The Roadie Handbook

Vaccinations & Health Requirements

All dogs attending boarding, daycare, or grooming services at Bark at the Moon Hotel & Spa must have proof of current vaccinations for the following:

• Rabies: Required vaccination against rabies virus.
• DHPP: Combination vaccination protecting against canine distemper, adenovirus (infectious hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
• Bordetella: Vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium associated with canine infectious respiratory disease.

We encourage clients to submit vaccination records before their scheduled appointment so we can verify that everything is current and address any expired or missing vaccinations ahead of time. Records may also be presented at drop-off, provided all required vaccinations are current.

All guests must also be free of external and internal parasites, and we ask that owners maintain appropriate flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

As a certified facility, we follow the health and safety requirements established with guidance from our overseeing veterinarian. These standards help us reduce preventable health risks and maintain a safer environment for every dog in our care.

Because every rockstar deserves a safe stage, and protecting the whole crew is part of putting on a great show!

Your Backstage Pass

Forms & Paperwork

Before your rockstar joins us for boarding, daycare, or grooming, we'll need a little paperwork to get acquainted and make sure we have the information necessary to care for them safely.

Boarding & Daycare

Download New Client Form & Backstage Bio (PDF)

One convenient packet containing the new client information, boarding/daycare consent, and Backstage Bio for your first dog.

Download Additional Pet Backstage Bio (PDF)

Bringing more than one rockstar? Complete an additional Backstage Bio for each extra dog so we can get to know everyone's individual needs.

Grooming

Download Grooming New Client Form & Consent (PDF)

A separate form covering your dog's grooming needs, health information, service preferences, and required consent.

We encourage completing your paperwork before your scheduled visit so we can review everything and address any questions ahead of time.

A little backstage preparation helps us make every rockstar feel right at home!

Meet Your Rockstar

The Backstage Bio

Every dog has a story, and we want to know yours!

Our Backstage Bio gives us a closer look at your dog's personality, daily routines, favorite activities, comfort preferences, and individual needs before they join us for boarding or daycare.

From feeding schedules and medications to socialization experiences, anxieties, and behaviors that may require extra consideration, these details help our team make thoughtful decisions about your dog's care.

There's no such thing as a wrong answer! Whether your pup loves making new friends, prefers their own space, or needs a little extra reassurance, we want to understand what makes them comfortable.

Because the best backstage experience starts with knowing the rockstar behind the paws!

One Backstage Bio is needed for each dog attending boarding or daycare.

Packing for the Tour

What to Bring & What to Leave at Home

Every rockstar needs a few essentials before heading out on tour! We want your dog's stay to feel as comfortable and familiar as possible, while keeping packing simple for you.

What to Bring

• Your dog’s regular food: Please bring enough of your dog’s regular food for their entire stay. To maintain freshness, cleanliness, and organized feeding routines, all food must be provided in an airtight container or pre-portioned bags labeled with your dog’s name.
• Medications: Bring any medications your dog needs, along with clear instructions for dosage, timing, and administration.
• Specialized feeding equipment: If your dog requires a slow feeder, elevated feeding bowl, or other specialized equipment, please bring it along.
• A special comfort item (optional): If your dog has a favorite toy or blanket they simply can't be without, they're welcome to bring it along!

What We Provide

We've got the backstage comforts covered!

• Food and water bowls, including water buckets
• Comfortable bedding options, including elevated beds, soft beds, and blankets
• Treats and toys
• Plenty of care and attention from our team

A Note About Food

Plans change, and sometimes a rockstar's stay lasts a little longer than expected. No worries—we've got their meals covered!

If your dog's food runs out during their stay, we'll purchase the food listed on their Backstage Bio in the most appropriate available size to keep their regular feeding routine on track.

The cost of any food purchased will be added to your boarding charges.

What to Leave at Home

There's no need to pack extra bedding, blankets, bowls, or toys. We have these essentials ready for our guests, helping us maintain a clean, comfortable, and organized environment.

Of course, that one special comfort item is always welcome!

Just bring the essentials. We'll handle the backstage hospitality!

Behind the Grooming Table

Haircut Lengths, Coat Condition & Humanity Before Vanity

Every rockstar's coat is different, and the haircut you have in mind may not always be the best option for your dog's current coat condition.

Haircut lengths are influenced by coat type, texture, density, matting, and how well the coat can be maintained between appointments. A particular length or style may look different from one dog to another, even within the same breed.

