Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BOARD MY PET?

For dogs:

Rabies vaccine, DHPP vaccine, and a bordetella vaccine.

For cats:

Rabies vaccine, FVRCP vaccine, and a Feline Leukemia vaccine.

WHAT IF MY VET DOESN’T RECOMMEND THAT MY PET RECEIVES ONE OF THE REQUIRED VACCINES?

We will accept your pet with whatever vaccines your vet deems safe and recommended for your pet. If your pet cannot receive a specific vaccine that we require, please have your vet fax over a doctor’s note stating that they do not vaccinate said pet against whichever required vaccines stated above, and we will keep this information on file for any future stays.

DO YOU HAVE BREED RESTRICTIONS?

No, we do not! We accept breeds of all ages, temperaments, and sizes! We also board birds, rodents, rabbits, reptiles, turtles, pigs, etc. Please call for details!

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD BOARDING PRICE?

Standard boarding includes, for dogs, an individualized, indoor/outdoor kennel. We provide food and bedding if you would prefer to use ours instead of bringing your pets’ food. We are in and out of each dogs’ kennel throughout the day giving attention and care, though if you are looking to add a specific activity for your dog, an additional charge of $12.00 per activity, per session will apply. Please see our services and rates page for additional information.

For cats, a minimum of two “kitty condos” are assigned. Depending on availability, each cat can receive two to three kitty condos to meander through. We provide food and bedding if you would prefer to use ours (as opposed to bringing your pets’ food).

HOW BIG ARE THE KENNELS?

Our Standard Kennels measure 4 feet by 4 feet on the inside and 4 feet by 15 feet on the outside. Family Kennels measure 4 feet by 4 feet on the inside, and 12 feet by 15 feet on the outside.

CAN I RESERVE A SPECIFIC RUN FOR MY DOG?

Please let us know if your pet has any special needs so that we may house them in the most appropriate place. We will make every effort to accommodate your wishes, however, just like any hotel we cannot guarantee that your pet will be housed in a specific run.

WHY DO YOU CHARGE EXTRA FOR ACTIVITIES? IF I DON’T PAY FOR ANY ACTIVITIES, WILL MY DOG BE ISOLATED DURING HIS STAY?

All activities are scheduled and occur on a one-on-one basis with a staff member. It is of the utmost importance to us that each and every scheduled activity is completed each day. Dogs that do not receive activities will still receive plenty of love and attention from the staff and always have access to their outside run during the day.

CAN I COME IN FOR A TOUR?

Yes! We do tours everyday during business hours, no appointment needed! The best time to stop in to take a look around would be between 9-5 to avoid all of our heavy cleaning and feeding times!

CAN I BRING MY PET ON THE TOUR?

No, we do not allow dogs to come along on the tour due to insurance liability issues!

WHAT TYPE OF PET FOOD IS USED?

We serve both Diamond brand Maintenance and Diamond brand Lamb and Rice for dogs. For cats, we serve Maintenance Diamond Brand. We do have canned wet dog food and canned wet cat food, if needed to entice eating.

We also have Milk-bone brand dog treats (and sometimes, various other treats!) that are given sparingly throughout your dogs’ stay with us. Please notify us if your dog has any allergies so that we can make sure to stick to their strict diet only!

CAN I BRING MY OWN PET’S FOOD & TREATS?

Yes, of course. We highly recommend bringing your pets’ own food to avoid any digestive upset. There is no additional charge to use our food or your own food. Please bring your pets’ food however you would like (in a tupperware, ziplock bag, original bag, pre-baggied, etc.) and we can accommodate accordingly.

We have standard measuring cups as a basis for feeding amounts, though you can bring your own “scoop” (cup, mug, container, etc.) and we’d be happy to use that instead. We are able to refrigerate/freeze food as well, if needed.

CAN I BRING MY PETS OWN BLANKET/BED/TOYS?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring bedding and toys. Again, we do have blankets here that we will provide if you choose not to bring anything. We just ask that whatever you bring is machine washable in case of any accidents.

Also, please keep in mind that even though your pet may not normally tear or shred their bedding or belongings at home, dogs may be more prone to doing so here, so we ask that you do not bring any very special or irreplaceable items for your pets’ stay.

For elderly pets, please make sure to bring any special mats/beds to keep them comfortable! We have a limited number of beds available and bringing your own will ensure that he/she always has one within his/her kennel.

In regards to toys, please only bring toys that you are comfortable leaving your pet unattended with. Although we are here throughout the day, we are not here to monitor pets and their toy habits over night.

WHAT IS KENNEL COUGH?

Canine cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is much like the human cold, and generally does not require medical care. Dogs catch kennel cough by inhaling the bacteria or virus particles into their respiratory tract.

Vets will often prescribe cough suppressants to reduce throat irritation and/or antibiotics to help the pet recover quickly, but it will usually resolve itself on its own. We want all of our clients to be aware and to feel comfortable asking us any questions!

We aren’t medically trained professionals, so we recommend talking to your vet if you are exceptionally worried. The bordetella vaccine is much like the flu shot for humans in the sense that even if your dog is vaccinated, they can still contract kennel cough.

WHAT ARE KENNEL MATES?

We like to try to find a suitable friend for your dog to board with who is the same size, age, and temperament! Most dogs enjoy getting to have a friend to board with, and this is a great way for dogs to expend some of their energy without adding on additional activities! We never put non-compatible dogs in with other dogs and we never leave compatible dogs that do not seem to be getting along in the same run together.

