Description of Facility and My Mission
Doggie Daycare is located at 421 Garnet Mountain Way on 2.2 acres in Gallatin Gateway just 2/10 of a mile off hwy 191 for easy access. This is my 4th facility and the 1st facility I was fortunate to build from the ground up starting November of 2000. This is not something I would EVER want to do again, but am glad I did it so I was able to plan according to what the pets and I need instead of coming into an existing building and trying to 'make it work'. I am the proud owner of the 1st Doggie Daycare in SW Montana and you can read about me thru this link CC, the owner. My home sits in the front of the property and is a mere 40 feet from the facility. I have my main office in my house where I conduct some of my business via phone and email without any distractions. I have ceiling cameras with A/V in the facility to be able to monitor all indoor activity during off hours. I installed 3 wireless color A/V cameras that play to any TV in the facility or my house so I can have dogs outside during many more hours of the day than most facilities. This is a great advantage for the dogs who love to be outside as often as they can and I can give this to them since I live right here… as close as it gets. I would never be able to drive away at the end of the day and leave them behind…that just would not and never has sat well with me. I love my job and my pets although an occasional drive to town can be the much needed relief after the 24/7 nature of this business. The facility building houses our guests 24/7. It is 2000 sq ft of aesthetically pleasing yet comfortable and functional space with an additional 800 sq ft outdoor partially enclosed play area for inclement weather.
The interior walls were hand painted by a local muralist, Kirsten Baker, to give that outdoor feeling with Aspen trees and small wildlife. The cat room has a huge mural with an Amazon theme running the length of the room.
In the yard closest to the facility I installed K9 Grass a synthetic grass much like what you see in indoor sports arenas except this is the only synthetic grass that is specifically designed for dogs. I am very excited about this addition as it helps keep the dogs clean by never puddling or letting any mud or unwanted debris up through the weave. The dogs absolutely love playing and rolling around on it. A large portion of it is under the partially enclosed play area so Fido and Fifi can go out and do their business regardless of the weather. This makes for a lot less indoor accidents whether we are potty training a young one or insuring outdoor relief in the middle of winter or a rain storm will not be agonizing to my more finicky guests.
Outside the dogs have 7 different fenced yards offering over 35,000 sq ft. This is the most outdoor space available to any daycare facility in this area. The largest yard will be my newest addition. I will eventually put a pond in this yard for the best swimming experience a dog could wish for. I feel dogs need this kind of space to be able to run with the feeling of 'I'm FREE!' and burn off daily energy. They sleep really well after a day of play.
I have recently made the choice to downsize my business to have more quality time with my 4-legged clients. For many years I grew the business and felt I was losing touch with the reasons I started this so many years ago. It was a frightening move but one I have not regretted for a single moment and the happy pets and personal happiness tell me I made the right decisionJ.
I believe there is a huge difference between all out 'free range' dog play and planned peer groups. Dogs that have 24/7 in your face play or have been penned up for 23 out of 24 hours listening to their neighbor bark his head off typically don't fair as well as dogs that have structure to their day including play time and breaks from play and their buddies. Free range dogs may go home tired, but mental fatigue is very different from a healthy mentally stimulated dog. I think of it like going to a cocktail party; there is only so much conversation and meeting new people you want to do till you feel like you need some space to breathe and relax….and yes, be alone. Many people have the misconception that their dog wants or needs to go go go all day long. This is not true and can be detrimental to your dog's mental and physical well being. Since domesticated dogs are on human created time schedules and in human created space, we, the human needs to step in and help them have a good play group with the appropriate amount of exercise paying constant attention to and making modifications to the ever changing pack.
Many people ask me who or what kind of dog their dog is going to be with. Hmmm…that is a darn good question. The answer however can never be the same as the pack is ever changing with each new introduction, a dog leaving, weather, hormones, the list can go on. The one constant is 'size wise' group division. In nature, all wolves are about the same size, not so in domesticated dogs and I do believe that little dogs play more safely with little dogs.
The pack is an ever changing ever observed dynamic. I also do not know how your dog is going to be in any given group even if he has been here 100 times. Dogs too have bad days, get older, have aches and pains, have mood fluctuations, and pick up on the mood of their 'home pack' before coming to the facility. The unpredictable is challenging but rewarding when you get to the end of the day or the end of a dog's stay and everyone is happy and healthy.
