FAQ

BOARDING & DAY CARE

  • About the Owner
  • How can I sign my dog up?
  • What is my dogs daily routine at Wilde K9?
  • What is your setup like?
  • What are your requirements?
  • What is the difference between TLC DOG and SOCIAL DOG?
  • When can I drop off/pick up my dog?
  • What should I pack for when my dog stays over?
  • What is your feeding routine?
  • What is your cancellation policy?

About the Owner

MEET NATALIA | Owner

I’m a lifelong animal lover, proud owner of 5 rescues (4 dogs, 1 cat) and the founder of Wilde K9; a true second home for your dog. With over 10 years of professional experience in dog walking, sitting, and dog care, my journey began in childhood and has grown into a full-time career built around trust, safety, and a deep passion for dogs.

I’ve worked with dogs of many breeds, backgrounds, and temperaments; including dogs who are high drive, reactive, anxious, fearful, or shut down. I understand that not every dog is the same, and I meet each one with patience, compassion, and a tailored approach to help them feel safe, supported, and confident.

I also have experience with high drive sport dogs and working breeds, including involvement in obedience, dock diving, rally, barn hunt, scent detection and bitework. Whether your pup needs quiet one-on-one time or thrives in active environments, their care is always adapted to suit them best.

I’m Pet First Aid certified and experienced in all aspects of canine care, from administering medications and injections to supporting dogs with chronic conditions, mobility challenges, and post-surgical recovery. Your dog’s health and well-being are always my top priority.

With years of hands-on experience, I’m well-versed in daily routines and comprehensive pet care, including:

  • Medication administration - oral and injectable
  • Chronic condition management - including diabetes, eye disease, heart disease, Addison's disease
  • Post-surgical recovery - such as spay, neuter, dental, TPLO and Total Hip Replacements
  • Exercise & rehabilitation - strength training, mobility support, and fitness
  • Nutrition & overall health - allergies, dental care, gastrointestinal support, skin & coat health, and balanced diets

Every dog in my care receives thoughtful, attentive support tailored to their unique needs.

At Wilde K9, dogs enjoy structured routines, enriching outdoor adventures, and the love and attention they deserve. I follow your training preferences and provide regular updates with photos on our social media, so you feel connected and confident while your dog is in our care.

I also make handmade high quality, locally sourced raw food and single-ingredient treats, altered to support dogs with allergies, gut sensitivities, and picky appetites.

At Wilde K9, your dog isn’t just a guest, they’re family ♡

How can I sign my dog up?

REQUIREMENTS BEFORE BECOMING A WILDERK9'ER:
1) assessment / meet + greet ($20)
2) day trial ($40)

Book an assessment here

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

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.

If your dog is a TLC dog (meaning they are unsure or nervous around other dogs, dog selective, or not dog friendly) they will spend the remainder of the assessment exploring the area at their own pace and hanging out with us and having a great time as we get to know each other!

What is my dogs daily routine at Wilde K9?

At Wilde K9, we believe that leaving your dog, whether for a workday, a weekend getaway, or a long vacation, should never feel stressful. That’s why I created a place that offers so much more than just a place for your dog to stay, it’s a space where your dog can grow, play, and feel at home.

Nestled on 10 scenic acres of forest trails, a peaceful pond, and natural greenery, Wilde K9 is much more than just dog boarding, it's a second home. 
As a small, independently owned business, I take pride in providing personalized, attentive care for every guest. Our environment is thoughtfully designed to be safe, structured, fun, and cozy, ensuring a positive experience for both pets and their owners.

WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL

A Cozy, Home-Like Environment

  • Individual suites for feedings and rest
  • Climate-controlled with HVAC for year-round comfort
  • 24-hour monitoring for peace of mind
  • Inviting indoor space with a couch and TV
  • A fully fenced outdoor yard for safe, supervised play
  • Dogs sleep under the same roof as me! Just a few steps away, they snooze in their cozy bedrooms, safe, loved, and right at home!

Tailored to Your Dog’s Needs
Every dog is unique. Through a thorough assessment, we learn your pup’s personality and preferences, whether they thrive in group play, prefer human only interactions, can be dog selective, love one-on-one attention, are high-drive dogs, or prefer quiet, cozy time. Each stay is altered to ensure your dog feels safe, fulfilled, and loved.

Daily Enrichment & Structure
During your dog’s stay, we provide:

  • Mental stimulation & enrichment games - keeping curious minds active and engaged
  • Confidence building & manners practice - helping your dog grow in skill and poise
  • Safe socialization - positive interactions with other dogs and/or humans

Plus, we make sure your dog enjoys:

  • Calm downtime - relaxing in comfort
  • Nutritious feedings - tailored to their needs
  • Property walks (optional add-on) - exploring safely under supervision
  • Special event days - check out our [event calendar] for fun activities!


We follow a structured daily routine to keep dogs relaxed, balanced, and happy, just like at home, but with a little extra fun!

At Wilde K9, our mission is simple:
To provide a nurturing, enriching, and trustworthy experience that gives both you and your dog peace of mind. We’re honoured to be a trusted second home to so many beloved pups, and we can’t wait to welcome yours to our club!

What is your setup like?

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

Nestled on 10 scenic acres of forest trails, a peaceful pond, and natural greenery.

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!

