require the bordatella (kennel cough) vaccination. Our policy is that if you desire to have this vaccination given, it must be given at least two full weeks before your dog is brought in for boarding. (Please see our F.A.Q. section for more information.) All other vaccinations MUST be done a minimum of 3 days prior to boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My vet/friend/co-worker told me that if I board my dog without a kennel cough vaccination my dog could die. Why do you not require this vaccination?
A: The issue of this vaccination is one that is of great controversy. We have done considerable research on this vaccine, including our own experience, when we developed our policy. We believe in educating our clients, but do not make specific recommendations. You are free to have this vaccine administered if you feel you want to, but please make sure that you have it given at least two weeks before you bring your dog in or we will not accept it for boarding.
The "kennel cough" vaccine does not vaccinate against “kennel cough,” and only contains two of the many disease organisms that can cause kennel cough, namely Bordetella bacterium and parainfluenza virus. "Kennel cough" is just like a cold in a human, and as such can be contracted even in your own back yard. The vaccination is not fully effective for 14 days, and can lower your dog's immunity during that time. Our policy not only protects your dog, but also prevents your dog from spreading the virus to the rest of our facility!
Q: Will my dog be able to run around and play with other customer's dogs while he/she is staying with you?
A: No. Our policy is not to let a customer's pet physically interact with another customer's pet. While some other facilities allow this, our experience has taught us that pets will behave differently when separated from their families and are in a strange place. Because of this, the risk of injury (physical and/or emotional) from being allowed to play in a 'strange pack' is too high. Rest assured that our facility's design allows guests to see each other through the fence and socialize in a secure manner.
Q: My dog is dog and/or human aggressive. Will you still take him/her?
A: In most cases, yes. Our facility's design allows us to ensure the safety of our other guests and staff when a pet is unfriendly towards people or other animals. Please call us to discuss your needs before making a reservation. Providing the animal will go in and out through the dog-door of his/her run there should be no problems. Additional charges may apply depending on the situation.
Q: I have a Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, or a mix of one or more of these breeds. Will you still take him/her?
A: Yes. We board any breed of dog however we do have a few requirements for these breeds. You must provide your own food as these breeds tend to experience separation anxiety and a change in diet can easily cause digestion issues. Also, due to the separation anxiety, you must provide toys, bones, or something to keep your dog occupied during their stay. Additional charges do apply for these breeds. Please be honest when making your reservations! We often receive calls from customers who claim their dog is a 'lab mix' or 'boxer mix' for fear that we will not take the dog; in these instances we do reserve the right to adjust a boarding quote to the correct amount.
Q: Why do you charge more for Pit Bulls, etc? My dog is not aggressive!
A: These additional charges are not because of aggression, but becuause of the costs associated with having to repair the facility. These breeds tend to experience separation anxiety which is exhibited in destroying walls, doors, bedding, etc. Most places do not accept these breeds just for that reason. While we do accept them, we cannot incur the significant cost of repairs.
Q: My pet is not fixed. Will you still take him/her?
A: Yes, in most instances we will take unaltered pets. Unaltered males may be subject to additional fees for excessive indoor marking or agression issues. Unaltered females in season are allowed; please be sure to tell us! Unaltered males will be required to be boarded separately from another unaltered male or female.
Q: Why did you separate my dogs without my permission?
A: We offer customer's the option of boarding their dogs together at a reduced rate as a courtesy. We can revoke that courtesy if we feel that the dog's health or safety is at risk. While your dogs may be great together at home with no problems our facility is often seen as 'neutral territory' and the pack order you have at home is not the same.
Ultimately, we are here to ensure that every guest is safe, comfortable, and healthy while in our care and the extra fees for separating the dogs is cheaper than a large vet bill because of an arguement between the dogs.
Q: My dog barks a lot, is this a problem? or You have asked that my dog wear a bark collar while he/she is there. Why?
A: Dogs communicate by barking - this is something that we are aware of and are prepared to deal with. However when the barking is constant and causes stress to the other guests or disrupts the residences around the facility we may require a bark collar be worn at night while the dog is in the facility. Please note that we do not suggest the use of an electronic bark collar! We have however found that the spray bark collars are very effective and cause no harm to the dog.
Q: Besides my pet and their vaccination records, what else do I need to bring?
A: Nothing! Your boarding rate includes food and bedding. You are always welcome to bring your own food, bedding and toys/treats if you like. Please note however that we are not responsible if your dog or their neighbor destroy toys or bedding! It is not uncommon for a game of tug-of-war to occur through the fence with a blanket.
