Dog FAQ’s and Rules
It’s important that everyone have a safe and enjoyable time at Taps & Tails.
Below are the rules and requirements of all dogs visiting Taps & Tails.
AGE/HEALTH
Dogs over 6 months of age are eligible for group play only after they have been spayed or neutered.
Must have yearly heart worm test and fecal sample.
On a flea and tick regimen
Free of wounds or stitches of any kind
Wearing a quick-release collar
Dogs in heat or pregnant may not enter the dog park
Upon admission, all dogs must be free of any condition that could potentially jeopardize other guests, including fleas or ticks.
Owners will need to verify that their dogs are in good health and have not been ill within the last 30 days.
Dogs that have been ill with a communicable condition in the last 30 days will require veterinarian verification of health to be admitted or re-admitted.
Dogs cannot be coughing or sneezing when dropped off or while in the park
Dogs must not have stitches staples or an Elizabethan Collar
BEHAVIOR
Dogs must be friendly towards other dogs and people and not protective of food, toys or space
All dogs must pass initial temperament test and dog-to-dog introduction
All dogs must be non-aggressive. Owners will need to certify that their dog(s) has not harmed or shown any aggression or threatening behavior towards any person or other dog.
Puppies and shelter dogs must be in the home for at least 3 weeks prior to visiting
VACCINES REQUIRED
Rabies
Distemper (DHPP/DHLPP)
Leptospirosis
Bordetella
Accepted form of flea/tick medication
Year-round monthly heart worm prevention
PAPERWORK/REGISTRATION
Completed Registration Form on file prior to entering. This can be completed online or in person. If you do not want to register your dog in person, please be prepared to have electronic copies of current vaccinations on hand.
Licenses, vaccine information and ID tags must be affixed to each dog’s collar and a collar must be worn by dogs at all times.
Dogs must be up-to-date on ALL vaccinations. Owners must submit written proof from their veterinarian. It is owners responsibility to make sure that your pet continues to be fully vaccinated while visiting. We reserve the right to remove your dog from the facility if they are not fully vaccinated or spayed/neutered by 6 months.
Why do you require dogs over 6 months to be spayed or neutered?
We understand that spay and neuter recommendations have changed in recent years, and many veterinarians now recommend waiting until 12–24 months for certain breeds. We fully support following your veterinarian's medical recommendations.
Important: Our policy is about group play eligibility, not veterinary advice. We always encourage owners to follow their veterinarian's recommendations regarding the timing of spaying or neutering.
Our policy is not intended to tell owners when they should spay or neuter their dog. Instead, it determines when dogs are eligible to participate in our daycare and off-leash dog park.
Around 6 months of age, many dogs begin reaching sexual maturity. Female dogs may experience their first heat cycle, and hormonal changes in both males and females can influence behavior, social interactions, mounting, marking, resource guarding, and conflicts during group play.
We intentionally allow puppies between 4 and 6 months old because this is an important developmental period for healthy socialization and learning positive play skills.
If your veterinarian recommends waiting longer before your dog is altered, we encourage you to follow their medical advice. Your dog is welcome to return to daycare and group play after they have been spayed or neutered.
Our goal is to balance two important priorities:
Supporting healthy puppy socialization during early development.
Providing the safest possible environment for all dogs as they reach sexual maturity.
My dog is very friendly. Can you make an exception?
We hear this question often, and we absolutely understand where you're coming from.
Many intact dogs are incredibly friendly and well-socialized. However, our policy isn't based on whether your dog is friendly—it's based on maintaining a safe environment for every dog in our care.
As dogs mature, hormones can influence how dogs interact with one another. An intact dog may unintentionally attract attention or trigger behaviors in other dogs, even if they are behaving perfectly themselves. Because every dog responds differently, it's impossible to predict every interaction in a large group setting.
For that reason, we apply the same policy to every dog rather than making individual exceptions. This helps us maintain a fair, consistent, and safe environment for all of our guests.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming your pup back to group play after they have been spayed or neutered.