Requirements & Policies

Helping us keep every dog safe, healthy, and happy

We love dogs. We also run a clean, professional, PACFA-compliant facility focused on preventing avoidable illness and keeping every guest safe. These requirements exist to protect your dog, our staff, and every other guest who trusts us with their care.

Our boarding and daycare are priced competitively. Standard care is included for all dogs. If your dog needs additional services (medication or supplement administration, special handling, extra cleaning, additional wellness care, etc.), those services may be billed as add-ons. This keeps base pricing fair while allowing us to meet individual needs safely and account for staffing time and services.

Quick Checklist (Before You Arrive)

To prevent delays at check-in, please confirm:

Vaccines are current and records are uploaded in Paw Partner (or ready to send). (Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Bordatella for all dogs over 12 weeks, annually.)
Health status: no cough, vomiting, diarrhea, or discharge in the last 72 hours.
Food is pre-portioned into meal bags with your dog’s name on each bag.
Medications/supplements are in original labeled containers.
Emergency contact info is current in Paw Partner.
Valid credit card added to account.
You’ve added medical + behavior notes in your dog’s Paw Partner profile (allergies, seizures, bloat risk, anxiety, ingestion habits, etc.).
You’ve disclosed anything that affects safety: heat cycle, separation anxiety, resource guarding, escape behavior, pica/ingestion, mobility needs, or recent illness/vet visits.
Camper Hours: You understand our appointment windows for dropoff and pickup 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm daily*. (You may come anytime within those windows. If you need to move your appointment, just text us and we can update it for you.) All other services are by appointment only. *Excluding major holidays.
Leash Required: Your dog is on leash.
Personal Items: You have a disposable item such as a t-shirt or towel with your scent that you wish to leave with your dog. (bedding is not recommended)

1) Health & Vaccinations (PACFA / Colorado Requirements)

Required Vaccinations (Colorado law + PACFA)

Rabies: Required for dogs over 16 weeks of age. Must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
Distemper/Parvo: Required for dogs over 8 weeks of age.

Additional Vaccines (Facility Requirements + Strong Recommendations)

Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Required annually. Strongly recommended every 6 months due to higher exposure in group environments (similar to children in school settings). For best protection, Bordetella should be given at least 48 hours before arrival.
Leptospirosis: Strongly recommended due to our rural, outdoor environment.
Canine Influenza: Recommended for added protection in social dog settings.

Vaccines reduce risk, but do not eliminate it. Exposure can still occur in any multi-dog environment despite best practices.

2) Vaccination Records & Exceptions

We accept:

Veterinary vaccination records
Receipts for owner-administered vaccines (Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella, Influenza), signed and dated
Titer test results with veterinary documentation (as permitted by PACFA)

Medical exemptions may be considered only with written documentation from a licensed veterinarian stating vaccination would endanger the dog’s life.

PACFA Notice: Dogs without required vaccines may not participate in group play, even with a medical exemption. Individual care, training, or private services may be available. Please contact us to discuss options.

3) Illness Screening (Please Don’t Bring Sick Dogs)

No sick dogs. Ever.

For the safety of all dogs in our care, we do not accept dogs showing signs of illness.

Dogs must:

Be free of cough, diarrhea, vomiting, nasal/eye discharge for at least 72 hours before arrival
Be free of fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites (or have completed treatment with symptoms resolved)
Have no open wounds unless advance approval has been granted

Dogs exhibiting any cough or signs of respiratory illness may be refused, even if symptoms appear mild.

What happens if…

My dog shows up sick: Your dog may be refused at check-in.
My dog becomes sick during the stay: We may isolate your dog for safety, contact you, and discuss next steps. Additional care needs may involve add-on charges depending on services required

4) Medical Conditions & Care Limitations

For the health and safety of all dogs:

Dogs with active heartworm disease are not accepted. Dogs on preventative are welcome.
Dogs with active Giardia or undergoing treatment are not accepted until treatment is complete and symptoms have fully resolved. (May require a negative fecal test from a veterinarian.)
Dogs with known seizure disorders must be disclosed prior to arrival. These dogs are not eligible for group play but may qualify for individual care.
We are unable to administer injectable medications.
Dogs requiring overnight or middle-of-the-night medication are not eligible for boarding.
Senior, special-needs, mobility-impaired, or end-of-life dogs require advance approval so we can confirm we can meet care needs safely.

