Safety is a top concern at The Bark & Call Inn. Because social environments carry unavoidable risks, it’s important to understand those risks and know what measures are being taken to address them. I have strict Health & Safety Requirements and follow these Health & Safety Procedures. As important as the measures I take, I expect all clients to adhere to the safety policies and be responsible for their part in keeping dogs safe. Below is a brief list of the measures I take here at the B&C. For those who are interested, a thorough explanation is below that list.
- Whole house fan for air exchange (weather permitting)
- Running water in the play yards for clean, fresh water (weather permitting)
- Routine contracted maintenance of the large play yard
- Buffer Rooms – there is a room between the accommodation rooms and rooms that lead outside
- Doors and outdoor gates separate buffer rooms from accommodation rooms
- The small yard, where dogs can play even when I have to be inside, is completely enclosed by the larger yard
- Dogs are supervised in the large yard
- Indoor & Outdoor spaces are routinely cleaned and disinfected
- Diatomaceous earth is routinely spread in the play yards
- The small yard has all materials removed and replaced with new stone and bark mulch seasonally
- All rugs, chairs and couch covers are machine washable and routinely run on “sterilize” cycle
- Rooms have individual AC units
- Rooms are heated
- Fences are checked and weather conditions monitored before outdoor play
- Dogs play without collars to avoid choking hazard
- Dogs are evaluated and introduced thoughtfully – Trial Day, B&C Acceptance Criteria and the B&C Way
- “Sick Bay” isolation room
- All dogs follow the Health & Safety Procedures and the Health & Safety Requirements
Communicable illnesses are an unavoidable risk in social environments. Dogs are often contagious before showing symptoms, so even the best prevention practices cannot remove all risks. Free play in a large open space carries risks of injuries. These can include cuts, scrapes, bee stings and sprains. There are inherent risks in free play – dogs can body slam, scratch and bite, even when not being aggressive. In the acre yard there are plants and insects and in hot humid weather mushrooms can grow. Dogs can have allergies or contact dermatitis to plants and stinging/biting insects. Good fences are critical, but no fence is able to keep in all dogs. Just watch the Malinois videos! Best practices are crucial and will minimize these risks but can never fully prevent them.
Double safeties are used throughout The Bark & Call Inn to ensure no dog has direct access to the outside unless on a leash or under supervision. There is a buffer room between any room dogs stay in and the outside world. Outdoor gates are used in the interior spaces to separate buffer rooms and stairways. The small yard is completely enclosed by the larger yard. Dogs are only allowed in the larger play yard when supervised. These are all examples of the double safety measures the B&C has in place.
Cleanliness is a huge factor in health & safety measures. For the outdoor spaces, the areas are cleaned throughout the day. This includes constant poop scooping, spreading of diatomaceous earth and spraying dog safe disinfectants that are effective against Parvo and Distemper.
Seasonally the stone & bark mulch of the smaller yard is removed with heavy equipment and replaced with new stone & bark mulch. The large play yard is maintained by an outside company to keep the grass short, ticks have not been an issue. I do not use chemicals, other than the dog safe cleaners, in either yard. Disinfecting mats are used to clean shoes when coming inside from playing.
Indoor spaces are cleaned routinely and thoroughly with dog safe disinfectant that is effective against Parvo and Distemper and spot cleaned with Lysol or a similar disinfectant. All rugs are machine washable and routinely run on a “sterilize” steam setting. The chair and couch covers are also routinely changed and run on a “sterilize” steam setting. Additional measures are taken for puppies in the Calvin & Hobbes Suite. Please click on each of these links to learn more. Keeping Puppies Safe, Puppy Pathways at the B&C, The Calvin & Hobbes Suite.
As often as weather permits, a whole house fan is used for cooling and air exchange. When temperatures are above freezing, running water is provided in the play yards ensuring fresh clean water is always available. These steps minimize communicable illnesses spread through air and water. Overheating and exposure to cold are New England risks. During times of high heat, each room has its own AC unit. All rooms are heated. Each dog’s time outside and inside is determined by that dog’s individual sensitivities and needs. Rooms are cooled/heated to differing levels for the individual dog’s requirements. Older dogs and dogs with thin coats will get a warmer room, while dogs with thick coats will have a cooler room. This is both a comfort and a safety measure.
Conditions are constantly assessed and play location decisions are made balancing those assessments against the energy needs of the dogs. Examples of conditions that can result in indoor play are, high/damaging winds, thunderstorms, tornado/hurricane warnings, icy conditions that can cause cuts or slipping/falling, high heat/humidity, and extreme cold.
Dogs play naked. Collars are a significant choking hazard during play and so all dogs play without collars. Dogs are grouped according to temperament, size, play style, personality and overall disposition. The B&C Acceptance Criteria, Trial Day and the B&C Way are all measures I take to evaluate dogs for safe, happy, group play. Owners are responsible for being honest and forthright about their dog’s personalities, quirks and needs and any changes that occur in between visits.
I partner with owners to ensure the highest possible safety for all dogs. The strict policies are in place to assure that the care you take for your dog is shared by everyone who comes to The Bark & Call Inn. I take great pride in the steps I have taken to assess the risks, strategize and implement thoughtful measures to reduce those risks. As much as you rely on me, I rely on each of you. We partner together to keep your dog and all the other dogs as safe as possible.