Metro Dog House Rules

At drop-off for any service, dogs receive a visual head-to-tail physical exam. All dogs must appear healthy (not coughing, clear eyes, no runny noses) and free of external parasites (fleas, mites or ticks). Metro Dog requires that you treat your dog for fleas and ticks, but does not allow flea collars of any kind on dogs in the center. These will be removed and there is no guarantee of their return. Any dog appearing sick or with external parasites will not be accepted for services. Any apparent injuries or wounds will be evaluated and discussed to determine if the dog should stay in the center and/or have restrictions in social groups.

For potty clean-up we use both Clean Break disinfectant and degreaser, a neutral Ph, non-toxic (to mammals) biodegradable cleanser with a veterinary formula to kill the bacteria and viruses that commonly affect dogs. We use Wee Away, a live-enzyme solution to consume organic solids that cause odors. For laundry, dishes and counters, we use earth-friendly soaps. We pick up feces promptly, change water bowls frequently and wash all the bowls with an anti-bacterial/anti-viral solution every night.

Dogs must wear a collar that has a release buckle. Collars must have an ID tag with the dog’s name clearly printed on it. If they do not have this, we will put a house collar on them.

• Emergency Procedure: Veterinary services are not available on site. We will discuss any pre existing medical issues during the assessment. For a medical emergency we will call you first. If unable to reach you, your emergency contact will be next. For non-urgent concerns we want to get your input before making unnecessary and expensive vet visits. If necessary we will take your dog to the veterinary hospital listed in your application. If they are unavailable we will make all reasonable efforts to find one that is available. You are responsible for all veterinary expenses incurred, our time taking your dog to and from the vet, additional expenses for administering medications, changes in rooming and any extra services required to care for your dog.

• Inherent Risks: All environments have risks. Social environments have higher risks. Dogs can play too rough or become startled and snap at another dog. Dogs share fluids as they play and they sniff each other. Dogs can use their teeth to communicate, most times a snark or mouthy play leaves nothing but saliva; however, it can result in injury. We work diligently to maintain a hazard-free environment. However, dogs can hurt themselves during play, running, jumping and may develop sore or torn pads from running on unfamiliar surfaces.

• Medication: Medications are anything a dog MUST take. Vitamins and other supplements are not considered medication, and are added to food, unless you require the dog consume them every time they are given. In this case, they are considered a medication. We can administer topical and oral medications. We cannot administer injections or fluids. We charge $3 per administration regardless of how many meds are in the administration. Medication should be provided in the pharmacy container, clearly labeled with dog’s first and last name and with clear instructions. Do not put medications in with your dog’s food. You must complete a medication administration form for all medications we are asked to administer. It is a part of the boarding check-in form.

• Vaccinations: Your dog’s vaccinations must be current at all times, and we require proof of vaccinations for Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo virus, Parainfluenza (DHLPP) and CIV (canine influenza). Your vet can email the new shot record to us at info@metrodog.com.

  Bordetella is for Canine Cough, often referred to as kennel cough. Please note that there are more than 40 known viruses and bacteria that can cause an upper-respiratory tract infection that all get clustered under the name Canine Cough, also erroneously called kennel cough. The vaccine only covers a few of the strains. It is not considered a very effective vaccine and is not a guarantee of protection. The vaccine has minimal side effects and cannot be detected in a Titer Test. We advise that all dogs that spend time in social settings should expect to develop coughs now and again. (It is like children going to school; they will eventually get the flu, a stomach bug or a cold). Respiratory coughs are self limiting and don’t typically require antibiotics leaving the animal having developed antibodies for future immunity. There are risks of secondary infections that can be treated with antibiotics. They are, however, very contagious.

  We recommend that dogs with compromised immunity, older dogs and those who do not regularly board or attend day care should re-vaccinate no more than 30 days and no less than 7 days before the start of boarding. All dogs that have had a respiratory cough should remain out of contact with other dogs for 10-14 days from the last time a cough was heard as they remain contagious for that period. We require all coughing dogs to remain out of the center for 14 days from the last cough.

• Personal Items:  Boarding dogs may have more than one article of bedding, such as a bed and a blanket/tshirt/etc. Toys can be brought only if your dog is rooming in a Single room. Please note that we cannot guarantee the return or safety of any personal items left at Metro Dog, and anything you provide you understand you may not get back.

Metro dog does not accept intact dogs older than 6 months.

Any dogs over 6 months of age must be spayed or neutered 30 days prior to the first day of service. Dogs in our puppy program will no longer to be able to attend after this mark until two weeks after they have been spayed or neutered. Female dogs must be picked up immediately if they go into estrus in the center. Any intact male dog adversely affecting behavior in group will be removed and made private until their owner can pick up. Any female dog exhibiting signs of going into heat will be removed from the group and made private until the owner can pick up. The owner will be responsible for any additional charges. Adolescents who are not yet neutered can have issues with self regulating and be unable to remain under threshold. We want to make certain our play groups are safe!

Payment is due at the end of services. We keep credit cards on file for easy processing. Daycare packages are available for purchase.

Early drop-offs between 4 AM and 7 AM weekdays, Late pickup between 7:30 PM to Midnight, and After-hours drop-off after 7:30 PM. Between Midnight and 4 AM, clients will not have access to to the center. Boarding fees will apply for day care dogs not picked up by midnight.

Regular public business hours are 7 AM to 7:30 PM weekdays, 8 AM to 7:30 PM weekends. A request for after-hours pickup/drop-off must be stated at time of reservation. During after hours, the facility will be locked. Call 415-480-3332 and press 0 to reach the overnight staff to let you in.

• Early-morning drop-off (4 AM to 7 AM Mon-Fri, 8 AM Sat & Sun) is $26 per household.

• Late pickup (7:30pm to Midnight) is $26 per household. After midnight, boarding rates apply.

• After-hours drop-off (after 7:30 PM) is charged at the room rate for that night. We do not recommend a late drop-off because your dog does not have a chance to play and settle in before being asked to go to sleep. This can be a stressful adjustment.

To make and confirm any reservation, you will need to provide a valid credit card to keep on file.