Frequently Asked Questions

You can visit this page to book a free 20-minute Discovery Call. This no-obligation phone call provides us an opportunity to explore your needs and get your initial questions answered. Please note that training advice is not included during Discovery Calls.

Yes: you must provide record of current core vaccinations or titers (rabies, distemper, parvovirus) + routine preventive treatment (flea/tick/heartworm treatment). Rare exceptions may be made for dogs who are proven to be intolerant of preventative treatment. Documentation is required in these instances.

Yes, as long as they have been in your home for at least one month. Exceptions may be made for young puppies, however they must be at least 10 weeks old at the start of their VIP Boarding / Board & Train stay.

I offer a variety of sleeping arrangements depending on your preferences and your dog’s comfort and maturity level. Puppies/dogs who are not house-trained, chew-trained, or whose guardian prefers a contained sleeping arrangement may rest in a comfy crate, x-pen, or large (6 ft x 6 ft) kennel while they’re working on these skills. Dogs who prefer to sleep with people and can be trusted to free-roam will have the option of sleeping in bed with me or on a dog bed nearby. My main objective is to strike a balance between safety and security for your dog and we'll discuss the best arrangement during your assessment.

I may be able to accommodate dogs who are working through separation-related issues, however this is determined on a case-by-case basis and dependent on my availability to meet their needs. If you'd like to discuss your dog's needs prior to completing an Intake Form, feel free to schedule a free 20-minute Discovery Call.

Generally, no, your VIP Boarding or Board & Train stay does not include socializing with other dogs, including my own. PUPPIES: Exceptions will of course be made for puppies under the age of 4 months, as it's critical for dogs of this age get ample opportunity to socialize with other puppies and adult dogs. This will always happen in a controlled setting (i.e. facilitated puppy socials, one-on-one play with vetted adult dogs who play appropriately with puppies and are known to love spending time with them). Rare exceptions may also be made if I determine your dog may be a good social match for one or both of my resident dogs, and when I have received your explicit permission for them to spend time together.

Currently I only care for one dog at a time, or two housemates. It is my top priority to ensure the dogs in my care are receiving ample attention during their stay.

For all Intake Assessments you must be able to transport yourself and your dog to my home in the San Francisco Excelsior District. My driveway will be clear for your vehicle, and my home is located within 1 block of the 49 and 14/14-R MUNI bus routes, or a 15-min walk from the Balboa Park BART station and additional MUNI bus lines. The X in the map below indicates the approximate location of Prickly HQ: At your Intake Assessment, we can determine if your dog is eligible for future pick-up and drop-off services provided by Prickly Pear Dog Care ($40 per round trip) as an add-on to your scheduled stay. Pick-up and/or drop-off requirements: You must be situated within 15 miles of Prickly HQ in the San Francisco Excelsior District. You must be home and available during both pick-up and drop-off. Expect to spend 15-30 minutes on the first day of your dog's stay reviewing their routine care form as well as their provided supplies, food, medications. Your dog must be able to enter a dog-safe car crate.

You can check my availability calendar here. Please note that your dates are not reserved until you have completed an Intake Assessment and have provided the applicable deposit for your stay.