogs’ social behavior change over their lifetime, and many adult dogs will need their social and/or energy outlets adjusted continuously. The Board Hound will always make necessary accommodations, within reason, to cater to these changes to ensure behavioral and physical health remains a priority. Recommendations for adjustments will be provided if concerns about behavioral health surface. Restrictions on playgroup participation or other activities, or dismissal from daycare participation, may be necessary if behavior changes create safety concerns. Restrictions from playgroup participation, or other activities, does not always result in dismissal from daycare services. All dismissal decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and evaluated by senior leadership.

Boarding Status Requirements: If it has been more than three (3) months since the dogs’ last daycare or boarding visit, participation in a scheduled day of daycare will be required in order to schedule a boarding reservation, and will be subject to the daycare rate.

Daycare Reservations & Cancellation Policy: Reservations for daycare are required in advance. Please visit https://theboardhound.com/dog-daycare/schedule-dog-daycare to view current daycare availability and schedule a visits. Reservations for daycare can be made up to one year in advance, and can be scheduled as recurring reservations through the end of the current calendar year. Day-of cancellations will be subject to the current daycare rate. There is no cancellation fee to cancel before your reservation date. To cancel your reservation for daycare, please email oldtown@theboardhound.com.

Boarding Reservations & Cancellation Policy: Boarding reservations are required in advance. Please visit https://theboardhound.com/dog-boarding/dog-boarding-schedule-boarding/ to view current boarding availability. Reservation requests can be completed via the boarding request form via  There is no penalty for canceling non-holiday boarding reservations (See holiday information regarding cancellation policy for holiday reservations).

Age Requirement: All dogs must be at least 10 weeks old at the time of their daycare & boarding evaluation, although we recommend starting with Puppy Party visits for dogs younger than 16 weeks.

Spay/Neuter Status: The Board Hound does not require dogs to be altered to participate in daycare and boarding services. It is encouraged to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for spay/neuter decisions. All dogs are observed behaviorally and only socially appropriate dogs will be allowed in playgroup participation. While we do allow intact/unaltered dogs to participate in daycare services, some intact dogs may be excluded from some activity participation for safety reasons (i.e. a male intact dog over the age of 6 months will never be allowed to interact with an unaltered female). A bitch in heat is not permitted in our facility at any time.

Adult Dog Vaccine Requirements: The owner must provide up to date copies of their dog’s vaccine records showing that Rabies and Distemper/Parvo combo vaccines are current to participate in daycare services. The Bordetella and Canine Influenza vaccines are strongly recommended for dogs who interact with other dogs. Titer testing is also accepted. If you wish to have any vaccines waived for medical reasons, or otherwise, please contact us to discuss those policies and options.

Puppy Vaccine Requirements: For puppies under 16 weeks, the first two rounds of Distemper/Parvo are required. Rabies is required for all dogs over the age of 16 weeks. See Training policies below for Puppy socialization requirements, which differ from daycare and boarding requirements.

Veterinarian Status: We require all dogs be in good standing with their vet, and be in good health, in order to attend daycare & boarding. All updated vaccines and relevant health information should be emailed (oldtown@theboardhound.com) or faxed (866-924-1480) to The Board Hound as this information is updated.

Health & Illness: For the health and safety of all the dogs in our facility, we ask that dogs do not attend daycare if they are showing any signs of illness including, but not limited to, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, and/ or fatigue. If a dog begins showing symptoms of illness after drop-off, they may be isolated at The Board Hound’s discretion. In these cases, the owner will be contacted via phone, email, or both. Pick up from daycare & boarding will be required in cases of symptoms or illness.

Upper Respiratory Infections (URI): URI is a common illness that occurs most frequently in high-density dog populations. At The Board Hound we continuously evaluate dogs for URI symptoms. Symptoms of URI include: Coughing, wheezing, hacking, decreased energy, decreased appetite, lethargy, nasal discharge, and or eye discharge. In the event of symptom identification, your dog will be isolated away from other dogs, in a quarantined space with separate HVAC. Even if your dog is vaccinated for Bordetella, they can still contract URIs. In the event of a URI outbreak (more than 5 reported cases in 7 days), The Board Hound may close daycare services to prevent/stop the spread of URI to healthy dogs. If your dog displays any of the listed symptoms, please keep them home, have them evaluated by a veterinarian, and communicate your dogs symptom onset date, symptom presentation, and vet findings (if applicable) to oldtown@theboardhound.com. The Board Hound tracks all reported cases and determines outbreak risk based on community reports. Information regarding outbreak risk is communicated via email as appropriate.

