BEFORE YOUR DOGS STAY…WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Before Your Dog’s Stay
We want every dog’s time at Dogpatch to be safe, comfortable, and successful — for them and for the group as a whole. This page is designed to help you understand our approach, determine whether Dogpatch is the right fit for your dog, and know what to expect before your dog’s stay.
Taking a few minutes to review this information helps ensure a smooth experience from the very beginning.
Is Dogpatch the right fit for your dog?
Dogpatch is designed for dogs who benefit from structure, experienced supervision, and individualized care. Our days are thoughtfully managed to support a wide range of needs, with an emphasis on balance — between activity and rest, engagement and downtime.
We welcome active, high-energy dogs who need room to move and explore, as well as senior dogs, puppies, and dogs who prefer a gentler pace. Outdoor time is tailored to the individual, with options for longer, more active sessions or shorter outings paired with comfort and rest.
What matters most is not a dog’s age or energy level, but how they do in a setting that values clear routines, attentive care, and the ability to settle. We work with many different personalities and take care to meet dogs where they are, rather than expecting them to fit a single mold.
Because we prioritize safety and group harmony, Dogpatch may not be the right fit for every dog. This isn’t a reflection of a dog being “good” or “bad” — it simply means that different environments work better for different needs.
Before booking a trial or stay, all dogs must be registered. Registration helps us get to know your dog and ensure the best possible experience at Dogpatch. After registration, new dogs begin with a trial assessment so we can determine the best fit.
Trial assessment
Trial Assessment
All new dogs begin with a trial assessment before staying at Dogpatch. This allows us to get to know your dog as an individual and ensure that our environment, routines, and group dynamics are a good fit.
The trial is a 24-hour stay designed to give your dog time to settle in, experience our daily rhythm, and be observed across different activities and rest periods. This helps us make thoughtful decisions that support both your dog and the group as a whole.
Trial assessments are not a test your dog can “pass” or “fail.” They are simply a way for us to gather information, adjust care as needed, and set everyone up for a successful experience moving forward.
Outdoor School as an Alternative
For some dogs, participation in Outdoor School may be used in place of a one-day trial assessment. Because Outdoor School is a multi-day program, it often gives us an even more complete picture of a dog’s comfort level, play style, and ability to settle into our routines.If you’re interested in this option, you can learn more about Outdoor School here:
Outdoor School ReservationsIf you’re ready to proceed with a standard trial, head to the trial scheduling calendar below to choose your dates.