Our Philosophy

At Packlife Dog Retreat, we believe dogs thrive in environments that provide structure, clear communication, and balanced social interaction. Our Retreat Days are designed to give dogs the opportunity to build confidence, practice appropriate social skills, and participate in a structured pack environment under the guidance of experienced Pack Leaders.

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Our approach focuses on creating a calm, safe, and respectful pack dynamic where dogs learn how to exist comfortably around other dogs while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

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To support this environment, we maintain clear policies that help ensure the safety, wellbeing, and success of every dog in our care. We appreciate our clients working alongside us to maintain the standards that allow our pack to function safely and smoothly.

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Applying for Services

To apply for any Packlife service, please email us at support@packlifedogretreat.com and request an application form.

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Once the completed application is submitted, our team will review it to determine whether our services are a good fit and whether availability exists.

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Following review, one of the following outcomes may occur:

• Application declined

• Application approved for our waitlist

• Application approved and next steps provided

 

If approved, next steps will include submitting required documentation and scheduling an Assessment Day.

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Vaccination Requirements

Up-to-date vaccination records are required before starting Retreat Days or Training Services.

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Required core vaccines include:

• Rabies

• Canine Distemper

• Canine Parvovirus

• Infectious Canine Hepatitis

 

Valid titre tests are accepted but must be updated annually.

 

Vaccination records must remain current while attending Packlife services.

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Retreat Day Requirements

To participate in Retreat Days:

• Dogs must be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age

• Dogs must be social, non-reactive, and non-aggressive

• Dogs must be healthy and free from illness

• Dogs must have current vaccination records

 

Packlife Dog Retreat reserves the right to decline or discontinue service if a dog's behaviour or health presents a risk to the pack.

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Assessment Days

Before officially joining our pack, every dog must complete an Assessment Day.

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Assessment Days allow us to:

• Introduce your dog to our structure and routine

• Begin establishing trust and respect

• Set behaviour expectations

• Ensure dogs are a good fit for the pack

 

Assessment Days are booked on the day of the week your dog will regularly attend.

 

Assessment drop-off occurs at 9:30 AM, once the pack has arrived for the day.

 

If a dog has not attended a Retreat Day in 6 months or more, another assessment may be required.

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Retreat Day Scheduling

Dogs attending Retreat Days must be enrolled on a regular weekly schedule. Consistency helps dogs become familiar with our structure, expectations, and daily routine, which supports a calm and balanced pack environment.

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Routine attendance allows dogs to:

• Become comfortable with our structure and leadership

• Build confidence within the pack

• Reduce overstimulation and anxiety (while at daycare)

• Learn and maintain appropriate social behaviour

 

For this reason, sporadic or drop-in daycare visits are not offered.

 

Recommended Attendance

While every dog is different, we generally recommend 1–3 Retreat Days per week for most dogs.

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Attending more than three days per week can sometimes lead to:

• Overstimulation from extended time in a group environment

• Frustration when dogs become overly focused on play and interacting with other dogs

• Increased arousal levels that can carry into the home environment

• Building excessive play endurance, which can make it harder to tire a dog

• Reduced sensitivity to social cues, which can impact healthy pack dynamics

 

Maintaining a balanced schedule helps dogs enjoy their time at Packlife while still benefiting from adequate rest and recovery at home.

 

Our team may occasionally make individual recommendations if we feel a dog would benefit from more or fewer weekly visits based on their behaviour, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.

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Facility Access & Door Hours

To maintain a calm and secure environment for the dogs, our facility doors remain locked outside of designated client access hours.

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The doors are unlocked during the following times:

Morning Drop-Off
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Afternoon Access / Pick-Up
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

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Our doors are locked promptly at 9:30 AM once drop-off ends and remain locked until 2:00 PM.

This helps minimize unnecessary disruptions to the pack during the middle of the day while the dogs are resting, training, and participating in structured activities.

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If you arrive outside of these hours and require assistance, please call the facility directly.

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Early Drop-Off

7:30 AM – 7:59 AM

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Early drop-off must be booked by 5:30 PM the previous business day.

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Upon arrival, please call us for assistance, as our doors will remain locked until 8:00 AM. A staff member will meet you outside to receive your dog.

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During this period, all dogs are securely crated while the staff prepares the facility for the day's activities.

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For current pricing, please refer to our Retreat Day page.

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Regular Drop-Off Hours

8:00-9:30 AM

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It is important to arrive within this window, as our day is carefully scheduled and we are not always able to accommodate late arrivals.

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If you believe you may be late, please call us before leaving your home so we can assess whether a late drop-off can be accommodated. If we are unable to accommodate a late arrival, it will be considered a late cancellation, and at our discretion a full day charge may still apply.

