Durango’s Original Dog Day Care Facility

FAQ and Forms

Visiting the Durango area with your pet to ride the Durango Silverton Train or visit other attractions? This is what you need to know

We are located 5 minutes from the train station. The entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is 40 minutes away, but the attractions are another 21 miles on a narrow winding road. Plan to get an early start!

We must have proof of Bordetella, Distemper/Parvo, Canine Influenza and Rabies for dogs in advance. Cats must have proof or FVRCP (or similar), Feline Leukemia, and Rabies in advance. Records must be legible and include the complete date given (including year) PLUS length of protection, OR the expiration date of the vaccination. Hand written or “breeder booklets” are acceptable IF the follow the above format and are legible.

Please send this at least two weeks in advance if possible. Out of town visitors can email them to [email protected]. Please include the date of your reservation when emailing vaccinations. Pets with incomplete vaccinations will not be accepted.

Titers administered within 12 months of your visit are acceptable. An exemption letter from your vet written within 12 months of your visit is also acceptable under certain circumstances. It is vital that we receive this information at least two weeks before your stay with us.

ALL VACCINATIONS MUST BE ADMINISTERED AT LEAST 72 HOURS IN ADVANCE.

You can print the registration form for dogs by clicking HERE

For cats click HERE

or stop by to pick up a copy ahead of time so that you have it completed before you get here.

Pets who do not allow our staff to safely handle them will not be accepted.

Dogs who are over one year old and still intact are accepted depending on available space. They will not participate in play time, but will get potty breaks and have a comfortable kennel to lounge in.

Call us to check availability before booking your train ride or other tour. We have very limited space and can fill up a month or more in advance. No charge to reschedule (if space is available).

Occasionally the train is late, and there is no way to know when it will arrive. There is no cell phone service on the train, and no way to get off the train and back to town.

We have specific drop off times for train riders. We ask that you not come earlier than your scheduled appointment. The drop off time is 1 hour before your scheduled departure.

Please leave your dog in the car until registration is complete. Limit 2 family members in our lobby to drop off and pick up your pet.

All dogs must be on leash while on our premises- PLEASE leash them before letting them out of the car. If you are using a retractable leash it MUST be locked down at about 4 feet.

Please keep your distance from other leashed dogs in the lobby. It is best to wait until we get their leashes off and get them into the play room to introduce them.

We highly recommend that you bring 1-2 servings of food in case your dog has to spend the night. Medications and supplements must be in original packaging, and the prescription cannot be expired. Verbal instructions must match label instructions.

You MUST call us from Silverton if you want to change your pick-up time. A later time slot might not be available.

Some trains are scheduled to return after our normal hours. We will show you the process for picking your dog up after hours when you check in. This service is not available for cats at this time.

If the train is delayed and you haven’t picked up your dog by 8:00 pm., they will spend the night in their own kennel. Extra charges might apply. Please pick them up between 8:00 and 9:00 am the next day, or call for availability for daycare if you want to leave them longer.

General FAQ for Local Clients and Visitors

Pets must be spayed or neutered by 1 year old. Some intact dogs might be asked to take a break from day care at a younger age under certain circumstances. Females in heat cannot attend daycare or boarding, and must stay home for at least two weeks after the end of their heat.

Proof of current vaccinations including Rabies (for pets over 4 months) is required for all pets. Distemper/Parvo (Dhlp or similar), Canine Influenza and Bordetella are required for dogs. Feline Distemper (FVRCP or similar) and Feline Leukemia are required for cats. We must have proof of these vaccinations on file. You can email them to [email protected] or upload them to your account through the Gingr Customer Portal.

ALL VACCINATIONS MUST BE ADMINISTERED AT LEAST 72 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THEIR NEXT RESERVATION IF EXPIRED BY MORE THAN ONE MONTH.

Vaccination records MUST include the date (including year) the vaccinations were given PLUS how long it lasts, OR the expiration date of the vaccination. Hand written or “breeder booklets” are acceptable IF they follow the above format and are legible.

Self-administered vaccinations are acceptable. The cash register receipt and label from the vaccination vial are required. These must be administered at least 72 hours in advance.

Titers administered within 12 months of your visit are acceptable. An exemption letter from your vet written within 12 months of your visit is also acceptable under certain circumstances. It is vital that we receive this information at least two weeks before your stay with us.

All dogs must be on leash while on our premises- please leash them before letting them out of the car. If you are using a retractable leash it must be locked down at about 4 feet.

Please keep your distance from other leashed dogs in the lobby. It is best to wait until we get their leashes off and get them into the play room to introduce them.

Please make sure you have an advance reservation by calling us or checking your account through the Gingr Customer Portal. Monthly recurring reservations are accepted on the 25th of the current month for the next month. Keep an eye out for our reminder text!

Most dogs love playing with others and hanging out with us, but it might be overwhelming for certain under-socialized dogs. Please call in advance if you have concerns about a shy dog. Daycare is not always the best place to start socializing shy dogs.

Dogs are divided into play groups according to size and temperament/energy level. We do have an area specifically for the smaller breeds (typically under 20 pounds).

Our yards are always supervised by humans. We have sunshine and shady spots, dog appropriate playground equipment, multiple water bowls (changed frequently) and even a wading pool (weather permitting).

High energy dogs or dogs with poor impulse control might get “time outs” throughout the day.

Some dogs may be kenneled to allow them time to lower their energy level.

We are an open concept day care. Dogs are out playing most of the day under human supervision.

Boarding dogs start their day at 6:45 a.m. with a potty break and breakfast. Supervised play time starts at about 8:00 a.m. and goes until late afternoon with lunch breaks as appropriate. Dinner is around 4:00 p.m. followed by a potty break then tucking in to bed. We also do a late evening potty break and wellness check, then everyone snuggles back into their kennels for the rest of the night.

If you are bringing your own food for boarding, please bring an appropriate amount for the length of stay plus 2 extra meals, and put it in a rodent proof container (Tupperware etc.). All medications and supplements MUST be in original packaging and cannot be expired. Your verbal instructions regarding doses and timing should match the label instructions given by your veterinarian.

We provide raised cots and soft mats for the boarding dogs. You can bring one soft bed per dog. Oversized beds might not be accepted. One or two toys can be placed in your pet’s lodging area. Customer is responsible for damages or “messes” on personal beds and toys.

Cats start their day at 7 a.m. with a clean litter box and breakfast. Dinner is served from 4-5 p.m. and the litter box is cleaned again.

Certain cats are allowed to roam the main cat area throughout the day. Only one family of cats is allowed out at one time. Shy or nervous cats usually want to stay in their condos.

Our staff are constantly checking on and playing or snuggling with the cats, and they have a window into the reception area so they can keep an eye on things.

All cat condos have towers and shelves to climb on, and caves to snuggle in.