Hi There! My name is Lauren Van Schoyck and I most certainly know more dogs than people! I've had extensive experience working with dogs, including about 6 years at dog day care facilities, over 15 years in private services (pet sitting, dog walks, etc.), and over 6 years running my own doggy day care and boarding from home, as well as raising and training 4 puppies of my own. I have managed dog groups at other facilities that numbered up to 55! However, I do a couple things very differently from the boarding facilities I used to work for (including group sizes no bigger than 6). The dogs that stay with me are never just a number, this is genuinely a home away from home for them. They get to play like at a day care, but get detailed individualized care that average boarding/day care facilities lack. At the end of the day, they don’t go into a kennel or crate, they come into my room to sleep by me, either in my bed or one of my many other nice doggie beds. I always make sure the dogs that stay with me eat, no matter what techniques I have to employ (with parents permission of course). I have taken multiple dogs that need regular medication administration or special temperament/physical challenges that I help to work with them on. There is always plenty of human affection to go around between my husband and I! I promise you that every dog I care for I love as dearly as my own pups, and your furry family member will be no exception! You will get many pictures and detailed reports everyday about your dog’s appetite, their activity level, how they are sleeping, who their best dog buddies are, and what they are up to! In fact, everyday I send 10-20 pictures and the average amount of detailed text updates is about 4 messages. With all these updates and photos I send, the goal is that you never have to wonder or be worried about your fur baby. I’m home 24/7 (except for a few doctors appointments here and there) and I live with my husband who also adores dogs. I have a very close pack with my 3 pups, so before I can have any dogs stay for boarding or day care I do meet and greets in my large fenced in backyard. This way they can get to know my dogs in an unleashed, safe environment! If your dog is new to Dog Mom Day Care and you’d like to do a stay longer than a weekend for your first boarding, I require at least one trial one night boarding stay before I can determine if I can take them for a long period of time. This is so they can really get to know my dogs and me as well! They can get used to my home and I can make sure the constant pack environment doesn’t overstimulate them. If at any point in the process I sense the dog isn’t a good fit, doesn’t like it here, or is uncomfortable with some of the dogs here etc. I won’t be able to take them for the long boarding. This process may seem like overkill, but it is the best way to keep your fur baby happy and comfortable! I have a few large crates that your dogs are welcome to use if crate trained, or if you time them out for discipline reasons in a crate (which I do for my dogs, but only do with client’s dogs if instructed) I love dogs more than anything, and I would be honored if you’d like me to care for your baby! Can’t wait to hear from you :) PS I’m taking a hiatus of sorts after the loss of my beloved German shepherd to a rare disease that took her away from us at only 5 years old, so I apologize that I am currently being unresponsive to new clients. As someone who is home 24/7 to care for my pups, pet care doesn’t need to fit into my routine, it is my routine! Your dog will always be with me for supervision and so that I can shower them with love and attention at all times! Regarding my safety protocols they are simple; I have a fenced in back yard with a 6 foot fence, but regardless of that I am always right there with them wherever they go, just in case! My constant presence can deter/stop escape artists or any other unwanted behavior, and ensure any particularly curious pups stick by me and avoid trouble!!