Boarding Q&A
Please note that we're still in the preliminary stages
of defining our boarding policies and procedures. All of the information
below is very tentative and subject to change. If you have any questions
that we haven't answered here, or if you have any requests for boarding
services that are not offered, please
let us know!
Q: What are your prices?
A: Please see the Rates page for details.
Q: What are your facilities like? What is included?
A: Our quality Mason
kennels are 5 feet long by 3 feet wide with privacy panels,
raised food and water bowls, and comfortable bedding provided. For the
littles, our Cozy Dens are 30"x18"x19", a perfect size for dogs under 12
pounds. Moisture
is kept at a minimum for a healthier environment and to minimize that
"doggy smell". Dogs are
exercised outdoors three times each day in a 3/4 acre play yard
with 8-foot security fencing. The kennel compound has its own climate
control and ventilation system for comfort and safety. We play soothing
music specifically written for dogs to help minimize stress and
separation anxiety. Q: Can I make
reservations now?
A: Certainly. Call us at 423-870-7740 or let us know when you're in the
shop.
Q: What are your drop-off hours?
A: Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday 7am to 6pm and Saturdays
from 9am to noon. Please note that 8-9am and 5-6pm are extremely busy
times what with all the daycare dogs coming and going, so if your
schedule permits, 9am to 4:30pm is generally better if your dog gets
worried or excited about new places or strange people and dogs. Q:
What are your pick-up hours?
A: Same as drop-off hours, above, and we also offer pickups on Sundays by appointment only between 6pm and 7m.
Please note that we do charge $15/dog for half days on Sundays.
Q: Can I see your facility?
A: Certainly! We're very proud of our kennel, and are happy to show it
off. Because we're usually multi-tasking, please call in advance to arrange
an appointment so that we can make sure to have someone available to
show you around. Our number is 423-870-7740.
Q: Can my dog go to daycare while he’s boarding?
A: For everyone’s safety, our regular daycare students go through an
evaluation process and attend at least twice a month. If your dog would
like to join the daycare students, they’re always happy to find new
playmates. We’ll be happy to schedule a daycare evaluation for you
Monday-Friday between 9:30am and 4:30pm. If ongoing daycare isn’t what
you need, we’re happy to spend extra time tossing balls, giving belly
rubs, or pointing out the many interesting smells in our large play yard
so your dog gets plenty of exercise and attention.
Q: What do you mean by regular daycare dog?
A: A regular daycare student has gone through an interview and
evaluation process, and attended daycare at least 4 times in the past
two months. Daycare dogs are required to be spayed or neutered if
they’re over 7 months, stay current on inoculations, and maintain
regular flea, tick, and worm prevention. Regular daycare dogs are
eligible for discounts on our boarding and training services.
Q: Do you have indoor/outdoor runs?
A: For safety and comfort, all of our runs are indoor only.
Q: How often will my dog go outside?
A: Boarding dogs go out for about 10-30 minutes three times each day, either
individually or in small groups, depending on how amenable they are to
visiting with other dogs.
Q: How many times a day are the boarding dogs fed?
A: Twice a day, unless otherwise specified. Please let us know how often
you normally feed your dog. Q: Do I provide the
food for my dog?
A: It’s best to bring your dog’s regular food since changes in his diet
can increase his stress level and upset his stomach. If you do provide
your own food, please bring only as much as your dog normally eats
during the period of his stay. If you do not bring dog food, we are
happy to feed your dog Natural Balance Ultra Premium dog food, an
excellent food that is highly palatable to most dogs. We do not charge
extra for feeding our house food. Q: Can I bring
toys, beds, blankets, treats, and leashes?
A: Yes, however we cannot allow a dog to have these items (toys and
beds) in his/her kennel if they tend to chew them. This presents a
choking hazard. Also, we cannot guarantee these items will not be lost
or destroyed. If you do bring items, please be sure to label each one
clearly with your dog's name and your last name.
Q. Do I need a reservation?
A. Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak times like
major holidays and spring break.
Q. What is considered a holiday season?
A: Three days before, the day of and three days after New Year’s Day,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Arbor Day, Thanksgiving, and
Christmas. Just kidding about Arbor Day -- we'll be open on the last
Friday in April, but you might have a short wait while we conclude our
annual tree planting ceremony. Q: What is the
latest I can make a schedule change for boarding?
A: We'd appreciate forty-eight hours advance notice to make or change a
reservation.
Q: Do you administer medication, and is there a
charge?
A: We will administer medication to your dog at no additional charge.
Q: Do boarding dogs have to be evaluated?
A: No, but we will need a completed and signed application for all of
our overnight guests. All dogs must be current on rabies inoculations
per state law, and must have received a Bordetella (kennel cough)
inoculation within 6 months of check-in. Please let us know if your dog has any medical or
behavioral issues that require special attention.
Q: Do boarding dogs have to be spayed or neutered?
A: No, but we cannot board a female dog in heat. We hold classes and
performance events in the arena adjoining the kennel, so hormones at
that level would just be too much to bear.
Q: How will my dog be monitored overnight?
A: We have a central security system which is monitored for building
access, movement, and fire. Automatic detectors notify the service,
which would contact PDX staff as well as the police and fire department
as needed. Also, we will have cameras covering the entire kennel area,
which we monitor throughout the night from our home computers.
We'd appreciate your input - if you have any questions
that we haven't answered here, or if you have any requests for boarding
services that are not offered, please
let us know! |
