OUR POLICIES at OFF THE LEASH…

All dogs are required to have up-to-date vaccines for daycare and boarding. We require Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. You can bring vaccine records prior to first visit or email them to sandra@offtheleashdogs.com
This is very important to keep your dog healthy as well as all dogs here at Off The Leash

It is mandatory that all dogs attending daycare be spayed or neutered by 12 months and be current on vaccinations. Un-spayed females in heat are not accepted. Although we accept un-neutered males and un-spayed females (not in heat) for boarding services only, Off The Leash is not responsible for unplanned breeding. We have a cage-free daycare and do not rotate our dogs in and out of kennels all day. Our goal is to build a community of dogs who know one another and we want to build this environment because we know dogs who know one another and are familiar with their environment will be happier, less anxious, and therefore, we will have fewer risks for any negative issues to arise in a playgroup.

OPERATING REQUIREMENTS:

A.  Vaccination records can be provided in person or electronically on the website. By Arkansas State law, we may not admit dogs that are not current on their rabies vaccinations. Therefore, no dogs will be permitted at Off The Leash without proof of a current rabies vaccination. While the law does not require distemper/parvo and Bordetella vaccines, we require that all dogs attending our facility remain current on these vaccinations, and we reserve the right to deny admission to any dog whose mandatory vaccinations are not up to date. Our required vaccines may change in the future and if they do, there will be communication.

B. Reservations are required for grooming and overnight boarding. If you need to cancel your reservation it’s as easy as a phone call or email to let us know. If you cancel the same day or don’t keep your grooming or boarding appointment, a no show fee will be added to your account. Boarding cancellation fees will be the full cost per nights reserved if we do not receive a phone call or email at least 24 hours in advance. Holidays will require a 72-hour advance cancellation to avoid charges. If you need a reservation and have not yet made one, you can call ahead or make reservations on our website. Please note that if you arrive without a reservation, we will try our best to accommodate you and your dog. However, we may not be able to do so.

C. You have the option of requesting that your dog be kept isolated from other dogs and be taken out for fresh air and bathroom breaks but you must request such isolation at the time of each drop-off. If you are concerned that your dog may have behavioral issues, you may request the private suite option. This is your decision and Off the Leash will not be liable for any of these behaviors.

D. Your dog must be in good health or, if your dog has been ill with, or exposed to, any communicable disease within fourteen (14) days prior to bringing your dog to Off the Leash, you must provide us with a written release from your veterinarian.

E. If your dog visits Off The Leash, you must confirm that your dog is at least 10 weeks old, current on all required vaccines, and is not aggressive. If your dog develops any medical conditions, personality concerns or other conditions or behaviors that may affect his or her ability to participate in daycare, it is your responsibility to notify the staff beforehand that your dog should not participate in daycare if you or your vet feels your dog should not participate. Remember, we always have a private suite option as an alternative until your dog is able to return to the playroom. If not being spayed or neutered becomes a problem, a private suite may be the only alternative.

F. All dogs at Off The Leash are required to be free of ticks and fleas. If a dog is found to have fleas and/or ticks, Off The Leash will attempt to contact you first. If we are unable to reach you, we will then give the dog a flea bath and a Bravecto chew. Bravecto is a flea treatment recommended and sold over the counter by veterinarians. Applicable fees will be added to your account.

G. For the safety of everyone, all dogs are required to enter and exit Off The Leash, on a leash. Remember, your dog may be friendly, but there may be other dogs and humans in our lobby.

H. Photos and video of the dogs in our facility may be used on the Off The Leash website, lobby displays or in other marketing materials. You consent to our use of your dog’s image and name in such marketing materials. All photos and video images are the property of Off The Leash and may not be used by you without our prior written consent.

