Frequently Asked Questions

REQUIREMENTS BEFORE BECOMING A WILDERK9'ER:
1) assessment / meet + greet ($20)
2) day trial ($40)

Book an assessment here

You can rest assured that every dog in our care has also passed our thorough screening assessment! 

ASSESSMENT / MEET & GREET
We schedule every new dog in for a meet & greet + assessment. 

Was your assessment successful? We hope so! If so, your dog is ready for their day care visits!
A minimum of 1 trial day is required before your dog is able to spend the night with us (please note, the total amount of days required before boarding can vary depending on your dogs behaviour - are they nervous? vocal? anxious? unsettled?) I strive to have this experience be as comfortable as possible for your dog, so that they are able to feel comfortable and settled.  It may require some more time and patience for some dogs to adjust and get accustomed to being away from their home, so please note that it may take a few day trials for your dog to adjust. Some dogs do perfectly fine right off the bat, are comfortable and are immediately loving their new space and surroundings, it just depends on your dog! :)
I strive to make my place every dogs second home- where they can be at ease, relaxed and enjoy all their days with us!

WHAT DOES THE ASSESSMENT / MEET + GREET CONSISTS OF?
Assessment involves showing you around the facility, and getting to know you and your dog(s) needs. 
Once it is time for you to step out while we asses your dog, your dog will be on a slip leash while we are getting to know their unique personality! Our outdoor area is fully fenced, and the slip leash is a safety precaution tool we use.

If your dog is dog-social and you would like your dog to be socialized, they will be slowly introduced to another dog one at a time, and their behaviour and temperament will be evaluated to ensure they are a good fit for the social setting.

If your dog is not dog social, they will spend the remainder of the assessment exploring the area at their own pace and hanging out with us and having a great time as we get to know each other!

Daily Enrichment & Structure
During your dog’s stay, we provide:

🐾 Safe, supervised care
- Continuous supervision
- Structured environment focused on calm, balanced behavior
- Separation based on size, temperament and play style
- Safe socialization, positive interactions with other dogs and/or humans

🐾 Daily enrichment & exercise
- Supervised group play or structured solo time (based on your dog’s needs)
- Outdoor breaks in our large yard 
- Basic confidence building & practicing good manners 
- Mental enrichment activities (sniffing, puzzles, calm engagement) - optional add on
- Nature Walks - optional add on
- Special event days - check out our [event calendar] for fun activities!

🐾 Rest & downtime
- Designated rest periods to prevent overstimulation
- Comfortable indoor space for decompression and relaxation

🐾 Feeding & medication
- Feeding according to owner instructions
- Administration of medications and supplements as directed
- Fresh water available at all times

🐾 Health & wellbeing monitoring
- Daily wellness checks
- Monitoring of appetite, energy levels and behavior
- Immediate owner notification if concerns arise

🐾 Clean & comfortable environment
- Regular cleaning and sanitation of all spaces
- Clean bedding and sleeping areas

We follow a structured daily routine to keep dogs relaxed, balanced, and happy, just like at home, but with a little extra fun!

At Wilde K9, our mission is simple:
To provide a nurturing, enriching, and trustworthy experience that gives both you and your dog peace of mind. We’re honoured to be a trusted second home to so many beloved pups, and we can’t wait to welcome yours to our club!

Our facility is located conveniently between Barrie & Angus, in a small rural town on a 10 acre property, in Utopia, Ontario.

Nestled on 10 scenic acres of forest trails, a peaceful pond, and natural greenery.

The building area has 1200sqft of indoor space, which consits of our small office, a grooming room, bathroom, kitchen, an indoor hang out/play area and 7 individual bedroom suites for our guests. There is also a fully fenced 2500+ sqft outdoor area for dogs to run and play, which is our favourite part!

Our place is fully equipped with HVAC, along with ceiling fans for extra circulation.

Find photos of the facility under "Boarding + Daycare" tab > Photos!
Each dog gets their own private bedroom or a crate for meals and rest time. There are 7 cozy rooms available, and dogs from the same household are able to share one together. All dogs sleep safely under the same roof as I do.
Each bedroom consits of a camera that has 247 monitoring, and the live feed may also be accessed by owners for piece of mind! (+$6/day).

Assessment
All new clients require an assessment. If the assessment is successful, your dog is ready for their day care visits, starting at half day before graduating to full day to ease them into their stay, allowing them to get comfortable with us!
There are a minimum of 2 day trial days required before your dog is able to spend the night with us. Please find more info about this under the “Assessment” tab

Flea & Tick Preventative
It is HIGHLY recommended that your dog is on flea and tick prevention throughout April – November to prevent fleas or a potential tick disease.
If your dog arrives with fleas, they will be asked to be picked up immediately and you will be requried to pay the full invoice for the reserved dates.