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Please note that our front doors are unlocked at 8:00 AM and locked promptly at 9:30 AM once the drop-off window closes. This allows our team to transition fully into the day’s routine with the dogs.

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Prompt arrivals allow our team to maintain a calm and structured start to the day. During the final portion of the drop-off window, our staff are focused on several important transitions including:

• Providing one-on-one guidance and settling time for dogs as they enter the pack

• Completing individual work with dogs before the day’s activities begin

• Preparing the pack to head outside for their morning bathroom break and pack walk

• Welcoming new or assessment dogs, who are scheduled to arrive at 9:30 AM so we can provide them with uninterrupted time and a calm introduction to the environment

 

Maintaining a predictable routine helps dogs settle more quickly, reduces overstimulation, and supports the calm pack environment we strive to create each day. Arriving within the designated drop-off window helps ensure the morning routine runs smoothly and allows us to give every dog the attention and structure they need to start the day successfully.

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Midday Closure

To ensure dogs receive proper rest and our team can safely manage the pack, our office is fully closed to clients and the public 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, this includes for retail purchases, early pick-ups or general visits. Calls will still be answered during this time.

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This time allows for:

• Pack nap time

• Grooming (nail trims)

• Posting on social media

• Staff lunch breaks

 

Pick-Up Hours

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

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Late pick-ups are not an offered service. Staff are scheduled to finish at 6:00 PM.

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If you expect to arrive late, please call the facility as soon as possible.

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Late fees begin at 6:01 PM and include a $15 charge per 10-minute period.

Example:

6:01–6:10 PM = $15
6:11–6:20 PM = $30

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Office Etiquette

Helping to Keep Everyone Safe

The entrance and office area is one of the most stimulating parts of the day for dogs. Arrivals and departures naturally create excitement, and for some dogs this heightened energy can quickly lead to stress or over-arousal.

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While the dogs in our care are friendly and social, not all dogs are comfortable interacting with unfamiliar people or dogs in close quarters. Maintaining calm arrivals and departures helps ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.

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When Arriving or Waiting in the Office

Please practice No Touch, No Talk, No Eye Contact with dogs other than your own.

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This means:

• Do not approach or interact with other dogs

• Avoid making eye contact with dogs

• Do not speak to or attempt to engage other dogs

• Do not allow dogs to greet each other

 

Handling Your Dog

• Keep your dog on a short leash beside you

• Ask your dog to remain calmly in a sit

• Maintain control of your dog at all times

 

Creating Space

• After entering, please move at least 6 feet away from the entrance

• Avoid blocking entrances or walkways

 

Interactions with Packlife Staff

To maintain structure and calm energy in the entrance area:

• Staff do not greet or pet dogs in the office

• Dogs will be calmly transitioned into the pack environment by staff when appropriate

 

These practices help reduce overstimulation and support a balanced pack environment.

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Pack Walks

Pack Walks are structured on-leash group walks designed to reinforce calm behaviour and provide additional exercise.

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Important notes:

• Dogs are walked using Packlife slip leads

• Dogs must be wearing a properly fitted flat collar

• Dogs must arrive on time to participate

• Participation is determined based on behaviour, health, and pack dynamics

 

Packlife reserves the right to exclude any dog from pack walks if we feel they are unwell or unable to safely participate.

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Cancellation Policy

Cancellations and schedule changes must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

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Failure to provide sufficient notice will result in:

• A full day charge, or

• A day deducted from a 10-day package.

 

In the case of injury or illness to yourself or your dog or emergency situations, we will waive the late charge for the day.

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Canine Illness Policy

The health and safety of every dog in our care is extremely important to us. While we take many precautions to maintain a clean and healthy environment, group settings such as daycare and training facilities can increase the risk of contagious illnesses spreading between dogs.

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By participating in Packlife services, clients acknowledge and accept this inherent risk.

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Health Disclosure Requirements

Clients are required to inform us of any existing or previous health conditions that may impact their dog’s safety, behaviour, or participation in group activities.

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This includes, but is not limited to:

• Allergies

• Seizures or neurological conditions

• Previous injuries (such as broken bones)

• Surgeries or procedures that may have lasting effects

• Chronic conditions or ongoing medical concerns

 

There is a designated section in our application form to provide this information.

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Clients are also responsible for notifying us if any new health concerns arise after enrolment.

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Keeping us informed allows our team to adjust care, handling, and activity levels to best support your dog’s wellbeing while in our environment.

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Keeping Sick Dogs Home

If your dog is showing any signs of illness, they must remain at home. Dogs that arrive showing symptoms may be refused entry for the safety of the pack.

