How We Keep Dogs Safe, Calm, and Happy at House of Hounds Retreat.
The Pack Rules
At House of Hounds Retreat, every rule exists for one reason: the safety and well-being of the dogs in our care.
As a kennel-free, home-based provider of dog day care and dog boarding, we’re intentional about who we accept and how the day runs. These guidelines help create a calm, structured space where dogs can relax, play safely, and feel at home.
Safety Comes First
To keep the group safe and stress-free, we’re only able to accept dogs who can interact safely with others.
This allows us to maintain a calm environment and protect every dog in the pack.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
To help prevent illness in a shared space, we ask that all dogs meet the following health requirements:
These steps help keep everyone healthy and comfortable.
Transparency About Your Dog
To care for your dog as safely and thoughtfully as possible, it’s important that we have a clear picture of their needs.
Open communication helps us make the best decisions for everyone involved.
Joining The Pack
Our environment is intentionally designed for dogs to interact and settle.
1. Mandatory Meet & Greet 🤝
All new dogs must complete a scheduled, 30-minute meet & greet at House of Hounds Retreat before joining daycare or boarding. This visit includes:
- A calm, controlled introduction with Mel’s dogs, one at a time
- Time for your dog to settle in and experience the environment
- A behavior and compatibility assessment to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort
Most dogs can be accurately assessed during this visit, allowing us to decide whether House of Hounds Retreat is the right fit for your dog.
Phone interviews, meet & greets, and personal appointments are typically scheduled between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm or after 6:00 pm.
2. Trial Requirements
Before fully joining the pack, we ask that all dogs complete the following:
Daycare
Trial Daycare is required for all daycare dogs to ensure they integrate comfortably with the group.
Boarding
Trial Overnight is required before any boarding reservation. This allows Mel to address nighttime routines or concerns in advance.
If everything looks like a good fit and you’d like to proceed with care, payment is due on or before pick-up, no later than 6:00 pm.
3. Reservation Deposit
For dog boarding stays longer than two nights, a $50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure the reservation. If the reservation is completed, the deposit is applied toward the total cost of the stay at pick-up.
If the reservation is canceled for any reason, the deposit remains non-refundable. This helps us plan care, staffing, and space while keeping availability fair for all families.
What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)
We keep it simple and make sure that your dog has absolutely everything needed.
Please bring
Providing your dog’s regular food helps prevent stomach upset and keeps their routine consistent.
What NOT to Bring
Please leave these at home:
Everything your dog needs during their stay is provided.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Guidelines
Strict adherence to these times ensures smooth transitions and keeps the environment calm for all dogs in our care.
Monday – Friday
Drop-Off
Pick-Up
Saturday – Sunday
Drop-Off
Pick-Up
Daycare is available for the full day, with drop-offs and pick-ups limited to the times listed above. This helps ensure smooth transitions and keeps the environment calm for the dogs.
Thank you for taking the time to review these guidelines. They help us create a space where dogs can feel safe, relaxed, and cared for—and where owners can feel confident leaving their dogs with us.
Trusted by dogs
(And Their Parents)
“Fantastic experience! Mel was very friendly and easy to communicate with and my dog had a great time. I felt very confident and comfortable with them caring for her.”
“Couldn’t be any happier with the care Mel gives! My boys come home happy and exhausted! Which is saying a lot for him 🙂 So happy we found House of Hounds Retreat!”
“House of Hounds is my #1 choice for boarding. I love that it’s home based and my pup gets to play with other dogs in a safe environment. Mel & Mel are wonderful!”
“House of Hounds did a great job watching my dog for a week. She is very shy around strangers and within a day was snuggled up to Melissa’s family. I was sent constant photos.”