What We Need From You
Regardless of the program your dog will be joining, there are some basic requirements we have outlined for everybody. Requirements that are specific for your program will be outlined on that page or shared with you individually upon registration. Here's what everybody needs:
Since all of our campers play in groups, dogs must be judged to be socialized and not at all aggressive. Because we understand that just like people, not all dogs like all other dog, we will ensure they are in a group of friends with which they get along.
Required Veterinarian Verifications
- Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old and have received at least two of the series of 3 puppy vaccines. All puppies must have their rabies vaccine by 8 months.
- With a few exceptions, dogs must be neutered or spayed before one year. The current veterinary wisdom is that very large and giant breed males might benefit from waiting a little longer, so we may make exceptions on that basis after a private consultation. However, in all circumstances, if a dog, male or female, is exhibiting hormone-driven behaviors, you or your emergency contact will be required to pick them up immediately. This requirement is in the best interest of all the dogs at Indigo Ranch, including the one affected.
- Vet record must verify current DHPP or DA2PP (or an antibody titer test) and Rabies vaccination
- All dogs must be treated with an effective form of flea and tick control prior to staying at Indigo Ranch.
A note about kennel cough: We do not require a kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccination, and we have not had a single case of it since our opening! We know that a lot of that has to do with very good fortune, and we know that could change at any time, but our best veterinary advise is the following: Kennel cough is an upper respiratory virus, very like a common human cold. If exposed, your dog may contract it regardless of having the Bordetella vaccine, and the vaccine itself has its own possibility of side affects. Obviously, we don't accept dogs who are coughing at drop off, and we separate them immediately if we hear it, but it is not generally a major concern for the health of your dog. Please ask your vet if you have any questions, and of course, use your own judgement on the vaccine. We just wanted you to know why we don’t require it!
Introductory Visit and Temperament Evaluation
It's not about judgement, its about the right fit! Before your booking is finalized, you and your pup will need to come in, see the place in person and get to know us. At the same time, we'll get to know your pup and, together, we'll determine if Indigo Ranch is a good fit for all of us.
We follow industry best practices in "temperament testing." It starts with a questionnaire and ends with an in-person evaluation, but it's not a right or wrong answer thing--just simple observation of your dog's reactions to things that go on around us all the time. These reactions help us to determine what social group they might best fit into, as well as other things that we can do to help them enjoy their stay with us more.
We want all of the dogs that stay with us to enjoy their stay, and we never want to make the sadness of being separated from you any worse for them. On the rare occasion we determine that might well be the case for your dog, we'll let you know at this time so you can make arrangements for a care situation that will better suit their unique needs.
Book with Us!
The booking process is easy--register and fill out a couple forms on line (or we can help you in person if you'd rather,) book a tour and a temperament test, and set up a drop off time. Start the process here...