Rest Time: A mandatory rest time for dogs during daycare hours is not widely enforced. However, rest is a regular part of every visit. Our process is to ensure the safety and health of your dog and all the dogs in our care. It is expected that all dogs will rest throughout the day. We do not limit the amount of rest time a dog can take, and we will never force activity participation if they would prefer to rest. Many factors are considered when making those decisions including, but not limited to: age, body condition, overall health, arousal, stress, isolation tolerance, and social tolerance.

Outdoor Play Area: The outdoor play space is covered and has direct access to a climate-controlled space. The outdoor play area is operated similarly to the indoor play areas. Since the outdoor space is completely covered, operation of the outdoor play area can be operated in most weather conditions. The Board Hound reserves the right to determine whether your dog is appropriate for participation in our outdoor play space. Our outdoor play area may be operated on a seasonal basis for playgroups, brain games, or other activities. Weather conditions can affect the operational status of the outdoor play area at any time.

Leashes & Equipment: When in our facility, all dogs must be secured by harness or flat collar and a standard 4′ to 6′ leash. Please avoid use of retractable leashes, if possible. Owner provided equipment will be removed from all dogs upon arrival and stored securely for pick up. Harnesses, collars, and leashes Provided by The Board Hound will be used for the duration of your dog’s visit. This ensures proper safety protocols are in place to keep your dog safe during outdoor activities. When outside the facility, a y-front harness and nylon leash will be used. Harnesses are always custom fit for each dog, however, a martingale collar secured to the harness with a carabiner is in place as a back up safety measure. For the dogs’ safety, most dogs are collarless while in our facility. If necessary for handling and management purposes, your dog will be provided with a quick release collar to wear.

Walks: All of our daycare & boarding services include off-site exploration, socialization, and training walks. All walks are completed as individual walks with a trained staff member. Any activity off-site is always performed with a 1:1 staff:dog ratio and will always be secured with a y-front harness, 6 ft leash, and a martingale collar for additional safety.

Aversive Training Tools: Use of prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, bark collars, or any other aversive tools are strictly prohibited in our facilities. Please remove all aversive equipment prior to entering our facility. Any dog arriving with aversive equipment will be asked to remove the equipment at arrival.

Owner Provided Belongings: Bedding, toys, bowls, and other belongings will not be accepted for daycare or boarding. Belongings may be turned away at drop off, or stored securely until pick up.

Daycare Lunch (optional): Owner provided lunch can be provided to any dog upon request at no charge. However, daycare participation includes added treats and calories. Providing lunch is not required. If lunch is provided by the owner, the lunch should be labeled with the dog’s name. Any uneaten food will be returned to the dog’s owner at pick up. If house food is requested, there will be a fee. For safety reasons, we will not accept treats or chews that pose a choking hazard to your dog.

Boarding Meals: Meals for boarding dogs are fed up to 3 times per day (approximate times: 6am, 12pm, 6pm). It is recommended to provide the dog’s own food while boarding. If providing your dog’s own food, it is required that each meal (including canned food) be individually packaged, per dog, and each bag is labeled with the dog’s name. Raw, wet, and/or dry food is accepted and can be refrigerated, or frozen, if necessary. A bagging fee per meal will be added if meals are not individually packaged. Treats are welcome, but please do not provide treats that pose a choking hazard (i.e. rawhide, etc.). If you choose not to provide food for your dog’s boarding stay, house food can be provided for a fee. Mix-ins (water, pumpkin, sweet potato, peanut butter, canned chicken, etc.) may be added to a meal to encourage your dog to eat as staff sees fit. On occasion, uneaten dry food will be returned at the end of your dog’s boarding stay. Uneaten wet food will not be saved.

Medication: Medication can be administered during daycare & boarding as instructed at no additional charge. All medication should be appropriately labeled and in the original packages/bottles with the dog’s name and accurate instructions. Medical conditions are required to be disclosed prior to boarding drop off.

Overnight Hours: Each dog is provided with a private, or semi-private, space to rest in the overnight hours. The space in which your dog is assigned is determined by the staff. Special requests will be considered, but not guaranteed. All dogs are assigned overnight space that meets the individual needs of each dog. During the overnight hours, an overnight staff is always present. However, they are not permitted to accept drop off, release dogs to owners, or unlock the building for any reason between the hours of 7pm and 7am. This is for safety and security reasons. Please do not attempt to pick up or drop off your dog during the overnight hours.

