Your Dogs Home Away From Home -
Established in 1992, 3rd generation dog boarding facility. Hours are by appointment only and based on availability.
Please call 315 564 6485 to set up a reservation (no texts, this is a landline). Monday through Friday 7:30-9:15 am and 3-7pm
Saturday and Sunday 8-9:15 am and 7pm
12/17/2024
Puckering up under the mistletoe? Keep it away from your pets. Mistletoe also known as American mistletoe or Phoradendron leucarpum is common decorative plant seen during the holiday season. Mistletoe is consider a toxic plant and best to keep it away from your pet. While small ingestions of berries may lead to mild tummy troubles like vomiting and diarrhea, ingestions of leaves and stems may lead to more significant concerns like depression, tremors and blood diarrhea.
12/17/2024
I am officially full for Christmas! I have limited availability left for the week of New Years!
12/03/2024
12/02/2024
If you're looking for some good treats this holiday season for your pups, this is our pup’s favorite brand. Clean ingredients and so much variety!
All-natural pet treats baked in the USA with fresh, limited ingredients! 🐶 🐱
12/02/2024
It's so important to keep our pups safe! Please keep these in mind this holiday season! ❤️
11/28/2024
We are Thankful for all of the love and support we have received since taking over this amazing business. Our hearts are full knowing we get to take care of all of your amazing puppies! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
11/16/2024
11/10/2024
Happy Sunday everyone! We still have some availability for Thanksgiving! Don’t forget to make your reservations! 🦃
10/24/2024
We are so happy to share that we made it home safely! We are excited to be back and can't wait to take care of your pups! 🐾
10/17/2024
Exciting News from TLC Kennels!
We’re thrilled to announce that TLC Kennels is now officially in the hands of its 3rd generation of family ownership! For those who don’t know us yet, we’re Austin and Calista. Austin’s grandparents founded TLC Kennels in 1992, and his mom, Marian, and dad, Floyd, have lovingly run it for years. We are excited to continue the family legacy and offer the same top-notch care and service that you’ve come to expect!
Together, with the help of our friendly yellow lab, Clyde, we are so excited to serve you and your pups! We’re looking forward to meeting all of you and continuing the tradition of excellent care.
On a personal note, we’re also celebrating our wedding this weekend and will be heading off on our honeymoon next week, so responses might be a bit slower during that time. However, please don’t hesitate to reach out to book your stays, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Thank you for your continued support as we begin this exciting new chapter for TLC Kennels!
Warmly,
Austin & Calista (and Clyde)! 🐾❤️
10/15/2024
Just a reminder that reservations are open through the end of 2024! Thanksgiving and Christmas is filling up fast, so make sure to reach out to make your pups reservation! 🐾
10/14/2024
Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. Please note that the kennel will be unresponsive to messages from October 18th to October 25th, except for existing boarding inquiries. If you need to get ahold of us, please call us at (315)564-6485.
10/10/2024
Life is better with dogs! 🐾❤️
09/05/2024
Just a reminder that reservations are open through the end of 2024! Thanksgiving and Christmas is filling up fast, so make sure to reach out to make your pups reservation! 🐾
08/26/2024
Share your pups picture! We all want to see!!!! Happy National Dog Day! 🐾
It's National Dog Day!! Prepare for some cuteness throughout the day! Tell us your favorite thing about your pup below!!! Smootch those snoots today and everyday!!
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TLC Kennels has been in business since July 1992. Family owned and operated, your pet will be treated as one of our own during their stay.
**COVID19 INFO** At TLC Kennels, we expect you to be socially and personally responsible and follow the current guidelines. We’re in this together and it’s up to each one of us to help keep others healthy. TLC Kennels is always operating under the cleanest and safest environment for you and your dog.
Please take a moment to read this information, as there is a lot listed here and it will likely answer all of your questions. Some of the information may be repeated. This is intentional! This page is updated regularly.
Please read the pinned post for the most up to date availability info.
The basic Q & A’s!
Q: I’m not familiar with your business, what do you do?
A: We board dogs, short or long term, while their family is away. We don’t do daycare (but might accommodate the occasional same day drop off/pick up if available), grooming, breeding or take in stray dogs. All of the dogs that come here are from loving families who miss them like crazy when they’re not with them.
Q: How do I make a reservation?