Inside pets enjoy air-conditioning all summer long. In cooler weather the heat is radiant so it flows from a warm floor upwards. This really helps my arthritic and older dogs. Surround sound music plays in the facility all day and night to help soothe and relax everyone. This also aids to block out certain noises that make some dogs feel 'on alert'. This can be exhausting to feel so reactive to every little noise, start barking and then everyone else feels the need to get on alert, start barking and then no one can rest or digest!
Throughout the facility there is natural lighting thru skylights. Fluorescent lighting is not good for anyone's eyes and I personally do not like that 'cooped up' feeling when there are no windows. We are accustomed to having windows in our own house although this may not be the case at our place of work and I have read studies on how this can affect one's mood. You know how natural light makes you feel, especially in our long winters. Dog's may feel the same. It saddens me to watch a dog leave a boarding or vet facility and has to squint against the natural lighting as he has not had access to it behind those 4 walls.
All pets are housed indoors during feeding, nap and night time. In traditional (archaic to me) kenneling, dogs are expected to get a majority if not all of their exercise in their 'kennel run'. The 'kennel run' is a term I do not use nor do I use that space for anything other than relaxing, eating, treat chewing, or sleeping. Doggie Daycare was built on the belief that dogs should exercise in some place other than their motel room or 'living space'. Small spaces 24/7 are meant for prisoners not my 4-legged clients. Out of the 2000 sq ft of facility space I only have 11 pens that are each 5’ X 10’ or 50 sq ft to insure plenty of elbow room for each and every dog. I also have a couple of smaller pens for dogs that require physical restrictions such as post ACL surgery.
Group toys are provided, but donations are always appreciated (especially tennis balls & Frisbees!).
Doggie Daycare will work with every parent to give their pet the vacation he wants and deserves. I will not however accept problem dogs that dig, jump fences, bark and/or whine continually. These behaviors are stressful to the group and teach others these same behaviors. Besides who would want to vacation with a peer like that?
If your pooch does not have a pleasant stay, I will do my best to help you relocate him to a different environment more suitable for his next vacation. It is unfortunate, but some dogs are better off somewhere else...I just want to make sure he gets there.
The kitty condos are in a separate part of the building from the dogs with their own entrance so they don't have to see or hear the dogs. The condos have southern exposure that look out into a pasture with views of the mountains. Shouldn't kitty have views instead of being stuffed in a steel pen without as much as a window?
-----------------TOP ----------------
 |
Click to enlarge this photo. Pick up/Drop off room - Please use the white baskets for your dog's belongings and view the clipboard for your invoice or special instructions in off hours. The art work was done by Kirstin Baker. |
Hours of Operation are by appointment only
I am available to '2-legged clients' from Sunday through Friday by appointment only. You will always have access to the Pick up/Drop off room any time on a reservation basis. I am closed to people on Saturdays and may charge an additional fee if you must pick up or drop off on that day with my assistance.
I have watched dog behavior for a long time and see a big difference in the individual being dropped off and the packs attitude and change in dynamic to that new guy being dropped off that is extremely dependant on many factors. Some of these factors can be greatly controlled by the human factor. I want the dog to come when the 'pack' is in a receptive mood. My focus here is to give your dog the best stay possible so the hours are limited for that reason.
Dogs dropped off in structured time frames are better able to adjust to the routine and settle in quicker. In my opinion, it is unfair to ask a dog to get here with little time for adjustment and be in a building with several other doggie smells and not know if they are friend or foe. We know they are protected in their pen, but do they? These are the dogs who usually feel they have to relieve themselves in the middle of the night as they are scared or did not get enough time to do so earlier. He knows something is going on well before you put him in the car to come here. He may not have relieved himself at home and now we are asking him to do it while meeting all these new dogs at a strange place with his parents having just left him. Ahhh he has enough to think about! He needs time to do his 'meet & greet' and get comfortable with his new surroundings before I close the doors.