Suite-Only Boarding: The Board Hound does not offer boarding options for dogs who are human aggressive. However, we can accommodate special circumstances, dogs who have aged out of socialization, or dogs recovering from injury. However, we are only able to accommodate these requests in specific situations and it must be approved ahead of time. 

Bath & Nail Trims: It is required, for safety, all daycare dogs’ nails be appropriately trimmed, and their fur is reasonably clean prior to drop off. The Board Hound reserves the right to provide nail trims and baths, as necessary, and charge the account for the cost of the service. This service can also be accommodated upon request at the cost of the service. It is also understood that there is a reasonable expectation that dogs may become dirty while participating in daycare. If a dog becomes soiled beyond reasonable expectations, they will be cleaned prior to pick up. We will be able to perform these services so long as your dog allows us to do so. We will not be able to complete these services if your dog is overwhelmed, fearful, or in any state that poses a concern for overall safety. We are not able to accommodate requests for haircuts,  anal gland expression, or teeth brushing. The Board Hound is not a groomer, and we do not have a groomer on staff. All baths and nail trims are convenience services and should not expect groomer-quality results.

Training Requirements & Operational Policies

Training Enrollment Status: To register for any training service provided by The Board Hound, please visit https://theboardhound.com/registration/ to begin the enrollment process for training prior to requesting or scheduling any training services.

Puppy Party Requirements: All puppies must be at least 8 weeks old, and no older than 16 weeks old at the time of Puppy Party attendance. Puppies require at least their first round of distemper/parvovirus vaccine to participate. Puppy Party is one hour. Owners are required to be present for the duration of Puppy Party.

Puppy Kindergarten Requirements: All puppies are required to be under 16 weeks of age, with their first round of Distemper/Parvo. New client registration is required to register for PK.

Obedience Group Class & Workshop Requirements: All dogs must be over 16 weeks of age, with appropriate vaccines by the first class (excluding orientation) for obedience classes and Workshops. Registration paperwork is required to register for new clients. Prerequisites for each class will also be required.

Obedience Class Make-up Policy: For all Obedience Group Classes, there is a make-up fee for the first missed class (excluding orientation). Make ups for missed classes are required prior to the next class meet. Dismissal from the class will be automatic if the missed class is not made up, or if there is no plan established with your trainer. No refunds/credits will be issued for classes missed or dismissals from class for attendance.

Private Training Registration: Registration for private training services requires the new client registration and an initial session for private training. If your dog has participated in any group training classes (including PK), the initial session requirement may be waived. Please contact training@theboardhound.com to check your specific requirements.

Specialized Socialization Visits: For dogs that may need a more patient approach to getting accustomed to daycare. Specialized Socialization is a unique approach to desensitize, counter-condition, and create positive associations with our facility before making regular visits a part of a dog’s routine. Sessions are 1-2 hours per session, depending on your dog’s needs. Specialized Socialization Visits may be completed with or without the owner present, per your dog’s needs.

The Academy at The Board Hound: Students must complete and pass a daycare evaluation prior to registering for The Academy. Additionally, the trainer(s) may determine your dog needs and require an established daycare history prior to beginning The Academy. 

Spay/Neuter Status: There is no spay/neuter requirement for training services.

Vaccines & Veterinarian Status: The owner must provide up to date copies of their dog’s vaccine records showing that Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccines are current to participate in training services. Titer testing is also accepted. Rabies is not required for dogs under the age of 16 weeks. The Canine Influenza vaccine is recommended, but not required. If you wish to have any vaccines waived for medical reasons, or otherwise, please contact us to discuss those policies and options. Dogs who are vaccinated for Bordetella must be vaccinated at least 48 hours prior to participating in boarding. The Bordetella vaccine does not protect against all upper respiratory infections. Please consult with your vet for information on these illnesses. We require all dogs be in good standing with their vet, and be in good health, in order to attend boarding. All updated vaccines and relevant health information should be emailed or faxed to The Board Hound as this information is updated.

Health: For the health and safety of all dogs and trainers, we ask that dogs and their owners not attend training services if they are showing any signs of illness including, but not limited to, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fatigue. It is also requested that your private training sessions be rescheduled if your dog is showing any symptoms of illness prior to any scheduled training session. If a dog begins showing symptoms of illness during a class or session, the session may be ended early at the owner’s expense.

Equipment: It is required that appropriate training equipment (leash, collar, harness, etc.) be provided by the owner. Recommended equipment includes a front clip harness, flat collar or flat martingale, and a 6-foot flat leash. Recommendations from the trainer will be provided and can vary to accommodate the individual dog and/or training goals. However, The Board Hound will never use or condone the use of aversive equipment including but not limited to shock collars, chain collars, prong collars, spray bottles, electric fences, air horns, etc. Retractable leashes should also be avoided for safety reasons.