A: Call 315 564 6485 or message through this page. New customers are asked to call. This number is a landline, please do not text it as I won’t receive your text. If I don’t contact you within 24 hours of your original inquiry, please try again!
Q: What shots does my dog need?
A: Rabies, DHLPP & Bordetella are mandatory. Your dog should also be on preventative flea and tick as well as heartworm medication (with a negative f***l test within the past year), year round. I can not accept any dog without proof of vaccination, and will not take any unvaccinated dog. Your dog should receive yearly vet visits and be in good health upon boarding.
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: Your dog, enough food to last for their stay (plus a little extra in case you’re delayed) in a labeled container/resealable bag, with feeding directions, emergency contact info if you won’t be reachable and their current health record/vaccination report as well as any toys or treats that you want them to have. We provide bowls and bedding, though you’re certainly welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Any bedding must be machine washable. *Please note that we are not responsible for any items that your dog destroys during their stay. Please do not bring anything expensive!! Please do not bring any new food or treats, as it might upset their tummies.
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Appointment times must be set at the time you make your reservation in order for your reservation to be guaranteed. Asking about availability does not guarantee a reservation as our availability changes on a daily basis. Please give us the courtesy of a phone call (preferred - leave a message if there is no answer - our business number is a landline, so please don’t text) or message through Facebook if you’re running more than 5-10 minutes past your appointment time as soon as you know you’ll be late.
Please understand that, unlike other facilities that have set hours and employees, I’m the only person who is taking care of your dog(s). I schedule my days around the kennel schedule and expect you to be on time. I will always try to be accommodating of your schedule, however I make appointments based on my availability. If you’re running later than 10 minutes behind, your appointment might need to be rescheduled. Early arrivals (5-10 minutes) are always fine as I am typically preparing for your arrival ahead of time. Any earlier than 5-10 minutes, please call or message to make sure I’m available.
If your plans change, please contact me to change your appointment times.
Appointments available by reservation only during the following times. I do not take walk ins/drop ins.
Monday through Friday - 7:30am-9:30am & 3pm-7pm
Saturday & Sunday - 8am-9:30am & 7pm
Holiday hours, by appointment only based on availability. We are closed for drop off and pick up (but not for boarding) on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.
I try to schedule so that I don’t have other dogs coming or going at the same time, with the exception being 7pm drop off or pick up on weekends. It’s best to keep your dog in your vehicle while you wait for your turn.
**If you’re not available to pick up by 7pm, which is my last appointment of the day, you can schedule for the following morning (if I am available) at no additional cost. If you are not able to pick up by 9:30am, you will be charged for an extra day and will not be able to pick up until 3pm during the week or 7pm on weekends.
Please call a minimum of 2 weeks in advance to make your reservation. We accept reservations up to a year in advance. We are often full for holiday weekends, school vacations and summer weekends. If you are a new customer, please call to make your reservation. Current customers can call or message this page. We do not charge a cancellation fee, but ask that you contact us as soon as you know should you need to cancel so that we have the ability to fill your spot.
Availability updates will regularly be posted on our page in a pinned post.
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We have a variety of kennel sizes to accommodate dogs of all sizes (ALL breeds are most welcome at TLC Kennels!), and I will put your dog in the most spacious one that is available for their size and comfort, at my discretion and availability. All have plenty enough room to sleep, get up to move around and eat and drink. We have 2 large fenced in outdoor areas for your dogs to exercise and play in. As our indoor kennels are fully inside (with a/c and heat as needed), we bring your dogs out one by one for their bathroom breaks and exercise time. When the outside temperature is above 80 or below 30, outside time is kept to a minimum. We also have outdoor runs, when the weather permits, though the majority of the dogs that come here prefer to be inside as much as possible. Please let me know if your dog prefers to be outside when it’s nice out.
The kennel is thoroughly cleaned, daily. We take great pride in keeping our facility clean and safe for your dog!
**For the safety of your dog as well as the dogs being boarded, if your dog will not stay in his/her kennel, I will not be able to board them.
Our daily routine is entirely dependent on the dogs that are being boarded at the time and constantly changes. We cater to each dog, individually! They’re all let in and out a minimum of 4 times a day. If your dog needs more attention (and sometimes they need less, too), please let us know. We’ll be happy to give them what they need!