Cats do not for the most part like to travel anyway, so we need to minimize her stress at every level possible. This includes not having her come in while I am in the middle of cleaning. Who wants to check in to their hotel room while the maid is still running in and out? Now imagine your kitty dealing with that commotion. Please respect the time we have arranged so your pet can have the best stay possible.-----------------TOP ----------------
 |
A lot of parents wonder how their precious little toy breed dog will do in a facility such as this. Well I am here to tell that I treat them quite differently than our larger 'kids' as they have different needs and are for the most part treated differently than their larger siblings at home. All toy dogs get a visually enclosed pen so as to not feel any intimidation from my other boarders. They also have their own yards and own peer groups. At no time do the little guys mix or mingle with the big guys unless I have an older, crippled or very disabled dog that needs to be in a more relaxed setting in yard time.
Toy dogs get special beds and bowls fitting of the prince or princess they are treated like at home. You are more than welcome to bring their own bed or bedding but you may change your mind when you see what royal accommodations I have for them.
Every dog receives daily room and maid service to their owner's specifications for diet and special needs. My toy clients are carried in and out of the yards if they are more accustomed to being in my arms than running along the floor. It is up to them.
Please feel free to call me, CC at any time if you have any questions or concerns about the accommodations I can/will provide for your special little prince or princess.
-----------------TOP ----------------
 CC's daughter, Taylor throwing a ball for the group. |
I walk out to the facility around 6am to rotate the cats out of their condos to get some exploring and stretching time. This rotation is done throughout the entire day to ensure all cats have plenty of time out of their condos whether it is in their inside play room or in their fully enclosed outside patio. Then I go to the dog room to let all the dogs out in the yards to relieve themselves and stretch their legs. The dogs come back in for breakfast. While they are in to eat I feed the cats and pass out some kitty TLC. After the dogs have eaten and have had a chance to let their bellies settle their meals I let them out again for some structured play time. After everyone has had a chance to burn off some energy the dogs are put into groups of 1-4 depending on who they are and what kind of peer groups that will form. Then I take my daughter to her activities for the day. When I return new dogs are introduced and it is back to morning play time. You may think as many do that all I do is play with dogs and cats all day. Although this is true to some extent my job entails a bit more to ensure the safety and happiness of each and every dog and cat in my care. I have to make sure all are getting along, staying hydrated, staying cool or warm, getting adequate TLC from me and proper play cues are being given and taken from all dogs. All this happens while the dogs are only aware they are having fun and the cats are only aware their job is to rest, relax and find the highest place for their next cat nap. My job is a constant juggle of entertaining and monitoring while keeping up with my own stringent demands for a clean and safe facility.
I check the phone for messages periodically throughout the day so please leave a message as I won’t know you called otherwise. In the past I have had several employees to help expand this business and help tend to the many phone calls. Along with more clients came more responsibilities that unfortunately had little to do with why I started this business. After a lot of thought and soul searching I made the decision to downsize the business. This now means less phone answering and more call returning. I hope you see this as I do and that it is a good trade off for me both personally and professionally as I am spending more of my time caring for your pets thus realizing the many reasons I made my passion my career. I am also very picky when it comes to the dogs and cats who can not ‘tell’ me what is going on when I was otherwise spending the better part of my day tending to the endless details of a larger business. Your pet is better cared for when I am focused more on pet sitting rather than babysitting employees. I will always have someone who helps me out as this is a 24/7 business but other than that it is back to grass roots for me and my precious 4-leggeds : ).
While outside all socialized dogs have tennis balls to fetch and 'sometimes' retrieve : ). The pools are available all summer long and it is one of my favorite times to watch the comedy of several dogs jumping into the water all at once and the surprise on the new ones' faces at the feeling of it all. A fresh powder day in winter brings the same sort of comedy when I open the doors to the yards and the surprised faces that go diving in like little children. They also enjoy as children do, to try to catch the snowflakes before they hit the ground.
All socialized dogs are given the opportunity to be outside a minimum of 8 hours a day. Some chose to be out every single second they can while some chose a combination of outside for a bit and then inside to see what's going on in there or to just hang out with me while I clean or return phone calls.
Everyone comes into the facility to their own pens and beds for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Each dog is gone over briefly to check for any possible injuries, sore pads, sore muscles etc… This also helps to calm their minds and bodies. This touching also reassures them they are loved while strengthening their bond with me. Now it is time for a nap. Dogs, when given the chance, will naturally self nap during the day. It is necessary for the mind and body to take a break and wind down. The music plays, treats are given to signal nap time and they all go down. I take a break too as jobs with pets are anything but 9-5.