Treats: A high-value training treat is required for all training services. If not provided by the owner, house treats will be provided and cost may be billed to your account.

Holiday Information

Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day are the holidays that may impact our daycare, boarding, and/or training schedules.

Holiday Schedules: Daycare closures, hours of operation, and training class schedules may be impacted on and/or around the date of any holiday listed above. Please visit https://theboardhound.com/calendar/ to review the currently posted holiday schedule.

• Daycare Closures: For days that we are closed for daycare, only boarding dogs will be permitted in our facility.
• Holiday Boarding: Hours will be open 9 am to 7 pm at our Shirlington location only for boarding drop-off/pick-up all days we are closed for daycare per the calendar.
• Training & Workshops: Please view The Board Hound Calendar to review current schedules for classes, workshops, puppy party, and other events possibly impacted by a holiday.

Holiday Deposits & Holiday Boarding Cancellation Policy: If a boarding reservation falls on any date listed on our holiday schedule as closed, it will require a non-refundable holiday deposit of $135. Deposits are applied to the boarding stay invoice at checkout. All holiday deposits are non-refundable. Holiday reservations canceled within seven (7) days of the reservation start date will forfeit any paid deposit. If the boarding reservation is canceled at least seven (7) days prior to the reservation start date, the amount for the deposit will be applied to future services. Applicable holidays are posted to The Board Hound Calendar.

Holiday Surcharges: All days that we are listed as closed for daycare, boarding reservations will incur a Holiday Surcharge per night. The current holiday surcharge pricing can be viewed here: https://theboardhound.com/calendar.

Facility Policies & Procedures

Hours of Operation & Contact Information: Please visit https://theboardhound.com/the-board-hound-old-town/ to review hours, location, and contact information.

Drop-Off & Pick Up: All pick up and drop off must occur during normal business hours. We cannot accommodate drop off or pick up outside of posted hours, including the overnight hours.

Holiday Daycare Closures: There are occasional dates on or around some holidays where daycare is closed to accommodate increases in boarding demand. Please view our calendar for daycare closures for the current calendar year: https://theboardhound.com/calendar.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather, our hours of operation will be from 9 am to 5 pm. For delayed opening, notification will be provided at https://theboardhound.com/ and/or by email by 5:30 am EST. If inclement weather develops, or is predicted to occur, notification of early closure will be provided at https://theboardhound.com/ and/or by email by 12 pm EST. In extreme circumstances, daycare operations may be limited. In all cases, there will be manager on site from 7 am to 7 pm, and an overnight attendant on site from 7 pm to 7 am, at minimum. If inclement weather impacts training classes, puppy classes, The Academy, or private training, you may hear directly from your trainer to determine if rescheduling is necessary. The Board Hound follows local and federal government for inclement weather decisions.

Payment, Permissions & Understanding of Risk

Payment: Full payment for service is expected on the day services are rendered for Daycare, Private Training, Specialized Socialization, Puppy Socialization classes, and start date for The Academy. Group Obedience Classes will be charged one week prior to the start of the class. Boarding invoices are charged on the day of pick up. Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, and check are all accepted. In addition, we require each account with us to have a valid credit card on file to schedule services for the convenience of all our boarding, daycare, and training clients. If another payment method is not provided at check out, your credit card on file will be charged automatically. For security reasons, we do not accept cash payments. Your preferred credit card can be updated in-person, or over the phone, at any time.

Daycare Services & Pricing: Please visit https://theboardhound.com/dog-daycare/dog-daycare-pricing/ for current daycare options and pricing.

Boarding Services & Pricing: Please visit https://theboardhound.com/dog-boarding/dog-boarding-pricing/ for current prices and services.

Training Services & Pricing: Please visit the specific service pages under https://theboardhound.com/dog-training for current prices and services.

Cancellation of Scheduled Daycare Services: Daycare appointments can be cancelled or rescheduled free of charge if cancelled or rescheduled prior to the apointment date. Rescheduling or cancellation on the day of your scheduled appointment will incur the cost of the scheduled service.

Cancelation of Scheduled Boarding Services: Rescheduling or cancellation of a boarding reservation within 7 days of the reservation start date will forfeit the paid deposit. Cancelled reservations more than 7 days in advance will receive a credit for the deposit to use toward future services. Deposits cannot be refunded.

