FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Your Pick Up/Drop Off Hours?

Four Leggers is open Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 6pm, and Saturdays 8am to 5pm. Our drop off cutoff time is 11am, however dogs can be picked up from daycare any time before 6pm.

What vaccinations does my dog need to attend Four Leggers?

Your dog needs to be current on the following vaccinations: Rabies, DHPP, Leptospirosis and Bordetella (the vaccine for kennel cough). If the Bordetella vaccine has never been given, or if it has expired, we recommend a seven-day waiting period after the administration, as this may provide your dog with extra protection. We also request that all dogs have a negative fecal test within the last 6 months.

How long does the initial evaluation take?

The initial evaluation typically lasts around 30 minutes. During this appointment, we will assess your dog’s sociability both on and off leash with other dogs and humans. Upon successful completion of the evaluation, your dog is welcome to stay for a 2 hour mini day if desired. We recommend introducing your pup slowly to a daycare setting, particularly if they are new to it or are puppies who have not been away from mom or dad for long periods.

How old does my dog have to be to attend Four Leggers?

At least 3 months old. We want to ensure that all dogs have enough time to develop a stable immune system and are fully vaccinated before they are in a facility with other dogs. All puppies must meet the above vaccination requirements. MA law requires all kennels keep a valid rabies certificate on file – this vaccine is typically given around 15-16 weeks of age.

My dog takes medication. Are you able to give it to them?

Yes, we will gladly administer medications to your dog while they are in our care. All medications must be in the original prescription container so that we will have detailed information about the medication, and you must sign a consent form giving us permission to administer the medication.

Why is my dog so tired after staying at Four Leggers?

Some dogs may be tired or even a little sore for a day or two after daycare or lodging with us. This is because most of them play hard and get a lot of exercise while they are here. Our special rubber flooring is designed to protect their joints and paws as they play. Even though they have rest areas available to them in each of our playrooms, most of them choose to play for a good portion of the day, which may be more than they are used to at home.

Can you care for dogs that are ill or have special medical needs?

If your dog has a contagious illness (for example, if your dog is coughing, has a runny nose or is sneezing), do not bring your dog to Four Leggers until your veterinarian has confirmed that they are no longer a risk to other dogs. You may be asked to provide a statement from your veterinarian confirming that it is safe for us to admit your dog. We do have a large number of staff members available all day and also overnight boarding in our staff members homes who can handle potty breaks or medication during the night, therefore Four Leggers can be a great place for dogs who have non-contagious medical needs, such as dogs that are blind or deaf, in wheelchairs, etc. In fact, Jenn (the business owner) regularly provides volunteer hospice care for homeless senior pets! It is important to keep in mind that there are other dogs in the facility, so if your dog has a compromised immune system or other health issues, you should discuss your plans with your veterinarian before deciding to board them. Remember, Four Leggers cannot be held responsible if your dog becomes ill during or after their stay.

Is my dog able to play outside?

Yes. All dogs who attend daycare have full access to the indoor playrooms as well as the outdoor playgrounds. We have outdoor playtime every day to make sure all the dogs get fresh air and sunshine.

My dog usually eats lunch at home. Can he do this while he is at Four Leggers?

Absolutely! We offer lunch service to dogs (also for no additional charge). Just bring your dog’s food in a ziplock bag or other container clearly labeled with their name and let our staff know that you would like for your dog to be served lunch while they are here. If your dog is in daycare, we will remove them from the playroom at lunchtime and feed them in one of our private lunch areas.

Do I need to bring my dog’s food if they are boarding?

We recommend bringing your dog’s food from home, as most dogs do better staying on their regular diet. However, we do serve Fromm Four Star diets for an additional charge, if you prefer. If your pet has any food allergies or dietary concerns, we recommend supplying your own food. When packing your dog’s food, please package in pre-portioned resealable baggies with a few extra meals (just in case), unless your dog is here for an extended period. This ensures that we have plenty of food for your dog’s stay. If you do not pre-portion the food, it does need to be in a resealable container or bag. We also have a refrigerator and microwave to prepare special diets. If you dog is boarding with us for five days or more, you may want to consider increasing the amount of food your dog eats, due to their increased activity level.

What else can I bring for my dog's boarding stay?

We provide comfy beds for all of our overnight guests. However, if you want them to have something soft and snuggly from home, you can bring in a bed or favorite blanket. We do not recommend toys as we have plenty in the mix. If you do bring toys, we do our best to return all of them, but we are not responsible if a toy is lost or destroyed. You can also feel free to bring treats, but please, no rawhide treats.

What if my pet becomes ill or requires medical attention during their stay?

In the event that your pet requires medical attention, we will refer to your contact list and make every attempt to reach you or your designated emergency contact. If we are unable to contact you or your emergency contact and we feel your dog needs medical attention, we will transport your pet to their regular veterinarian, if close by, to ensure continuity of care. If your veterinarian is not near our facility, we will go to one of our local veterinarians. If we believe that the situation is urgent or if your dog needs care after regular hours, we will take your pet to Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your reservation it’s as easy as a phone call or email to let us know. There is no penalty as long as we receive a phone call or email within 72 hours of your reservation. If you don’t keep your daycare appointment, the day will be deducted from your pass or billed as we have held a spot for your dog that day. Boarding cancellation fees also apply; consult our front desk staff for information.

What is your staff to dog ratio?

We have a staff to dog ratio of 1:7, where industry standard is typically 1:15-30, and sometimes even 1:50! Our belief is that the more staff are present, the better interactions can be monitored to ensure safe play.

Other questions? Give us a call or stop by anytime for additional information!