LIABILITY:

A. If any injury or medical problem develops while your dog is at Off The Leash, we are authorized to do whatever is deemed necessary for the safety, health and well-being of your dog and you agree to be responsible for any expense incurred. In emergency situations, we always try to contact you. If we are unable to reach you, we will call the emergency contact number that you leave with us. Therefore, it is important that you leave an emergency contact number of someone that does not usually travel with you. We will always put the health and safety of your dog first. If in our opinion, a situation needs to be addressed prior to being able to contact you, we will ensure that your dog receives treatment. You are responsible for any expenses incurred, including transportation costs.

B. Dogs that participate in daycare at Off The Leash are in a cage-free environment and the dogs are co-mingling. You understand that because of the open play environment, there are inherent risks, which, even when monitored by our staff, may result in injuries including, but not limited to, broken nails, sore paw pads, puncture wounds, scratches and cuts, particularly in dogs with short hair. You further understand that even when dogs are vaccinated, they can develop communicable illnesses such as, but not limited to, Bordetella (“kennel cough”) or canine papilloma virus (“puppy warts”). You accept the risks involved and agree that Off The Leash is not liable for, and that you are responsible for, any expense incurred by you or Off The Leash, including, but not limited to, veterinary expenses, in connection with any injury to your dog, illness of your dog, or damage to any of your property, resulting from your dog’s presence at Off The Leash for daycare, boarding, grooming or for any other purpose.

C. Please do not bring valuable items with your dog as we shall not be responsible or liable for any lost, stolen or damaged personal property belonging either to you or your dog.

D. You agree to be responsible for yourself, your guests and your dog and to indemnify and hold Off The Leash harmless from all costs, damages, judgments and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney fees, incurred by Off The Leash arising out of any investigation, claim, demand or cause of action arising, directly or indirectly, wholly or in part, from any conduct, activity or act of you, your guests or your dog at Off The Leash or any event sponsored by Off The Leash, or your failure to provide complete, accurate and timely information to Off The Leash about your dog.

E. You are responsible for any damage or injury caused by your dog to any person or any property while your dog is at Off The Leash. The foregoing notwithstanding, in no event will Off The Leash be liable for consequential, exemplary, special, indirect or incidental damages it being specifically agreed that no consequential or incidental damages are within the contemplation of the parties for breach of any part of this Agreement. It is further specifically agreed that Off The Leash has no knowledge or reason to know of any general or particular requirements or needs of you or your dog which could give rise to consequential or incidental damages.

F. Off The Leash has the right to refuse service to you and your dog at any time and for any reason. Off The Leash does not provide service to dogs that are too aggressive to be safely handled by our staff. If your dog’s behavior becomes disruptive in the playroom, your dog may be removed from the playroom for a time out, for a nap time, or for the remainder of the day. Off The Leash staff tries to work with owners to inform them of their dog’s behaviors and ways they may address when a dog’s behavior becomes repeatedly disruptive. Dogs that do not pass the playroom evaluation or dogs that become disruptive in the playroom and are unable to adjust to a safe play style, may not be allowed to participate in daycare. Remember, not all dogs are suited to play in a playroom with a group of dogs. Dogs, like people, have different personalities, and not wanting to play with a group of other dogs does not make them “bad” dogs. Dogs that are unable to safely play in the playroom may stay at Off The Leash in a private section as long as they can be safely handled by our staff.

G. No dog may be abandoned at Off The Leash. If you need to extend your dog’s stay, you may call the Off The Leash to change the dates. Interim payment may be required in order to extend your dog’s stay. Any dog that is left without extending the stay and appropriate payment, if required, will be considered abandoned on the seventh day after the scheduled pickup date without such extension. You understand that if you abandon your dog at Off The Leash, we will, by default, become the legal owner and guardian of the dog. Off the Leash will, in its sole discretion, determine whether to find another home for the dog or to relinquish the dog to a local shelter of choice. You understand and agree that if you abandon your dog at Off The Leash, you may be unable to retrieve possession of your dog and will have no recourse against Off The Leash. It is important for you to leave an emergency contact number other than someone that usually travels with you so that in the event you are unable to contact us, we have someone we can contact about your dog.

