FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What sets Calabasas Pawz Inn apart from other boarding and daycare facilities?
At Calabasas Pawz Inn, we emphasize individualized care in an intimate, home-like setting. By limiting the number of pets we accept, we ensure that your pet receives the attention and affection it craves. Unlike larger, corporate facilities, our focus is on providing quality over quantity, offering personalized care and enrichment activities tailored to each guest’s unique needs.
What are your hours of operation?
While we care for pets all day, every day, our customer-facing hours are 8 AM to 6 PM, and they are only available by appointment.
What are your drop-off and pick-up times?
To ensure uninterrupted attention and care for each client, drop-offs and pick-ups are scheduled by appointment. Visit our Instructions page for detailed instructions.
Can I visit the facility before booking?
We encourage potential clients to schedule a tour of our facility to familiarize yourself with our accommodation options, enrichment areas, and meet our team.
Do you require a face-to-face meeting with my dog before dropping them off for boarding or daycare?
While we encourage a face-to-face meeting and discovery day for both your benefit and the benefit of your pet(s), we understand that circumstances may arise that make this impossible. In such cases, we are happy to accommodate by gathering all necessary information virtually. Please read our policies to familiarize yourself with our procedures for integrating new dogs into our facility.
Do you accommodate pets with special needs?
Our Founder is a certified veterinary technician. We are, therefore, equipped to care for pets with special needs, including administering medications such as oral, topical, injectable, and subcutaneous fluids. We also provide post-surgery care and specialized care for puppies and seniors. Please contact us to discuss your pet’s needs.
Do you offer discounts or packages?
We are pleased to offer frequent use discounts and packages on the following services:
Daycare Packages: Purchase multiple-day passes to save
Boarding Packages: Enjoy a reduced fee for extended stays
Custom Packages: Save on frequent services to meet your needs
Packages are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and do not expire.
Communication
How can I stay updated about my pet during their stay?
For your peace of mind, our team provides updates and photos as follows:
Individual Updates: Typically sent at the end of the day, we provide once-daily updates and photos of each pet in our care via our mobile app. You can download our mobile app on Google Play or in the App Store.
App Timeline: We share photos and updates in the Pet Photos section of our app’s timeline.
Social Media: We also post updates and memorable moments on social media. We encourage you to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Urgent Matters: We will contact you directly via phone or text if a matter is deemed an emergency or urgent.
Health & Safety
What vaccinations are required?
All dogs must be current on DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccinations (canine influenza vaccination is optional, as recommended by your veterinarian). Proof of vaccination is required.
Why does my dog need a behavior assessment before enrolling in boarding or daycare?
We conduct a behavior assessment because it allows us to accomplish the following:
- Ensure that pets are well-suited for boarding and daycare
- Introduce pets to our facility, our team, and other guests
- Determine if pets are a good match for group play
- Determine if pets are non-social and require their own space
- Provide each pet with the safest and most enjoyable experience based on their needs
How do you ensure my pet's safety?
We ensure the safety of our guests by following these and other safety protocols:
- Insurance and bonding
- Pet first aid training
- Vet tech training
- Behavior assessments
- Customized care
- Fenced outdoor areas and monitored indoor spaces
- Careful introductions and matching of pets based on size and temperament
- Supervision and wellness checks throughout the day and night
- Vaccination and health requirements
My dog came home with a few scratches after playing in daycare. Is this normal?
Small bumps and scratches are typically acquired while playing. While we carefully monitor play areas for safety, minor injuries may happen due to roughhousing and enthusiastic play. It’s essential to remember that dogs use their teeth and paws or claws to play.
What if my dog is injured?
In the case of injury, we will immediately evaluate the injury and inform you of the incident. Our team is trained in first aid and equipped with first aid kits. If veterinary attention is needed, we will let you know and transport per your request or prepare your dog for pick-up if you prefer to transport them yourself.
What is your emergency protocol?
In the event of an emergency, we will assess the situation and take immediate action, prioritizing your dog’s health, safety, and well-being. Our closest emergency veterinary clinic is VCA Veterinary Specialists of the Valley and this is where we will take your pet when time is of the essence.
Please note that guardians (also known as owners) will cover all veterinary bills. If your veterinarian cannot bill you directly, we will cover the cost and apply it to your final bill with us, including a 4% processing fee, as outlined in our Client Release Form.
Do you allow intact dogs in your facility (dogs that are not spayed or neutered)?
All dogs must be spayed or neutered by the time they are one year old. We cannot make any exceptions. Additionally, if a female dog under one year old goes into heat, she will not be permitted to attend daycare or boarding until her heat cycle has fully ended.
Boarding
What do I need to bring for my pet’s stay?
What to bring
- food labeled with your pet’s name (preportioned when possible)
- medications and supplements in their original containers with your pet’s name
- treats or pill pockets, if needed
- worn clothing with your scent for comfort (optional)
- measuring cups for feeding (if the food is not preportioned)
We provide beds, bowls, and plenty of toys, so your pet feels right at home!
What services are included in overnight boarding?
Overnight boarding includes participation in daycare and enrichment activities during the day, as well as feeding, medication administration, and other care as requested by the guardian.
Dog Daycare
How does your dog daycare work?
Dog daycare is designed to meet the needs of dogs while their guardians are at work or unable to care for them. During daycare, we provide companionship, socialization, and enrichment in the following ways:
- Grouping dogs by size and temperament
- Providing indoor and outdoor play, structured enrichment, and rest breaks
- Meeting dogs’ physical needs, including potty breaks, water access, and feeding, if necessary (usually for puppies and seniors on frequent feeding schedules)
- Ensuring guardian peace of mind by providing updates and photos
My dog is medium to large, but they have a softer play style. Do they have to be placed in the same playgroup as the larger "active" players?
We have six separate play areas, allowing us to safely and appropriately group dogs together based on their size and play style. Our goal is to ensure that every dog has a great time here.
I want to make sure my dog is worn out when I pick them up after daycare. Why do you have nap and rest breaks?
Daycare is designed to meet dogs’ physiological and emotional needs. For this reason, dogs need to have quiet time for rest between play sessions. Our goal is to send home a balanced dog who has enjoyed healthy levels of both physical and mental stimulation during their stay.
What is enrichment? What does it entail?
Enrichment involves providing activities and environments that stimulate dogs' minds and bodies, enabling them to engage in natural behaviors, such as sniffing and foraging. At Calabasas Petz Inn, we utilize a range of enrichment tools to stimulate our guests' senses, including lick mats and Kongs, outdoor walks and sniff sessions, and treadmill training sessions.
What is treadmill training? Can my dog try it?
In addition to enriching your dog’s mind, we offer treadmill training sessions for dogs that crave extra movement. All dogs are welcome to try treadmill training at no additional cost.