Common questions before a first stay
Everything you may want to know about boarding, the home, Xoco, routines, requirements, and the booking process.
Faq
Do you board more than one guest dog at a time?
No. The Only Guest is built around boarding one guest dog at a time. The only exception I may consider is two dogs from the same household, depending on their size, temperament, and care needs. Xoco, my resident dog, is always part of the home.
Will my dog meet Xoco before staying?
Yes. Every new guest must complete a Meet & Greet before the first stay. Xoco is part of that introduction so I can see how the dogs interact and whether they are comfortable sharing the space. The goal is not for them to become instant best friends. They just need to be able to live together safely and comfortably.
What kinds of dogs are usually a good fit?
The setup is generally best for small and medium dogs, usually up to about 45 lb, who are house trained, comfortable indoors, crate trained or crate tolerant, and able to get along with Xoco after a proper introduction. Larger dogs up to around 60 lb may be considered case by case if they are very well behaved and compatible with the home.
Do you accept puppies?
Possibly. Puppies can be considered if they are reasonably house trained for their age, manageable in a home environment, and a good fit with Xoco.
Do you accept senior dogs?
Yes, as long as they are independently mobile and do not require substantial lifting or physical assistance. If your dog has specific mobility or medical needs, we can discuss them during the intro call.
Do you accept intact dogs?
Possibly. Intact dogs are considered case by case after the Meet & Greet.
Do you accept females in heat?
Not at this time.
What if my dog is shy or anxious?
Shy or mildly anxious dogs may be a good fit as long as they are safe, manageable, and able to settle into the environment. I am not a behavior specialist, so this is not intended to be a rehabilitation or intensive behavior-care setting.
What behaviors would make a dog not a good fit?
I may not be able to board dogs with aggression toward people or dogs, unsafe behavior toward Xoco, significant resource guarding, repeated excessive barking, destructive behavior, or frequent indoor accidents. The Meet & Greet helps determine whether the setup is appropriate before a stay is confirmed.
Does my dog need to be crate trained?
They should be crate trained or at least comfortable enough in a crate to sleep there overnight. Guest dogs sleep in their own large crate in my bedroom. Xoco sleeps in her own crate in the same room. The crates are mainly used for sleeping and are not where guest dogs spend the day.
Where will my dog sleep?
Guest dogs sleep in a large crate in my bedroom. Xoco sleeps in her own crate across the room, so both dogs can see each other and know I am nearby. You are welcome to bring your dog's normal bed, blanket, or comfort item if it helps them settle.
Is the backyard fenced?
Yes. Guest dogs live inside the home. They also have access to the fenced backyard as appropriate, and they may spend time with me in the insulated, air-conditioned garage where I work. Yes. The backyard is securely fenced at approximately seven feet high. Outdoor time is adjusted based on the weather and the individual dog.
Will my dog be left alone?
I work from home and am around for much of the day, but I still leave for normal activities such as the gym, errands, or dinner. Those outings are generally short. When I am away, the environment is kept controlled, and Xoco and a guest dog are not left loose together unsupervised.
Is anyone else in the home?
Another adult lives in the home and may sometimes be around the dogs, but I am the primary caregiver and the person responsible for each stay.
How much exercise will my dog get?
It depends on the dog. A typical day may include backyard time, walks, park visits, play, training-style enrichment, and evening activity. I generally plan for around an hour and a half or more of intentional exercise, play, or direct attention throughout the day, but I adjust that based on the individual dog. Some dogs want more activity. Others are happier resting nearby.
Will you take my dog to the park?
Possibly. Park visits, walks, and other outings depend on the dog, the weather, and what makes sense for the stay. The routine is not identical for every guest.
How will you feed my dog?
Please provide your dog's normal food and feeding instructions. Guest dogs and Xoco are fed separately and supervised during meals. Bowls are picked up after feeding.
Can you give medication?
I can usually give oral medication as long as the instructions are clear. I am not currently accepting dogs who require injections. Please tell me about medications, allergies, food sensitivities, or other health needs before the stay.
What vaccinations do you require?
Guest dogs must be current on vaccinations and flea prevention. I will collect the relevant health information before a stay is confirmed.
What should I bring?
Please bring: Enough of your dog's regular food for the stay Any oral medications and instructions Leash and harness A bed, blanket, or familiar comfort item if helpful Anything else that is important to your dog's normal routine I have a large guest crate available, so you do not need to bring one unless your dog is more comfortable using their own.
How much does boarding cost?
Boarding is $65 per night. Pricing is per overnight stay rather than by a 24-hour clock.
What time can I drop off and pick up?
Drop-off and pickup times are arranged in advance. Morning drop-offs are generally best after about 7:00 to 8:00 AM, and evening pickups are generally expected by about 9:30 PM. There is some flexibility depending on the day.
What if my pickup time makes the last day very long?
An occasional long first or last day is okay. I am keeping the pricing simple at launch rather than automatically charging by the hour or adding an extended-day fee.
How long can my dog stay?
Longer stays can be discussed case by case. I have comfortably cared for dogs for stays of around three weeks.
Will I get updates while I am away?
Yes. I send at least one photo and one video update each day your dog stays.
Can I check availability before contacting you?
Yes. The website will show a public availability calendar. Dates marked unavailable are already booked, and blank dates are currently open. Open dates are not guaranteed until the Meet & Greet is complete and the stay is confirmed.
How do I start the booking process?
Start by scheduling a short 15-minute intro call. We will talk about your dog, the dates you are considering, their routine and temperament, and anything important I should know. If it sounds like a good fit, the next step is an in-person Meet & Greet.
Do I need to complete a long intake form before the call?
No. The first step is intentionally simple. You only need to provide basic contact information, your dog's name, the dates you are considering, and anything you want me to know before we talk. More detailed care information is collected later if we decide to move forward.
Does a Meet & Greet guarantee my booking?
No. The purpose of the Meet & Greet is to make sure your dog, Xoco, and the home setup are a good match. The stay is confirmed only after we determine that the arrangement feels safe and appropriate for everyone.
Where are you located?
The Only Guest is located in Modesto, California. Because boarding takes place in my home, the exact address is shared privately as part of the Meet & Greet and booking process.
Can I call you directly?
The easiest way to begin is through the website. You can schedule a 15-minute intro call, and I will call you at the phone number you provide. This keeps the initial process organized and avoids sharing personal contact information publicly.
Still have a question?
If there is something specific about your dog, routine, or dates that is not covered here, schedule a short intro call and we can talk through it.