Rabies
We also accept titer tests as subsitite for vaccines for dogs

Bordetella
Not required, but if your dog is vaccinated with this, please be aware dogs are still able to carry Kennel Cough even when vaccinated.

Spay & Neuter
We accept intact dogs and they will require an assessment just like any other dog starting off with us. We have a boarding spots available for dogs who do best without dog-social interaction, or a spot for dogs who are dog-selective (we call this our TLC boarding!)
Note: Females in active heat are welcome at a rate of $120/night plus any soiling expenses (diapers, cleaning etc).

Every dog is unique, some thrive with human interaction, while others feel more comfortable in smaller social groups. No matter their preference, we make sure each pup enjoys their stay through enrichment, sniffing adventures, playtime, social opportunities, and one on one connection. Your dog’s comfort always comes first, so choosing the option that best supports their personality ensures they feel safe, happy and truly at home with us!

SOCIAL DOGS

Best suited for dogs who:

• Are comfortable and confident around other dogs
• Have solid manners and handling comfort
• Read and respect dog social cues
• Recover quickly from excitement or corrections
• Play appropriately (no excessive mounting, bullying, or fixation)
• Are comfortable sharing space
• Are confident or neutral in new environments
• Respond well to basic boundaries and redirection
• Are not reactive toward dogs or people
• Can settle independently between activities
• Do not require specialized behavioural support

What this includes:

• Structured and supervised group play
• Rest periods in cozy, climate controlled spaces
• Calm, balanced social interactions
• Attentive care with calm expectations throughout the day, supporting proper manners and basic obedience within our structured environment
• Feedings (owner must bring food from home)
• Wilde K9 Add ons (nature walks, enrichment, 1:1, extra activites etc.)

TLC DOGS

Designed for dogs who benefit from extra support, including:

• Dogs who prefer more one on one interaction
• High drive or highly active dogs who require additional mental and physical outlets
• Dogs who are still developing social skills
• Dogs who may feel uncertain, sensitive or easily overstimulated
• Dogs who require more hands on guidance during handling

ANXIOUS DOGS

• Dogs who are nervous, fearful, timid, or easily overwhelmed
• Dogs who need slow introductions or extra reassurance

DOGS WHO NEED EXTRA GUIDANCE

• Puppies still learning structure
• Dogs needing more support with manners, confidence, or routine
• Dogs who benefit from more one-on-one help

NOT DOG FRIENDLY

• Dogs who cannot safely socialize with other dogs
• Dogs who prefer human company only
• Dogs with a history of reactivity toward other dogs

DOG SELECTIVE

• Dogs who like some dogs, but not all
• Dogs who need careful, controlled and gradual introductions
• Dogs that do best with matched personalities

What this includes:

• Increased 1:1 engagement
• Rest periods in cozy, climate controlled spaces
• More structured management and supervision
• Adjusted routines to support regulation and comfort
• Attentive care with calm expectations throughout the day, supporting proper manners and basic obedience within our structured environment
• Feedings (owner must bring food from home)
• Wilde K9 Add ons (nature walks, enrichment, 1:1, extra activites etc.)

All drop offs and pickups are by appointment only

Daycare Drop Off and Pick Up Hours:
Monday-Friday: 6AM - 10 AM / 3PM - 6PM 
Saturday & Sunday: 7:30AM - 10AM / 3PM - 5PM

Boarding Drop Off and Pick Up Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6AM - 10AM / 3PM - 6PM
Saturday & Sunday: 7:30AM - 10AM / 3PM - 5PM

Pick Up and Drop Offs are scheduled in 30 minute time slots.

Drop offs or pickups scheduled outside these hours are subject to an additonal $20 per hour (upon availability)

When your dog is spending the night(s) with us, please bring the following:

• LEASH + COLLAR (flat buckle collar)
• FOOD (with a label for feeding amount)
• TREATS
• BLANKETS / DOG BED
• MEDICATION (if any)
• TOYS – Any favourite toys they can keep in their room to provide extra comfort (as long as they are not a choking hazard to your dog)

Each dog is provided with a raised cot bed in their suite for comfort and rest. 
We supply water and food bowls; however, if your dog typically eats from a slow feeder, please include it in their packing bag.
 

Tip: Familiar items such as a blanket, bed, or favorite toy can help your dog feel more at ease during their stay by bringing the comfort of home along with them :)

Pack your pup’s regular food for their stay! Keeping them on their usual meals helps their tummy stay happy! Feel free to toss in their favourite treats too, a little taste of home always makes tails wag!