Matting can develop from everyday friction, moisture, shedding, and tangles that gradually tighten close to the skin. When mats become severe, brushing them out can cause pulling, discomfort, and unnecessary stress. Tight matting may also conceal skin irritation or sores.

In these situations, a shorter haircut may be the safest and kindest choice.

Our team will assess your dog's coat, discuss realistic options, and explain when a requested length or style may not be achievable. We'll always aim to preserve as much coat as reasonably possible without compromising your dog's comfort.

Humanity before vanity isn't just a saying. It's how we approach every grooming decision.

Haircuts & Trims: What's the Difference?

Full Haircut

A complete haircut that adjusts the length and shape of your dog's coat across the body, legs, face, and other areas as appropriate for their breed, coat type, and individual needs.

Common for breeds such as Poodles, Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Schnauzers, and Doodles, with styles ranging from short, easy-maintenance cuts to longer, more styled looks.

Minor Trim

A little touch-up without a full haircut! Perfect for maintaining small areas such as around the eyes, feet, or sanitary areas.

This is a great option between regular grooming appointments or for dogs who only need a few small areas tidied rather than a complete outline trim or haircut.

Outline/Tidy-Up

A more thorough trim that neatens your dog's natural shape without giving them a full-body haircut.

Often requested for double-coated breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Great Pyrenees, this service focuses on tidying feathering, stray hairs, and the natural outline of the coat while maintaining its overall length and appearance.

Not sure which service your rockstar needs? Our team is happy to help you choose the best option for their coat and the look you're hoping to achieve!

Bath Services & Coat Care

Basic Bath

A refreshing, routine bath to cleanse your dog's coat, remove everyday dirt, and leave them feeling fresh and comfortable.

Includes: Bath, ear cleaning, nail trimming, brushing, and blow-drying (kennel drying only if blow-drying is not tolerated).

De-Shedding Bath

Designed for dogs with coats that shed heavily or have built-up loose undercoat. Specialized bathing products, thorough drying, and brushing help release and remove loose hair while maintaining the coat's natural protective qualities.

Includes: De-shedding bath, ear cleaning, nail trimming, thorough brush-out, and blow-drying (kennel drying only if blow-drying is not tolerated).

Oatmeal Bath

A soothing bath option for dogs with dry, sensitive, or mildly irritated skin. Oatmeal-based bathing products help gently cleanse and moisturize the skin and coat.

Includes: Oatmeal bath, ear cleaning, nail trimming, brushing, and blow-drying (kennel drying only if blow-drying is not tolerated).

Medicated Bath

A bath using an appropriate medicated shampoo to address specific skin or coat concerns. Product selection and use depend on your dog's individual needs and any applicable veterinary instructions.

For diagnosed skin conditions, we recommend following your veterinarian's treatment recommendations. If your veterinarian has prescribed a specific shampoo for your pup, you're welcome to bring it along! We're happy to help with the bathing process and follow the instructions provided.

Includes: Medicated bath, ear cleaning, nail trimming, brushing, and blow-drying (kennel drying only if blow-drying is not tolerated).

Whitening Bath

A specialty bath designed to brighten white or light-colored coats and help reduce the appearance of discoloration or staining. Results depend on the coat's condition and the cause of staining.

Includes: Whitening bath, ear cleaning, nail trimming, brushing, and blow-drying (kennel drying only if blow-drying is not tolerated).

De-Skunk Bath

When your rockstar has an unfortunate encounter with a skunk, we're here to help!

Our De-Skunk Bath uses specialized odor-neutralizing products to help break down and reduce stubborn skunk odor, rather than simply covering it with fragrance.

Includes: A thorough bath with specialized de-skunking products, ear cleaning, nail trimming, brushing, and blow-drying (kennel drying only if blow-drying is not tolerated).

Complete odor removal cannot be guaranteed after a single treatment, particularly with heavy exposure.

Finishing Touches: The Little Extras

Sometimes a rockstar just needs a little extra pampering! Here's what our finishing touches actually involve.

Nail Trim & Dremel Filing

A nail trim shortens your dog's nails, while optional Dremel filing helps smooth rough or sharp edges for a more rounded finish.

Nail Painting

A fun splash of color for your rockstar's nails! Available for dogs who are comfortable having their paws handled and can sit patiently for application.

Blueberry Facial

A sweet-smelling facial treatment designed to gently cleanse and brighten the fur around your dog's face, leaving them looking and smelling fresh.

