Policies & FAQs
Policies & FAQs
We created this informational page to summarize who we are and what we do so that you know what to expect prior to visiting.
If you do not find the answers to your questions, please email welovedogs@pawhouseinn.com or call (802)558-2661 between 8am-8pm and we are happy to help.
Our Pawlicies
First two rules of our property are:
Please have fun
Please be respectful
With these excellent rules in mind we have fine-tuned our pawlicies to provide the highest level of safety and service. We are not draconian! Instead we take extra care and cover all bases.
Please review our policies before booking. Thank you so much in advance for appreciating our efforts.
No Additional Fee
Dogs are Welcome…
Dog Pawfile Form
Size and Breed
Vaccinations and Titers
Barking and Howling
Dog Waste
Accidents and Autographs
Reservation and Cancel Policies
No Additional Fee. Room rates are based upon up to two dogs. Three dogs are welcome - there is an additional fee of $25 per night for a third dog. If you plan to bring more than 3 dogs, please contact us before booking online. There is no additional deposit for damages, but in the event that something does happen, we reserve the right for full reimbursement. Please note that you will be charged $10 per night if you do not bring a dog.
Dogs are Welcome. When with their humans, all dogs are permitted in the private guest rooms, breakfast rooms, dog park, and common areas. To be clear, dogs are NOT permitted to be left alone in a private bedroom or cottage where we cannot take care of them. Instead, we provide Mario’s Bunkhouse - our private on-site dog facility where we provide pawsonal attention to every dog while in our care. More on this. If you feel that you must leave your dog(s) alone in a guest room or cottage, we ask that you do not visit. Why? Because after more than two decades of owning the inn, we have seen too many “not my dogs” or “my dogs would never” cause harm to themselves and our property after being left alone in a private guest room. Thank you so much for your understanding.
Size and Breed. We welcome dogs of all sizes and breeds. We understand that sometimes dogs have disagreements and can be startled in new places. However, dogs who are predictably aggressive towards people or other dogs cannot stay at our inn. If your dog exhibits any aggression we will ask you to leave without refund. If you have any concerns about this policy please contact us. If your dog is sensitive to confined spaces or being approached while on leash, you will be asked to tie a yellow ribbon around his or her leash to inform the other guests and our staff of your dog's need for ‘pawsonal’ space.
Dog Pawfile Form. Upon making your reservation you will receive a link to a ‘Dog Pawfile Form’ where you can inform us about temperament and any concerns that you may have relating to interactions with our staff, other dogs, and other guests. We use this information to ensure the safety and welfare of all dogs while in our care. Prior to your arrival we will review this form and contact you if we have any concerns. Further, upon arrival our trained staff will greet you and make sure that everyone is most comfortable with their new surroundings.
Vaccinations and Titers. For the safety of all dog guests, we require written proof from your vet that your dog is current on vaccinations for DHLLP (a.k.a. distemper, DHL2P or 5 in 1) and rabies. Proof can be a receipt with dates of vaccinations/titers or a note from your vet. Upon making a reservation you will be asked to upload a photo or pdf of your vaccination/titer records. Bordetella is suggested but not required.
Barking and Howling. One of the best things about our inn? We are all dog lovers who understand and appreciate dogs. There is no need to use the back door with your pup unless you want to. There is no need to worry about a woof or two. That said, we ask that all dogs refrain from habitual barking and howling.
Humans should also refrain from habitual barking or howling. If your dog’s (or your partner’s) barking and howling is disruptive to other guests, we reserve the right to ask you to leave without a refund. If you are concerned that your dog is more ‘alert’ than most other dogs, don’t despair. Talk to us before you make a reservation and we will do our very best to help you choose the most appropriate accommodations.
Dog Waste. We require that all guests pick up after their dog. There are clearly marked and strategically placed canisters to ensure the highest standards for sanitary disposal. The next sentence seems almost ridiculous to write, however, it is sometimes necessary. If you do not pick up after your dog(s) - or if you opt to leave used dog waste bags anywhere other than the designated canisters, you will be asked to leave immediately with no refund. Thank you for your understanding.
Accidents and Autographs. We require that your dog be housebroken, but we also understand that accidents happen. Every room is equipped with an oops kit and dog towels for unpredictable events. We ask you to monitor marking and inform us if there is an autograph or accident. Also, if you have an older dog who may struggle or younger pup who is just learning, please let us know. We will do whatever we can to provide you with an accommodation that minimizes the impact to our property and your stress while here.