We always make sure that both dogs are content with the friend that we have matched them with and we are continuously checking up on them throughout their stay to ensure that they are boarding and playing well together! As far as feeding goes, we never feed dogs from different families together, and always make sure to completely separate both dogs before putting food bowls or treats down. Once they are finished eating, we completely remove empty bowls before reintroducing kennel mates!

Lastly, we never board un-neutered males with un-spayed females. There is no additional charge for kennel mates. Most owners prefer this for the socialization aspect of their dog and the dogs generally enjoy having a friend to play with throughout the day! Please call with anymore questions in regards to kennel mates.

CAN YOU GIVE MY PET MEDICINE/INJECTIONS?

Yes, we can! Please make sure to leave us with detailed instructions on how much, how often, and how you would like us to administer them! We use small pieces of cheese, peanut butter, or little bits of wet food for pills, though you are welcome to bring pill pockets or anything else you may typically use!

CAN MY PET WEAR COLLAR DURING BOARDING?

Due to the risk of collars/harnesses catching on the fencing, we do not allow pets to wear their collars or harnesses while boarding. We provide a tear away collar with their name and our information on it for your pet to wear. If necessary, we can use their own harness/collar during walks, though while within the kennel, they will not be wearing anything other than the tear away collar.

WHAT IS A PET CARE TECHNICIAN?

Upon hire, all employees are referred to as pet care techs. However, we have three tests consisting of Tail Wag Inn specific information ranging from short answer to multiple choice questions. After an employee’s first three months hits, they are asked to take the level one pet care test. After passing said test, they are now considered a level one pet tech. The same goes for an employee at six months for the level two and a test at one year for the level three tech.

IS THERE ANY INITIAL TESTING PRIOR TO BOARDING?

No, we do not require any “testing” prior to dropping off! All of our kennels are individualized and we don’t do any off leash introductions between dogs who have never met before, so no prior screening is necessary!

IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD DO TO PREPARE MY PET FOR THEIR FIRST BOARDING EXPERIENCE?

If you are worried about how your dog may do during their first overnight stay with us, we recommend setting up a daycare appointment in advance so that we can give you more information on how they respond to the kennel setting throughout the day! This also helps with dogs with separation anxiety to give them comfort in knowing that you’ll be back to pick them up!

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER BOARDING MY ANIMAL?

After boarding your dog, you may notice him or her to be more tired than normal. Remember, your dog needs to rest from his vacation just like you! Although dogs have unlimited access to water while here, a small percentage may drink and eat more upon returning home. They may also display mild digestive upsets.

It is our highest priority to provide unparalleled care and attention for your dog. We want every experience you have with us to be exceptional and we strive to give you the best service anywhere.

Our expert staff and modern facility offer the best of everything your dog needs to be safe, comfortable, and happy. Your dog is a member of your family and will be treated as one of ours.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PET GETS SICK OR IS INJURED?

After accessing the situation, we will try to reach you or your emergency contact. If we are unable to make contact, we will call your veterinarian to decide if your pet requires treatment. If your veterinarian clinic is closed, we will take your pet to an emergency clinic.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?

We accept cash, checks, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards. Payment is typically made at the time of pet pickup.

DO I NEED TO SIGN A CONTRACT WHEN I BOARD MY PET?

Yes! Upon making the reservation online you will be directed to our contract which can be signed online. If you do not make a reservation through our website, we will have you sign a copy at check-in. You may read through our contract here!

OUR TERMS OF SERVICE

Tail Wag Inn & Laurel Acres Kennels will conduct business during normal hours.

All pet guests will be charged for the first day of boarding, regardless of arrival time. Dogs and cats can more easily adjust to the kennel environment if they arrive early in the day (particularly for the first-time visitor). If your pet is picked up before 12:00 PM(noon) on the day of departure, you will not be charged for that day. Please take note of the 2021 holiday schedule and make your reservations early. If your plans change and you must cancel, please give us at least 72 hours’ notice so that someone else can be accommodated.

Do not be disappointed! Reserve early for the holidays! They include: Spring Break, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Years.

For your pet’s safety and the safety of our other pet guests, all dogs must be kept on leash. All vaccinations must be current before pets will be checked in. Please ask your veterinarian to fax this information to us at (503) 628-4251. Please follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding the vaccinations your pet should have prior to boarding.

In addition to vaccinations, all dogs and cats should be flea and tick free. Pets with signs of fleas and/or ticks will be treated for fleas at the owner’s expense.

Guests will not be checked in until shots are current

Please leave your pet in the car until check-in is complete. We will verify the dates your pet will be with us and make sure that all requested services such as walks, play yard, bathing, etc. are properly noted in your pet’s record. You will also be asked to sign a contract for your pet’s stay. Bedding and toys from home may make your dog’s stay more comfortable so please mark your pet’s name on all items. Although we can provide blankets for your dog’s stay, the plain, easily washed ones, which you may choose to bring, would be best. Your dog will be given his very own “locker” for his personal possessions while he is here, and we make every effort to return them to you. Please understand that occasionally these items are lost or destroyed. (Just like kids going to camp.) Do not bring items that are especially important to you as we cannot be responsible for them.

Changes to this Statement

Tail Wag Inn & Laurel Acres Kennels will occasionally update this Statement to reflect company and customer feedback. Tail Wag Inn & Laurel Acres Kennels encourages you to periodically review this Statement to be informed of how Tail Wag Inn & Laurel Acres Kennels is protecting your information.