🐾 Universal Dog Care Orlando – Frequently Asked Questions🐾

Short on time? The Quick answers above cover rates, hours, vaccines, and what to bring; the full list of 33 questions is below. Text (407) 480-9669 with any question not answered below — you’ll hear back in minutes. New here? See exactly what to expect on your first visit.

Structured Dog Boarding & Dog Daycare Near Universal Studios & EPIC Universe

If you're searching for safe, structured dog boarding near Universal Studios Orlando, you're in the right place.

At Universal Dog Care Orlando, we believe:

Small playgroups create safe, playful environments which leads to calm dogs.
Structure creates safety…that’s why we do everything we do on a pretty tight schedule.
Safety creates peace of mind for you and good memories for your dog, leading to better experiences in the future.

Below are the questions we hear most often — answered clearly and honestly.

Prefieres leer esta guía en español? We also offer this complete guide in Spanish for our Spanish-speaking community. Read Guardería Canina vs. Hospedaje para Perros en Orlando: ¿Cuál es la Mejor Opción para Tu Perro? here

🐾 Safety & Structured Play🐾

🧠 What makes Universal Dog Care Orlando different from other dog boarding facilities?

We specialize in a Structured Play Model, which is designed to keep dogs calm, safe, and emotionally balanced.

This means:

✔️ Small, carefully matched playgroups
✔️ Temperament testing before group placement
✔️ Controlled indoor environment
✔️ Constant supervision
✔️ No chaotic warehouse-style free-for-all

We do not have over-crowded playrooms, and we do not rotate unfamiliar staff throughout the day.

Instead, we intentionally create a calm and predictable environment — something especially important for:

• Anxious pet parents
• Bulldogs and brachycephalic breeds (who get sick to their stomach with overstimulation and large changes)
• Dogs who do not thrive in loud or chaotic daycare environments

With 25+ years of rescue experience and thousands of five-star reviews, our structured dog daycare and boarding model has proven to create safer, happier dogs.

🐶 Do you separate dogs by size and temperament?

Yes — always.

Every dog in our Orlando dog daycare and boarding program is evaluated and placed intentionally based on:

• Size
• Energy level
• Play style
• Confidence level

Every dog is temperament tested on arrival. Dogs who are not comfortable around other dogs move to private care — time with our humans only, no dog interaction — available for an upgrade fee. Dogs who show aggression toward people can sometimes stay with precautions, such as keeping a leash on during the day; if it is more than we can safely manage, we will ask you to pick up within the first few minutes of care.

We don’t mix large, high-drive dogs with small or low-energy dogs. The one exception is a calm senior — a gentle gray-faced Boxer, for example, who does beautifully with a small group and treats them all like her own puppies. We care for a lot of super-senior dogs over 15 years old; they can be fragile and unsure, like puppies in many ways, so we keep them in whichever group best supports their needs.

Careful matching keeps play safe, calm, and enjoyable for every dog. We call ourselves Paw Friend Matchmakers.

🧪 What is temperament testing?

Before joining group play, every dog participates in a controlled temperament evaluation.

During this assessment, we observe:

• Comfort around other dogs
• Social behavior
• Emotional stability
• Play style & Energy Level

If group play is not the best fit, we offer structured alternatives so every dog can still enjoy a safe stay. We have many senior or shy dogs that we can create a safe environment for with enough play to keep them stimulated.

Safety always comes first.

🐕 Are you a good fit for Bulldogs and smooshie-faced breeds?

Yes — especially.

With 25+ years of English and French Bulldog rescue experience, we understand the special needs of brachycephalic breeds, including:

• Heat sensitivity
• Breathing considerations
• Overstimulation risks
• Energy management

Our small playgroups and climate-controlled indoor environment make Universal Dog Care Orlando an excellent choice for bulldogs and other flat-faced breeds.

🚫 What restrictions are there?

For safety reasons, we cannot accept dogs that:

• Have been coughing recently
• Have open wounds or recent surgery
• Have contagious illnesses
• Show aggression toward people that we can’t safely manage (dogs who don’t like other dogs are welcome in private care)

If you're unsure whether your dog qualifies, feel free to text us and ask.

❤️ I'm nervous about leaving my dog. Is that normal?

Absolutely.

Many of our families are first-time boarding clients or anxious pet parents.

Our structured model helps reduce stress through:

• Predictable daily routines
• Small playgroups
• Calm leadership
• Constant supervision

Dogs adapt beautifully when they understand the structure and feel safe.

