Guidelines for Intact DogsWag Atlanta is one of the few pet resorts in the Atlanta area that accepts intact (not spayed/neutered) animals. Because of this, we must be incredibly careful about when and how we accept these pets for the health and safety of all dogs in our care.
Female DogsWag Atlanta will not be able to house any females that are in heat, about to come into heat, have just concluded their heat cycle, or are pregnant.
What do I do if my pet goes into heat during their visit? We have to have your pup picked up immediately if she goes into heat. This means you will need to arrange for someone to come get her. There are many options if you are not personally able to come get your dog, such as: pet sitters, a family member or friend, or veterinary boarding. What constitutes being in heat? During a female’s heat cycle, their inner walls of their uterus swell and shed, causing them to bleed from their vuvla. Their vulva swells as well. Females will be considered in heat if they are actively bleeding from their vulva, or if their vulva is swollen and protruding. Female dogs usually go into heat once every 6-7 months, and their cycle lasts for 2-4 weeks. We recommend that you keep track of your pet’s heat cycle to avoid unexpected interruptions to your plans, or accidental pregnancies. Why can't Wag Atlanta keep my dog when they go into heat? A safe and calm environment for all the dogs in our care is our goal. When a female dog is in heat, she produces potent pheromones that all the dogs at our facility react to in their own way. This causes increased stress, potential conflicts and is a dangerous position for your pup, our team and every dog at our facility. Though the intact male dogs in our care are kept separated from every dog in our care, the risk of pregnancy is also a concern. A determined dog is a danger and will find a way to get to your baby, putting our team at risk. 
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What happens if I cannot come pick up my dog in heat?
Wag Atlanta is not properly set up to accommodate dogs who are in heat, which is why they need to leave the premises as fast as possible. In the event that you are completely unsuccessful in having someone pick up your dog, she will be moved to our most secluded luxury suite at your expense. This suite has a rate of $90 per night. There will be an additional $50/day charge as well. If your dog needs to be transported, we may be able to accommodate this depending on the distance for an additional fee. Failing to collect your dog immediately when in heat from Wag Atlanta will result in disqualification from using our services in the future. How can I plan for my dogs heat cycle? In addition to keeping track of their cycle, have a back up plan for their boarding. Get comfortable with a sitter or friend caring for you pup and make sure they are okay with safely caring for your dog during her heat. If you are aware that your dog may go into heat during her stay with us, please go ahead and use your back up sitter. We do not want to interrupt your travels. It will be a smoother stay for you, your pet, our team and all the dogs in our care if we can avoid it. Male DogsWe welcome well behaved intact male dogs, with the exception of pit bulls and similar mixes or breeds over 6 months old. Intact male dogs who have reached maturity, typically 7 months old, will have individual potty/play breaks and would not be included in our group play program.
You may consider a higher level of training for larger or higher energy breeds. Training an intact male dog is important because testosterone naturally increases his reactivity, distractibility, and territorial instincts. Training gives you reliable cues to redirect your dog’s attention away from environmental triggers helping to prevent reactivity. The scent of a male hormone may cause other dogs to react defensively, obedience cues help you control greetings and keep your dog polite on walks and social interactions. |
