Here are answers to some of the questions we get asked most often! If you do not find what you’re looking for here, please do not hesitate to contact us.
General Questions
How do I book a service for my pooch?
We do all of our bookings online and will confirm with you within several days. Please note the service is not fully booked until we have confirmed it. All of our services are appointment only.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept cash and e-transfers sent to tia@happypooch.ca. Payment is due at pick-up.
Can my dog be involved in more than one service in a day? Do I receive a discount if I do?
Yes absolutely! Add-ons are available when you book online. For example, many clients add daycare to their grooming or teeth-cleaning service for a more flexible pick-up time, though almost any services can be combined.
What happens if my dog has a medical issue while they are at Happy Pooch?
Our staff take diligent care and attentive to pets. For non-emergencies, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss options. In the case of emergencies, we will perform pet first aid as needed and transport your dog immediately to GSAH and notify you as soon as possible.
Does my dog have to be vaccinated?
We do require that all dogs have annual vet visits, and we will consider natural dogs based on discussion with your vet. For dogs who are not fully vaccinated, there is an express grooming option in which they have the spa to themselves with no interaction with other dogs.
Can you pick up / drop off my dog for me?
Pick up and drop off is available for all services. $20 each way for in town. Airport is $35 each way. For pack walks, pick up and drop off is included in the price.
Kennel-Free Boarding & Doggy Daycare
What times can I drop off and pick up my dog?
Drop offs and pick ups are by appointment only. When you book, you will select your drop off / pick up time.
How much is boarding?
Boarding ranges from $30 – $55 / day. Please see online booking for specific boarding prices. Rates are per calendar day.
What are your boarding options?
VIPooch: The royal treatment! Your dog gets to partake in daily activities with Tia, sleep in her room at night, and hang out in the house. Basically your pooch becomes a part of the in-house happy-pooch family. VIPooch also includes one short walk a day (pack walks extra). We also accept puppies and senior dogs who have special house-training needs. VIPooch can also be an option if you don’t want your dog to be socialized with the daycare group.
Doggy Hotel: This is a great option for dogs who are sociable and who do well with companionship.The Doggy Hotel is a section of Tia’s home where your dog becomes a kennel-free house guest. Dogs must be house-trained and good with other dogs. Doggy Hotel dogs also get a fair bit of human attention throughout the day, as well as into the evening. Must be approved for house-training and friendliness.
Toady’s Family Suite: (Note: You can board your cat here too! Yellowknife’s only cat boarding!) In Toady’s Family Suite you can board multiple pets from same family including a cat / dog together. It is a large room with lots of natural lighting and its own exterior entrance. It is also independently climate controlled, so if you have an elderly dog who needs a warmer temperature this is possible. (max: 4 large dogs)
Private Suites: These are kennel-free & colourful rooms, and heated. Suites are for dogs who enjoy their private space at times and through the night. You can also put two small dogs in the private suites. Special Rate! Until September 21 – $30 / day for one dog.
Private Deluxe Suite (aka Shannon’s Room): Extra large private suite. Can house multiple small / medium dogs. Also heated.
With all options dogs have unlimited outdoor playtime, based on weather. All dogs get lots of pats and cuddles.
Is there a minimum or maximum stay?
The minimum stay is 2 days with no maximum. We’ve had dogs stay with us for 3 – 6 months.
Will my dogs be taken off leash while boarding at Happy Pooch?
Off leash pack walks can be added on to your boarding stay. We require that contract be signed first. Go ahead and add the pack walks and we will contact you to discuss. If your dog already does pack walks with us, then there are no additional steps.
What are my options if my dog is not good with other dogs? Or if I don’t want my dog to socialize?
In many cases VIPooch is an option for these dogs, however please contact Happy Pooch to discuss in this case. Additional charges may apply.
Does my dog have to be vaccinated to come to Happy Pooch?
We require that dogs have annual vet visits, however we will consider natural dogs based on a discussion with your vet. For dogs who are not fully vaccinated, there is an express grooming option in which they have the spa to themselves, with no interaction with other dogs.
Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered?
If they are over 6 months, we require your dog to be spayed or neutered. Exceptions may be possible in certain circumstances. Please contact Happy Pooch.
Does my dog need a jacket for boarding or daycare?
Keeping dogs comfortable and safe is our top priority. Time outdoors is reduced and/or broken up with indoor time as the temps drop. Each dog is different but we find that many dogs need a coat and boots even just for potty breaks on very cold days. We ask that owners provide proper fitting coat and boots (ask us for advice on this) but we do have sufficient supplies to ensure every dog is well cared for if gear is forgotten or not appropriately sized or temp rated.
Grooming
Can I leave my dog all day? Does my dog need to be picked up immediately?
You can add daycare to your groom to add some flexibility in your pick up time. Otherwise we will call you when your pup is ready.
How do grooming rates work?
When you book online grooming estimates are provided. These are only an estimate and may change depending upon time, coat condition and pet’s temperament.
Please note that if your pet has not been to a professional groomer in over 8 weeks you will likely have a cost of 20% or greater. I recommend pawdicures every 3-4 weeks and grooming every 6-8 weeks. A dog that is groomed regularly will never need to be shaved due to matting and can stay comfortable and handsome all year long!
How old does my dog have to be for grooming?
No age limitations. In fact, we recommend the sooner the better. We even have special gentle techniques for clipping little puppy nails.
Should I have my double-coated dog trimmed in the hot months?
We have a swimmer’s cut in the summer to keep your dog’s fur manageable, and we will do shave downs when medically necessary.
How often should I have my dog groomed?
We recommend you have your dog groomed every 6 – 12 weeks.
Can I come just in for a nail trim?