Off The Leash policies may change at any time and will be posted to our website.

Why is My Dog Coughing?

Kennel Cough 101

You may be asking yourself “why is my dog coughing?” if your dog coughs with a hacking or “honking” sound, yes, like a goose sometimes the cough happens only in the morning time, when your dog gets excited or is pulling on the leash. This is characteristic of canine kennel cough, which is similar to a human’s common cold that is picked up while at work, socializing or your human kids daycare. 

The most common cause of kennel cough is a contagious bacteria that is picked up in an environment or from licking other dogs in the face. For all of our vacationers’ protection, the Bordetella vaccine is required to stay at Off the Leash and must be given at least 48 hours before arrival. 

While all dogs must be vaccinated for Bordetella, there are also other bacteria and viruses that can cause kennel cough, making the vaccine not 100% fool-proof. As a matter of a fact, there are 13 different strains of viruses and bacterias that cause “kennel cough” and there are only 6 different vaccines which means that 7 strains our dogs are not protected from until they are exposed and build up a strong immunity. 

What are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?

Other than your dog coughing frequently in a hacking or honking manner, there are several other symptoms to know when it comes to your dog and kennel cough. Some of these symptoms are often confused with common allergies we have here in Arkansas. Not to mention that when our dogs are battling allergies, their immune system is compromised welcoming the bacterias and viruses that cause respiratory infections to enter.

These symptoms include:

  • Hacking or honking cough

  • Runny nose or eyes

  • Repeated sneezing

Less common yet more severe symptoms include:

  • Lethargy

  • Loss of appetite

  • Low fever

A trip to the vet is in order if you believe your beloved dog is experiencing any number of these symptoms or you suspect your dog may have kennel cough. It is best to not delay treatment to avoid any unnecessary infections or worsening of symptoms – just in case! Kennel cough is also more likely to be transmitted to dogs with compromised immune systems and young pups, as well.

Timeline and Treatment for Kennel Cough

Kennel cough, much like a human cold, runs its course over time and usually clears up with no complications. The virus may incubate for 2-14 days after exposure, then your dog may exhibit symptoms from 7-14 days. Your dog is still infectious on day 10 and should be kept away from any other dogs at home. To ensure the safety of our furry guests, our policy at the Lounge is that any dog that is diagnosed or being treated for kennel cough must wait 14 days after the last cough or the last antibiotic (whichever comes last) before returning to Off The Leash.

Treatment for kennel cough may include a round of antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian. The most common antibiotics include Baytril, Doxycycline and Clavamox. 

At home, you can help your dog recover by:

  1. Using a humidifier to help relieve their respiratory symptoms 

  2. Keep your dog away from any smoke, such as grills, fire pits, campfires, etc. that could irritate their lungs

  3. Use a harness for walks instead of a collar to reduce tension put on vocal cords or the trachea 

  4. Avoid known stressors to your pooch to aide their immune system, including activities such as nail trimmings, baths, loud noises or anything that could cause your dog to worry

Off The Leash is Here to Keep Your Dog Safe

As a human, sickness can get us down. We know too well how hard it is to see our dogs deal with sicknesses of their own, no matter how mild. Kennel cough should be taken seriously, especially if your dog has a compromised immune system, is older or if they’re still a young pup.

The seriousness of contagious dog diseases is a matter not taken lightly. Much like we expect human restaurants, hotels, airplanes, schools and workplaces to do everything that they can to keep us safe, we expect the same for our dogs.

In order to stay and play at Off The Leash, we require all dogs to be current on their vaccination schedules as well as be symptom-free when it comes to kennel cough. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and willingness to keep Off The Leash kennel cough-free!

 

What does Off The Leash do to suppress the spread of kennel cough?

