FAQ

Meet Natalia | Owner

I'm a dog mama to five rescues—four dogs and one cat! I'm an outdoor enthusiast, animal lover, pet pawparazzi, and most importantly, a dog sitter.
I currently volunteer for local rescues and have fostered plenty of dogs, three of whom I ended up adopting!

I have been around dogs since I was three years old and haven’t spent a single day away from a dog since. Growing up, I dog-sat for family members and was known in my neighbourhood as the girl who was always out walking the family dog. That's how I began my first dog-walking gig as a teen! When I turned 20, I started dog walking professionally and launched my own dog walking business. Since launching this in 2014, I have built my career (and life!) around this since that day and have not looked back.

With over 10 years of professional experience, I am committed to providing top-quality care for your dog and continue to provide your dogs favourite second home here at Wilde K9 Club.

For me, safety is my top priority when caring for your dogs. That's why I have obtained Pet First Aid certification from St. John's Ambulance. I have years of experience with various daily pet routines and topics related to pet health, including insulin administration, dental care, skin and fur health, exercise, rehabilitation exercises, fitness, strength training, arthritis, administering oral medication, pet nutrition, and post-surgical recovery for procedures like TPLO and Total Hip Replacement.

I love being out in nature and enjoy having 4 legged pals alongside with me, so you can count on your dog being spoiled and enjoying plenty of outdoor adventures. During our time together, your dog will experience lots of playtime, sniffs and fresh air, and affection. If you're working on any training techniques, I will follow your lead and keep up with your training technique and tactics. And, of course, cute photos and videos are included for the proud pawrents!

Our facility is located conveniently between Barrie & Angus, in a small rural town on a 10 acre property, in Utopia, Ontario.

The  building area has 1200sqft of indoor space, which consits of our small office, a grooming room, bathroom, kitchen, an indoor hang out/play area and 7 individual bedroom suites for our guests. There is also a fully fenced 2500+ sqft outdoor area for dogs to run and play, which is our favourite part!

The facility is fully equipped with HVAC, along with ceiling fans for extra circulation.

Find photos of the facility under "Boarding + Daycare" tab > Photos!

Overnight Boarding
Each dog spending the night with us will have their own private bedroom where they eat their meals and sleep. There are 7 bedrooms available – and dogs from the same household are able to share a bedroom. Security camera's have been installed in 3 bedrooms and in the main room, allowing for access to live feeds 24/7 by staff. Live feeds may also be accessed by owners (additional fee).

We offer in home boarding for dogs who have successfully completed our assessment and minimum 2 day trial process. Additional 15% price increase is added. I recommend using this option for dogs who have on-going medical issues. This option is limited and must be booked in advance. Please reach out for additional info!

REQUIREMENTS BEFORE BECOMING A WILDERK9'ER:
1) fecal test done with your vet to ensure your dog is parasite-free
2) assessment ($20)
3) day trial ($40)

You can rest assured that every dog in our care has also passed our thorough screening assessment! 

FECAL TESTING
The reason fecal tests are required for each dog attending Wilde K9 is due to how common parasites in dogs are. Doing a yearly fecal test to attend daycare and/or boarding is crucial to ensure your dog is free from contagious parasites, and helps eliminate the spread of contagious parasites amongst other dogs in our care.
More info about and how to test for parasites can be found HERE

ASSESSMENT / MEET & GREET
We schedule every new dog in for a meet & greet + assessment. 

Was your assessment successful? We hope so! If so, your dog is ready for their day care visits!
A minimum of 1 trial day is required before your dog is able to spend the night with us (please note, the total amount of days required before boarding can vary depending on your dogs behaviour - are they nervous? vocal? anxious? unsettled?) I strive to have this experience be as comfortable as possible for your dog, so that they are able to feel comfortable and settled.  It may require some more time and patience for some dogs to adjust and get accustomed to being away from their home, so please note that it may take a few day trials for your dog to adjust. Some dogs do perfectly fine right off the bat, are comfortable and are immediately loving their new space and surroundings, it just depends on your dog! :)
I strive to make my place every dogs second home- where they can be at ease, relaxed and enjoy all their days with us!

WHAT DOES THE ASSESSMENT / MEET + GREET CONSISTS OF?
Assessment involves showing you around the facility, and getting to know you and your dog(s) needs. 
Once it is time for you to step out while we asses your dog, your dog will be on a slip leash while we are getting to know their unique personality! Our outdoor area is fully fenced, and the slip leash is a safety precaution tool we use.

 If your dog is dog-social and you would like your dog to be socialized, they will be slowly introduced to another dog one at a time, and their behaviour and temperament will be evaluated to ensure they are a good fit for the social setting.

MAINTAINING MEMBERSHIPS STATUS
In order to continue scheduling daycare and overnight visits, dogs need to keep their membership status active by visiting our facility at least once a year.
This is to ensure the dog is cleared and within the same temperament/mindset as the last time we have observed. We acknowledge that dog behaviour can change over time, and safety is our number one priority at Wilde K9.
If you would like to book in your dog for day an overnight stay and your dog has not been in within the last 12 months, they are required to be booked in for a day trial for a re-assessment for re-admission.

Fecal Testing
It is a requirement for all dogs attending Wilde K9 to have a fecal test done once a year to ensure they are clear of parasites and Giardia. More information can be found here

Assessment
All new clients require an assessment. If the assessment is successful, your dog is ready for their day care visits, starting at half day before graduating to full day to ease them into their stay, allowing them to get comfortable with us!
There are a minimum of 2 day trial days required before your dog is able to spend the night with us. Please find more info about this under the “Assessment” tab

Flea & Tick Preventative
Although not required, it is HIGHLY recommended that your dog is on flea and tick prevention throughout April – November to prevent fleas or a potential tick disease.
If your dog arrives with fleas, they will be asked to be picked up immediately and you will be requried to pay the full invoice for the reserved dates.

