What Questions Should I Ask a Dog Sitter in Austin? Everything You Need to Know Before Booking

Quick Answer: Before booking a dog sitter in Austin for boarding or daycare, ask about group size, daily routine, emergency protocols, vaccination requirements, the screening process for new dogs, photo updates, and staff-to-dog ratio. At Big Little Paws, we keep small groups (typically 4-12 dogs, up to 20 on holidays for regulars only). We send daily photos and videos. All dogs must complete a free meet and greet and free trial daycare day. Every dog is pre-screened and we never accept aggressive dogs. Fill out the New Dog Inquiry Form below to get started.

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The Most Important Questions to Ask a Dog Sitter in Austin

Choosing where to leave your dog is a big deal! You want to know they are safe, happy, and actually cared for while you are away. Here are the questions dog parents ask us most often, along with our honest answers.

How Many Dogs Do You Normally Have?

On a typical day we have anywhere from 4 to 12 dogs. We keep our group small on purpose so every dog gets real attention. On holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas we can have up to 20 dogs, but those spots are reserved exclusively for our regulars. We never take new dogs during the holidays because we want the environment to stay calm and familiar for everyone.

What Happens During an Emergency?

If your dog gets sick or injured, we call you immediately and let you know what is happening. We have your vet information on file so we can take them to your vet right away. If it is serious, we will take your dog to an animal hospital. We send photos, videos, and keep you in the loop the entire time. You will never be left wondering what is going on.

Do You Send Photos and Videos During the Stay?

Yes! We send daily photos, videos, and report cards throughout every stay. You will know what your dog ate, who they played with, how they are doing. We send updates when we get downtime throughout the day. It is one of the things our clients tell us they love most about Big Little Paws.

How Long Have You Been Doing This?

We started Big Little Paws officially in 2023, but Sonya has been caring for dogs her whole life. We have cared for several hundred dogs at this point!

What is the Daily Routine Like?

Our day includes outdoor play, walks, breakfast, calm time to help digestion, more outdoor play, some indoor play, and typical nap time around 2 to 3 pm. Then daycare pickups start.

We do evening walks sometimes too, depending on the weather and the dog's energy level. We avoid walking during peak heat times in Austin. All of this is weather dependent and adjusted based on when dogs are being picked up and dropped off. We send photo and video updates when we get downtime!

What Should I Bring For Dog Boarding and Daycare in Austin?

For daycare, your dog just needs a harness, collar, and leash. Please make sure they are wearing a collar in case we need to separate dogs for any reason.

For boarding, you should bring your dog's food. Ideally it is pre-packaged in individual servings, but we understand that might not always be possible. We need detailed written instructions for how much to feed them, any medication schedules, and anything else we should know.

You can bring a blanket or bed if your dog feels very comfortable with it, but it is not required. Some people bring a crate their dog is used to, but we have crates here so it is not required.

How Should I Prepare My Dog?

Every new dog starts with a free meet and greet at our home followed by a free first day of doggy daycare. During the trial daycare day, the owner leaves so we can monitor the dog's behavior on their own, get them used to us, the routine, the environment, and the other dogs. If all goes well, we move forward with boarding!

We also ask that all dogs are walked before being dropped off for boarding if possible. We do not want high energy dogs being dropped off in the evening without having any exercise during the day. They come in wired, overstimulated, and have tons of pent up energy which can be a safety and management concern.

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

Book as early as possible, especially for holidays! Holidays must be booked out weeks in advance because we fill up all our availability. We do not allow self booking on our website within 24 hours, but if you are a regular and something comes up where you need us, just text us. We are flexible for our regulars.

We do not do last minute bookings for new dogs under any circumstances. And we do not do holiday bookings for new dogs. They must come here for boarding before the holidays to make sure they are a fit. We do not want their first experience here to be during our busiest days!

What Are Your Daycare Package Options?

