We encourage new visitors getting to virtually know The Mutt Hutt to dive right into our website to learn about our socialization enrollment process. Once the online enrollment forms are completed we will contact you for a phone consultation to review your information and learn more about your and your dog's needs to book your dog's first visit.  On a dog's first day with us they will receive dedicated time and attention to make sure they are comfortable with our handlers and the dogs we are caring for.  We are committed to making sure each dog is enjoying their visit and dog owners are provided with a thoughtful consultation. Our staff of dog enthusiasts and dog owners are loyal and dedicated as well as experienced in dog breed traits, understanding each dog's unique personality and a strong level of knowledge in dog behavior. ​

We limit the number of new dogs we meet each week, therefore the initial and first visit appointment must be reserved in advance. The enrollment includes a full-day of socializing as well as an end of day consultation with one of our staff members before your dog heads home to fall into #themutthuttcoma.  The first-visit deposit is non-refundable and due at the time of booking the first visit. We will confirm a check-in and check-out time for the first visit and once your dog has been assessed and invited to come back our check-in times run from 6:30 to 9:00 am. Interested dog owners are required to complete an online profile including providing us with current immunization records.  The fee for the first visit is discounted $5 off our full-day rate. 

Health Requirments

​Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) Vaccination
(Puppies require at least two rounds of distemper-parvo shots)
Rabies Vaccination
Bordetella
Canine Influenza H3N2 or H3N2/H3N8 Vaccine
Spayed or Neutered
Flea Preventative

Enrollment Requirements

• All dogs must be checked into the facility by 9 AM. This is to help balance the energy levels of the entire pack and preserve the safety of the dogs in our care. We ask that you respect our policies as safety is our number one concern.
• All dogs must be over the age of 4 months (16 weeks) at the time of the enrollment appointment.
• Be sure your dog or puppy is up to date on the Rabies vaccine which is required in the State of Ohio.
• All dogs must be spayed or neutered with the exception of puppies. Females in season will not be able to attend daycare. We reserve the right to suspend attendance for any puppy that is not spayed or neutered by six months of age. We will consult you when we feel it’s time for your puppy to be altered as it does disrupt the group and your dog's day. 
• Before your dog enters our facility you must provide proof from your veterinarian they have been vaccinated against: Distemper/Parvo (DHPP), Rabies (1 or 3 year), Bordetella (injection or nasal) and the Canine Influenza H3N2 single strain or H3N2/H2N8 dual strain. Dog owners with specif questions about vaccines are advised to speak with a medical professional to learn about the diseases and illness they help prevent. We recommend the dual strain Bivalent H3N2/H3N8 canine influenza vaccine. If a dog has a medical reason for not having vaccines your veterinarian may be consulted and enrollment will be approved by management prior to confirming your evaluation appointment.

• Bordetella Vaccine: Dogs who are not socialized with other dogs, dog parks, vets offices, pet stores have a higher chance of contracting canine cough.  The vaccine prevents about 50% of the 36 strains of the virus and therefore is not a guarantee all dogs are totally protected. Canine cough is most commonly contracted during spring and fall seasons and affects dogs who may not socialize as much or have lower immunity system. Canine cough can be contracted at dog parks, traditional kennels, daycare, meeting dogs on walks, and at your vets office. Most dogs who contract canine cough do not show signs for 7-10 days so please be sure your dog is receiving the vaccination on a regular basis. In many cases the Bordetella vaccination is optional during your dog's veterinary exam so be sure to ask for it. This vaccine is required and suggested to be in your dog's system at least 72 hours before they visit the facility to reduce and prevent your dog from getting sick with canine cough. The injection option is an annual vaccine and reportedly more effective.
• Flea/tick preventative is required during flea season (suggested April-November). Flea collars are removed for safety while your dog is in our care. 
• Owners must certify their pet is in good health and has not been ill with a communicable condition in the last 30 days. Upon admission, all pets must be free from any condition that could potentially jeopardize other dogs.  Pets that have been ill with a communicable condition the last 30 days will be required to provide veterinarian certification of health to be admitted or readmitted.
• All dogs must be non-aggressive with other dogs or humans.  Owners must certify that their pet has neither harmed nor shown any aggressive or threatening behavior towards any person or other animal.
• We are good neighbors in our community and will not tolerate excessive barking. it is also very disruptive to the playgroup. 
• For safety among the pack your dog’s collar will be removed and stored before entering the play area. If you choose for your dog to wear a collar we may ask you to sign an additional waiver. We may find it necessary to use a martingale or slip lead style collar to communicate with or identify your dog in the pack. Other than your own provided collars or our martingale or slip lead style collar or leash. Correction equipment such as prong collars are NEVER used without advance permission from the client.
• An effective monthly Heartworm preventative is strongly suggested year round.
• ​Dog owners arriving without the required copies of your pet's vaccine records will need to reschedule the appointment. 