🏡 Your Dog’s Stay

🕖 What does a typical day look like?

A typical day at our Orlando dog daycare and boarding facility includes:

🕕 Morning potty break
🍽️ Meals on your dog’s normal schedule
🎾 Supervised small-group play
🚻 Scheduled potty and hydration breaks
🌿 Leash time in our secure yard
😴 Rest and nap time
🌙 Calm evening wind-down

We treat every dog like family — combining structure, love, and constant supervision.

🛏️ Where do dogs sleep at night?

Each dog has their own private sleeping area, including:

• A sanitized deluxe dog bed or crate, depending on your dog’s needs (dogs who destroy property or who can’t be in a room alone because of anxiety and might benefit by being near another dog, yet not in contact with them or who are blind and need an enclosed area benefit from being in a crate). As always, we go with what your dog needs.
• Fresh water and the food you provide to us

• A calm, quiet environment

Dogs are supervised on-site overnight for safety and comfort.

🌿 What care options do you offer?

We provide flexible options depending on your needs:

• All-day dog daycare
• Overnight dog boarding
• Multi-day stays
• Private care — time with our humans only, no dog interaction (available for an upgrade fee)
• Baths, nails, and teeth brushing — text for a quote

You choose your check-in and check-out times — we handle the rest.

We also send photos and videos throughout the day so you can see your dog relaxed, playing, and happy.

🐶 Do you accept puppies?

Yes!

Puppies 8 weeks and older are welcome as long as they are ready to be separated from their mother. Puppies under 16 weeks are accepted with the vaccines they have had so far and a note from their vet on whether they can be around other dogs. We follow the vet’s guidance: a small, gentle playgroup when it is safe, or private care with our humans only until their shots are complete.

🐾 Do you accept un-neutered or in-heat dogs?

Yes.

We accept un-neutered dogs and dogs in heat.

Dogs in heat may require separate accommodations, a Pregnancy Safe Play Group of females and neutered males and may include a small additional fee. We will confirm details when booking.

🏆 What experience do you have caring for dogs?

Universal Dog Care Orlando has more than 25 years of dog rescue and professional dog care experience.

We have worked with many breeds, personalities, and temperaments.

Our goal is always the same:

Help every dog feel safe, comfortable, and emotionally balanced while away from home.

📍 Location & Booking

🏢 How close are you to Universal Studios and EPIC Universe?

We are located:

📍 About 1.8 miles as the crow flies from Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay
📍 Near the EPIC Universe staff parking area

If you're searching for:

• Dog boarding near Universal Studios Orlando
• Dog daycare near International Drive
• Dog boarding near EPIC Universe

Our location makes drop-off quick and convenient for both locals and visitors.

📅 What information do you need to schedule my dog’s care?

To send you rates and availability, we need three details:

Just text (407) 480-9669 with:

1️⃣ Exact drop-off date and time
2️⃣ Exact pickup date and time
3️⃣ Your dog’s breed and weight

Having this information allows us to confirm availability immediately and give you an accurate rate.

⏰ Are you open 24 hours?

Yes — we are open 24/7 by appointment.

Drop off and pick up at any hour, day or night — early flights, late park nights, Halloween Horror Nights, holidays. Just text us your times. Your rate is based on the drop-off and pickup times you choose.

📅 Do I need to book in advance?

Yes — especially during:

• Holidays
• Summer travel season
• Universal Studios events
• Halloween Horror Nights
• EPIC Universe Special Events

We recommend reserving early to guarantee your dog’s spot.

⏰ How early can I drop off for a Universal park day?

As early as you need — we are open 24/7 by appointment.

1️⃣ Drop off at any hour, before the parks open
2️⃣ Quick and easy handoff
3️⃣ Your dog is settled before your park day begins

This allows you to start your day stress-free while your pup is already in a safe environment.

Want to learn how we help reduce anxiety and create a calm, comfortable experience for dogs? Click here to learn more about our stress-free approach.

📸 Do you provide photo updates while I travel?

Yes — we keep you connected with your dog while you’re away.

1️⃣ Regular photo updates
2️⃣ See your dog playing and relaxing
3️⃣ Peace of mind throughout your trip

You’ll always know your pup is happy and safe.

📹 Do you have webcams?

No — and that’s on purpose. We send you photos and videos of your dog throughout the day, so you see your dog playing, resting, and being loved, not an empty corner of a room on a camera feed. Most families tell us it’s the part of the stay they love most.

🐾 How are dogs grouped? Are they supervised at all times?