We offer single days or packages. Single daycare days are $45 | 67,784 sats for one dog and $75 | 112,974 sats for two dogs. Our packages are where you get the best value:

• 10-day pack: $350

• 20-day pack: $650

• 50-day pack: $1,500

The 50-day pack is our most popular option for regulars who come multiple times per week.

How Often Should My Dog Come to Daycare?

It depends on the dog! We have dogs that come 2 to 4 times per week. Social, active dogs generally need to come more often. We always hear from owners that their dog needs to come here because they are going crazy or getting bored at home. They have pent up energy and need to socialize. Generally speaking, the more frequently the better!

What Are Your Hours of Operation?

Daycare is Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 7 pm. Most dogs come between 8:30 and 9:30 am and leave around 4 to 6 pm, but we have extended hours for people who go to the office.

Boarding is available 7 days a week!

Will My Dog Be Left Alone?

They are rarely left alone. We have three people who live here and are with the dogs most of the time. On occasion when we do have to step out, we keep it short. We separate dogs by behavior and for safety, and we crate them when we need to. We also have cameras that we monitor. Occasionally we may have someone familiar with the dogs drop in to walk them or let them outside if we are gone, but we are rarely gone.

How Often Are Dogs Walked?

Every boarding stay includes two walks per night, weather permitting. Some dogs do not want to walk so we do not force them. We also offer a third walk as an add on for high energy dogs!

What Vaccinations Do You Require?

All dogs must be current on Rabies, Bordetella (kennel cough), and DHPP. We also require flea and tick prevention and recommend the Canine Influenza vaccine for boarding stays. Your dog must be up to date on all required vaccinations before booking or they will not be allowed to book.

What is Your Staff-to-Dog Ratio?

On our busiest days it is 2 people for 20 dogs. Occasionally one of us needs to step out so it is just one person holding down the fort. If we need to, we separate dogs based on behavior and safety. Normally it is the two of us at home with under 10 dogs, but we do get up to 20 on the holidays.

Can I Tour Your Facility?

Absolutely! No dog is allowed here without a meet and greet and free day of doggy daycare. You will see the space your dog will be in so you feel comfortable too. We want you to feel great about leaving your dog with us!

What Happens If My Dog Gets Sick or Injured?

If your dog gets sick or injured, we let you know right away. We can bring your dog to your vet or an animal hospital if we have to. We will call you and send all photos and videos and keep you updated the entire time.

Do You Provide Food or Should I Bring My Own?

All dogs must bring their own food. We have some treats but we do not want to feed dogs food they are not used to because it can upset their stomach.

What is Your Cancellation Policy?

Cancellations need to be at least 72 hours in advance. Please let us know as soon as possible! We understand things change and we want to be flexible, but we also block off slots when you book so last minute cancellations can impact us. We just request letting us know as soon as you can.

Do You Accept Dogs With Special Needs?

We have experience with seniors, puppies, anxious dogs, and high energy dogs. Every dog is different and we evaluate each one individually during the meet and greet and trial daycare day to make sure they are a good fit for our group!

However, if a dog requires constant one on one attention and does not do well in a pack, they are not the best fit for us and we will not accept them. The dogs we accept must be able to behave well in a pack. We give every dog one on one attention for free (with no extra charge), but if a dog requires constant one on one attention, that takes away attention from the rest of the dogs. We will not sit for dogs that constantly take our attention away from other dogs.

How Do You Group Dogs for Play?

Every dog in our group has been pre-screened through our meet and greet process. We group dogs by temperament, energy level, and compatibility. We never accept dogs with a history of aggression, so the environment is always calm, safe, and social.

Do Dogs Sleep in Crates or Have Free Roam?

It depends on the dog! Some dogs are crate trained and prefer their crate at night. Others have free roam of the house. We follow what works best for your dog and what they are used to at home.

Are You Bonded and Insured?

Yes, we are!

Ready to Get Started at Big Little Paws?

Fill out the New Dog Inquiry Form below. Free meet and greet and free first daycare day for all new dogs. We cannot wait to meet your pup!

Submit New Dog Inquiry Form