Boarding Q&A
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, raised beds, and comfortable mats included. For the littles, our Cozy Dens are 30"x18"x19", a perfect size for dogs under 15
pounds. Moisture
is kept at a minimum for a healthier environment and to minimize that
"doggy smell". Dogs are
exercised outdoors and off-leash three times each day in a one-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. 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: When can I drop my dog off?
A: Check-in hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm, Saturdays
from 9am to 11:30am, and 6pm-7pm on Sundays (by appointment only). 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:
When can I pick my dog up?
A: Check-out hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm, Saturdays
from 9am to 11:30am, and 6pm-7pm on Sundays (by appointment only). Q: Can I see your facility?
A: Certainly! We're very proud of our facility, and are happy to show it
off. We schedule kennel tours by appointment only between 12:30pm and
1:30pm Monday through Thursday. Please call in advance (423-870-7740) to arrange
an appointment so that we can make sure to have someone available to
show you around. If you would like to take a kennel tour when you check
your dog in, please plan to arrive between 12:30pm and 1:30pm Monday
through Thursday, and let us know in advance since we'll need additional
staff to entertain your dog while you're on tour.
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 once a week. 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 10am and 5pm. 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
month. 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 20-40 minutes three times each day, either
individually or in small groups, depending on how amenable they are to
visiting with other dogs. Our backyard is about an acre, with 8-foot
security fencing. Most dogs do best with off-leash exercising, but
we're happy to leash-walk dogs that are infirm or otherwise do better
with more help. Outdoor play is 100% supervised. Intact dogs (male and
female) over 7 months old are not eligible for group play, but will get
plenty of time in the yard and one-on-one attention from our staff. 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 on our Check-In
Checklist. 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 and treats?
A: Yes, however we cannot allow a dog to have items 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. Please bring no more
than two toys. Q: Can I bring
my dog's bed?
A: As of July 1, 2011 we are no longer able to take individual dog's
beds. Instead, we recommend that you bring an unlaundered (so it smells
like you) towel or shirt if you'd like your dog to have something that
smells like you. Please be careful to label all items you bring with a
permanent marker. We do provide raised beds and/or quilted mats,
whichever your dog prefers.
Q. Do I need a reservation?
A. Reservations are required. We are fully booked most weekends and
all holidays. 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 twenty-four hours advance notice to make or change a
reservation.
Q: Do you administer medication, and is there a
charge?
A: Our Kennel Manager is a Registered Veterinary Technician, and we will
be happy to 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. Not only would she
drive the other boarders wild, but we hold evening classes and
performance events on the weekends in the arena adjoining the kennel, so hormones at
that level would just be too much to bear. There is an additional charge
of $15 per day for dogs over seven months old who are not spayed or
neutered.
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! |