We’ve got water and food bowls covered! Only bring your dog’s own bowl if they eat from a slow feeder.

Meals are served in each dog’s private suite, giving them a cozy, stress free space to enjoy their dinner without any nosey neighbours.

Got meds? No worries! We’re happy to give them at no extra charge.

DAY CARE CANCELLATIONS
Wilde K9 reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the scheduled services if cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

OVERNIGHT BOARDING CANCELLATIONS
Wilde K9 reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the scheduled services if cancelled with less than 72 hours notice (up to 3 nights)

HOLIDAY CANCELLATIONS
Wilde K9 reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the scheduled services during long weekends and/or holidays if cancelled with less than 5 days notice (up to 5 nights)

Yes! I'm happy to welcome intact male and female dogs.

Every dog is an individual, so I look at factors like age, temperament/behaviour and comfort around other dogs to make sure they are a good fit for social settings. Intact dogs who are calm, respectful and socially appropriate often do very well here.
There is an additional fee of +$10/day for intact dogs in social groups.

Depending on your dog’s needs, some intact dogs may enjoy our TLC (individualized care) option instead of group play and many thrive with this calmer, more personalized approach.

For everyone’s comfort and safety, females in heat are not able to participate in group settings. Females in active heat are welcome at a rate of $120/night plus any soiling expenses (diapers, cleaning etc).

Our goal is always to create an environment where your dog feels safe and well cared for, and I'm happy to help you choose the best fit for them.

Yes, I do. Many dogs with medical or special care needs thrive here, and we're happy to support them as long as their condition is stable and they are comfortable enough to enjoy their stay.

I'm Pet First Aid certified and have extensive hands-on experience caring for dogs with a wide range of medical needs. From daily medications and injections to post-surgical recovery and long-term condition management, your dog's health, comfort and safety are always my top priority.

With years of experience in comprehensive canine care, I’m well-versed in supporting dogs with:

• Medication administration (oral and injectable)

• Chronic conditions, including hip dysplasia, torn ligaments (CCL), soft tissue injuries, diabetes, eye disease, heart disease, and Addison’s disease

• Post-surgical recovery, such as spay/neuter, dental procedures, gastropexy, TPLO, total hip replacement

• Mobility & rehabilitation support, including strength-building, controlled exercise, and movement modifications

• Nutrition & overall wellness, including allergies, gastrointestinal health, dental care, and skin & coat support

For everyone’s well-being, we are not able to accept dogs who are critically ill or nearing end-of-life.

If you’re unsure whether your dog is a good fit, I’m always happy to talk through their needs and help determine the best care option 🤍

This is a home based business (not a high volume, one-size-fits-all kennel).
Care here is relationship based and intentional, allowing me to truly get to know each dog as an individual.

Our days are thoughtfully structured with a balance of supervised social play, outdoor time, walks, enrichment activities, and plenty of downtime to relax and decompress. Dogs emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical care..

I believe in quality over chaos, and it shows in how dogs settle and thrive while they’re here!

At Wilde K9, we believe that leaving your dog, whether for a workday, a weekend getaway, or a long vacation, should never feel stressful. That’s why I created a place that offers so much more than just a place for your dog to stay, it’s a space where your dog can grow, play, and feel at home.

Nestled on 10 scenic acres of forest trails, a peaceful pond, and natural greenery, Wilde K9 is much more than just dog boarding, it's a second home.

As a small, independently owned business, I take pride in providing personalized, attentive care for every guest. Our environment is thoughtfully designed to be safe, structured, fun, and cozy, ensuring a positive experience for both pets and their owners.

WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL

A Cozy, Home-Like Environment

• Individual suites for feedings and rest
• Climate-controlled with HVAC for year-round comfort
• 24-hour monitoring for peace of mind
• Inviting indoor space with a couch and TV
• A fully fenced outdoor yard for safe, supervised play
• Dogs sleep under the same roof as me! Just a few steps away, they snooze in their cozy bedrooms, safe, loved, and right at home!

Tailored to Your Dog’s Needs

Every dog is unique. Through a thorough assessment, we learn your pup’s personality and preferences, whether they thrive in group play, prefer human only interactions, can be dog selective, love one-on-one attention, are high drive dogs, or prefer quiet, cozy time. Each stay is altered to ensure your dog feels safe, fulfilled and loved!

This is a home based business (not a high volume, one-size-fits-all kennel).
Care here is relationship based and intentional, allowing me to truly get to know each dog as an individual.

Our days are thoughtfully structured with a balance of supervised social play, outdoor time, walks, enrichment activities, and plenty of downtime to relax and decompress. Dogs emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical care..

I believe in quality over chaos, and it shows in how dogs settle and thrive while they’re here!