Yes. We recommend your dogs nails be trimmed monthly. You can book online.
Will my dog get cold if they are groomed in the winter?
If you bring your dog in frequently for grooming and we can keep it tangle-free, then we will be able to keep your dogs fur longer. Your dog will also be dried immediately so there is no risk of them getting chilled.
Can you groom very difficult or disabled / arthritic dogs?
Yes! Please make the request with Tia when you book your appointment. The doggy lift product may be used, reducing muscle and joint strain for your dog.
What if my dog has skin conditions or allergies?
Hypoallergenic shampoo is available upon request. Additional fees may apply.
Can I leave my dog all day? Does my dog need to be picked up immediately?
You can add daycare to your groom to add some flexibility in your pick up time. Otherwise we will call when your pooch is ready.
Pack Walks
My dog has never gone off-leash before. Can they come on pack walks?
Many of our pack walk dogs had never been off leash prior to Tia. We have tools to support this, including a GPS tracking collar and harnesses with 50ft line and bells. And of course, lots of treats!
Is there an intake process for pack walks?
Yes! We will interview you first to find out if there are any behavioral issues we need to be aware of. On the first walk, your dog will stay on a long line to ensure they don’t get lost. We only add one new dog at a time to the pack to minimize stress and conflict. There is also a contract which must be signed prior to joining pack walks.
What if my dog has a medical issue or injury while on a pack walk?
Our staff take diligent care and attentive to pets, however accidents do happen. For non-emergencies, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss options. In the case of injury or an emergency, we will perform pet first aid as needed and transport your dog immediately to GSAH and notify you as soon as possible. You are responsible for any vet bills incurred while your dog is in Happy Pooch’s care.
Does my dog need a jacket or boots for pack walks?
We ask that owners provide proper fitting coat and boots as appropriate – ask us for advice on this if you’re not sure. Dogs will warm up as they run around but we do find that sometimes even the furriest breeds need coats on the coldest days. We also sell boots if you need them. We supply only the best – tried and tested by our very own Happy Pooch pups!
Anesthesia-Free Teeth Cleaning
Why should I have my dog’s teeth cleaned?
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease by age 3. Without proper dental care for a pet they can develop gingivitis, which is plaque build-up on a dog’s teeth and gums that may appear red and swollen. The problem begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on a pet’s teeth. Plaque harbors the bacteria, which can infect gum tissue and the roots of teeth resulting in disease and tooth loss. Besides the negative impact on the oral health, bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the large blood vessels located near the gums and teeth. At this stage, the organs with the highest blood flow are the most susceptible to infections: lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and even the brain. Damage to these organs caused by infection can shorten the lives of our pets.
Performing regular teeth cleanings on your pet removes the plaque and tartar buildup on the inside and outside surfaces of the teeth, preventing or slowing gum disease, and improving your pets overall health.
What’s the difference between what you do and having their teeth cleaned at the vet?
At Happy Pooch we clean your dog’s teeth without any anesthesia, while veterinarians will typically sedate your dog, carrying with it multiple risks. In a study performed by the American Animal Hospital Association, it was found that 1/233 dogs will die from anesthesia, and 1/9 will have complications. Please be advised that some pets will require anesthesia for teeth cleaning due to advanced periodontal problems requiring extractions and a deep cleaning of periodontal pockets.
How the heck do you do it?
This is definitely our most frequently asked question! Most of our clients come in being uncertain about whether their dog will cooperate and we can tell you from experience that we are able to successfully calm and clean more than 99% of the time! Check out our FAQ video to see how we hold dogs.
Your pet lies on the floor on a soft surface with their head in our lap. With small dogs, we may wrap them in a towel to make them feel more secure. We hand-scale their teeth with dental instruments, just like when you go to your dental hygienist. The teeth are cleaned inside and out, removing the tartar build up. When we are done scaling, we polish the teeth. You receive a report telling you what we were able to see during their appointment.
Is it as effective as having teeth cleaned by a vet?
Anesthesia-free teeth cleaning is appropriate for routine cleanings, but if your dog has advanced periodontal disease, deep pockets or needs extractions you may need to go to the vet. When we first look in your pets mouth if we immediately find problems that appear to need your veterinarians attention, for example a molar that appears loose, we will refer you back to your vet to have a dental cleaning under anesthesia and there will be no charge. If during the appointment we find any problems, we will communicate this to you so you can discuss any further action with your own veterinarian. In most cases we are able to perform a thorough cleaning, however.
You can also check out some more before and after photos in our gallery.
How much does it cost?
Starts at $200+GST for all dogs.
How long does it take?
In only takes 60 – 90 minutes. And the best part – no recuperation time!
Are there any risks associated with anesthesia-free teeth cleaning?
When a dog has advanced periodontal disease with many loose teeth, it may not be possible to remove all the tartar and clean the teeth that are loose. Even in dogs with mild to moderate gingivitis, however, the process is quite straightforward and the inflammation of the gums from the bacteria associated with the tartar will reduce following the procedure.
What ages are appropriate?
No age minimum or maximum. It’s never too early with good oral hygiene. Some gum disease can be irreversible and as dogs age teeth can become looser, bones can become brittle and the ability to do a thorough cleaning may be reduced. I will discuss this with you prior to the teeth cleaning – going anesthesia-free still may be your best option for teeth cleaning.
Will you be medicating my dog in any way?
We will not give your dog any calming agent. We rely on communication and soothing touch to calm your dog.
What if my dog is really large, hyperactive and / or anxious?
Please discuss this with us. Large dogs are no problem (though there is a surcharge as we sometimes require an assistant), however we reserve the right to refuse to perform the procedure if the dog is too anxious or aggressive.