No additional Fee. Room rates are based upon up to two dogs. Three dogs are welcome - there is an additional fee of $25 per night for a third dog. If you plan to bring more than 3 dogs, please contact us before booking online. There is no additional deposit for damages, but in the event that something does happen, we reserve the right for full reimbursement. Please note that you will be charged $10 per night if you do not bring a dog.
Dogs are Welcome. When with their humans, all dogs are permitted in the private guest rooms, breakfast rooms, dog park, and common areas. To be clear, dogs are NOT permitted to be left alone in a private bedroom or cottage where we cannot take care of them. Instead, we provide Mario’s Bunkhouse - our private on-site dog facility where we provide pawsonal attention to every dog while in our care.. More on this. If you feel that you must leave your dog(s) alone in a guest room or cottage, we ask that you do not visit. Why? Because after more than two decades of owning the inn, we have seen too many “not my dogs” or “my dogs would never” cause harm to themselves and our property after being left alone in a private guest room. Thank you so much for your understanding.
Size and Breed. We welcome dogs of all sizes and breeds. We understand that sometimes dogs have disagreements and can be startled in new places. However, dogs who are predictably aggressive towards people or other dogs cannot stay at our inn. If your dog exhibits any aggression we will ask you to leave without refund. If you have any concerns about this policy please contact us. If your dog is sensitive to confined spaces or being approached while on leash, you will be asked to tie a yellow ribbon around his or her leash to inform the other guests and our staff of your dog's need for pawsonal space.
Dog Pawfile Form. Upon making your reservation you will receive a link to a ‘Dog Pawfile Form’ where you can inform us about temperament and any concerns that you may have relating to interactions with our staff, other dogs, and other guests. We use this information to ensure the safety and welfare of all dogs while in our care. Prior to your arrival we will review this form and contact you if we have any concerns. Further, upon arrival our trained staff will greet you and make sure that everyone is most comfortable with their new surroundings.
Vaccinations and Titers. For the safety of all dog guests, we require written proof from your vet that your dog is current on vaccinations for DHLLP (a.k.a. distemper, DHL2P or 5 in 1) and rabies. Proof can be a receipt with dates of vaccinations/titers or a note from your vet. Upon making a reservation you will be asked to upload a photo or pdf of your vaccination/titer records. Bordetella is suggested but not required.
Barking and Howling. One of the best things about our inn? We are all dog lovers who understand and appreciate dogs. There is no need to use the back door with your pup unless you want to. There is no need to worry about a woof or two. That said, we ask that all dogs refrain from habitual barking and howling.
Humans should also refrain from habitual barking or howling. If your dog’s (or your partner’s) barking and howling is disruptive to other guests, we reserve the right to ask you to leave without a refund. If you are concerned that your dog is more ‘alert’ than most other dogs, don’t despair. Talk to us before you make a reservation and we will do our very best to help you choose the most appropriate accommodations.
Dog Waste. We require that all guests pick up after their dog. There are clearly marked and strategically placed canisters to ensure the highest standards for sanitary disposal. The next sentence seems almost ridiculous to write, however, it is sometimes necessary. If you do not pick up after your dog(s) - or if you opt to leave used dog waste bags anywhere other than the designated canisters, you will be asked to leave immediately with no refund. Thank you for your understanding.
Accidents and Autographs. We require that your dog be housebroken, but we also understand that accidents happen. Every room is equipped with an oops kit and dog towels for unpredictable events. We ask you to monitor marking and inform us if there is an autograph or accident. Also, if you have an older dog who may struggle or younger pup who is just learning, please let us know. We will do whatever we can to provide you with an accommodation that minimizes the impact to our property and your stress while here.
Reservation Policy
Reservations can be made online or by phone between 8am - 8pm.
We will confirm your reservation by e-mail, which will also contain a link to the ‘Dog Pawfile Form’ - a fun and informative questionnaire that will help us to best prepare for your visit.
Upon making a reservation you will be charged a deposit equal to 1/2 of your total stay. The balance plus 9% tax is due upon checking in. Should you have to leave early, there are no refunds. When available, one night stays will be charged the full amount including a $10 one night fee + 9% tax.
Cancellation Policy
1) For cancelled reservations we require a 21 day advance notice to receive either:
a full refund less an administrative fee of 15% of the deposit or $50 (whichever is greater) or
the entire deposit can be applied to a future stay.