All is repeated in the afternoon which starts (depending on my groups and activity levels) 1-2pm with dinners fed at 3:30. Our day ends anywhere between 6:30 and sometimes midnite if we are having too much fun!
-----------------TOP ----------------
Every pet must be accompanied with a completed and signed consent form to be in the facility. As the owner or guardian you are responsible to provide this facility with up to date vaccination and vet information. If I do not have accurate information your pet will be quarantined and properly vaccinated to meet the facilities requirements.
Please make certain any medication your pet is currently taking comes in a well labeled up to date container with full and legible instructions. You will also need to provide this information on the consent form or on a separate sheet of paper to be attached to his consent form if it is a medication that changes for any number of reasons.
All cats because of their natural finicky nature are required to bring their own diet & treats from home. Dogs have the choice of our kibble diet or their own from home. Please click on the above link to read about the delicious and nutritious options we have available for your pet to enjoy. Please do not bring any bowls as I provide those and I don’t want to lose yours in the daily cleaning.
Daycare dogs may bring their breakfast (lunch for puppies) or a dinner depending on age, time of daycare stay and physical requirements. I highly recommend him eating at home (unless it is a pup on 3 meals/day) as he will have more time to play. It can also be hard for some dogs to focus on eating when they are so excited to get on with play. I will also require him to stay in for at least 15 minutes after his meal to let his food settle before he goes out with his buddies.
All dogs must come in and go out on a leash. Complimentary leashes are provided at the front bench and in the facility if you have forgotten yours. If you bring him in on your leash, please take it out with you as I will not need it for his stay and you will need it upon his pick up.
All cats must come in a carrier with his/her name on it and it is to stay in the facility at all times from drop off to pick up.
All dogs MUST wear a quick release collar. If they come without one or their collar is not a quick release, you will need to rent one here during his stay for $3. Not only is it important for me to be able to get hold of your dog but I also have an emergency tie out plan that requires all dogs to have a properly fitted collar. My collars also have ‘Doggie Daycare 763-5585’ applied to them. This is for the safety of your dog. I do not offer 'naked play' at the facility as I believe it is important to be able to get hold of your dog if I need to. It is also nice to be able to identify the 5 black labs or 5 golden retrievers who all seem to look alike when out together. The disadvantage of 'collar play' is that dogs use their teeth to play and can and will bite each other's collars during play. If a dog's teeth get stuck in another dog's collar, horrible things can happen. I have heard too many stories at seminars of dog's dying because of this tragedy. Dogs tend to panic in this situation and roll like alligators when trapped. This rolling will only cause further tightening of the collar around the dog's neck and the other dog's jaw can not be released either. Choke Chain, Prong & Belt buckle type collars prevent me from being able to release them. Scissors are also dangerous in this type of accident for very obvious reasons. A safety quick release collar is what I can rely on for everyone involved. This is for the safety of all the dogs as well as me.
Please feel free to bring some things from home you would like your pet to have while in his pen/condo. Pet Cots and Kennel decks are always available to all dogs. If you bring a bed it must be machine washable or you can rent one of my comfy round fleece beds. Cats have their own Kitty Cubbies that are a double decked wicker bed with a fleece pillow in each deck. A few toys (3 maximum please) that can be sterilized and maybe an old shirt you have been wearing for a few nights might help your pets adjustment. Please be aware that if you bring a lot of toys, they may not go home with him. I try to keep track of everyone's toys but in the day to day cleaning and moving things around, sometimes things get lost. Pack for him like you would yourself and leave extremely sentimental or valuable items at home in case of damage or loss.
-----------------TOP ----------------
 We added an outdoor 20x40 foot shingled addition for weather protection. Click to enlarge.  View of yards and back side of the facility. Click to enlarge. |
For your 1st visit you may be apprehensive about the boarding process whether it is your first time or you maybe had a bad experience before. You are welcome (but it is certainly not required) to schedule a tour prior to making a reservation. I try to give plenty of information through the web site, phone calls, e-mails and any other form of communication. I am a very visual person and appreciate 'seeing it for myself' as I have reserved enough 'ocean view' vacations only to show up and find the 'view' is through a telescope, 2 other rooms, and hanging off my balcony with the aid of being strapped down first. We all know the feeling so I want to make sure what I tell and sell you is what you expect. On the other hand the pictures and testimonials are there for a reason and that may be all you can afford time wise (especially if coming from out of town) or it is a spur of the moment decision for you.