K9CATION is not a medical facility. Our policies are designed to provide safe care, not medical management.

Bloat (GDV) Risk & Other Medical/Behavior Concerns

If your dog has a history of bloat or is at higher risk, notify us before arrival and provide a slow feeder and feeding instructions. Please disclose any medical or behavior concerns in your dog’s Paw Partner notes.

What happens if…

My dog’s care needs change mid-stay: Service plans may be adjusted for safety and welfare, and add-on charges may apply depending on care required

5) Food Requirements (Accuracy + Allergy Safety)

All dogs must arrive with their own food pre-portioned by meal:

One bag per feeding
Dog’s name on each bag (Do not label AM/PM unless meals differ.)
Adequate supply for the entire stay

This ensures accurate feeding, prevents cross-contamination, and protects dogs with allergies or dietary restrictions.

If food is not portioned, feeding adjustments may take time and additional fees may apply.

Active stay note: Many dogs burn more calories here. If your dog tends to lose weight during active stays, consider sending slightly larger portions.

What happens if…

Food runs out: We will contact you. If we need to supply food or purchase a replacement diet, charges may apply.
You extend your stay unexpectedly: Please expect additional food needs. We’ll coordinate, and charges may apply if we supply food.

Daycare Feeding (Lunch Policy)

We do not recommend meals during daycare unless your dog has a specific dietary need. Lunch meals must be brought in small, pre-portioned servings. Please do not bring treats.

Lunch requires staff time for removal from play, rest, feeding, post-meal monitoring, and safe reintroduction. A handling fee may apply. Typically, about 1 in 20 dogs eats lunch at daycare.

6) Medications & Supplements (PACFA Compliance)

In accordance with Colorado law and PACFA regulations:

All medications and supplements must be in original, labeled containers
Containers must include:
- Dog’s name (dog to be medicated)
- Dosing instructions
- Expiration date
- Veterinarian name & contact info (when applicable)
Supplements must remain in original packaging (no food baggies) and are treated as medications (handling charge may apply)
Expired or unlabeled medications may not be administered

If labeling/packaging requirements are not met, medications/supplements may not be administered and additional handling fees may apply.

What happens if…

Meds arrive in baggies/unlabeled: They may not be given until corrected.
Your dog needs meds you didn’t disclose: Care plans may need to change and additional fees may apply.

7) Behavior & Play Expectations (Dogs Are Dogs)

Dogs are dogs. They play with teeth, bodies, and enthusiasm. Scratches, scuffs, and loud play can occur even when nothing is “wrong.” Minor scrapes can happen even during appropriate play and supervision.

Participation is based on ongoing assessment, not labels or past experiences
Some dogs may be moved to individual or small-group care for safety or comfort
Removal from group play is not punishment and does not mean your dog failed

Rest Breaks (By Request)

If you believe your dog benefits from additional rest breaks, add a note to your reservation checklist or ask us to add it. We make common-sense rest decisions based on experience, and we appreciate your input for dogs who hide fatigue or discomfort.

Anxiety Support

Our suites and active structure can reduce anxiety for many dogs. If your dog has been prescribed anxiety medication by their veterinarian, sending those meds can help support a calm, comfortable stay.

If we recommend that you consult your veterinarian about anxiety support, we do not make that recommendation lightly. It is made with your dog’s welfare in mind. Additional enrichment or activities may also help some dogs.

What happens if…

My dog can’t do group play: We may switch your dog to individual or small-group care. Add-on charges may apply depending on the level of care required.
My dog comes home tired: That is normal after an active stay. See “Vacation Tired” below.

8) First-Time Guests & Daycare Trials

We strongly recommend a daycare trial prior to a first boarding stay. This helps dogs acclimate to our environment, routines, and staff for a smoother experience.

Daycare trials are especially recommended for high-drive or working breeds (including but not limited to Huskies, Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, Belgian Malinois, and similar breeds).

For some dogs, a daycare trial may be required prior to boarding for safety and comfort.

9) Intact Dogs & Heat Cycles

We do accept unaltered dogs.

Dogs over six months of age who are unaltered may incur additional fees
Per PACFA regulations, unaltered dogs over 18 months are not permitted in group play

Dogs in heat:

Are not eligible for group play
Receive limited individual turnouts for safety
May incur additional care fees

Please disclose heat cycles prior to arrival so we can plan safe housing and turnouts.

