Please Confirm Your Evaluation!
In order to keep your evaluation reserved that we have scheduled, please confirm you will still be coming at least 12 hours prior to your appointment. Based upon your selection on your application, you will be dropping off your dog for either a basic evaluation (45-60 minutes), or the half day evaluation ($25, 2-4 hours).
WHERE IS THE EVALUATION LOCATED?
For safety and security purposes, my address is not listed online and is only provided once an evaluation is scheduled. I am located at:
6030 Westport Lane. Naples, FL 34116.
The $25.00 half-day payment may be made at either drop-off or pickup, whichever is most convenient for you.
The following payment methods are accepted:
Cash
Check (payable to Dog Ranch)
Venmo: @dogranchnaples
Zelle: 262-689-4428 or info@dogranchnaples.com
If you have any questions regarding payment, please don't hesitate to ask before your appointment.
Do you offer in-home tours before, during or after the evaluation?
No. After more than a decade of professional dog sitting, I no longer offer in-person walkthroughs of my home. While this was something I previously provided, I found that frequent visits from new people became invasive to my personal living space and raised concerns related to safety, security, and liability.
More importantly, introducing unfamiliar people into the home can be extremely stimulating for some dogs and very stressful for others. With a wide range of canine personalities—from highly excitable to fearful or sensitive—it often disrupted the calm, peaceful environment I work hard to maintain. I pride myself on providing a safe, low-stress, and comfortable setting for all dogs in my care, and limiting unnecessary disruptions is an important part of that.
To ensure transparency, my website includes a dedicated tour section that shows the space where dogs stay and relax. I am also happy to share photos or videos during your dog’s evaluation or stay so you can see them settled in and enjoying their environment.
I appreciate everyone’s understanding and trusting the process that allows me to put your dog’s comfort, safety, and well-being first. If a video tour or photos are not something you are okay with, I may not be the best fit for accommodating your dog(s) as I unfortunately no longer sway on this walk through policy.
Arriving for your evaluation:
Please arrive on time for your scheduled evaluation. I recommend planning to arrive approximately 10 minutes early to allow for traffic or other unexpected delays and to ensure you are ready to drop your dog at your scheduled appointment time.
Please plan your travel accordingly, as evaluations are scheduled by appointment and often followed by other clients.
Communication is also an important part of the process. Please take the time to read all instructions provided before your appointment and respond promptly to emails, text messages, or phone calls if additional information or confirmation is requested. Keeping the lines of communication open helps ensure a smooth experience for both you and your dog.
When you arrive:
I will do my best to be outside waiting for your arrival. Once you've parked, you may leave your vehicle running if you prefer to unload your dog(s).
Please remove your dog(s) from the vehicle one at a time, ensuring they remain securely on leash and under control at all times.
Many dogs need a few moments to sniff, urinate, or have a bowel movement due to the excitement or stress of arriving in a new environment. You're welcome to allow your dog a brief opportunity to relieve themselves before I take your dog(s).
Once your dog is ready, I will take them into the fenced evaluation area. At this time, you will leave and your dog(s) will remain at for the duration of the assessment.
Payment for half day evals:
Arrival instructions:
When you turn into the driveway, you will see the Dog Ranch sign straight ahead;, along with a directional "Keep Right" sign.
Please follow the driveway to the right and proceed until you reach a storage shed on your right hand side. Stop here and give your vehicle enough room to pull around the circle.
When your drop off is complete, you may continue forward and follow the driveway around to exit the property without needing to back up or turn around.
Picking up your dog:
Your pickup time will depend on the type of evaluation you selected (half-day or full-day). Your scheduled pickup time will be confirmed prior to your appointment.
Whenever possible, I will send you a text message within the first 20 minutes of your dog's arrival to let you know how they are settling in and provide a brief update.
Please plan to arrive on time for pickup. Because evaluations and boarding appointments are carefully scheduled throughout the day, timely pickups help keep the schedule running smoothly and ensure each dog receives the attention they deserve.
If you anticipate being delayed, please contact me as soon as possible so we can discuss arrangements. Delays without communication may affect other scheduled appointments.
Evaluation results & next steps:
We'll discuss your dog's evaluation either at pickup or, in some cases, through text updates during their assessment.
If your dog's evaluation is successful and they are a good fit for the program, you'll receive a Welcome Letter outlining the next steps. This email includes important information about the boarding program, policies, and instructions for requesting future overnight reservations.
Please note that the evaluation is designed to ensure that my environment is the right fit for your dog and that I can safely meet their individual needs. While many dogs are approved to continue with boarding, not every dog is suited for every environment. If I feel another setting would better support your dog's success, I will discuss my observations with you and provide honest feedback.