** I respect the wishes of our customers who don’t want people walking through the area where their dogs are. I don’t do tours of the facility, unless I have no dogs being boarded, which is very rare. I like to think that our customer service speaks for our facility and pride ourselves on keeping our customers happy and satisfied with our service. The kennels are nothing fancy to look at for us humans, but the dogs don’t mind! Constructed from cement bricks and chain link gates, they’re clean, safe and secure. Dogs are kept in separate kennels, with the exception being if they are part of the same family. For the safety of the dogs and myself, I do not allow interaction between your dog and other dogs while they are boarded here.
**We do not take in stray or lost dogs. While I might occasionally post about a dog looking for a new home, we don’t take in dogs to rehome. We don’t do grooming or bathing (beyond spot bathing if necessary), however I’m happy to refer groomers should you need one.
Dogs are required to be up to date on their vaccinations, absolutely no exceptions can be made as this is for the health of your dog, my dog and any other dogs that I have in the kennel - Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, and Bordetella as well as on preventative yearly flea and tick and heartworm medication (this requires a yearly f***l test). Please make sure these vaccines and any new medications are given at least 2 weeks prior to their stay, to make sure that they are fully protected and in case they have a reaction. Most vets have appointments at least 2-3 weeks out, so plan accordingly. A copy of your dogs vet records should be provided at drop off, or messaged to the page prior to drop off. We do not keep this information on file and ask that you provide this information on a yearly basis. While it is preferred that your dog is spayed or neutered, it is not mandatory, just please let us know. Dogs should be over 6 months old, potty trained, fully vaccinated, in good health at the time of boarding and capable of moving around without assistance. Puppies under 6 months old are welcome if they’re up to date on all shots .
Pricing - $18/day If you have more than 1 dog and they can share a kennel, it is $15/dog/day. If they have to be fed separately, you will need to reserve separate kennels. Puppies under 6 months of age are $25/day. Same day drop off & pickup is $30/day (if available). I do not give a discount for extended stay. Any stay over 2 weeks at a time requires a deposit. Please ask for more information.
Payment is due at time of pickup. Pickup by 9:30 am and you don’t pay for that day. We accept cash, personal check, Venmo or PayPal. Bounced checks are subjected to a $25 fee. We do not accept credit or debit cards.
At drop off: Please bring your dogs food with proper feeding directions, in a sealed bag or container with your dogs name on it. While we provide bedding, you can bring your own from home, but please make sure that it is machine washable. You are welcome to bring toys, comfort items or treats that your dog will want. We are not responsible for any lost or damaged item during your dogs stay. Please do not bring anything expensive or not easily replaced should your dog decide to destroy their bedding or belongings. Let us know if your pet should not have any bedding in their kennel with them. If your dog has any health issues, we need to be made aware if them prior to their stay with us. If your dog requires medication during their stay, please bring enough medication for their stay and specific dosing directions. A copy of your dogs most recent vet records should be sent to me via messenger prior to your dogs stay, or brought with you. Make sure to leave an emergency contact in the event that you will be unreachable.
Special requests - I know that you miss your pup while you’re away! If you’d like to receive updates while you’re gone, please contact me as much as you’d like, either by calling or messaging the page. I will only reach out to you if I have a question or a problem - no news is good news!!
**Please note** If your dog is ill or injured, call to let us know prior to your reservation. The severity of their illness or injury will depend on if we can take them. We can NOT take a dog that has kennel cough as it is highly contagious. It is always best to keep a sick dog at home, even if it means cancelling your plans. I will not risk the other dogs in the kennel getting sick. Thank you for understanding!
It is very common for a dog to develop diarrhea while being boarded and upon arrival at home. The most likely cause is stress related. All of the sights, smells and sounds can be overwhelming, even if dogs who have been boarded in the past. It’s the dog version of nervous diarrhea in humans. I will notify you if this develops, though it’s rarely an issue on my end, as I’m used to it! Unless your dog is very old, very young or immunocompromised, they should be just fine after a couple days at home, but please reach out to your vet with your concern, especially if it lasts longer than 48 hours.
Any questions? Please send a message or call (315) 564-6485. Please note, this number is a landline and not able to receive or send texts. If your message is not replied to within 24 hours, please call or message again! We do our best to get back to you the same day we receive your message.
About the owners:
Floyd & Marian Calkins
TLC Kennels opened in 1992. We are the son & daughter in law of the original owners, having taken over the business in 2017. Marian is the primary caregiver of the dogs and Floyd takes care of the finances and maintenance.
*updated 6/27/20