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Symptoms to monitor include but are not limited to:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Persistent coughing or sneezing

• Yellow or green nasal or eye discharge

• Fever, lethargy, or sudden behavioural changes

• Skin infections, lesions, or unexplained hair loss

• Fleas or other parasites

• New or worsening limp or signs of pain

 

If your dog becomes ill within 48 hours after attending Packlife, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible so we can monitor the health of the rest of the pack.

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Contagious Illness

Even with vaccination requirements and strict sanitation protocols, contagious illnesses such as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (commonly referred to as kennel cough) may still occur in environments where dogs socialize together.

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Packlife Dog Retreat cannot guarantee that dogs will never be exposed to illness while attending our facility.

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Returning After Illness

If your dog has been sick, they may return once:

• They have been symptom-free for at least 5 days

• They have completed any prescribed medication, unless otherwise cleared by a veterinarian

 

In some cases, we may request veterinary clearance before a dog returns to the pack.

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Our Commitment

Our team follows strict cleaning protocols and closely monitors the health and behaviour of all dogs in our care. If a dog begins showing signs of illness during the day, we will contact the owner and may request early pick-up if necessary.

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Working together helps us maintain a safe and healthy environment for every member of the Packlife community.

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Emergency Veterinary Care

If a dog becomes ill or injured while in our care, Packlife Dog Retreat will attempt to contact the owner and emergency contact.

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If we are unable to reach either in a timely manner, Packlife Dog Retreat is authorized to seek veterinary care on the dog’s behalf.

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All veterinary costs incurred are the responsibility of the owner.

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Pack Safety & Behaviour Policy

The safety and stability of the pack is our top priority.

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Dogs attending Packlife must demonstrate behaviour that is safe for both humans and other dogs. While many dogs thrive in a group environment, behaviour can change over time as dogs mature or their needs evolve.

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Packlife Dog Retreat reserves the right to:

• Interrupt or redirect play

• Separate dogs when necessary

• Remove a dog from group activities

• Require additional training before returning

• Permanently discontinue services if a dog presents a safety concern

 

These decisions are made at the sole discretion of Packlife staff in order to protect the wellbeing of the pack.

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Personal Property

Dogs should arrive wearing a simple flat collar.

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Packlife Dog Retreat is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items, including collars, harnesses, clothing, toys, or accessories brought into the facility.

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For safety reasons, certain equipment may be removed during Retreat Days at the discretion of staff.

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Retreat Day Pricing

Daily Rate

Single day charge.

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Payment is due the day of service. Invoices are typically sent in the afternoon.

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10 Day Package

Available for retreat days, early drop off and pack walks.

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Buy 9 days and receive the 10th day free.

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Details:

• Dog must have completed a successful assessment day and be approved for weekly visits

• Must be purchased prior to use

• Expires 6 months after purchase

• Packlife tracks usage and notifies clients when they are on the final day of the package

 

All packages are non-refundable.

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Late Payments

If payment is not received by the invoice due date:

• Payment reminders will be sent every 48–72 hours

• Service may be declined until payment is received

 

Rate Increases

Packlife Dog Retreat typically implements annual rate increases in the fall.

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Clients will be notified via email in advance.

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Payment & Pricing for all Services

Cash is not accepted.

Accepted payment methods:

• E-transfer (preferred)

• Debit or credit card in person

• Card on file for regular clients

 

All services and products are subject to tax.

 

For current pricing, please refer to our Retreat Day page.

 

Training Policies - Payment

All training services must be paid for in advance.

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A non-refundable deposit or full payment must be made within 5 days of the initial invoice to reserve a spot.

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Deposit amounts:

Single Private Session — $75
Basic Behavioural Training (private or group) — $200
Advanced Behavioural Training — $300

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Remaining payment is due 24 hours before training begins. If payment is not received within this time frame, the session will need to be re-booked. 

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Training Policies - Attendance

For sessions held at Packlife, if a client is more than 10 minutes late the session will be cancelled and a charge may be incurred if no notice is given.

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If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, please email us at training@packlifedogretreat.com as soon as possible. Cancelling less than an hour before your session is scheduled to begin may result in a charge. 

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Training Requirements

• Dogs not enrolled in training are not permitted at sessions

• One person may only handle one dog

• If two dogs from the same household attend, a second handler is required

• Group classes allow a maximum of two humans per dog

• Dogs must remain on a short leash beside the handler

• Dogs must use the Packlife slip lead provided (unless approved by trainer in advance)

• A signed Liability Waiver and up to date vaccination records are required prior to beginning training

• All behavioural concerns must be fully disclosed prior to training.

 

Release for All Services

By signing our waiver or submitting a payment, clients consent to the following:

• Their dog may participate in activities determined safe by Packlife staff

• Their dog may interact with other dogs deemed appropriate

• Packlife may seek veterinary care if the owner cannot be reached

• Photos and videos taken during services may be used for educational or promotional purposes

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*Updated 19/03/2026