Question 1

What are your initial requirements?

Accepted Answer

Dogs must come for an initial meet and greet as well as a trial run prior to their first overnight stay. Following a successful introduction, we strongly recommend leaving them for at least one overnight or full day before booking an extended stay. This allows your dog to become familiar with the new environment, helping to ensure a positive and stress-free experience when they are actually staying with us. Dogs must be social with other dogs and able to acclimate well to a new environment (no excessive barking, destructive behavior or attempts to escape). All dogs must be crate or X pen trained for sleeping/naps.

Question 2

What does the meet-n-greet and trial run consist of?

Accepted Answer

The meet and greet is a short visit that takes place in one of the yards with you, the owner, present. This gives your dog an opportunity to explore the new environment while we discuss your dog's behavior and health. This takes anywhere from 10-30 minutes. Following a positive meet and greet, your dog will stay for a trial, where you leave them for about two hours of play/interaction with other dogs. This can be done on the same day as the meet and greet or at another scheduled time. The purpose of this short visit is to help your dog to further acclimate and so we can evaluate their behavior to ensure that they will have a safe and comfortable experience going forward.

Question 3

What do I bring for my dog for their stay?

Accepted Answer

Please bring your dogs food, feeding instructions, medication (if needed), and a blanket or bed from home. We encourage you to bring your pet’s regular food in order for them to maintain their regular diet. We offer our kibble for meals for an additional fee, however we don't recommend it unless your pet has a strong stomach.

Question 4

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Daycare and Boarding Drop Off Hours 
Monday-Thursday 7:30am-10am & 3pm-6pm 
Friday 8am-10am & 3pm-5:30pm 
Saturday 9am-4pm 
We offer boarding every day however we do not have
drop off or pick up on Sundays

Question 5

What is your pricing/cancellation/holiday policy?

Accepted Answer

A 25% non refundable deposit is required at the time of booking for all reservations. 
We require advance notice of cancellation/date changes as follows: 
7 days for all non-holiday reservations 
14 days for any holiday reservation
 
Overnight rate: $88
Holiday Overnight Rate: $96
Holiday dates 2026: Memorial Day 5/22-5/27, Independence Day 6/29-7/7 ,Thanksgiving (5 night min) 11/21-12/2, Christmas/New Years (5 night min) 12/18- 1/5

Question 6

Do you offer multiple dog and long term discounts?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer multi-dog discounts. Please call us to discuss discounted pricing for extended stays.

Question 7

What are your health/vaccination requirements?

Accepted Answer

All dogs must be in good health and up to date on Rabies and DHPP vaccinations. Titer test results are also accepted. All dogs must be on some form of flea/tick prevention. Dogs over 7 months must be spayed/neutered.

Question 8

Do I have to reserve ahead of time?

Accepted Answer

Socialization spots are given on a weekly commitment basis. 1-4 days per week options available. We keep a list of clients who want occasional drop-ins, however specific dates cannot be guaranteed for those on our drop in list.

Question 9

What does my dog do during the day?

Accepted Answer

A typical day at Down to Earth Dogs includes outdoor play time with other friendly dogs, meal times suited to your dogs needs, much needed rest time and lots of individual attention. Your dog will play in a small group and spend time with other appropriate playmates based on activity level, temperament, and play style. We even send pictures with every visit, so you can see what your dog is up to. When you pick up your dog, you can rest assured that they’ve had a fun-filled & action-packed stay and perhaps even learned a trick or two!

Question 10

Where will my dog sleep?

Accepted Answer

Your dog will sleep inside in a quiet, comfortable, climate-controlled room with other dogs. All dogs are separated in their own crate or pen. For relaxation purposes, we play classical music & can provide owner approved toys and chews to keep your dog occupied.

Question 11

Can you give my dog medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are able to give medication to your dog such as pills, topical creams, eye/ear drops at no additional charge. Bathing can be provided at an additional cost.

Question 12

Do you provide toys/treats for the dogs?

Accepted Answer

We do have toys in our yard, but we monitor for resource guarding and remove them if necessary. We offer treats to dogs who do not have food allergies. Please let us know if your dog has any food allergies.

Question 13

Do you accept dog-aggressive dogs?

Accepted Answer

Down To Earth Dogs is a social boarding environment and safety is our number one priority. For the safety of all the dogs in our care, we do not accept dogs that show aggression to other dogs.

Question 14

My dog has separation anxiety, can he stay with you?"

Accepted Answer

We do our best to make your dog feel comfortable and at home here at Down to Earth Dogs. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate dogs that display moderate to severe separation anxiety that results in excessive barking, destructive behavior, or attempts to escape their crate or our facility. Dogs that are in a state of heightened stress are at a higher risk of injury and illness.

Question 15

Do you accept senior dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, here at Down to Earth Dogs we love all dogs no matter their age! We do accept senior dogs who are in good health.

Question 16

Do you have breed restrictions?

Accepted Answer

We accept all dogs of all kinds, following a successful introduction.

Down To Earth Dogs offers dog daycare and overnight boarding in the San Diego metro areas