Frequently Asked Questions
Where does my dog sleep at night?
Each dog has his (or her) own indoor/outdoor kennel. Inside each dog has their bed, food/water dishes and any treats or toys brought from home. The inside is fully partitioned to give your pet privacy and security. The outside is a 15 foot long run. This is where your dog will get fresh air, exercise and do their “business”. The large kennels are 4x4 on the inside and 4x15 outside. Most dogs up to 140lbs find this ample room. The small kennels are 3x3 on the inside and 3x15 on the outside. Most dogs up to the 40lbs are very comfortable in this size kennel. The inside and outside
are separated by a doggie door. Weather permitting, pets can come and go as they please during the day. Bedtime is 9PM, and after a bedtime snack, everyone is kept inside at night. We are fully climate controlled so your pet is comfortable all year round.
What does my dog sleep on?
Every dog is given a Perla dog bed and we provide blankets, comforters, or lambs wool blankets. We also have thick cushioned mats for seniors, or pets that are extra large! No dog is on concrete! (We love pets, and want them to comfy!) We find this works best as all bedding is washed daily, insuring your dog always has a clean fresh bed. Most housebroken pets will soil their bedding while boarding in an attempt to make their surroundings smell familiar and less foreign. It is very hard to fit in several beds, blankets and pillows, and we do not want to give you back soiled belongings.
You may bring your own bedding from home if you wish, but we ask that your put name on it in permanent marker. Sometimes it’s hard for us to remember what bed came in with which dog when it comes out of the wash. Some owners prefer to leave their dog with something that has the owner’s scent. We have found a t-shirt or towel works well. It is small enough to put aside when cleaning and give back for your pet’s comfort.
What do you feed? Do I need to bring my dog’s food?
We feed pedigree kibble, and canned. Many people prefer to bring their dog’s food to avoid digestive upsets. We want your dog to be as happy as you do. Please feel free to bring your dog’s own food if you like. We ask that you bring it in some type of container (please no grocery bags) which can be clearly labeled with your pet’s name. Please include instructions regarding when your pet eats and how much we need to feed. If your dog is on a special diet (raw, prescription), bring it with you. We have a refrigerator/freezer and microwave to accommodate and feeding needs.
My dog is on medication, can he still stay?
Yes! We can give most daily medications, pills or ointments. We can also accommodate most diabetic dogs who get daily insulin injections. Our staff will ask you if your pet is on any medication when you check in. Please be patient as they enter this information into our computer. Unlike most kennels, there is no extra charge for this service UNLESS your pet needs medication more than twice a day or has an extensive list of medication. If your pet has very significant medical needs we may suggest that you consider veterinary supervision instead of a kennel.
I have multiple pets, can they stay together?
Sure! We frequently board the same family pets together. Our large kennels will comfortably accommodate up to 140 lbs. This is plenty of room for two large dogs or three medium dogs. Our medium size kennels easily accommodate two smaller dogs. If your canine family is extra large, we ask you to allow us to separate as needed for their comfort. There is a roommate fee for each additional pet per kennel.
Absolutely!
You must provide us with a shot record from your vet stating that your dog is up-to-date on
Dogs: Distemper
Rabies (tags are not sufficient)
Bordatella
Canine Influenza (Two dose protocol)
Cats: Rabies
Feline Distemper
Feline Leukemia Negitive
These vaccinations are for the safety of your pet, and Bow Wag will NOT accept
pets for boarding without proof of vaccines.
The safety of the pets in our care is our primary concern. Most veterinary hospitals are willing to print a shot record of your pet’s vaccination history. Some vet hospitals are able to fax this information to us for you, but it is the owner’s responsibility to provide us with this information. We suggest discussing your pets vaccination history with your vet before your bring your pet to the kennel.
Is the Canine Influenza Vaccine New?
Yes. The Canine influenza virus is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a novel Influenza A subtype H3N8 virus that was first discovered in 2004.
Please read our Canine Influenza Page for more detailed information. We require this vaccine for dogs at Bowwag Kennels
What happens if I forget my shot record?
We will try to contact your vet and verify your pets vaccinations. If we cannot contact your vet, cannot verify your pet’s records, or your pet is not current on the required vaccinations, your pet will NOT be allowed to stay. This is for the safety of the pets in our care and there are no exceptions to this rule. We strongly recommend you check your pet’s vaccination status in advance to make sure everything is in order before your bring your pet to the kennel. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
What if my vet doesn’t vaccinate my pet?
There are several reasons a veterinarian will not give yearly vaccines. Senior pets, or pets who have reactions to vaccines are common. Some vets will do yearly blood titers to check immunity levels, rather than vaccinate. Many vets have adopted a moderate vaccination schedule routine for their clients. Simply provide us with a note from your vet stating it is safe to board your pet. Your pet’s health and safety is our main concern.
Can I stop by and have a tour?
Absolutely! We highly recommend this. It is a great opportunity for you to ask us questions, and see first-hand where your pet will stay. This is also the time to discuss any problems or issues you think your pet may have. We do not require an appointment for you to have a tour, but we do suggest that it not be before 10AM. We open at 9AM and generally have a lot of traffic in the office making it difficult for a staff member to get away. Business hours are as follows:
Mon-Thurs 9AM - 5PM Fridays 9 AM - 6PM Saturdays 9 AM - 5PM Sundays 7 PM - 8PM for pick-ups only.
We are closed for grooming or check-ins on Sundays.
We are closed the following holidays:
New Years Day (open from 7PM - 8PM for pick-ups only)
July 4th
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Memorial Day and Labor Day - Closed the Sunday before and open for pick-ups on 7PM-8PM on Monday.
Is anyone there after hours?
