Everything you need to know before a stay

Every new client begins by completing our contact form so we can learn more about your dog, your goals, and the services you're interested in. Once we receive your inquiry, we'll schedule a brief phone call to answer any questions, learn more about your dog, and make sure Dusty Paws is the right fit before scheduling an evaluation.

All new dogs are required to complete a complimentary evaluation before booking. Most evaluations take place in person at the ranch, though virtual evaluations may be available for long-distance clients at the discretion of Dusty Paws K9 Ranch. During the evaluation, we'll assess your dog's temperament, behavior, social skills, training history, medical needs, and any other factors that may affect their stay.

For training clients, we'll also discuss your goals, evaluate your dog's current skill level, and begin developing a customized training plan during the evaluation.

Owners are expected to disclose any known behavioral concerns, anxiety, reactivity, bite history, medical conditions, or handling sensitivities before services begin. While we welcome many dogs that may not be a good fit for traditional boarding facilities, safety will always remain our highest priority. If we determine another environment would better support your dog's needs, we may recommend an alternative rather than moving forward with services.

Because availability is intentionally limited, a deposit is required to reserve all boarding and training services.

• Boarding: A deposit equal to 25% of the total reservation (minimum one night's stay) is required to secure your dates.

• 3-Week Board & Train: A $500 deposit is required to reserve your program.

• 8-Day Off-Leash Recall Program: A $250 deposit is required to reserve your program.

All deposits are applied toward the total balance. The remaining balance is due on or before your dog's drop-off date unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Deposits reserve your dog's space and are non-refundable. Payments for completed or partially completed services, early pick-ups, unused boarding days, or removal from a program due to safety concerns or undisclosed behavioral or medical information are also non-refundable. Reservation changes or deposit transfers may be approved solely at the discretion of Dusty Paws K9 Ranch.

All drop-offs and pick-ups are by appointment only during our operating hours of 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Scheduled appointments help us maintain a consistent routine for the dogs in our care while ensuring we can give each client the time and attention they deserve.

Boarding drop-offs and pick-ups are intended to be brief, allowing dogs to settle into their routine with as little stress as possible.

For training programs, pick-up includes a comprehensive go-home session where we'll transfer your dog's new skills to you and answer any questions you may have. These sessions typically last up to two hours, and we ask that all household members involved in the dog's care attend whenever possible so everyone receives the same guidance and handling instruction.

If you're running late or need to adjust your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. Uncommunicated late pick-ups may result in additional fees or other arrangements at Dusty Paws K9 Ranch's discretion.

Current vaccination records are required before participating in any boarding or training services.

Required vaccinations:

• Rabies

• Distemper/Parvovirus combination vaccine (DHPP, DAPP, DHLPP, or equivalent)

We also strongly recommend the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine and routine fecal testing as part of your dog's overall preventative healthcare.

For core vaccines, documented vaccine titers are accepted in place of vaccination records and are encouraged when appropriate.

For the safety of every dog in our care, dogs must arrive in good health and free of contagious illness, parasites, or injuries that could affect their participation. Dogs showing signs of vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, lethargy, or other contagious symptoms should remain at home. If your dog becomes ill before their reservation, please contact us as soon as possible.

Dusty Paws K9 Ranch reserves the right to request additional veterinary documentation or clearance when necessary to protect the health and safety of our staff and guests.

In many cases, yes. My background in professional training and behavior allows me to work with many dogs that may not be the right fit for a traditional boarding facility, including dogs experiencing reactivity, fear, anxiety, handling sensitivities, or other behavioral challenges.

Every dog is evaluated individually. During the evaluation, we'll discuss your dog's history, behavior, and goals to determine whether Dusty Paws is the right fit and develop the safest approach for their stay.

Not every dog enjoys or benefits from group socialization, and that's perfectly okay. Some dogs thrive with carefully matched playmates, while others are happiest with individual exercise, enrichment, and opportunities to calmly coexist around other dogs. Our goal is never to force socialization—it's to create a safe, positive experience that meets each dog where they are.

For everyone's safety, owners must disclose any known behavioral or medical concerns before services begin. Failure to disclose information that compromises safety may result in removal from services without a refund.

To provide the highest level of care, we intentionally keep our boarding program small. We are licensed to care for a maximum of eight dogs at a time, allowing us to provide individualized attention, closely supervise every dog, thoughtfully manage social groups, and maintain the clean, calm environment we're known for.

Yes. Dogs staying at Dusty Paws should be comfortable resting in a crate. Crates are used for meals, overnight accommodations, scheduled rest periods, and safe transitions throughout the day.

That doesn't mean dogs spend the day in a kennel. We follow a balanced routine that includes exercise, enrichment, outdoor time, and socialization when appropriate, with scheduled rest built in between activities. We believe quality rest is just as important as exercise, helping dogs decompress, avoid overstimulation, and return home feeling their best.

If your dog has never been crated or has concerns with confinement, please let us know during the evaluation process so we can determine whether Dusty Paws is the right fit.

We believe socialization is about quality, not quantity. Dogs are never placed into group activities simply because they're available, and we never force interactions that aren't in a dog's best interest.

When appropriate, dogs may participate in carefully supervised play, group walks, training sessions, or other structured social experiences. Every interaction is based on each dog's temperament, body language, comfort level, and individual goals, with safety guiding every decision.

Not every dog enjoys or benefits from group socialization, and that's perfectly okay. Dogs who are happier with a quieter routine receive individualized exercise, enrichment, training, and one-on-one time to ensure they have an equally rewarding stay.

For the safety of both dogs and staff, Dusty Paws K9 Ranch reserves the right to separate, leash, crate, muzzle, or otherwise manage dogs whenever necessary.

Yes! Giving back to the people who support our community is something we care deeply about. We're incredibly grateful for the trust and support of our clients and are happy to offer a few ways to save.

Referral Program: Refer a friend, and when they complete their first boarding or training service, you'll receive a $25 account credit toward a future service at Dusty Paws K9 Ranch.

Multi-Dog Boarding: The first dog boards for $50 per night, and each additional dog from the same household boards for $40 per night.

Colorado Springs Police Department: Current CSPD employees receive 15% off all boarding and training services.

Military & First Responders: Active duty military, veterans, and first responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch) receive 10% off all boarding and training services.

Discounts cannot be combined. If multiple discounts apply, the highest eligible discount will be used.

Absolutely! We welcome puppies 4 months and older for both boarding and training. Puppies must be current on age-appropriate vaccinations, meet our health requirements, and complete the same evaluation process as every other dog.

Early training is one of the best investments you can make. Whether your puppy is learning household manners, building confidence, developing healthy social skills, or getting started with obedience, we'll create a program that's appropriate for their age, maturity, and individual needs while setting the foundation for a lifetime of success.

No. We welcome both intact and altered dogs.

However, in accordance with Colorado PACFA regulations, dogs over 18 months of age must be spayed or neutered before participating in group socialization with dogs from other households. Intact dogs are still welcome for boarding and training and will receive individualized exercise and enrichment when group socialization is not appropriate.

No problem. With my background in veterinary medicine, I am comfortable administering a wide variety of medications, including oral medications, topical treatments, eye and ear medications, injections (such as insulin), and other prescribed treatments.

Please provide all medications in their original labeled containers along with clear dosing instructions. There is no additional charge for administering routine medications, and I'll make every effort to keep your dog's medication schedule as consistent as possible while they are in my care.

If your dog has complex medical needs or requires specialized care beyond what can safely be provided in a boarding environment, we'll discuss those needs during the evaluation process to determine whether Dusty Paws is the right fit.