10) Ranch Environment (Outdoor Exposure & Ingestion Risks)

You are bringing your dog to a ranch environment designed for outdoor time and play. This includes exposure to natural elements such as sunshine, rocks, weeds, hay, grass, rough terrain, trees, branches, sticks, rabbits, toads, bugs, and seasonal allergens.

If your dog has a history of ingesting items, sun sensitivity, or sensitive eyes, please advise us at booking.

If your dog needs sunscreen, eye protection, boots, or limited outdoor exposure, please tell us in advance so we can plan appropriately.

Suites, Bedding, and Dogs Who Eat Everything

If your dog eats bedding, chews walls, destroys beds, or ingests non-food items, disclose that history before arrival so we can choose the safest housing and enrichment plan.

11) Activities & Trainings (Scheduling Reality)

Activities and training sessions may be scheduled on the days best suited for your dog based on weather, safety, staffing, trainer availability, and livestock conditions (when applicable).

Sometimes an activity booked on a specific date may be moved for safety or welfare reasons. We will communicate schedule changes and appreciate respectful communication with staff.

12) “Vacation Tired” + Sore Paws (Normal for Active Dogs)

An active stay here is more like a Disney World vacation or a hiking/backpacking trip. Many dogs come home tired and may rest more for up to two days. That is a normal “great vacation” outcome.

Sore paws can occur as dogs build stronger pads and calluses across varied ranch surfaces (gravel, grass, dirt, indoor/outdoor transitions). Dogs used to mostly carpet or short walks can be more sensitive at first.

We offer a paw conditioning spray option, and we do our best to balance activity and comfort.

What happens if…

My dog has sensitive feet: Consider starting with shorter daycare visits before a longer stay, and ask us about paw conditioning support.

13) Pickup, Billing & Late Fees

Closing Time

Dogs not picked up by closing may be kept overnight until the next day at current pricing and at K9CATION’s discretion. Custom appointment times may be requested and may be approved based on staffing availability (additional charges may apply).

Calendar-Day Billing

We charge by calendar day, not by night. Midnight is when calendar day charges reset (Monday is a charge, Tuesday is a charge, etc.).

Late Pickup Fees

Late pickups require additional staff time. Late fees may be assessed based on the posted late fee schedule.

What happens if…

I’m running late: Please notify us as soon as possible so we can coordinate the safest plan for your dog

14) On-Property Rules (Safety + Courtesy)

Dog Awareness

Please be aware of dogs and people around you and keep your dog out of reach of others. Do not allow dogs to meet or socialize on K9CATION property without permission from K9CATION staff/trainers.

Leash Rules

Dogs must be on leash at K9CATION at all times during arrival/departure and while on property unless you are in an approved off-leash training session and instructed by staff. Please keep leashes short in parking and entry areas. Retractable leashes are not permitted.

Clean Up After Your Dog

Please clean up after your dog and dispose of waste in dog waste containers/dumpsters or take it with you. Bags and scoopers are available. Please do not allow dogs to potty on personal belongings, furniture, flowers, or facility assets.

Driving Speed

Please drive slowly. Vehicles should not exceed 5 mph on the premises.

15) Common Add-Ons & Care Fees (Transparency)

Add-on charges may apply for additional services, including (not limited to):

Medication dispensing and supplement handling
Intact fees for dogs over six months old
Behavior-related handling time (examples: repeated fence fighting, inability to safely leash, excessive messes, unsafe mouthing)
Dogs that are not potty trained
Additional wellness care for the dog’s comfort and hygiene (nail care, ear cleaning support, bathing/decontamination, etc.)

Exit Baths

Dogs may be dirty after outdoor play. In muddy conditions or for hygiene and comfort, we may recommend an exit bath. Dogs who have accidents in their suite may be bathed as needed for health and wellbeing.

Nail Trims (Realistic Expectations)

We try our best to avoid quicking nails, but it can happen, especially with wiggly dogs. If it occurs, we will address it appropriately and notify you as needed.

Grooming (Health / Senior Pets)

Grooming procedures can sometimes be stressful, especially for a senior pet or pet with health problems, and can expose hidden medical problems or aggravate a current one during or after the groom. Because senior pets and pets with health problems have a greater chance of injury, these pets will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, in styles that will not add to their stress.