Teeth Brushing

A gentle brushing of your dog's teeth to help remove surface debris and freshen their breath. This service is performed only when your dog comfortably allows it. We won't force an unwilling rockstar to cooperate!

Paw Pad Conditioning

A coconut oil treatment applied to your dog's paw pads to help moisturize and soften dry, rough skin.

Nose Conditioning

A coconut oil treatment to help moisturize and soften a dry nose.

Special Grooming Programs

Express Grooming: What to Expect

Express Grooming appointments are arranged in advance on designated slower days, allowing us to provide dedicated, kennel-free grooming time for dogs who need additional accommodations.

Because these appointments are structured differently from our regular grooming services, clients must be available for immediate pickup when their dog's grooming is complete.

Express Grooming is offered on a limited basis and must be requested when scheduling. The additional $20 fee is added to the regular grooming service price.

Puppy Grooming Packages: What to Expect

Our Rehearsal and Opening Act packages are designed to help young rockstars become familiar with grooming through gentle handling, positive experiences, and consistent appointments.

Both packages include four sessions scheduled approximately three weeks apart, allowing puppies to build confidence and become more comfortable with the grooming process over time.

Package Requirements

• Available for puppies up to 15 months old.
• All required vaccinations must be completed before beginning the program.
• Packages are prepaid and include four appointments.
• Appointments are scheduled approximately three weeks apart.
• Grooming activities are introduced according to each puppy's individual comfort and tolerance.

Why Four Sessions?

Confidence comes with familiarity!

By scheduling visits every three weeks, your puppy has regular opportunities to build on what they've learned, become familiar with their groomer, and develop positive associations with grooming.

Our goal isn't simply to get through an appointment. It's to help create a dog who feels more comfortable with grooming throughout their life.

Nine Inch Nails: Understanding Nail Health

Healthy nails are about more than appearances!

When a dog's nails become too long, they can affect how their paws make contact with the ground, changing the way they stand and walk. Over time, this can contribute to discomfort, altered posture, and unnecessary pressure on the toes and joints.

Severely overgrown nails may also curl toward the paw pads, increasing the risk of painful injuries, sores, or infections.

What Is the Quick?

Inside each nail is a sensitive area called the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves.

As nails grow longer, the quick may extend farther into the nail, making it difficult to safely trim them back to an ideal length in a single appointment.

Trimming too much at once can cause pain and bleeding, which is why gradually shortening overgrown nails is often the kinder approach.

Why Weekly Appointments?

Our Nine Inch Nails package includes four weekly appointments with nail trimming and Dremel filing.

Regular maintenance gives us opportunities to gradually shorten the nails as the quick recedes, while helping your dog become more familiar and comfortable with nail care.

Every dog's nails grow differently, and results depend on factors such as quick length, nail growth, and tolerance for handling. Some dogs may need continued maintenance beyond the initial four sessions.

Our goal is healthier nails, more comfortable paws, and a positive nail-care experience for every rockstar!

The Show Must Go On

Scheduling & Visit Details

A little planning helps keep every rockstar's visit running smoothly! Whether your pup is joining us for boarding, daycare, or grooming, here's what to know before the show.

Scheduling Your Visit

Boarding reservations and grooming appointments can be arranged by calling, texting, emailing, or messaging our team through social media.

You're also welcome to stop by during business hours to ask questions or discuss scheduling. Walk-in inquiries are always welcome, but services are provided by appointment and subject to availability.

Drop-Off & Pickup Hours

Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00–10:00 AM and 5:00–6:00 PM

Sunday hours are reserved for scheduled boarding drop-offs and pickups only.

Please plan to pick up your dog during our established hours, as late pickups are not available.

Holiday Arrangements

Our office is closed to the public on major holidays, but our boarding guests continue receiving their regular care, meals, and attention.

Please discuss holiday drop-off and pickup arrangements with our team when making your reservation.

Preparing for Your First Visit

Before your rockstar joins us, please make sure their required paperwork and vaccination records are ready.

For boarding and daycare guests, sharing information about your dog's personality, routines, and social experiences helps us plan appropriate activities and accommodations.

Playtime is based on each dog's size, temperament, energy level, and comfort with other dogs. Some rockstars enjoy group play, while others are happiest with individual attention.

Questions Before the Show?

We're always happy to discuss your dog's needs, answer questions, and help you prepare for their visit.

Because a great experience starts long before your rockstar takes the stage!