Injury Policy

Understanding the Risks of Group Dog Care

At Charming Paws, the health, safety, and well-being of every dog in our care is our highest priority. While injuries and illnesses are uncommon, it's important to understand that some risks naturally exist whenever dogs interact in a group environment, whether at daycare, a dog park, or other places where dogs socialize.

Unlike uncontrolled social settings, Charming Paws provides a structured, supervised environment with knowledgeable staff, established safety protocols, and vaccination requirements designed to minimize these risks. However, even with these precautions, no facility can completely eliminate the possibility of injury or illness.

We understand how concerning and upsetting it can be when your pup experiences an injury or becomes ill, especially after spending time in our care. As pet owners ourselves, we recognize how much your dogs mean to you.

While it may be natural to question how an incident occurred or whether it could have been prevented, an injury or illness does not automatically indicate a lack of supervision, improper care, or negligence. Dogs are living animals, and even in the most carefully managed environments, unexpected situations can arise.

We take every concern seriously and are committed to communicating openly, reviewing incidents when necessary, and continuously improving our practices.

Before drawing conclusions about an injury or illness, we kindly ask our families to consider the following:

Our Commitment to Safety

At Charming Paws, your pup's health, happiness, and safety are always our top priorities. While injuries are uncommon and typically minor, it's important to understand that some risks naturally exist whenever dogs interact in a group environment.

Our trained staff, behavioral assessments, supervised playgroups, and established safety protocols help minimize these risks. However, even in the most carefully managed environment, accidents can happen.

As dog owners ourselves, we understand how concerning an injury can be. We take every incident seriously and continuously evaluate our practices to provide the safest environment possible.

How We Minimize Risks

Behavioral Assessments: Every dog must complete an assessment before participating in group daycare.
Appropriate Playgroups: Dogs are grouped according to size, temperament, age, energy level, and play style.
Active Supervision: Our staff monitors interactions, recognizes behavioral warning signs, and redirects play when necessary.
Rest Breaks: Dogs receive breaks when needed to prevent overstimulation and fatigue.
Ongoing Training: Our team receives training in canine behavior, group management, and safety procedures.
Behavioral Monitoring: Dogs displaying unsafe or consistently inappropriate behavior may be separated or removed from group play.

How Can Injuries Happen?

Dogs naturally communicate and play using their mouths, paws, and bodies. Even friendly interactions can occasionally result in an injury.

Common examples include:

Accidental scratches or play bites during wrestling and chasing.
Miscommunication between dogs or unexpected reactions.
Collisions, jumping, or sudden movements during play.
Minor strains, limping, or broken nails from physical activity.
Injuries related to sensitive skin, pre-existing conditions, or individual physical characteristics.
Irritation such as happy tail or kennel nose.

An injury does not automatically indicate aggression, inadequate supervision, or negligence. Some incidents happen within seconds, without warning or an obvious altercation.

If Your Pup Experiences an Injury

If we become aware of an injury, our team will assess the situation, provide appropriate care, and contact you using the information on your account.

We make every effort to understand and document what occurred. However, there may be situations where the exact cause cannot be determined.

Some minor injuries, particularly scratches or punctures hidden beneath fur, may not be immediately noticeable. We would never intentionally withhold information about a known injury.

If you discover an injury after your pup returns home, please contact management so we can review your concerns.

Veterinary Expenses & Responsibility

While we take extensive precautions, daycare and boarding involve inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated.

An injury or illness does not automatically establish negligence or financial responsibility on the part of Charming Paws. Each situation is reviewed individually in accordance with our signed client agreements and applicable law.x

Our Promise to You ❤️

We understand that your dog is family, and we are committed to treating them3 with the same care and compassion we would want for our own.

We believe open communication, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to safety are essential to providing exceptional care.

Thank you for trusting Charming Paws with your beloved family members! 🐾