Safety and structure are our top priorities.

1️⃣ Dogs grouped by size, temperament, and play style
2️⃣ Small dog–only environment is available for tiny dogs and dogs with special needs
3️⃣ Constant, hands-on supervision until they are in a private area to sleep

Every dog is monitored to ensure a safe and positive experience.

💉 What vaccinations are required for Florida boarding?

We follow Florida safety guidelines to protect every dog.

1️⃣ Private Care: Rabies required
2️⃣ Group Play: Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella
3️⃣ All dogs checked at drop-off for fleas and ticks, quick belly check to make sure there is nothing crawling

We also recommend flea prevention and routine deworming for overall health.

Please email your pup’s Florida-required vaccination records to 📧 UniversalDogCareOrlando@gmail.com

💳 How do I pay? Do you take credit cards?

We make payment simple and convenient. We send you a secure link which takes all STRIPE payments…

1️⃣ Credit and debit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, and more methods are accepted
2️⃣ Secure and easy checkout
3️⃣ Quick payment process

This allows you to focus on your plans without hassle.

🐕 Do you accept large dogs?

Yes, we do. We have a separate group for large dogs. We match them with Paw Friends they can enjoy.

1️⃣ Safer and more controlled environment
2️⃣ Better group compatibility
3️⃣ More personalized attention

This ensures a calm and comfortable experience for every dog.

📅 What’s your cancellation policy?

We keep our policy simple and transparent.

1️⃣ 48 hours or more ahead: refund minus a $35 per dog cancellation fee
2️⃣ 24 to 48 hours ahead: 50% of the booking total is charged
3️⃣ Less than 24 hours ahead: no refund. Or bank your stay as credit for a future date, with no cancellation fee

👉 Please visit our Cancellation Policy page for full details.

🐱 Do you accept cats?

We focus exclusively on dog care.

1️⃣ Dog-only environment
2️⃣ Lower stress for all dogs
3️⃣ Specialized attention for dogs

This allows us to provide the highest level of care.

🎃 Are you open during Halloween Horror Nights?

Yes — we are always open, but we are the expert at accommodations for HHN.

1️⃣ Extended hours for late park nights
2️⃣ Flexible drop-off and pickup options
3️⃣ Perfect for evening park visitors

You can enjoy the event while your dog stays safe, calm, and cared for.

We have a special page just for Halloween Horror Nights

🎄 Are you open Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays?

Yes — we provide dog boarding and daycare during major holidays, including Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

December is one of the busiest travel seasons in Orlando due to holiday events, resort stays, ICE at Gaylord Palms, and Christmas vacation travel.

1️⃣ Holiday boarding available with advance reservations
2️⃣ Flexible drop off and pickup scheduling
3️⃣ Limited availability during peak holiday weeks

👉 Learn more about our holiday services here:

💲 How does your pricing work?

Our pricing is based on your exact schedule and your dog’s needs.

1️⃣ Drop-off date and time
2️⃣ Pickup date and time
3️⃣ Type of care (private or group play)

This allows us to give you accurate, fair pricing with no surprises.

👉 Visit our Pricing page for full details.

✈️ Do you do early-morning drop-offs for MCO airport flights?

Yes — we accommodate early airport schedules near Orlando International Airport.

1️⃣ Early morning drop-offs available
2️⃣ Quick and easy handoff
3️⃣ Perfect for early flights

This makes travel day simple and stress-free.

👵 Do you accept senior dogs?

Yes — we love and specialize in senior dog care.

1️⃣ Gentle, low-stress environment
2️⃣ More rest and individualized attention
3️⃣ Care tailored to mobility and comfort

Senior dogs are treated with extra patience and care.

💊 Do you accept dogs on medication?

Yes — we can care for dogs on most medications.

1️⃣ Oral medications accepted
2️⃣ Clear instructions required
3️⃣ Consistent, attentive care

👉 We do not administer injectable medications.

🇪🇸 ¿Hablan español?

Sí, hablamos español.

1️⃣ Atención clara y fácil de entender
2️⃣ Comunicación durante la estadía de su mascota
3️⃣ Soporte para clientes locales y visitantes

Estamos aquí para ayudarle con el cuidado de su perro.

🐾 Ready to Reserve Your Dog’s Stay?

Small playgroups. Controlled environment. Proven structure. Thousands of five-star reviews. Your dog deserves Paw Friends — not chaos.

📱 TEXT (407) 480-9669 — tell us your dates and times, and we’ll reply in minutes.