16) Photos, Updates, and Technology

We share photos and updates through our app and/or social media as time and connectivity allow. Technology and coverage can vary. Our priority during activities and training is the safety and wellbeing of your dog.

If you would like a daily report card, additional charges may apply.

17) TRAINING + SPORT-SPECIFIC POLICIES

Training Attire & What to Bring

Wear comfortable clothing, dress in layers for the weather. Wear boots or tennis shoes, no flip flops or sandals. We recommend sunscreen and bug spray as appropriate for conditions. We recommend bringing a drink for yourself to stay hydrated and a chair to sit in. Bring high-value treats and/or tug toy, retrieve toy, etc. We offer a variety of dog training products at our facility to make your training successful. Please inquire about our products. We do not allow retractable leashes while on K9CATION property. Bring towels for pool use.

Training Class Excessive Barking

If your dog is barking, please move your dog’s crating area away from the dogs in training or activities, or crate your dog out of your vehicle.

Facility Equipment Use

Please do not use our training equipment, such as agility, barn hunt, pool, etc., without express consent outside of the instruction of the class you are registered for. Private use of our facility and equipment is offered. Please ask a staff member for assistance.

Training Class Crating

Do not tie dogs to trees, fences, small children, or anything else. Dogs should be crated when you are not able to attend to them. If you crate your dog in your vehicle, you must ensure your dog has proper shade, cooling options and drinking water as appropriate for your dog’s welfare.

Stock Dog Herding / Handling

Should your dog injure or kill stock, the Client will pay for veterinary services. If the injury is severe, the Client will pay the market value for cattle, $300 for sheep and $100 for ducks and geese. If you have a long line, stock stick, flag or paddle, please bring them with you. You do not need dog treats for stock dog training. We also have tools you can borrow for your session.

Pool

Bring towel(s) and retrieving toys. No food or dog treats in the pool. We recommend that you do not feed your dog prior to the pool session. Some dogs get upset tummies after swimming on full stomachs. Dogs should be groomed/brushed prior to being in the pool. Potty your dog prior to pool use. Dogs who potty in the pool may not be allowed to return. As our guest, please return the pool to the condition you found it in, or you may not be allowed to return. It is your responsibility to ensure your dog does not get over exerted by ending the session when your dog has had enough physical activity. Various sizes of life vests are available for your dog’s use at no additional charge. The pool is approximately four feet deep. There is not a lifeguard on duty and you are responsible for your actions and safety inside the pool. Should lightning or storm clouds appear, please stop your session until the weather passes or reschedule your appointment.

Catch the Flag / Lure Coursing

You know your dog’s fitness level and will be asked to contribute to determining when your dog needs a break from chasing the lure. Dogs will be allowed to chase the lure several times in short sessions. Some dogs will get sore foot pads, or even wear off their pads depending on the condition of their paws. It is recommended to have dewclaws cut short. Please be sure to condition your dog prior to the event with stretching and walking. It is your responsibility to ensure your dog does not get over exerted by ending the run when your dog has had enough physical activity. The splash pool is for all the dogs to use to cool off before, between and after runs. No treats or toys are needed.

Barn Hunt / Rat Games

Dogs will climb on straw bales and go through straw tunnels. You may need over-the-counter allergy medication to participate in the straw and dust environment. Treats, tug toys and crates are recommended. You agree you will not shake, roll or allow your dog to over harass the rats. Should a rat be harmed or injured, you agree to pay for replacements at market value of $25 per rat.

Agility

Dogs' fitness level and health for participation should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Dogs under 12 months of age are not recommended for all agility activities due to the growth time of their joints, and will have reduced participation. It is recommended by K9CATION that your dog jumps a low jump height until 18 months of age. Please be sure to condition your dog prior to the event with stretching and walking. It is your responsibility to ensure your dog does not get over exerted by ending the run and your participation when your dog has had enough physical activity. The splash pool is for all the dogs to use to cool off before, between and after runs. Wear tennis shoes, bring a crate and bring treats and/or tug or fetch toys to increase dog’s drive.

Questions? Please ask before booking. We are happy to help you choose the safest plan for your dog.

Policies last updated: January 1, 2026.

Note: These Policies & Requirements apply to all services at K9CATION and are incorporated into the K9CATION Master Client Agreement & Liability Waiver (2026). If any wording differs, the Agreement controls.

📧 K9cation@gmail.com
📞 720-546-7837

Requirements & Policies

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