Cancelation of Scheduled Private Training Services: Private training appointments can be cancelled and rescheduled free of charge if cancelled or rescheduled more than 24 hours in advance of the appointment time. Rescheduling or cancellation within 24 hours of the appointment time will incur the cost of the service.

Cancelation of Scheduled Group Training Services: Cancellation of group training registration within 7 days of the course start date will forfeit the full cost of the course. Reservations can be cancelled or modified without penalty if changes are made more than 7 days before the start date of the course.

Public Service Personnel: A 10% discount for Active Duty Military Personnel, Healthcare Workers, Teachers, First Responders and their spouses will be added to the client’s account and automatically applied to all service costs. Clients wishing to add the discount to their account must present appropriate identification to the front desk.

Photography: It is understood that by participating in services offered by The Board Hound it is hereby agreed to allow The Board Hound to use photographs or images taken of any dog in print form, social media, or otherwise for publication and/or promotion. All images are property of The Board Hound and will be used as needed only by The Board Hound.

Medical Release: It is mutually understood that in the event of a medical emergency, that The Board Hound, possibly at its sole discretion, is authorized to seek immediate attention of a licensed veterinarian. The Board Hound is authorized to seek medical attention for any dog in our care. Shirlington Animal Hospital, VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, Columbia Pike Animal Hospital are our primary veterinary practices, but we will seek medical attention at any other local vet, if necessary.

Financial Responsibility for Medical Treatment: It is understood that financial responsibility for any medical treatment any dog(s) receive(s) as a result of a medical emergency while attending any services provided by The Board Hound, is the responsibility of the dog’s owner. Furthermore, The Board Hound is authorized to seek medical treatment and authorize veterinary services within the Emergency Hospitalization Maximum amount indicated by the owner.

Risk: It is understood that there are risks and benefits associated with daycare & boarding participation. It is agreed that the benefits outweigh the risks in most cases and that risk is accepted. Play and all other aspects of The Board Hound are closely monitored. However, that does not always guarantee the prevention of injury or illness. By allowing dogs to participate in any service or activity at The Board Hound, the owner is acknowledging and accepting that a risk of injury or illness resulting in minor or serious outcomes, including death, is possible.

Client’s Duty to Assist in and Continue Training: The client understands that the dog will not make progress in his or her training without regular & consistent work on the part of the client and household. Additionally, the client agrees that they and the members of their household will follow the trainer’s instructions without modification, work with the dog during the time between classes or lessons, and consistently reinforce the training being given to the dog. The client further understands that deviation from the recommended training methods, equipment, and protocols may create unintended and/or undesirable results and understands that the trainer cannot be held responsible in those cases.

Non-Guarantee of Training Results: It is understood by the client that every dog responds to training differently and will learn at different speeds. It is understood that all training takes commitment and work from the trainer, the owner, and the dog to achieve any goals set. It is important to have realistic expectations for the training results, and the trainer(s) will always give honest feedback and direction to best suit the training needs/desires. Dogs who are overly disruptive in group classes and/or workshops may not be allowed to continue participation in class at the discretion of the trainer. Training solutions to better suit your needs will be offered instead.

Non-Guarantee of Socialization Results: It is understood by the client that every dog responds to group socialization differently. It is important to have realistic expectations for the socialization results, and The Board Hound will provide honest feedback and direction to best suit the dog’s socialization needs. The Board Hound will always make the safest decisions possible, but that does not guarantee results. The Board Hound is not responsible for the possible development, learning, or exhibition of unintended or undesirable behavior, learned or otherwise. It is further understood that a dog’s socialization window closes completely around 6 months old. Any social outlet participation after 6 months old, is not considered socialization. Additionally, it is important to note that not all dogs will enjoy social outlet participation like daycare and dog parks for their whole lives, even if they enjoyed it when they were younger. All these details are taken into consideration as we develop fluid socialization programs and plans for each dog.

Damages: It is understood that any harm or injury resulting in veterinary care or damage caused to property while participating in services provided by The Board Hound is the sole responsibility, financially or otherwise, of the offending dog’s owner. The Board Hound is authorized to seek reimbursement for property damages and veterinary expenses as a result of participation in services provided by The Board Hound.

Release of Liability: By participating in services provided, it is understood that The Board Hound, their owners, staff, partners, and volunteers, will not be liable, financially or otherwise, for injuries to any dog, injuries to persons on the premises, or damages to any property or belongings while participating in any services provided by The Board Hound. The Board Hound is released of any liability arising from a dog’s participation in any and all services provided by The Board Hound.