Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I bring my own dog food for my boarding dog(s)?
We recommend that you bring your own food to minimize the chance of intestinal upset from switching foods. However, we provide Hi-Pro brand dog food at $1/feeding. We chose this food for several reasons: customer and employee experience/recommendations, its first ingredient is meat and bone meal rather than corn (the first ingredient in many dog foods), and it's formulated to meet the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials for all life stages (puppies through elderly dogs). It is 27% protein and 15% fat.
Q: When do you feed the dogs?
In the morning when we get here at 7 am, we let the dogs out from their beds and let them potty, and begin feeding breakfast around 7:20 am. Dinner is fed at 4 pm so the dogs have a chance to digest their food before bedtime hits.
Q: Should I bring my own Bed, Bowls, and Food?
You are welcome to bring what you like, though we have bowls, beds, and toys here. It's actually easier for us to use our own bowls so we don't forget to return your bowls to you. If you feel your dog(s) would be more comfortable with items from home, then we'd be happy to use your items. Usually a bed from home will provide the most comfort to your dog. With the cage-free approach, toys in the open area may be a problem (possessiveness, etc.) and we may have to keep your toys in your dogs' quarters (for comfort at night) or in our cabinet.
Q: Does my dog need to be vaccinated?
Yes, dogs need to be vaccinated for rabies and distemper/parvo. We also recommend bordetella (for kennel cough), canine influenza (dog flu), and coronavirus. These are not typically serious illnesses, so we leave it up to you to decide, if you want to vaccinate your dogs for them or not. Puppies too young to be vaccinated for rabies should have had their second distemper/parvo booster vaccines. Cats need to be vaccinated for feline distemper (panleukopenia).
Q. Do you offer vaccination services?
We used to provide canine distemper/parvo and bordetella vaccinations but have since found out that state law prevents us from actually administering them to your pet. If you want to buy your own vaccines (available at many farm supply stores), we would be happy to show you how to administer them and we can provide a vaccination record.
Q: It feels like my dog's collar has been adjusted--did you change it?
Our experience has shown that the "two-finger" rule (have the collar tightness such that two fingers can be slipped underneath it snugly but comfortably) is best from a safety standpoint. With the collar at that tightness, it is much more difficult for the dog to snag it on something, get a paw stuck in it (it happens), or get its lower jaw stuck in it (that happens, too). Especially with the amount of playing that goes on here, we want to minimize the chance of any mishap. So upon check-in, we adjust the collars to meet the "two-finger" test.
Q: My pet needs daily medications and/or injections. Can you do that?
Yes, all our staff is experienced in "pilling" animals and injections. If your dog only needs its pills once per day it's 1 dollar, if your dog needs its pills twice a day it's 2 dollars per day . We do require that you fill out the "Medication Release Form" (also available in the office).
Q: Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered?
If you want your dog to be able to play with the other dogs during the day, then yes. Since we offer "cage-free" boarding and day care, the dogs have "full access" to each other while they are in the common areas. Unaltered dogs are allowed on a case-by-case basis; they may be required to stay in suites (especially if they can jump the inside fences). Usually we are able to keep intact males in one area and intact females in another. This isn't always possible due to the size and temperament of the dogs, and in that case one or more of the dogs will need to stay in a suite. We do not allow females in heat to stay for boarding or day care. You can read over the form for unaltered dogs HERE.
Q: Why do dogs have to wear rabies tags and licenses to stay at the Pet Hotel?
That is a requirement imposed by Logan City Animal Control as part of our business license. They are concerned that if a dog gets loose, and they want to see a rabies tag before they try to catch it. A license (which is only required if your city or county of residence requires it) helps them find the owner of the dog.
Q: How big are your dog quarters?
In the large dog area, there are 3 sizes: 45" x 69", 39" x 69", and 33" x 5' 9" . In the medium dog area, there are 2 sizes: 33" x 39", and 27" x 39". The walls are 68" tall for the medium and large kennels. Small dog kennels are 30" x 30" x 30" cubes. Since the boarding rate is based on the dog size (weight, actually) and not the kennel size, we place the dogs in the largest kennels available to give them the most room. If multiple dogs (of any size) from one household can share a kennel, we usually put them in one of the large dog quarters at night to give them more room. They are still billed based on their weight.
Q: Your large and medium dog quarter doors are solid up to about 4 feet off the floor and most dogs can't see out. Does this bother the dogs?
Not that we can tell. Our dog quarters are for eating and sleeping only, so they do not spend their entire time in them. We like to think of the kennels as more like wolf dens (wolves usually don't have a direct view of the outside either). The first night is usually stressful for any dog in a strange place, and some of the dogs will scratch at the doors, trying to get out. Once your pet gets used to the new surroundings, they settle right in.
Q: What is the "temperament evaluation" and how long does it take?
Prior to your pet using our Boarding or Daycare Services, your pet needs to come in for a Temperament Evaluation. The evaluation is an interview for your pet, that last for a few hours, this is free of cost. This allows us to meet your pet, and minimize the risk of behavioral issues. We provide these Evaluations Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m until 3:00 p.m. Vaccinations are required before the evaluation can take place. The interview procedure is described here.
If your dog "fails" the temperament evaluation or we find them to be aggressive after having been here a while, then we can still board them in suites if necessary. The dogs won't have access to the common areas or the play yard, but we will take them out on a leash for short walks/potty breaks regularly (for an additional fee).
If your dog "fails" the temperament evaluation or we find them to be aggressive after having been here a while, then we can still board them in suites if necessary. The dogs won't have access to the common areas or the play yard, but we will take them out on a leash for short walks/potty breaks regularly (for an additional fee).
Q. Are there any forms I can download and bring in to save time?
Yes, upon your first pet check-in, we ask you to fill out the "Canine Guest Information Sheet" (or "Feline Guest Information Sheet") the "Boarding and Day Camp Agreement" and the "Vaccination Policy Form"-- these are available to download, print, and fill in manually (we don't have an online system yet).
Q. My dog "free feeds" at home. Can you do that at the Pet Hotel?
Free feeding is only an option for dogs staying in suites. Having open bowls of food in the dog common areas just doesn't work! Dogs usually don't have a problem adapting to our morning/evening feeding schedule.
Q: My dog sure was thirsty when he got back home from Day Camp. Do you provide adequate water?
Yes, we provide multiple water bowls and buckets throughout all inside and outside areas (weather permitting). Sometimes dogs are so intent on playing that they forget to drink. Sometimes dogs may feel intimidated and not drink if they feel another dog is "picking on them". We watch for and correct that type of intimidating behavior and also watch for signs of dehydration (dark urine, lethargy, etc.). If we think a dog may be getting dehydrated, we will isolate them with a water supply and monitor them. If they do not "perk back up" then we may contact you about a possible vet visit.
Q: Do you offer dog walking services?
No, we find that the dogs get all the exercise they want by playing in the inside and outside areas. Some dogs may "laze around" anyway and if you want them to get more exercise you are welcome to contract with an independent dog walking service and they can take your dog for walks around the neighborhood. Our staff needs to remain on site to monitor the other dogs.