The Member Handbook

Life at The Farm Dog Co

Everything a new family should know before they ever fill out a form. Take your time. If it sounds like home, we'd love to meet your dog.

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Golden retriever walking on a quiet path through tall green woods
01Philosophy

A farm, not a facility.

Dogs weren't built for concrete runs and back-to-back playgroups. They were built for grass under their feet, dirt on their nose, and a small group of humans who notice when something's off.

So that's what we built. A farm. Small on purpose. Slow on purpose. Cared for by people who chose this life, not a shift.

Fewer dogs, more attention

We cap membership. That's the whole product.

Rest is the plan

A tired dog is not the same as a well dog.

Honest communication

If it's not a fit, we'll say so — kindly, and early.

02Daily Rhythm

The day, from first light to lights out.

The rhythm doesn't change much. That's the point — predictable days make for settled dogs.

  1. 7:00 AM
    Wake with the farm
    Slow start. Out to the paddock, morning sniff, first breakfast for the seniors.
  2. 8:00 AM
    Breakfast service
    Individual bowls, quiet rooms, meds on schedule. No competition, no rushing.
  3. 9:30 AM
    Pasture time
    Real rest and play under the trees.
  4. 12:30 PM
    Midday quiet
    Cozy beds, fans, intermittent potty breaks and several good scratches. This is where seniors and shy dogs exhale.
  5. 4:00 PM
    Second outing
    Sniff walks, sprinklers in summer, structured play for the working breeds.
  6. 6:00 PM
    Supper & settle
    Dinner, meds, a slow perimeter walk.
  7. 8:00 PM
    Lights out
    Final post-dinner potty, familiar smells and sounds to fall asleep in THEIR low-lit suite where they feel safe. Monitored with help and love just a couple rooms away.
03The Suites

Seven rooms. Each one its own small world.

Every suite is branded after a piece of farm life so each dog is assigned somewhere that feels like theirs — not a number, not a run. We match rooms to temperament, age, and routine.

Photo coming soon01
The Orchard
Morning sun, midday nap

Morning sunshine fills this suite, making it a wonderful home-away-from-home for dogs who enjoy spending time outdoors before settling in for a midday nap.

Photo coming soon02
The Meadow
Open, airy, easy-going

Bright and open with a soft view of the pasture. A gentle fit for social, easy-going dogs who like to watch the day go by from a comfortable perch.

Photo coming soon03
The Pine
Shaded and grounding

Tucked toward the tree line with cooler light and a grounded, den-like feel. Well-suited to dogs who settle best in calm, shaded spaces.

Photo coming soon04
The Homestead
Warm, cozy, peaceful

Warm, cozy, and peaceful. A favorite for dogs who love curling up after breakfast before wandering out for a slow afternoon in the yard.

Photo coming soon05
The Ridge
Steady and secure

A steady, tucked-in suite for confident dogs who like a clear view of their people and the comings and goings of the farm.

Photo coming soon06
The Richmond
Held for community care

Reserved year-round for local shelter and rescue bottle babies, foster dogs, and quiet recovery cases whenever the need arises.

Photo coming soon07
The Hollow
Our quietest room

Our quietest suite. Designed for residents who appreciate extra privacy and a slower pace.

04Blackout Dates

A few days a year we close the gate.

To keep the farm actually a farm, we hold a handful of dates for our team and our own animals. Families are notified six months out.

WindowReasonBoarding
Independence DayFirework recovery for the dogs already with usMembers only, no new intakes
05What to Pack

Bring less than you think. Bring exactly this.

01
Food & Treats

Labeled unopened new food bags with portion instructions. Reduces mix-ups, protects sensitive stomachs. We'll let you know when they get low according to their scheduled time here.

02
Medications

Original bottles, written schedule, and enough for stay + 2 buffer days.

03
One familiar item

A worn t-shirt, a favorite blanket. Please, no brand-new toys.

04
Vaccination records

DHPP, Rabies, Lepto, Bordetella, and a negative fecal within 12 months.

05
Leash + flat collar

With current ID.

06
Notes on your dog

Quirks, fears, favorite words. The more we know, the softer the landing.

06Expectations

What we promise. What we ask.

We will…
  • Know your dog by name and by temperament, not by kennel number.
  • Daily recaps with photos, videos and daily summary.
  • Call you first if anything changes, before we call the vet.
  • Always keep safe distances from others unless otherwise requested/approved by owner.
We ask that you…
  • Fill out the intake honestly. Reactivity, resource guarding, medical history — all of it.
  • Give us 14 days' notice for stays over a week, when possible.
  • Trust the trial day. It exists to protect your dog.
  • Read this handbook. If it doesn't sound like a fit, that's okay — we'll tell you too.
07FAQs

Questions people ask on the tour.

What if my dog doesn't do well in groups?+

We prefer solo tracks. Rarely do our regulars have playgroups — and that's the whole point of the farm, we're not a kennel.

Can I visit before booking?+

Every family does a farm tour before their first overnight. No exceptions.

What's your vet protocol?+

During intake we collect your current vet and your ER Vet if the original is not available. Should an issue arise, that's who we call immediately after informing you via your preferred method of contact. Meds are logged upon each completed dosage.

How do I know my dog is okay?+

Real mid-stay updates, not a template. For stays 5+ nights, a short video.

Are you a rescue or a boarding facility?+

Neither in the traditional sense. We are a small, members-only retreat — but we hold our smallest suite year-round for bottle babies and shelter recovery pets, and partner with local shelters and rescues to give back to our community. All retail proceeds are also donated to rescues and shelters.

Ready when you are

If this sounds like home, so is your dog.

Every family starts with a farm tour and a trial day. No pressure, no hard sell — just a quiet morning to see if we're the right fit.