Your dog will have a WONDERFUL time romping and playing or just relaxing and enjoying the sunshine in the flower gardens on our fully-fenced-in half-acre! Big dogs and little dogs all love it here! are lots of tall, leafy plants to sniff under, shady mature trees to lay under and a cool patio to stretch out on. We spend tons of time outside time in the privacy-fenced back yard-- no leashes or tie-outs needed here! We love to garden, grill out and sit on the patio, so we're outside most evenings from Spring to Fall! In the winter we clear snow off the yard and we try to make it fun! We dig paths in the snow and try to make winter fun! What does a day look like at Holly's? Mornings the dogs have an hour or more of yard time to roam outside. We’re early risers around here and we like to have coffee on the patio! There are daily lunchtime potty breaks, we're home for an hour, at least. In the evenings they can wander in and out as they please. On weekends we enjoy gardening and cooking projects, so we'll usually be hanging out outside or in the kitchen. The most important thing is, your dog will be able to move freely and enjoy all of the cuddle time and play time that s/he wants! How safe is it at your house? Very safe! Everyone stays inside when we're not home. We have a security system and during the day we keep an eye on things via web camera. Our home is automated for security, lights and temperature. Everyone stays inside in the warmth or air conditioning during the day, but gets an hour to be outside at lunchtime, sometimes more if I work from home! Where will my dog stay at your house? Doggie visitors can choose where they would like to sleep—if they prefer crating to feel secure, we have lots of crates of various sizes, you can bring your own, or they can stay in one of mine. We mop the linoleum, vacuum the carpet and pick up doo every single day, no matter the weather! We keep an extremely clean yard, it's very important to us that everyone be clean and healthy! Do you take care of dogs with special needs? Our house is one level, so older dogs or handicapped dogs can stay with me without having to climb any stairs at all. We’ve taken care of a few blind dogs, a dog with a cart handicaps are not an issue at all. In fact, Sophie is going blind from old age, and we've completely safety-proofed the house for her. We’re very good at caring for small puppies, and willing to adjust our schedules to accommodate medications, tiny bladders, older dogs with arthritis, etc. What happens during the day while you're at work? We come home for an hour at lunch every day. If, for some reason we can't come home, a longtime friend and Stay-at-Home Mom comes over to let everyone out. This same friend might meet you for drop-off or pick-up if we're not available! She's incredibly nice and dogs LOVE her! Do you have kids? Cats? Nope, no kids or cats in our home! Just responsible adults! What's your experience with animals? We love all breeds of dogs, all ages! We help to transport rescued dogs occasionally, and take in fosters. We earn trust through consistency and patience. Skittish, shy or nervous dogs welcome, we just let them come around in their own time, and give lots of love and encouragement! What time do I pick up and drop off my dog? Here are our ideal times, but we can be flexible. Sticking to these time frames helps everyone have a chance to settle in, relax, enjoy mealtimes, etc. Evening drop-offs are required for new clients. Monday through Friday: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Saturday/Sunday 8:00 AM-10:00 AM OR 3:00 PM-5:00 PM If you would like to schedule a time to meet us, we are available by appointment most Saturdays, just book a visit through the site. We'll tour the yard, let your dog get familiar with the fenced-in yard off-leash. We talk about schedules, meals, behaviors, etc. Then, we tour inside. The process takes about 20 minutes, and it's a fun and helpful preview for your dog! Where are you? Our address is revealed by the site once you book. Our house is conveniently located in the central Des Moines metro area, and quickly reached from both I-80 and I-235. We are 1 block away from a vet clinic where we have an established relationship, and less than a mile from a 24-hour emergency vet. What should I bring? Please bring your dog's food, treats and a preferred bed or blanket from home. Everything else I have plenty of--crates, toys, bowls, leashes, etc. Now is a good time to make sure all shots are up to date, and the info on your dog's collar/tag are up to date! If your dog arrives without a collar, I will put one of my loaners on them. But don't take OUR word for it, be sure to check out our reviews from our wonderful clients!