---

​First Visit Introductions

We aim to set your dog up for a successful visit each time they arrive. Our dog handlers are experienced, thoughtful and attentive to each new dog. 

• For just this first appointment we have set a check in and check out time and ask that you arrive for your appointment at the end of the day to meet with one of our senior staff members who will fill you in on how the evaluation went. If you are running late please call to let us know as we tend to have other consultations with clients picking up dogs and we want to make sure to have five to ten minutes with you before your dog goes home.
• There is limited parking in front of our building however we share the same lot with our adjacent commercial neighbors to the south. If the four parking spots are full you are welcome to park next door, on the street or use the employee parking lot located across from our main building during check in and check out times only.

• If our parking lot is busy that means our lobby is busy. Our lobby is quaint and we would prefer on your first visit to enter our building when there is less activity. Even if your dog is super social on a leash other clients' dogs may not be. May we suggest staying in your car or taking your dog for a quick walk to wait until the parking lot clears out. This will allow for your dog to enter the facility without being distracted or meeting other dogs inappropriately on their first day.
• You know your dog best so we ask you to pay close attention to their behavior. Some dogs are naturally excited visiting new and unfamiliar places and others are hesitant and timid. Please be sure your dog’s collar or harness is on properly when exiting your vehicle and entering our building. We ask that you do not use a retractable leash or have your dog meet other dogs in our parking lot or lobby.
• When you arrive on the first day you'll be invited inside (wearing a COVID-19 safe mask) to introduce ourselves. As a safety measure as other dogs are shuttled inside we may find it necessary to take your dog and secure he or she in a holding space beyond the lobby walls. 
• You will have the opportunity to speak with our staff about anything related to your dog before you head out while we take care of your dog's first day. 
• From here one of our dog handlers will chaperone your dog safely into the warehouse space where they will meet new human and dog friends alike.  Your dog will be led by a handler and only when your mutt is comfortable will we start proper introductions to their new furry friends. 
• ​We always aim to set your dog up for success and determine our approach based on the information you have provided combined with the experience of our dog handlers who will be thoughtful and attentive throughout the day. We will share the day's observations with you when you come back later in the day to take your mutt home. ​​ ​

End of Visit Observation Report

• Based on our staff observations of your dog's first day experience with us we will provide an open and honest assessment.
• We may make suggestions for your dog's future visits to insure that they are set up for success.
• Typically we will follow up with new clients for the first few daytime visits and beyond that we are available to talk dog with you anytime (although sometimes our lobby can be busy so we ask for your patience). 
• We will review our reservation policies when you pick up your dog including explaining our popular "standing reservation". This option is for dog owners with consistent schedules and saves everyone time. 
• You will receive an email once your dog checks out on the first day detailing first visit observations and facility information. 

• As soon as your dog successfully completes the enrollment visit they are officially enrolled at our facility and you can bring them as often as you like with a reservation made in advance through the client portal or via email. Same day requests are rarely available and in those cases please call us.
• Our priority is with those who are utilizing our services a minimum of once per week. We offer standing reservations to allow you to choose what days of the week you’d like to bring your dog, provided we approve those days. With a standing reservation,  you would no longer need to to call us unless you are choosing a different day of the week. Please notify us or cancel in the client portal if your dog is not coming in to play on your regularly scheduled day.  If you have any specific questions please call us at 216-621-6888 or send an email to our front desk.