Yes! We wouldn't leave the animals alone. We have two staff members living upstairs at all times. They are frequently in the kennel after business hours. Just like at home, our care for your pets doesn't end at 5pm! We feel like the time after hours is the time we get to really know your dog. Pets know when the "workday" is done, and the remainder of the day is spent relaxing with the special people who live here. It's important for your pet to know we can interact with them without distractions, and they appreciate the quiet time after the busy day. The entire property, inside and out, is also monitored with security cameras.
If some is there all the time, why can't I pick up or drop off after hours?
Your pets are creatures of habit, and need a consistent routine to be comfortable and happy. The care and comfort of our guests is our priority! They deserve the time to be cared for and relaxed. During business hours there is a staff caring for our guests, and a separate office, and grooming staff. After hours is a quieter, more personal time for everyone. It's important for your pet to know they can count on us to give them this time. Disruption of their schedule causes anxiety, and we appreciate your cooperation in avoiding it.
How far in advance should I make my boarding reservation?
We suggest that you make your reservation as soon as you know your travel plans. For holidays and summer times, try to make a reservation in anticipation of your trip. We get booked very quickly for common travel times. Many of our clients book holidays and summers a year in advance and it is not unusual for us to be full starting in June, until Labor Day. Please remember that your vacations and holidays are our busy season. We require a $50 deposit for all reservations made between Mother’s Day and Labor Day as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas. This deposit will be applied to your bill when your pet stays with us. If your plans change, your deposit will be refunded if we are given 48 hours notice before your stay was to begin. We appreciate your cooperation!
My dog may not go potty in his run. Will this be a problem?
This is something we routinely anticipate. We check every run before cleaning them several times each day. We make a note of any dogs who are not going potty in the run. After a period of time, if we see no evidence of urine or fecal, we begin rotating your pet outside in order for your pet to go potty (we call this No Po Rotation). If your dog does not go potty in his or her run (becomes a No Po), we will make sure your dog is taken to a grass area several times a day so they will feel more comfortable "doing buisness". You will be advised upon check-out and there will be a small fee for this service in future visits.
Why am I charged per day and not per night?
Much like a hotel, you are charged for the day you check in, and rates are based on the day of boarding, not just an overnight charge. Our staff begins tending to pet guests in our care every day at 7 AM. Therefore, before you arrive for check out, your pet will have been fed, exercised and had their kennel cleaned. Boarding dogs staying past 12 Noon (unless they are getting groomed) are charged for another day. If you decide to have your pet bathed and groomed on the day of departure, you are not charged for boarding that day, regardless of pick-up time.
What time can I pick up my pet if they are getting groomed on the departure day?
Pick-up time will depend on how many dogs are already booked for grooming that day. Please ask us when you drop off your pet. We will ask what you want to have done to your pet (bath, nails, trim, clip, etc.) and give you a time for pick-up. For long-haired breeds or dogs with special haircut requests, a groomer will come out to discuss what you’d like. If you need to pick up your pet early on departure day, we will arrange to do the grooming the day before if necessary. We do not groom on Sundays. Grooming for Sunday departures is done on Saturday afternoon.
What time on Sunday can I pick up my pet?
Pick up is from 7PM to 8PM on Sundays. As a courtesy to our customers, we have decided to provide checkout hours Sunday evenings. As animal lovers ourselves, we understand how eager you are to be reunited with your pet. Our staff is here on Sundays caring for the dogs. They are not allowed to answer the phone or let customers into the building outside of business hours. We appreciate your cooperation.
Why does my dog sometimes smell after being boarded?
At Bow Wag we are meticulous in cleaning our kennels, and use hospital grade disinfectants to keep them spotless. However, in the closed quarters of the boarding kennel among the other pet guests, a dog’s natural odor may become more noticeable. Certain customers may also be more sensitive to pet odors after having not been with their pet for a while. Sometimes even a housebroken pets will soil their bedding while boarding in an attempt to make their surroundings smell familiar and less foreign. We recommend scheduling a “go home fresh bath” or grooming appointment, before pick up. In fact, if your pet gets a bath on Monday through Saturday, your boarding fee is waived for that day.
While my dog is boarding with you, will he be taken out for walks?
We have a securely fenced half-acre “play yard” for the dogs. This allows your pet to be able to run all they want or just sniff and wander. Play time is supervised by a staff member and frequent games of fetch and tug are not uncommon. Play time is $8 per DAY (not individual trip). Depending on the weather, some days your pet will only go out once, and other days your pet may go out as many as three times. We do not do playtime during rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, and do not charge if your pet does not go out. This is individual pet play time, and we do not put all of our pet guests out together.
We recommend our Hand walk option for senior or arthritic pets. It's great for a pet who may be unenthusiastic about going by themselves. Relaxed walking, and personal time with a caring person keeps them from getting stiff, and gives them a special person to bond with. We find many of our insecure, or nervous pets respond well to this also.
We also have a new obstacle course for even more activity options. Regular exercise makes your dog feel better, relax more, and keeps him or her happier. That's what we all want!
Extra's!!!
Fun and Games
Romping in our huge play yard!
Multiple trips per day
$8 per day, Roommates $4
Hand walking
A must for senior, or arthritic dogs!
A leisurely walk at their pace, with a
staff member helps keeps them
from getting stiff. Also great for
nervous dogs. Special one on one time
for your pet. A morning and
afternoon stroll. $10 per day
Fun on the obstacle course
Excellent mental and physical stimulation
for all dogs. A staff member uses positive
motivation to teach your dog to go over
obstacles, jumps, and through the hoop.
A great way to burn off energy and reduce
stress! Two trips $10 per day
* Brush & Hugs Massages
are loving hugs and gentle brushing for the dog who loves to be pampered and just loved.
$7 per session per dog