New Collar Policy for Daycare & Boarding Dogs

New Collar Policy for Daycare & Boarding Dogs – Starting September 1st

Here at Canine To Five, your dog’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. Until now, our playgroups have been collar-free, but beginning September 1st, all daycare and boarding dogs will be required to wear a snap-style collar while in our care.

This change will help us improve identification, safety, and emergency preparedness — while still keeping your pup’s comfort in mind.

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Why We’re Making This Change

1. Quick & Accurate Identification
In a room full of lookalike Labradoodles or Golden Retrievers, collars make it easier for our Pack Leaders to confidently tell every dog apart — especially during pick-up time.

2. Correct Medication Administration
Collars help ensure each dog receives any medications, supplements, or special care accurately. This reduces mistakes and keeps every dog healthy and happy.

3. The Right Dog, The Right Ride Home
Sometimes dogs go home with roommates, relatives, or dog walkers who may not know them well. Collars with names and numbers help us ensure each dog is leaving with the correct person.

4. Emergency Evacuations
In a fire drill or real emergency, collars ensure every dog can be quickly identified and safely accounted for.

5. If a Dog Gets Loose
If the unexpected happens and a dog slips out of the building, a collar with a name and phone number makes it much easier to get them home fast.

6. Gentle Redirection During Play
If a dog needs to be separated from rough play or an altercation, a collar gives our team a safe way to redirect them without having to loop a leash over their head.

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Collar Guidelines for Daycare & Boarding

We’re looking for:

• Snap-style collars only – the kind you pinch on both sides to quickly release in an emergency.

• The collar must have your dog’s name and a working phone number.

We’re avoiding:

• Buckle collars (like a belt)

• Locking snap collars

• Quick-release collars that open too easily during play

• Harnesses, prong, chain, slip, or martingale collars

• Any collar that tightens when pulled — even if it has a snap

Harness Alternative

If you prefer, dogs can wear a harness with ID tags instead of a collar, as long as the buckle is positioned at the top for quick release. While we typically do not recommend harnesses for all-day wear — since they can become wet in our pools, cause matting, or create irritation under the arms — they can be a good option for dogs with neck or trachea injuries or other special needs.

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Extra Tips for Collar Success

• Have a dedicated “daycare collar.” Collars can get wet, dirty, smelly, or even chewed during play. A simple, durable snap collar is perfect.

• Embroidered or engraved collars are great! These prevent ID tags from falling off or getting tangled.

• We’ll have branded tags available for purchase at check-in if you need one, with your dog’s first name, last initial, and our business phone number.

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Safety Measures We’re Adding

Before this policy goes into effect, our team will be completing updated safety training and every playroom will have a safety box stocked with tools like seatbelt cutters and shears for quick collar removal in an emergency.

We’ll also check every collar to make sure it’s snug — just loose enough for two fingers to fit underneath. This prevents another dog’s jaw from getting caught during play.

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A Note for Boarding Dogs

As part of our daily wellness checks, staff will check under each dog’s collar for signs of skin irritation or hot spots. Long-haired dogs who love the pool are more likely to develop these if moisture gets trapped under the collar. If needed, we’ll dry the collar, swap it out, or contact you if we see anything that needs attention.

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We’re excited about this change because it’s going to make Canine To Five an even safer, smoother place for your pups to play, rest, and head home to you.

Questions? We’re happy to help! Just reach out to our team or stop by the front desk.