When you, the parent/owner come for the first time you have either scheduled a tour or have come at your scheduled time for your boarding or daycare reservation. Please leave your pooch in the car so I can get your paperwork processed, answer any questions and get everything squared away before bringing him in. Please leave him in the car or at home if you are out to tour first. I will show you around if you have arranged a tour and answer all your questions. Tours are on an appointment basis only so I can give you the time you deserve to see my facility for yourself and feel great about finding your pet's future 'away from home' needs. You can then fill out your paperwork and show proof of your vaccinations if you have not already done so. I strongly suggest having these forms ready prior to your reservation as you will be busy enough getting your own vacation/work day ready! Prepayment may be required so please know that I only accept cash or check. You may notice I ask for your SS# on your consent form. This is something I do not like asking for as much as you do not want to give it. Please understand the only reason I have to have this is to insure payment. Unfortunately too many people have picked up their pet with the promise of payment and I never hear from them again : (.
Please be as prompt as possible so I can insure you, your pet and I have all the necessary information and all questions have been adequately answered by/for all. Your promptness will also greatly aid in how well your pet is going to react during his stay. If you are rushed he WILL smell and sense your urgency. This sense of urgency will set him up with his own sense of urgency that may not dissipate until your return and you 'smell' better : ).
Bring your dog's belongings inside (bed, crate, toys etc…) to the drop off room. I need to enter all your items, make sure all is labeled with your pet's name and that all diet and medication information is handled before I take your dog into the main room where he will be staying. The last thing you will do is bring in your dog and hand him over to me. This should be done in a very calm manner so as not to alarm him that something major is about to happen. It is then best that you turn right around and go. We consider it rude to not say goodbye to people, but it is extremely rude to say goodbye to your dog. Saying goodbye as you do at home will only set him up for anxiety. Trust me on this. It is at this point that many well meaning owners can make or break a good vacation for their dog, as well as their own vacation.
Once he is in the facility, I will perform a Pre Entry Evaluation to check for anything abnormal, and make notes of anything about your pet's health at that time. Only then is he ready to be introduced to the rest of the pack. He will be put out in a yard by himself so he can get to know everyone through a fence. I move at his pace. I only put him with everyone when he is ready. This has taken as little as 2 seconds and as long as 2 days. If he does not want to socialize, he will not be forced to do so. I want him to enjoy himself, not feel scared or pressured. This is why I want you to come early enough so he can have plenty of time to work off some energy or anxiety before coming in for a break or for the night.
It is important for all new dogs to be introduced to the group for 'meet & greet' well before lights out. I have been observing dogs for many years now and am convinced that it is unfair for them to be in a room where there are many different dog smells and where they are unsure whether those smells are friend or foe. We know they are protected by the pens they are in…but do they? Why should we worry them unnecessarily? They also need a chance to roam the property and be able to relieve themselves after their trip in the car to get here. They know something is up, so they may not have relieved themselves fully before coming. Anxiety levels whether positive or negative are increased during the trip; I need to make sure that anxiety is lowered before leaving them for a break or for the night.
I may accept unaltered male dogs for a first visit. If they are too testosterone driven, I will either need to charge more for future stays or have to excuse him from the facility altogether. Unaltered male dogs bring testosterone with them and with that comes dominance issues which are not conducive to play. I try very hard to give the dogs a fun experience here. That is not so easily done when nature takes over and gets in the way of a dog's ability to see cues from other dogs that play is play, too rough, or play is over. Please see 'Arguments on neutering.doc'
-----------------TOP ----------------
Doggie Daycare is a proud member of the ABKA (American Boarding Kennels Association). I have down sized the facility which has allowed me to focus more on the reasons I made my passion into a business so long ago. I have fewer pens so less capacity and more one on one time for everyone. I have one trusted helper named Sam who is as caring and thoughtful about the clients both 2 & 4 legged as I am. She too has a passion to stay on top of new trends in the industry, nutritional requirements for pets, diseases, viruses, and bacterium etc…and of course animal behavior. I attend as many seminars as I can make time for, and have my own homework to keep up with the latest in this ever expanding industry. I also have volunteers who come to love on the pets in our care. I am always looking for 'love givers' so let me know if you or someone you know would like to be one whether for an hour or for a lifetime?
