Entrusting your dog is entrusting something important. This page presents the charter of a Ethical dog boarding, and the real-world setting in which dogs thrive at Manitou Dog Ranch.

This ethical charter does not present a catalog of services.
It describes the concrete principles that guide my practice, based on about twenty years of experience.

It does not define a universal model. It reflects deliberate choices about what I truly consider beneficial for the well-being of dogs.

The true well-being of dogs, their movement, their rest, and their emotional stability, is the constant priority. Decisions, boundaries, and the organization of the space stem from this.

For an overview of how it works, you can consult Our approach to dog boarding in nature.

Well-being in an ethical dog boarding facility

Every decision in this Ethical dog boarding is oriented toward the dog's quality of life. Safety, emotional stability, the ability to move, rest, and express natural behaviors take precedence over all other considerations.

A thoughtful admission

The framework of this Ethical dog boarding relies on an organization primarily in an outdoor environment, in small structured groups adapted to individuals. The dogs evolve the majority of their time outdoors, in groups generally composed of 2 to 5 dogs.

This framework is not suitable for all profiles.

Admission is based on a gradual integration: preliminary visit, 24-hour trial, then stay.

When necessary, a more gradual acclimatization is proposed. Refusing admission or ending a collaboration when well-being is not assured is an act of responsibility.

A compatibility that can evolve

A successful stay in the past does not guarantee permanent compatibility.

A dog's age, health, or lifestyle can change.

Spot reassessments may be necessary to confirm that the framework remains appropriate.

Limited, voluntary groups

The number of dogs welcomed is intentionally limited.

The density and composition of groups (generally 2 to 5 dogs) are organized to reduce tensions, promote avoidance, and maintain a sustainable balance.

The capacity is determined based on the human resources actually available, not on a performance target.

Every dog is an individual

Not all dogs share the same rhythm or the same needs.

The organization of daily life aims to adapt to individuals rather than impose a uniform operation, when possible. The operational comfort of the keeper does not take precedence over the well-being of the animal.

Collaboration, never coercion

I don't practice forced submersion. I don't tug on a leash.
I don't force a dog to interact, move forward, or be exposed to what overwhelms it.

No interaction is imposed. A dog can isolate itself, observe, or withdraw.

Everything relies on collaboration and stress reduction. The dog participates because it trusts, not because it's forced. This approach is at the heart of my practice and is supported by my certifications. Low Stress Handling and Fear Free.

A lively, stimulating, and restful environment

Dogs primarily evolve in outdoor environments, in varied spaces that allow for movement, exploration, and natural use of their bodies.

Stimulation begins with the living environment: sounds, smells, textures, wildlife and natural variations.

Safe and comfortable shelters are available at all times for rest, respite, and recovery.

Rest is considered essential. Overstimulation is avoided, as is understimulation. Facilities are designed and maintained to minimize avoidable physical risks.

Rigorous hygiene, grounded in reality

Rest areas, common areas, and facilities are regularly maintained.

Fresh water is available at all times.
Feces are collected daily.

A living environment is not sterile.
The commitment is to rigorous, functional hygiene adapted to a natural and collective setting.

Care and emergencies: an immediate response

In case of a health problem, priority is given to stabilizing and immediately relieving the animal.

Responsible individuals are contacted without delay so that they can make important decisions regarding treatments.

No major decisions are made without their agreement, except in life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate intervention.

An emergency plan ensures continuity of care in the event of a major unforeseen event.

Responsibility, clearly assumed

Cohabitation between dogs and exposure to a natural environment carry inherent risks of living.

In a Ethical dog boarding, Transparency about the risks is essential.

When the event stems from a risk inherent in the known and accepted framework, the consequences are addressed with clarity and in good faith.

This distinction aims to clarify the real framework in which dogs operate, not to avoid responsibility.

A constant presence

Presence on-site is the norm.

Operational responsibility for dogs is primarily taken on by the caretaker, within a stable living environment ensuring continuity and vigilance.

In case of exceptional and brief absence, the environment remains secure and an emergency plan ensures continuity.

Communication tailored to each individual

Entrusting your dog to a third party is an act of trust.

Communications during the stay are adapted to each owner's preferences, according to an agreement established before the dog's arrival.

News is shared, especially during the early days, often in the form of photos or videos.

All requests for news receive a response.

The relationship is based on trust and clarity of expectations established before the stay.

A true partnership

The dog's well-being relies on collaboration between the caregiver and the owner.

Expectations, framework limitations, and risks are addressed upfront to avoid misunderstandings.

In the event of an unforeseen occurrence, communication remains open and focused on a responsible and peaceful resolution.

The dog is not a tool

Dogs are never used for demonstration, performance, or image purposes.

Visual documentation, when carried out, respects the natural context of life and requires prior authorization.

The dog remains a subject, never a tool.

A practice in motion

Stability does not exclude questioning.

After about twenty years of practice, I deliberately cultivate the beginner's gaze: observing without assuming, questioning rather than taking for granted.

Qualified external review is seen as an opportunity to identify blind spots and adjust practices when necessary.

Improvement relies on observation, reflection, and consistency.

My commitment

I commit to consistently upholding this framework, recognizing my limitations, challenging myself when necessary, and prioritizing the actual well-being of dogs in my decisions.

This document does not constitute an idealized promise, but a concrete, clear-sighted, and constant commitment.