2) For reservations cancelled within 21 days before the arrival date
If we are able to rebook the room for the entirety of your reservation, you can apply the entire deposit towards a future visit within the ensuing 12 months.
If we are unable to rebook the room for the entirety of the reservation, unfortunately the guest will forfeit the entire deposit
3) In the event we do not receive notice of a cancellation, you will be charged the full amount of the stay.
4) In the event that you have to leave early for any reason, there are no refunds.
Check-in &
Check-out Times
Visiting The Paw House Inn with your furry friends is a unique experience. For this reason, our check-ins are personalized and caninized (wait, that can't be right). For all first time guests, check in is arranged by appointment ONLY from 2pm - 7pm except Friday when hours are extended to 9pm. We understand that sometimes delays occur. In the event that you are running later than anticipated, we require that you call us en route. Our phone number is 802-558-2661. Please be courteous and contact us as soon as you know if your arrival time changes. Thank you.
Check out is at 11. If you require a later check out time, please ask. If we can accommodate you, we will.
Planning to arrive in Vermont earlier than 2pm or leave later than 11am? If so, extended doggie care is available prior to arrival and after check out for $25 per dog and is dependent upon availability.
General Q&A
What is included in the nightly rate?
For human guests:
Overnight accommodations for two humans. Additional humans are welcome in our suites and cottages for a $25 per night.
Each accommodation has a full private bathroom and well appointed creature comforts,
A three-course country breakfast to order (not continental) each morning for all humans where all good dogs are welcome. We strive to use local ingredients and can accommodate most dietary requests.
Easy access to a well equipped guest kitchenette with a fridge, freezer, microwave, utensils, prep and cleaning area where you can prepare meals for you and your dog(s).
Fast and free wi-fi.
Smart TVs with ROKU with a full suite of cable channels and streaming options.
Individual thermostats for customized temperature control in every season.
For dog guests:
Tennis balls.
Overnight accommodations for two dogs of any size. Additional dogs are welcome for $25 per night.
24/7 access to Diggins Park - a fully fenced in private dog park about ½ the size of a football field.
A recreational agility course with tunnels, see-saw, jumps, A-frame and more!
Unlimited use of Mario’s Bunkhouse - our custom built dog facility where we make certain that all dog(s) in our care are comfortable.
Homemade dog treats upon arrival. Yum.
Custom built dog bed in every room.
Easy access to a doggie cleaning station.
Unlimited belly rubs (for the dogs only, please…)
Which accommodation should I choose?
Each room, suite, and cottage has its own special features. You can read about each using this link.
Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive are as follows. If you do not see your question answered here, please call between 8am-8pm or email any time.
Q: My dog can’t climb stairs. Which rooms are on the first floor?
A: Within the inn, Spot, Dogwood, and Stanley’s Studio are each on the first floor. Both cottages are also first floor accessible.
Q: My dog can climb stairs, but needs a carpet or tread to be comfortable. Which accommodation should I choose or avoid?
A: The following second floor rooms have a carpet tread to help dogs climb stairs: Shakespeare’s Retreat, Good Dog, Bad Dog, and The Bark Avenue Suite. The Chase is a great room with carpeted treads, BUT, the stairs are ¾ tread and can be difficult for dogs who are stair challenged.
Q: Which units can accommodate more than 2 humans?
A: The Bark Avenue Suite, The Chase, Dogwood, Shakespeare’s Retreat and both cottages can accommodate more than 2 humans. Please see accommodationsfor de’tails.’
Q: My dog barks when he/she hears noises. Can I stay? If so, which accommodation would be best for me?
A: For dogs who are more ‘alert’ to their surroundings, we suggest The Chase, Spot, Bark Avenue, Stanley’s Studio, or either of the cottages because each of these units has a private entrance. This said, the other units can usually work well as we do our best to limit sound noise and foot traffic. Please call between 8am-8pm or email any time if you need help with this.
Are dogs welcome at breakfast?
All well-behaved dogs are welcome in our indoor and outdoor dining areas. If you are uncomfortable bringing your dog(s) to breakfast, we offer Mario’s Bunkhouse as an option for you to enjoy your breakfast in peace.
What is Mario’s Bunkhouse?
Mario’s Bunkhouse is our custom-built, climate controlled dog facility available as an ideal option for when you explore Vermont without your dog(s). All included in the nightly rate! For complete information about Mario’s, please see this link.