Keeping a tentative request out of the daily headcount

Tentative requests before approval

Leave a tentative booking off the daily headcount until an owner confirms. Treat the request as a separate note rather than a booked day, because counting it early can make a full day look open when it is not.

Log the request separately

Write the dog's name, preferred date, and owner contact on a pending-request slip or list. Do not add the dog to the calendar or count it toward that day's capacity. Note any special requests such as medication or feeding instructions on the same slip.

Confirm or decline

When the owner replies, move the dog onto the calendar and include it in the headcount for that day. If the owner declines, file the slip as declined and do not count the dog.

Sample entry

Pending request: Luna, Thursday, owner Maya, phone 555-0123, morning drop-off. After Maya confirms by text, Luna is added to Thursday's calendar and counted as one dog for that day.

Exception

If a regular owner calls with a standing weekly spot, the desk may count that dog immediately under the household's standing arrangement, rather than treating it as a new tentative request.

Observable change

The daily headcount includes only confirmed bookings, so staff can see exactly how many dogs are expected before the morning rush.

Related: Dog Daycare Manager features.