Every dog will receive a report card after his first stay to let you know how he did here. This will include any behaviors and activities he was engaged in during his stay. Daycare dogs will get one after their 1st day and when/if there is a change in behavior or activity level that I need to inform you of. Feel free to request a verbal report from me for more specific details at anytime. I fully understand that you want to know what happens when you get in your car and drive away. Always know that you can call or e-mail as often as you feel you need to in order to feel good about your time away from your companion. This freedom to 'check in' seems to comfort and aid in that feeling of security especially for my first time clients. Please let me know what else I can do to keep you up to date with your dog's changes and needs.
Domestic cats are not typically social by nature so I do not put them together in a playgroup unless you request it and there are others for your kitty to play with. Cats do not receive a ‘report card’ but I will notify you of any changes in activity level, appetite, behavior or anything else I think you should be aware of. Please feel free to call or email anytime before, during or after kitty’s stay for any reason important to you.
If your pet does not have a pleasant stay, I will do my best to help you relocate him to a different environment more suitable for his next vacation. It is unfortunate, but some pets are better off somewhere else...I just want to make sure he gets there.
I need to have your email address to be able to inform you about changes here at Doggie Daycare, any specials that may save you money or to send pictures of your pet during his stay.
I want to offer you as much help as I can in raising your 4-legged wonder pet. Please feel free to ask if I have literature on a subject you are interested in or you can borrow a DVD, CD or book from my 'Doggie Library'. If I do not have the information you are looking for I will go to great lengths to find the information to help you be the best pet parent possible.
I am always more than happy to try to answer any questions or concerns you have about your pet or our how to make my facility and services better for you. Call me or e-mail me if you want to talk about anything. I always want to improve my business and myself in any way I can. In doing that I also offer consulting concerning dog behavior and diet. This can be done here, by phone, e-mail or at your house. Just ask what I can do to help you and your dog with the many issues that can arise in our hectic daily lives.
-----------------TOP ----------------
All dogs must be in good general health & vaccinated. This includes DHLLPC (word doc) annually or whatever you and your vet have decided is the best option for your particular dog. This needs to be in hand written letterhead form from your vet if you have decided not to do this annually. Rabies is required by law every 3 years for adults. I require the Bordetella (word doc) every 6 months and an external parasite program every 30-90 days depending on where your pet is from***. I am able to administer both the Bordetella and external parasite control here at the facility to save you some costs.
You will need to show proof of these vaccinations from your vet. NO pet will be accepted into the facility with out proof of vaccinations. PLEASE keep this in mind.....Doggie Daycare is very much like a child daycare in that dogs can pass infections and viruses much in the same way children do. Even though all dogs are vaccinated before they come, it would be impossible to vet check every dog every day. I want you to realize that when dogs come in contact with other dogs, there is always a chance of passing an unobserved illness. Also, dogs like children get into 'shoving matches' over personal space and the better toy etc... So you do give up a certain security that a traditional kennel can provide. You need to decide if this is an acceptable risk for you & your dog. Every dog has his own 'space' for bed, nap & meal time. In case of a medical emergency, your vet will be consulted. If your vaccinations are not up to required standards, your pet will be quarantined until all vaccinations are given. I need to do this to secure everyone else's health I have been entrusted with. It is less stressful for your vet to come here, but I do offer transportation to your vet for a fee. Doggie Daycare reserves the right to medically treat your pet with a Vet of my choice.
I require all pets to be on an external parasite control program. Some of these products are Frontline, Advantage, K9 Advantix and Bio Spot. I use Bio Spot and can administer this for your convenience.
In recent years we have had an influx of animals coming from all over the U.S. It is also my personal opinion that relocating all the animals from hurricane Katrina has introduced more parasites into our local environment that we have not had too many problems with before.
Most of the prevention products are quite costly and have very harsh chemicals. So in keeping with my high standards yet striving to keep providing my clients with low costs, I have researched and found a product that is both effective and cost efficient. The product is Bio Spot produced by Farnam Pet Products and has been endorsed by the ABKA (American Boarding Kennels Association). I can provide the application here to save you a trip to the vet or to the store. Please feel free to ask for an FAQ printout dog (word doc) or cat (word doc) on this product or ask me any questions or concerns you may have about it. You can also visit their web site at www.farnam.com. Their contact # is 1-800-234-2269.
