03/11/2023
Hi everyone, Kayla here! This is an extremely long post, but contains detailed information about how I operate boarding in my home. 🐾
I typically board up to 5 dogs, in addition to my own 2 dogs. Having provided services for a little over a year now, I have developed a base “clientele” of dogs. I know their temperaments, habits, and energy levels. This helps me determine the few times I may go over my typical boarding max amount. I always slowly introduce everyone to ensure everyone is happy and getting along. If your dog shows aggression or doesn’t get along with “the pack”, I have the space to separate until the excitement has worn down. If the behavior continues, I will let you know that I can no longer provide care for your dog. The safety and well-being of my boarders and own dogs are always my top priority.
I work a full-time, 8am-5pm job in addition to pet sitting, so I am unable to provide constant care. If your dog is used to always having someone home (retired/SAHM/work from home/etc.) they will most likely not do well here. Most of my boarders are used to their families having the same schedule as me, which drastically reduces howling/barking/whining when left alone. This helps maintain a calm environment for everyone. If I am not home, everyone is separated by kennels (or room if they don’t kennel at home). I am more than happy to let your dog be left out in a room as long as they do not have destructive tendencies (chewing baseboards, blinds, etc.) Dogs from the same family can be left together if asked. This is for the safety of all the dogs. As long as everyone is getting along, all the dogs have free roam of the house while I am home. Dogs are allowed on furniture and my home is very dog friendly. I do my best to create a fun, stress-free, home-like stay for them. ❤️
Vaccines: I require shot records of the following vaccinations:
- DHLP/Distemper/Parvo/Lepto
- Bordetella/Kennel Cough
- Rabies
If you don’t typically board your dog, they may not have Lepto and Bordetella. Lepto helps against bacteria found in water and dirt. Because of the home environment, dogs share multiple communal water bowls. And while cleaned and replaced frequently, this vaccine helps cut down the potential spread or catching of this virus. Bordetella helps the spread of germs that cause Kennel Cough. Kennel Cough spreads easily and is highly contagious. (Think of a child in daycare.) Vaccines must be up to date based on your veterinarian’s recommendation.
Weight limit: I am able to board dogs who weight up to 40lbs at their adult weight. Due to boarding mostly smaller dogs, I am unable to accommodate the bigger dogs. This is for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. (Disclaimer: I implemented this in the summer of 2022. Current boarders over 40lbs at that time were still welcome and still board with me. So at times I will have larger dogs boarding.)
Weekends: I am typically home all day, but at times have errands, appointments, or family gatherings I attend. I rarely have a “weekend” off so this allows me to maintain somewhat of a social life. During those times, your dog will not be home alone more than 3 hours out of the day.
Weekdays: I go home on my lunch break every day to let everyone out to potty and play for a bit. I come home right after work and we have the entire evening to play before bedtime.
Potty breaks: I have a fenced in back yard with constant potty break opportunities when I’m home. During the week while I am working, I come home every day on my lunch break to allow potty breaks.
Bedtime: Most of my boarders pile into the bed with me at bedtime. ❤️ If your dog kennels at nighttime, I will follow the routine you leave for me.
Pictures/Updates: I send picture updates 3x a day, morning/afternoon/evening, between 8am-8pm. I always tell clients to never feel obligated to respond, this is not to interfere or interrupt your vacation/time away, but to simply let you know how your dog is doing. I am happy to update more frequently (or less) if requested.
Eating times: Most dogs eat morning and evening. (Though I follow whatever feeding schedule you leave.) I always separate everyone when feeding so no food aggression happens. This also allows the dog to feel comfortable eating out of their bowl.
Things to bring: The only thing needed is their food (and treats if they only eat a particular kind). I have tons of blankets, food/water bowls, toys, etc.
Cleaning: While it may seem hard to maintain a clean environment when boarding multiple dogs 😅 I strive to maintain cleanliness in my home. This includes frequent washing/cleaning of blankets, toys, kennels, and food/water bowls. And the not so glamorous part includes p**p scooping every day. This helps keep pups from walking in it or trying to eat it (some do), and cuts down on bacteria in my yard. Unfortunately some male dogs may “mark” inside. The first time I’ll allow because I understand they are in a new environment. If I catch them marking inside a second time, they will wear a belly band (male diaper) while inside. This is for my own sanity and to prevent the other male dogs from mimicking the behavior.
Pick up/Drop off: When scheduling pick up/drop off times, I ask for no more than an hour window. This allows me to plan my day around my clients schedules. I understand things come up (traffic/flight delays/etc) and always try to be as accommodating as possible. I also ask for a text when you are 10 mins away, so that I may prepare the boarders. This ensures they are not all piled up in the living room, going crazy for the front door when they hear a vehicle pull up.
Cancellation policy: I have a 7-day cancellation policy. If you book a stay that starts in less than a week, and have to cancel, there is a 50% cancellation fee. If you book a stay for over a week away (or months away, etc) and need to cancel, as long as cancelled before 7 days before the start of the booking, you will receive a 100% refund.
Holiday rate/Extended care: If the booking falls during a holiday, I have an increased holiday rate. This is due to the high demand for boarding during those times. Boarding is based on nightly or 24 hours of care. If the booking goes over this, there is an additional 50%-100% charge of the nightly rate. I can provide more info on this if needed.
*Picture of my two babies, Cooper and Telly.