Off the Leash is not only dedicated to providing the very best dog daycare, overnight stay facility to our vacationers – but also to provide the highest level of cleanliness, safety and wellbeing to all of our guests. We take our responsibilities of keeping all dogs safety very, very seriously.

In order to reduce the incidents and spread of kennel cough, Off the Leash:

  • Keeps all play and stay areas thoroughly cleaned and sanitized every day to ensure the safest stay possible for all guests

  • Requires all guests to be up-to-date on vaccinations, including their respiratory infection vaccinations, prior to each and every stay

  • Educate our staff and be constantly watching/listening for symptoms that might be related to “Kennel Cough” such as, gunky eyes, nasal drainage, sneezing and coughing/hacking

How Do Dogs Get Kennel Cough?

There are several bacterias and viruses that can cause your dog to come down with a canine cold. Much like humans can get a cold from many types of viruses or bacteria, dogs can also come down with kennel cough from a variety of viral or bacterial culprits. Because kennel cough is highly infectious, it spreads easily from dog to dog in close proximity to each other and even airborne.

Similarly to other respiratory illnesses, kennel cough can be passed from dog to dog through:

  1. Airborne respiratory droplets

  2. Direct contact with an infected dog (nose to nose contact or kisses)

  3. Sharing toys or via other contaminated surfaces

Diagnosis of Kennel Cough

At Off The Leash, we are not veterinarians and your dog should be taken to his or her regular vet if you suspect your dog may have come down with kennel cough. 

Once at your vet, they may take bacterial cultures or blood tests to isolate and identify the bacteria. An x-ray of your dog’s chest, lungs and trachea may also be taken. While many cases of kennel cough resolve themselves in around 3 weeks, it’s important to have a vet check your dog to make sure that no complications, such as infections, are arising. It’s likely your vet will prescribe an antibiotic to prevent a secondary infection, such as pneumonia, and a cough tab to lessen the cough.

Kennel Cough Prevention

Vaccinations are the best way to protect your dog against kennel cough. Although, as mentioned earlier, kennel cough can be caused by an array of bacteria and viruses, so the vaccine may not be effective at protecting against these other possible culprits. 

Other ways to protect your dog include helping them naturally boost their immune system via a healthy dog food diet, regular exercise and a stress-free environment. If your dog has been exposed to kennel cough or has caught kennel cough, please be sure to keep them away from other dogs and animals to reduce the spread of this common canine cold. 

All dogs at Off The Leash are required to be free of ticks and fleas. If a dog is found to have fleas and/or ticks, Off the Leash will attempt to contact you first. If we are unable to reach you, we will then give the dog a flea bath and a Bravecto chew. Bravecto is a flea treatment recommended and sold over the counter by veterinarians. Applicable fees will be added to your account.

Heartworm, Lyme, Tapeworm, ECT.

What’s the Risk

  • mosquito

    Mosquitos

    A pet can only contract heartworm from a mosquito bite
    there is no other way.

    There are 22 different types of heartworm carrying mosquitos and they are active at different times of the day and year.

  • flea

    Fleas

    Fleas can infect pets with diseases and ailments like tapeworm and cat scratch fever.

    Fleas begin to lay eggs within 2 days of feeding and can go on to lay hundreds of eggs over their lifetime.

  • tick

    Ticks

    Ticks can infect pets with ailments and diseases like Lyme disease.

    After being bitten by certain ticks, pets may have trouble breathing, chewing and swallowing.
    Unaddressed, these symptoms can lead to respiratory failure, paralysis and death.

PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS

A. Payment is due at the time services are rendered & complete. Charges for services are posted on the website: www.offtheleashdogs.com.

B. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Saturday’s, and by appointment only on Sunday’s.
Early drop off fees and late pick up fees apply if a dog is dropped off or picked up outside of normal business hours for that specific day. Holiday hours will be posted on the website. Owners may be allowed to drop off or pick up your dog outside of the lobby hours with prior communication and additional charges will be charged accordingly.