Policies

Upon admission for our services, your signature of contract acknowledges your awareness and acceptance of these policies. Thank you for trusting us with the care of your pet.

Proof of Vaccinations

For all pets entering the facility for any of our services, we require a veterinary certificate providing proof that your pet is current on required vaccinations at least seven days prior to visiting us. Dogs must have current Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella and CIV vaccinations. Cats must have current Rabies and FVCRP vaccinations. In addition, because of our wooded environment, we strongly recommend all dogs staying with us be on some form of flea and tick preventative.

Medications

Any prescription medication provided by the owner to be administered by Dogwood Acres must be in its original container, indicating the patient, medication name, strength, dosage, and the prescribing veterinarian. Please do not bring any medication (prescribed or otherwise) already mixed with your pet’s food. There is an administration fee of $3 per day for up to five prescribed medications.

Meals

We have a large selection of quality foods available for your pet at no additional charge. However, if you choose to bring in your own food, all dry food must be in meal size portions in individual ziploc bags with the pet’s name on each bag. We cannot accept any open containers or bags.

We offer the following brands of food for large and small breeds of dogs:

  • Nutro Lamb & Rice
  • Pedigree Canned Food
  • Purina One Chicken & Rice

For cats: Purina Cat Chow - wet & dry

happy dog playing

Bedding

We provide clean, comfortable quilted bedding or “hammock beds” for all our guests. We therefore do not accept any dog bedding.

Toys

Please feel free to bring in a toy for your pet. Any toy is ac- ceptable EXCEPT rope toys and rawhides in any form. We will do our best to return the toy to you when you pick up your pet. However, we cannot guarantee you will get the toy back because it can become separated from your pet.

Bathing

Because it is our goal for your pet to have a fun and stimulating stay with us, all of our guests visiting for five days or longer will receive a “Wash and Wear” salon service at your expense. Your pet will receive this service on the last day before you pick up.

Reservation Deposits

All reservations require a $50 non-refundable deposit per pet to be paid at the time of booking. This deposit will be applied to your reservation's total charges at time of check-out. Any change to the reservation without 48 hours notice will forfeit the deposit.

All rates are subject to change without notice. Peak rates apply for holiday stays.

2023 Holiday Lobby Hours

  • Easter - Sunday, April 9: closed
  • Memorial Day - Sunday, May 28: closed
    Monday, May 29: no daycare
  • Independence Day - Tuesday, July 4: closed
  • Labor Day - Sunday, Sept. 3: closed
    Monday, Sept. 4: no daycare
  • Thanksgiving - Thursday, Nov. 23: closed
  • Christmas Eve - Sunday, Dec. 24: open 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Christmas Day - Monday, Dec. 25: closed
  • New Years Eve - Sunday, Dec. 31: open 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • New Years Day - Monday, Jan. 1: closed

Lobby Hours

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

We also offer off hours check-in/check-out by appointment for an additional charge. Due to scheduling conflicts, this option may not always be available

Medical Emergencies

We refer any medical emergency to the first available local veterinarians or the Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Hospital. For any health concern that may arise, our staff maintains a detailed log of events for both you and your veterinarian.

Daily Charges

Charges are incurred for the first day’s stay regardless of what time your pet arrives at our retreat. There is no charge for the last day’s stay if your pet is picked up before 12:00 p.m.