Capitol City Smalls (DMV Small Dog Playgroup)

COVID CONSIDERATIONS
Because the organizer is an at risk person theirself, we (as a group) take these precautions very seriously. We hope that you do as well, and that you come vaccinated to our events.

Please, do NOT arrive to one of Capitol City Smalls (DMV Small Dog Play Group) in-person events if you have experienced one of the following circumstances over the last 21 days:
1. You have been knowingly exposed to another human that has tested positive for COVID-19
2. You have been knowingly exposed to another human that shows signs & symptoms of COVID-19 AND/OR believes they have COVID-19
3. You have tested positive for COVID-19
4. You have knowingly have shown signs & symptoms of COVID-19 AND/OR believed that you have had COVID-19

IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 WITHIN 21 DAYS OF ONE OF OUR MEETUPS, PLEASE INFORM THE ORGANIZER PROMPTLY.

MEETUP LOCATIONS
Checkout on Google Maps for the list and map of where we will be meeting at each event:
https://www.google.com/maps/placelists/list/VJo_a2vUtjrDNS3ZZvaVbDa6CmoZdg

Our Meetup's will usually only be taking place in 'Small Dog' specific play areas at public parks OR in designated locations reserved for our group. Sometimes, we may have events at Dog Friendly outdoor restaurants OR take our dogs out on leash, but this will always be specified before hand in the event information.

We are trying to serve AS MANY small dogs as possible throughout the DMV metro, understanding we may not accommodate every single dog family at every Meetup event. Because Capitol City Smalls intends on being a group that many dog people across the DMV can benefit from, we are taking steps such as changing locations at every meet, visiting locations throughout the DMV (especially at a member's suggestion), and trying to find locations with parking that are metro accessible. The organizer has also taken time to address parking and metro access in each event's personal description.

It may turn out that not every meeting is 100% accommodating for you and your furry family member. Keep in mind that the organizer is trying their best to accommodate a wide array of pup and pup parent needs in the area.

RECOMMENDED DONATION
A $10 donation annually is recommended, (the platform charges me monthly to have the meetup group). You can pay in venmo, PayPal, Facebook pay, or cash at any event and your donation goes directly towards improving the group. BUT I am low income myself, so I understand how struggling can prevent a person from making it to social events. If you are in this position, we don't want the donation to stop you from attending. If this is the case, speak to the organizer, and you can 'pay-what-you-can' down to $0.
BOTH Venmo/PayPal: @mxlayne
OR bring cash with you to the event

GUIDELINES FOR GOOD DOGS
In order to keep our pups as safe and protected as possible, please respect our guidelines and rules.

For Dogs:
Any dog attending meetups must be
1. Under 25 lbs
2. Fully vaccinated and up to date on vaccinations. "Fully vaccinated" includes being current on DHPP and Rabies. We also strongly recommend Leptospirosis, Bordetella and Influenza because our dogs will be playing in close contact and are more at risk to succumbing to one of these illnesses. Most dogs begin these vaccination cycles in puppyhood and continue with boosters every 1-3 years by Veterinary recommendation with optional vaccines such as Lyme disease, depending on your dogs lifestyle.
3. Older than 16-18 weeks (this is when the puppy is eligible to be fully vaccinated)
4. Current on Flea protection
5. Current on Worm protection
6. Able to usually respond to basic commands directly from their own person

For Humans:
1. We want to leave the location better than the way we found it, so please pick up waste and trash
2. Bring bags to clean up after your Pup
3. Be considerate of other people and their dog. Respect is key.
4. Be mindful of your dog and their behavior at all times.
5. Solicitation of other members for any reason is against the guidelines of this group

***We understand that sometimes dogs will be dogs! However, if any of the following events occur, you and your dog may be respectfully asked to leave the meetup:
1. The dog in your care shows aggressive behavior towards other dogs numerous times after being asked by you to stop
2. The dog in your care injures, or seriously attacks another dog
3. You, as a human, are negligent of your dogs aggressive behaviors, and do not respond appropriately (especially if requested by other members).
4. You, as a human, are disrespectful towards another person or dog in the group (this includes but is not limited to: picking up, grabbing, feeding, or petting other dogs without their human's expressed consent, hurtful language on basis of race, gender, sexuality, nationality, culture, religion, ability, etc., and even giving unsolicited dog-parenting advice without consent) ***

RISK
By being a pup pack member of Capitol City Smalls and attending in person DMV Small Dog Play Groups, you are acknowledging that there is risk associated with attending in person events, for both you and your dog(s). We have guidelines set in place to mitigate that risk, but cannot guarantee complete safety.

When attending in person events, you must be understanding that by doing so, you and your dog are more vulnerable to illness. We ask every member to come COVID vaccinated and that their dog(s) be vaccinated and on worm & flea protection as well, but that is each members responsibility to respect our requests, and not the fault of the organizer if a member or their dog acquires an illness or injury from attending a meetup.

WHO WE ARE & WHY WE BEGAN...
My partner and I recently relocated to Capitol Hill with our 3 tiny dogs, Jack, Jubilee and Pancake. As I was looking for meetups near the area, I learned that there are not many groups so I reached out to this one and became an organizer. Both of us are dog lovers and we are happy to be in a city that has many people who love dogs just as much! We live closest to Kingsman dog park and we are excited that it will be getting an update in the coming year. We love being outside with our dogs, and have both sold our cars recently to travel here, so have become more into biking lately too.