Our place 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 overnight dog gets their own private bedroom for meals and sleep. We have 7 cozy rooms available, and dogs from the same household can share one! All dogs sleep safely under the same roof as I do.
Each bedroom consits of a camera that has 247 monitoring, and the live feed may also be accessed by owners for piece of mind! (+$6/day).

What are your requirements?

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
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

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 (we call this our TLC boarding!)
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 ontop of the TLC fees (plus additional supplies if not provided ie. diapers)

What is the difference between TLC DOG and SOCIAL DOG?

Every dog is unique, some thrive with human interaction, while others feel more comfortable in smaller social groups. No matter their preference, we make sure each pup enjoys their stay through enrichment, sniffing adventures, playtime, social opportunities, and one-on-one connection. Your dog’s comfort always comes first, so choosing the option that best supports their personality ensures they feel safe, happy and truly at home with us!

SOCIAL DOGS
Social & Playful – Great for dogs who enjoy interacting and playing with others
Small, Supervised Groups – Fully monitored outdoor time with small, structured playgroups
Individual Attention – Focus on each dog’s needs while they have fun
Manners & Boundaries – Dogs practice good social skills and respectful play
Enriching Environment – Fresh air, bonding, confidence building, and safe social fun

 

TLC DOGS

ANXIOUS
– Dogs who are nervous, fearful, timid, or easily overwhelmed
– Dogs who need slow introductions or extra reassurance

NEEDS EXTRA GUIDANCE
– Puppies still learning structure
– Dogs needing more support with manners, confidence, or routine
– Dogs who benefit from more one-on-one help

NOT DOG FRIENDLY
– Dogs who cannot safely socialize with other dogs
– Dogs who prefer human company only
– Dogs with a history of reactivity toward other dogs

DOG SELECTIVE
– Dogs who like some dogs, but not all
– Dogs who need careful, controlled, and gradual introductions
– Dogs that do best with matched personalities

 

When can I drop off/pick up my dog?

We operate by appointment only!
Time slots for drop offs and pickups are between:

Monday-Friday: 6AM - 10AM / 3PM - 6PM 
Saturday & Sunday: 8AM - 10AM / 3PM - 5PM

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.

 

 

What should I pack for when my dog stays over?

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)

Each dog is provided with a raised cot bed in their suite for comfort and rest. 
We supply water and food bowls; however, if your dog typically eats from a slow feeder, please include it in their packing bag.
 

Tip: Familiar items such as a blanket, bed, or favorite toy can help your dog feel more at ease during their stay by bringing the comfort of home along with them :)

What is your feeding routine?

Pack your pup’s regular food for their stay! Keeping them on their usual meals helps their tummy stay happy! Feel free to toss in their favourite treats too, a little taste of home always makes tails wag!

We’ve got water and food bowls covered! Only bring your dog’s own bowl if they eat from a slow feeder.

Meals are served in each dog’s private suite, giving them a cozy, stress free space to enjoy their dinner without any nosey neighbours.

Got meds? No worries! We’re happy to give them at no extra charge.

 

What is your cancellation policy?

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)

 

WILDE K9

  • SOURCING
  • ALLERGY FRIENDLY
  • FEEDING
  • POLICY

SOURCING

At Wilde K9, we proudly source all of our animal products from local, reputable farmers within Ontario. Our top priority is ensuring that the animals are humanely raised, and we remain committed to ethical sourcing practices. Many parts of the animal that are considered unfit for human consumption are often discarded—yet these very cuts are nutrient-rich, highly beneficial for our dogs. By working directly with local farmers and butchers, we help ensure that the whole animal is respected and put to good use, reducing waste while providing dogs with natural, high-quality nutrition. It’s a win for the farmers, for the environment, and most importantly—for the health and well-being of our dogs.

ALLERGY FRIENDLY

We are also proud to be allergy friendly. Because we work in small batches and hand-pick every ingredient, we’re able to offer a variety of single-ingredient treats and novel proteins that are ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Whether your dog requires a limited ingredient diet or simply does better with certain proteins, we’re happy to accommodate their needs with wholesome, safe, and delicious options.

FEEDING

Please be mindful of your dog’s chewing habits and always choose size-appropriate chews based on their breed, age, and chewing style.

Supervision is essential—all pets should be closely monitored while enjoying chews to ensure safe consumption and prevent any potential choking or swallowing hazards.

POLICY

Meetup Policy

– Please arrive on time for your scheduled meetup. If you’re new to the location, we recommend arriving a little early to ensure you can find it easily. Remember to check for traffic or weather conditions ahead of time!

– If you’re running late, let us know. We can wait up to 15 minutes past your scheduled time. Beyond that, we won’t be able to wait due to our tight schedule and multiple meetups per day. Late arrivals will be refunded 80% of your order.

– No-shows (those who don’t arrive or message us) will be refunded 50% of the order.

– Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions for arrivals after the 15-minute mark, as we have multiple pickups and deliveries scheduled.

– To make things easier, you can always request home delivery or pickup in our area in advance, so you don’t have to worry about a strict meetup time.

– Any changes to orders for upcoming meetups or deliveries must be made by Sunday before the scheduled date. Once the schedule is set on Monday, we won’t be able to make adjustments.

Thank you so much for understanding and supporting our small business, everyone’s time is valuable!

Returns & Exchanges

– Since our products are consumable, we don’t offer returns, refunds, or exchanges. But if there’s an issue with your order, please reach out—we’re always happy to help!