What do I need to bring with me when I drop off my pet for boarding?
We require a few things when you drop off your pet, these include: a copy of vaccination records, medication (we will write down the instructions upon check-in), and food, if desired, preferably in a resealable bag/container.
What might I expect when my pet comes home from boarding?
Naturally, your pet will be excited to see you, just like you are excited to see them! Some pets are tired for a day or so after being boarded, just like you might be tired after a fun vacation. They also might come home and drink a lot of water. Please know that this is a natural thing for a dog. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How far in advance do I need to make reservations?
We recommend calling or making your reservation online at least a month in advance for major holidays and anytime school is out of session. If your plans should change in the meantime, simply let us know by phone as soon as you know that your plans have changed –so someone else can take your spot!
Is there an extra fee for administering medicine?
No! Just be sure to bring enough for the duration of your pet’s stay. All medication instructions will be taken down at check-in. If you have special concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to our staff about them.
Should I bring my pet’s own food and personal items?
No. We have everything here that your pet needs from food and treats, to bedding and toys. However, you are more than welcome to bring your own food from home. A lot of pets do better staying on their regular diet from home and have less trouble with upset stomachs from switching foods.
If you pet has any food allergies or dietary concerns, we definitely recommend supplying your own food. We have a refrigerator and microwave to prepare special diets, so don’t hesitate to ask about any special needs. Also, if you bring your own food from home, we request that you bring it in a resealable container/bag, but it is not necessary to pre-bag each meal unless you would like to do so. We supply blankets at no additional charge.
What do I bring my food in and how much food should I bring?
We ask that you bring your food in a storage container that is big enough for the stay or in a couple of Ziploc bags. Please bring enough food for the length of your stay. Please bring extra if you have a very active dog. Due to all of the playtime, we might need to increase the amount of food you regularly feed them at home.
Is there someone at the Kennel all of the time?
While we do make our home on the property, we are not walking the halls all day long. But even when we are closed, we are close by. This allows the pets to have some quiet and privacy overnight while still allowing us to be available to check on pets as needed. This also means that no matter what the weather is like, we have no problem getting here to care for your pets. We appreciate our customers’ understanding and respecting our hours of privacy and for care of your pets. Even though we are closed, it does not mean we are not here caring for your pets!
Do you have a Vet on staff at the Kennel?
No, we do not have a Vet on call. Instead, should the need arise, we will call your regular Vet since they are familiar with your pet and to provide continuity of care. For that reason, pets also must receive vaccinations prior to arriving at the Kennel. If your dog needs vaccinated, we recommend having your pet vaccinated at least one week prior to boarding for maximum protection and so that any reactions (though very rare) will be resolved before boarding.
Frequency of vaccinations depends on your Vet’s recommendations and must be current throughout the entire stay for your pet. We require the Bordetella shot once a year, unless a Vet recommends it more often. Please bring a copy of your records with you. Also in the event that your pet becomes ill after your regular Vet is closed, we will contact the emergency clinic and notify you as soon as possible using the emergency contact information that you provide at check-in.
Is there a cancellation fee?
No, all that we ask is as soon as you know, to please contact us by phone so we can put someone in your spot.
Can we see the Kennel before Boarding or Daycare?
Absolutely! We encourage new clients to visit us during our tour times! Tours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and again at 4:15 p.m. You can drop by; no appointment necessary. If you cannot come during our tour hours, please contact us and we can schedule a time. You may also bring your pet in for a FREE DAY of Doggie Daycare! Check out our section on Doggie Daycare for more information.
What if my dog does not like other dogs?
Of course your dog will still be able to go out in the yard for playtime! One of our staff members will go out and interact with your pet.
Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered?
No your dog is welcome, whether they are spayed or neutered. We prefer that your dog is not in heat when they come to our facility, but realize that this is not always possible. Your dog will still get the same amount of playtime in the yard.
If your pet is not spayed, we will keep them with other females. Un-neutered males will be with males. If at any time the staff member thinks your dog needs to play in the yard by him/herself for safety, then we will handle that specific situation.
What about contagious diseases?
Just as your child may catch a cold or the flu when attending daycare, your pet may catch something at any Kennel. And just as a daycare center cannot prevent one child from catching a cold from another, a kennel cannot prevent one pet from catching a cold from another. Any place where pets congregate increases your pet’s chance of catching something – kennels, vet offices, dog parks, pet stores, training classes, etc.
That said, there are many things we do here at Airy Pines to try to decrease the chances of your pet becoming ill. We require an up-to-date Bordatella vaccine. Contrary to common belief this vaccine will not prevent any dog from contracting kennel cough, but it will lessen the severity of the infection. We do not accept any pet for check-in if it is displaying any symptoms of upper respiratory infection or flu. We disinfect on a daily basis and launder all of our blankets with bleach daily.
We isolate any animal that develops symptoms while it is staying with us. Because there are incubation periods (7 to 10 days) to consider, often by the time any symptoms are showing an animal has already infected others and quite possibly already gone home. Also, a certain percentage of pets that carry these diseases are asymptomatic and show no signs at all. Just as we would never intentionally cause any animal to become ill, we certainly do not think that any of our customers would knowingly bring a sick dog
For best results, vaccines should be updated at least two weeks prior to boarding.
For more information on contagious diseases, please see the following websites: