FAQ

We know leaving your dog in someone else's care is a big decision. Below are answers to some of the questions we're asked most often. If you don't see what you're looking for, we'd be happy to chat!

General

Where are you located?

Wishing Creek Farm is located just outside Stittsville in a peaceful country setting, giving dogs plenty of space to run, explore, and enjoy the outdoors while remaining close to Ottawa.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes. All daycare, boarding, Meet & Greets, and private dog park rentals are by reservation. We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during holidays and busy seasons.

Can I tour the facility?

Absolutely! We encourage all new daycare and boarding clients to book a Meet & Greet. It's a great opportunity for you and your dog to become familiar with the farm, ask questions, and make sure we're the right fit for one another.

Meet & Greets

Why is a Meet & Greet required?

Every new daycare and boarding dog must complete a Meet & Greet before their first stay. This allows us to get to know your dog's personality, comfort level, play style, and overall suitability for our environment.

How long does a Meet & Greet take?

Meet & Greets typically last about 30 minutes. During this time we'll answer your questions, observe your dog, and discuss how we can best support them during future visits.

What if my dog isn't the right fit?

Our goal is to create a safe, enjoyable environment for every dog in our care. Occasionally, we may determine that a dog would be happier in a different setting. If that happens, we'll discuss our observations honestly and respectfully. We believe finding the right environment is in every dog's best interest.

Dog Daycare

Is daycare right for my dog?

Our daycare is ideal for friendly, social dogs who enjoy spending time with people and other dogs in a calm, supervised environment.

What should I bring for daycare?

Simply bring your dog wearing a secure collar or harness and leash. Fresh water, enrichment, toys, and plenty of space to play are all provided.

What happens if my dog doesn't get along with another dog?

Safety always comes first. Dogs are carefully supervised and grouped according to personality and play style. If needed, dogs are given breaks or separated to ensure everyone remains safe and comfortable.

Do you separate dogs by size?

Not necessarily. We believe personality, confidence, play style, and energy level are far more important than size. Dogs are grouped based on compatibility rather than weight.

My dog isn't great off-leash. Can they still come?

In many cases, yes. Our play areas are fully fenced and securely supervised. We'll discuss your dog's recall and comfort level during the Meet & Greet to determine if our environment is appropriate.

Why do you keep your daycare groups small?

Small groups allow us to provide more individual attention, closely supervise interactions, and create a calm environment where dogs can build positive relationships and enjoy their day without becoming overwhelmed.

What if my dog needs quiet time?

Dogs need downtime just as much as they need exercise. Throughout the day we encourage rest breaks so dogs can relax, recharge, and enjoy a balanced day of activity and calm.

Boarding

Where will my dog sleep?

Boarding guests stay in our home—not in a traditional kennel. We strive to create a comfortable, home-like environment where dogs can relax and feel like part of the family.

What should I bring for boarding?

Please bring:

Your dog's regular food
Any medications with written instructions
A leash and collar or harness
A favourite blanket or comfort item if you'd like

Can you administer medication?

Yes. We're happy to administer most medications according to your written instructions.

Will my dog get exercise during their stay?

Absolutely! Boarding guests enjoy supervised outdoor play, enrichment activities, nature walks, social time, and plenty of opportunities to relax.

Can dogs from the same family stay together?

Yes! Whenever appropriate, dogs from the same household can stay and play together.

Can my dog bring their favourite toy?

For boarding, you're welcome to bring a favourite blanket or comfort item to help your dog feel at home. We generally recommend leaving toys at home, as shared toys can sometimes create unnecessary excitement among dogs.

What if my dog has special dietary needs?

No problem. We ask that owners provide their dog's regular food to help prevent digestive upset. We'll happily follow your feeding schedule and medication instructions.

Health & Safety

What vaccinations are required?

All dogs must be current on their required vaccinations and be healthy, parasite-free, and free of contagious illnesses before attending daycare or boarding.

Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered?

Not necessarily. We evaluate each dog individually based on age, maturity, behaviour, and compatibility with our groups.

What if my dog becomes ill or injured while in your care?

If your dog becomes sick or injured, we'll contact you immediately. If veterinary care is required and you're unavailable, we'll seek treatment in your dog's best interest.

Behaviour & Expectations

What kind of dogs are you looking for?

We welcome dogs that are friendly, manageable, and able to safely participate in a home environment.

Ideally, dogs should:

Be comfortable around people and other dogs.
Be potty trained or crate trained.
Respect gates, doors, and household boundaries.
Be able to settle and relax between play sessions.
Respond reasonably well to basic handling.

Are there dogs you cannot accept?

For the safety of everyone, we may not be able to accommodate dogs with a history of serious aggression, repeated escape attempts, severe separation anxiety, or behaviours that place themselves or others at risk.

Every dog is assessed individually.

How do you introduce new dogs?

We take introductions slowly and thoughtfully. Every new dog completes a Meet & Greet before joining daycare or boarding. We carefully observe body language, temperament, and play style, making introductions one step at a time to help dogs feel comfortable and confident.

What if my dog isn't very social?

That's perfectly okay. Not every dog enjoys large groups. During the Meet & Greet we'll discuss your dog's personality and determine whether our environment is a good fit.

Private Dog Park Rentals

Is the park private?

Yes! Your reservation gives you exclusive use of the park during your booked time.

Can reactive dogs use the park?

Absolutely. Many owners appreciate having a secure, private space where their dogs can run freely without unexpected encounters.

Can I bring multiple dogs?

Yes! Our parks are great for families with multiple dogs or friends meeting up together. Please follow the occupancy limits listed when booking.

Is water available?

Fresh drinking water is available seasonally. We also recommend bringing extra water on particularly hot days.

Policies

What happens if I'm running late?

Please let us know as soon as possible. Extended daycare charges may apply, and dogs remaining beyond daycare hours may transition to boarding if necessary.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that plans change. Please provide as much notice as possible. Holiday and peak-season bookings may have different cancellation policies.

Can I book recurring daycare?

Yes! Many of our clients reserve recurring daycare days each week to ensure their dog has a consistent routine and a guaranteed spot.

What Makes Wishing Creek Farm Different?

Why choose Wishing Creek Farm instead of a traditional kennel?

Wishing Creek Farm offers a different kind of dog care.

Rather than rows of kennels and large groups of unfamiliar dogs, we provide a peaceful, home-based environment where every guest is treated like family. Dogs spend their days exploring secure outdoor spaces, making carefully matched friends, enjoying enrichment activities, and relaxing between adventures.

Our focus isn't on caring for the largest number of dogs—it's on providing exceptional care for every dog who stays with us. We believe that smaller groups, individual attention, and a calm environment create happier, safer, and more confident dogs.

Do you have to be the right fit for us?

Yes—and we think that's a good thing.

Choosing dog care is about more than availability. It's about finding the right environment for your dog's personality and needs. Our Meet & Greet helps us ensure that Wishing Creek Farm is a great fit for your dog, our existing guests, and our family.

If we ever feel another environment would better suit your dog, we'll be honest with you. Our priority will always be your dog's safety, comfort, and happiness.

Still Have Questions?

We're always happy to help! If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd love to meet you and your dog and help you decide if Wishing Creek Farm is the perfect home away from home.

What Makes WCF Different?