Rabies
We also accept titer tests as subsitite for vaccines for dogs who are allergic to specific vaccinations

Bordetella
Not required, but if your dog is vaccinated with this, please be aware dogs are still able to carry Kennel Cough even when vaccinated.

Spay & Neuter
We  accept intact dogs and they will require an assessment just like any other dog starting off with us. We have a boarding spots available for dogs who do best without dog-social interaction, or a spot for dogs who are dog-selective.
Note: If your female goes into heat right before/ or during her stay with us, they will be required to private board (no interactions with other dogs).  There is an extra $10 charge per night for female in heat (plus additional supplies if not provided ie. diapers)

**It is our priority to ensure the health of all our dogs – this means that if your dog is displaying any signs of an illness they will be asked to be picked up if to keep themselves and their friends safe. If your dog is feeling unwell prior to joining us, please let us know.
If your dog is boarding with us and we believe it is in their best interest to seek medical attention, we will reach out to you immediately and will bring your dog in to a vet. 

Some dogs prefer human interaction, while others prefer smaller social groups. Regardless of their preferences, we ensure they enjoy their stay with us through sniffing, enrichment, play, socializing, or one-on-one time with us. Each guest will enjoy their own private suite for feeding schedules, breaks and overnight.

SOCIAL STRUCTURED BOARDING:
This option is ideal for dogs that are dog-social and dog-friendly and enjoy social interactions in a group. We maintain small, structured playgroups, fully supervised during our outdoor activities. This approach allows us to provide and cater to the individual needs of each dog, ensuring they are well cared for while enjoying their time with us. In our socialized group environment, we emphasize good behavior and practice manners to respect each others boundaries, so that every dog can be comfortable, happy and thrive while in our care!

TLC BOARDING:
This option is for dogs who are nervy or unsure, dogs who are dog selective, dogs who do best with no interactions with other dogs, or do best with one other dog that has been carefully matched, screened selected by us, or if you just simply prefer your dog to not interact with other dogs during their stay with us! All dogs are different, and it's always best to select what's in your dogs best interest and what makes them feel most comfortable. Limited spots available for this program. Please book stays in advance!

We operate by appointment only

Drop off & pick up hours range from 7:30AM-10AM & 3PM-6PM - a reservation for the time you will be arriving must be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance.  Any last minute changes must be approved.

For your convenience, we are able to accomodate drop offs or pickups outside of these times upon availability, please contact to discuss. Additional fees may apply.

When your dog is spending the night(s) with us, please bring the following:

• LEASH + COLLAR (flat buckle collar)
• FOOD (with a label for feeding amount)
• TREATS
• BLANKETS / DOG BED
• MEDICATION (if any)
• TOYS – Any favourite toys they can keep in their room to provide extra comfort (as long as they are not a choking hazard to your dog)
• CRATE – if your dog is crated at home you can bring their crate so they feel comfortable and settled over night

Each suite is provided with a cot for you dog to lounge on!

Water and food bowls are provided by us - Only bring your pets food bowl if your dog eats their meals in a slow feeder.

TIP: Many dogs feel more comfortable when they have their own scent with them (blanket, dog bed, or fav toy!) when they are lounging in their suite :)

The owner must provide dog food during the dogs stay with us. Dogs can be sensitive to changes in diet, so it is important that they continue with their own food. Additionally, bringing your dogs favourite treats can ease your dogs stress level while they are away from home!

Water and food bowls are provided by us! Only bring your pets bowl if your dog eats their meals in a slow feeder.

All dogs dine in their own private suite, free from concerns about other dogs invading their space.

Medication is administered at no cost to the owner. 

DAY CARE CANCELLATIONS
Wilde K9 reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the scheduled services if cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

OVERNIGHT BOARDING CANCELLATIONS
Wilde K9 reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the scheduled services if cancelled with less than 72 hours notice (up to 3 nights)

HOLIDAY CANCELLATIONS
Wilde K9 reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the scheduled services during long weekends and/or holidays if cancelled with less than 5 days notice (up to 5 nights)

Why are Fecal Tests required at Wilde K9?

Click here for more information

When your dog comes in for their assessment, you will also be getting a tour of the facility so you can see where your dog will spend their days!

If you’d like to visit for a tour without your dog present, we offer complimentary 15-minute tours. Please contact us to schedule your tour!

All animal products at Wilde K9 are locally sourced within Ontario.

What matters most to us is sourcing humanely raised animals and this will always be #1 on our list!

Various animal parts are deemed not for human consumption, therefore a lot of scraps would go to waste.. but this is where we step in and purchase these items from farmers and butchers so the whole animal goes to good use. Nothing is more devastating than seeing half an animal go to waste after being culled - but these leftover items are actually high quality food items for our dogs that are PACKED with nutrients to help our dogs thrive.

All animal products at Wilde K9 are locally sourced within Ontario.

What matters most to us is sourcing humanely raised animals and this will always be #1 on our list!

Various animal parts are deemed not for human consumption, therefore a lot of scraps would go to waste.. but this is where we step in and purchase these items from farmers and butchers so the whole animal goes to good use. Nothing is more devastating than seeing half an animal go to waste after being culled - but these leftover items are actually high quality food items for our dogs that are PACKED with nutrients to help our dogs thrive.

Please be aware of your dogs chewing habits and make size appropriate choices for your dog when feeding chews.  

All pets should be supervisted while enjoying chews.