Frequently Asked Questions for Professional Dog Kennels

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We are open from 9am to 5pm.

 A dictionary definition would probably make you feel like these terms are synonymous— a place where pets are kept safe. They are even used by professionals interchangeably. Perhaps it is because pet boarding has often been called kenneling so the use it not clear to the person who picking a place to board their four-legged family member.  

We have a no refund policy and any reservation not paid in advance is subject to cancellation. We do not offer in person payments.

The industry has refined these terms to be specific. A crate is like what you might have at home a metal or plastic box that you put your pet into. A kennel is more spacious and comes in two forms, indoor and outdoor. 

When a crate is right sized, it is big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay down in a normal position. Creates are typically measured in inches. 

There is no agreed standard dimensions. But there are things your dog should be able to do.  In a kennel your dog can do everything they can do in a crate BUT also walk around, play, and jump up. Kennels are measured in feet and very progressive kennels measure them in dog lengths. They also have partitions that prevent visual and physical interactions. 

Tough question. Dogs come in five sizes, toy, small, medium, large and giant. So a kennel designed for a toy would be inappropriate for medium size dog. But a kennel designed for a giant might be inappropriate for a toy dog. But a kennel designed for a giant can also be outfit for a toy dog. Kennels typically have high partitions that are relative to the size of dog that will be housed. For a giant dog, 7foot high walls is common without a cover and a ceiling height of 9ft. Indoor runs for a giant dog might typically measure 5 feet wide by 7 feet long. It is big enough for the dog to walk around, jump and play and sturdy enough to safely contain a rambunctious Great Dane, for example. 

These terms are often used interchangeably. But they are not the same. An outdoor run can be a common area where dogs can mingle. It can be on grass which would be uncovered or unshaded or on concrete and covered or shaded. It should never be on sand or mud. An outdoor kennel is typically private, protects your dog from other dogs and provides added space that provides visual stimulation and safe, protected interactions for your pup. 

There is no one answer. But it should accomplish some important things. An outdoor kennel has partitions to protect one dog from another but allows them to see each other and interact without contact other dogs and the world outside. It is large enough for the dog to run albeit it may be short distances. They can enjoy the climate and breezes outside and watch the people, cars, or wildlife outside while safely protected. An outdoor run typically accomplishes the socialization but without the protections from other dogs or things in the environment. Outdoor community runs can be quite large with dogs of all sizes interacting. Think dog park. 

This differs by what the owner thinks is necessary for their dog’s health and well being. Every boarding facility has hours and schedules you should check to see if that schedule meets your dog’s needs. Crate can provide more security for you dog if your dog is regularly crated at home whereas it also has the highest reliability on humans for everything.  Kennels provide sufficient space for that necessary after hours bathroom break, a place to keep water where it is likely to not get spilled. 

Some dogs might have conditions that make a crate a better choice due to health or age, or disease. But crate boarding requires human interaction, has the dog sitting or laying down for the most part of the day and relies on a schedule for going to the bathroom or going for walks. The biggest problem with crate boarding is weekends and holidays when staff is on limited hours. If your dog is accustomed to going potty before bed your dog may be laying in excrement until the next morning. This restrictive environment can be just what the doctor ordered or torture for an active dog. 

Kennels provide adequate space to put a large water bowl and to secure it so it does not spill. It also offers sufficient space in the event your dog has to relieve herself after hours. Kennels should have raised beds so your dog will always sleep dry and clean. 

No worries. We can administer prescription or over the counter medications that you provide. Prescription medication must be in the original container provided by your vet or the filling pharmacy,

That is an unequivocal NO! We have owners who do not even want one or more dogs from their own household to mix. 

Every dog that stays 4 or more days receives a complimentary quick bath at departure. It is not to the level of what a groomer might do. We use a generic kennel shampoo and conditioner and only wash from the collar back. If the dog has relatively few mats we typically brush them out and allow them to dry. The purpose is the freshen the dog up to go home and give you, the owner, one less thing to think about after you just got home and are brining your family member home. However, if you do not want your dog bathed just let us know at check in or in your online account.