Muskoka's premier dog daycare & spa facility
Frequently asked questions
At Bracebridge Bark House, our meet & greet (off-leash play assessment) is a 60-minute process, carefully overseen by our trained staff. The first step is a one-on-one introduction where your dog gets introduced to one of our trained staff members in a calm, low-pressure environment. This allows us to observe their initial behaviour and how they react to new surroundings. Next, they are introduced to a another dog, gradually leading them into the group play area.
This evaluation helps us tailor your dog’s experience at Bracebridge Bark House, ensuring they are placed in an appropriate playgroup where they will feel safe and happy. It also allows us to address any specific needs or preferences your dog may have, whether they are more social or prefer quieter, one-on-one interactions.
We require this evaluation before a dog’s first daycare session to ensure that every dog is a good fit for our community.
Breed Restrictions; Exotic and/or Restricted Pet Species:
We reserve the right to refuse service where species or breeds are restricted under any provincial or local law. These breeds are not eligible for group activity. Human Aggressive:
We do not accept any pets who have displayed signs of unprovoked aggression, resulting in harm of another human and/or pet.
Pet Aggressive:
We do not accept any pets who have displayed signs of unprovoked aggression, resulting in harm of another human and/or pet.
Dogs over the age of 7 months old must be spayed or neutered for daycare. Even though your unaltered dog may be perfectly well mannered, the other dogs become edgy when there is an unaltered, sexually mature dog on the premises. This tends to cause behaviour issues in the whole group.
We appreciate your understanding and compliance with this policy as we strive to create a secure and enjoyable experience for all dogs.
We require a vaccine certificate from your veterinarian for DAP/DHPP (distemper, parainfluenza, parvovirus), bordetella and rabies. We can contact your veterinarian directly for this if you don't have the paperwork handy. The Canine Influenza vaccine is not required, but highly recommended to help protect against Canine Influenza respiratory illness. Consult your veterinarian.
We'll be hosting open house events that will allow guests to tour the facility at designated times. However, due to insurance policies, we can only allow staff in the back areas of our daycare during regular hours. We will have a playroom visible from the lobby where you can see our daycare areas, and will offer a virtual tour on our website once available.
If your dog shows signs of ticks, fleas, diarrhea, or any illness, we will contact you immediately. It is mandatory for all clients to provide an emergency contact who can act on your behalf if we are unable to reach you. In such cases, either you or your emergency contact must pick up your dog promptly.
If neither you nor your emergency contact is reachable, we will separate your dog from the others to minimize the risk of spreading illness or injury. Our staff will provide care to the best of their ability while determining the next steps.
If the situation exceeds our staff’s basic first aid training, we will transport your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic for immediate attention. Any expenses incurred during this process will be your responsibility.
As soon as we open, we will be open Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
To maintain safe staff-to-dog ratio, we do not accept drop-ins. Please call ahead, and we will do our best to accommodate any last-minute requests. All dogs must be screened in advance.
Rest is crucial for daycare safety, so we don't allow drop offs between 11:30am and 1:00pm. This hour helps dogs release their initial excitement before our quiet time, which runs from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. During this hour, we do not permit pick-ups.
Yes! We will offer clients web cams to check in on your pups throughout the day. We will also post daily to our Facebook and Instagram stories so you can see exactly what your dog is up to during the day. Don’t have time to watch the stories during the day? No problem! The pictures and videos will remain on our page for 24 hours so you can relax at home with your tired pup and see what their day entailed.
Your peace of mind is our priority, and we encourage you to be a part of your dog's experience. Our staff is always available to answer any questions you may have.
The Bark House has a maximum capacity of 40 dogs. Our spacious 4000 sq ft facility is designed to ensure that all dogs have plenty of space for play and relaxation. To maintain a safe and enjoyable environment, we adhere to a 10:1 dog-to-supervisor ratio. This ensures that each dog receives adequate supervision, attention, and care, creating a secure and comfortable experience.
Yes! We will try to accommodate last minute calls if we have the staff and space available, however we will need a phone call in advance. Our facility has a limited capacity to ensure the safety and well-being of all the dogs in our care. By making a reservation, you can ensure your pup won't be disappointed.
To make a reservation, simply give us a call or use our online booking system. All of our daycare dogs must pass the mandatory assessment before attending.
We understand sometimes unexpected delays can happen. If you're unable to pick up your dog before our closing time, you'll have two notices, before an additional $15 will be charged per 15 minutes. Our closing times are 7PM on weekdays and 4PM on weekends. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation ensuring our staff can finish their duties and head home on time.