***If your pet is already on a program I will need to see the record from your vet or the receipt for a self purchased product. ***
Each of the products on the market is to be applied every 30 days. I do not believe in the overuse of harsh chemicals on our pets so after much research have found that these chemicals 'can' control most parasites for up to 3 mos EXCEPT for ticks which are only 30 days. Since I perform a pre entry evaluation on each pet who comes here, I feel comfortable enough to go with a 3 month requirement and treat any pet who comes in with ticks immediately with a medicated bath an all over body search and tick removal. That pet will then be quarantined until treatment time is sufficient.
Ticks have not been as much of a problem as lice and fleas have been so I feel it is a low risk to go with 3 mos and not over medicate our pets at this time. With more parasites coming into the area this may unfortunately have to change. I will keep myself up to date with changes in our area and our pets' risk factors.
The costs will be as follows: you may also purchase applications here to apply monthly if you would like to keep up with full protection.
Cats - $6.00 per application
Dogs - $6.00 per application
-----------------TOP ----------------
You can really treat your beloved pet and guarantee a great vacation by giving him/her a wide range of extra services that are basically endless. Let your imagination and what you think your dog might enjoy be your guide. I take pride in the fact that I treat every guest as an individual and I therefore strive to give other options beyond basic boarding. Some of the most popular options my guests enjoy include any one of or a combination of the following (off leash experiences are temperament dependant of course):
• Hand walks on leash.
• Weather permitting hikes off leash with or without other 4-legged buddies ( word doc)
• Private play sessions with me off property.
• Behavioral and/or diet analysis recommended by me, CC who is working her way to being a certified nutritional pet consultant.
•Lap time/cuddle time and/or a cushioned bed with my daughter Taylor (future dog and cat whispererJ) and a favorite pet video, movie or TV show. I can even play a video of your family vacation or a family video you make in advance for your pet to watch and enjoy while you are away.
• Personalized menu options offering daily meal and treat variety from kibble to canned to raw with the guarantee of no antibiotics, steroids, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, corn, wheat or soy and even grain free. You have options available from a menu you choose yourself or one specially made to fit your pet's needs and palette. Don't we all love that part about vacations?
• Massage, bath or FURmination. All bathing includes ear cleaning and nail trimming. I sell FURminator accessories for well below retail.
• Doggie Shuttle to/from the vet, another grooming facility, your house or just a good old ride in the car to get out of the facility and see other scenery. Some dogs LOVE car rides with a window view and can enjoy this either alone or with some other buddies.
• What do you want your pet to enjoy? Just let me know and I will try to the best of my ability to fulfill your pet's perfect vacation.
-----------------TOP ----------------
 |
  |
Doggie Daycare offers Blackwood Holistic , Nature's Variety Prairie and Kirkland Lamb & Rice dry kibble to all the dog boarders at no extra cost or you can bring your own from home. Due to cats natural finicky nature I require her to arrive with her diet from home. You can certainly give her the opportunity to try something different I just need to make sure she has her food just in case the stress of boarding is not a good time to try new cuisine. I also sell Blackwood and Nature's Variety as well a handful of carefully chosen premium companies' full line of products for cats and dogs for well under retail prices. I have brochures, literature, samples and plenty of advice if you are looking to improve your pet's diet. I will do everything I can to make this important choice/change as stress free as possible for both of you.
If you bring a kibble diet from home please make sure it is in either Ziploc bags or some sort of water proof container labeled with your last name for proper identification. Please do not bring whole bags of pet food. Bagged food is hard to keep dry and sanitary and no kibble should ever be stored in the manufacturer bag. There is an extra charge for any diet you bring from home OTHER than dry kibble. Please label all canned food as well and double check the numbers of cans you are bringing so I can insure your pet will have what he needs.
This is not a traditional feed store and I believe in having everything as fresh as possible so I don't keep a large inventory in stock. For this reason it is best to let me know what you would like as most items I can get with a day or so notice. I will have them ready and even load it in the car for you. I can also deliver so just let me know and I will get that taken care of for you.
If your pet quits eating or is losing weight during his stay, I will supplement him with the kennel diet. This will either be the canned mixed with his kibble or straight canned depending on what entices him. Most just need a tablespoon full (mixed with their kibble meal for dogs or in a separate dish for cats), but some require all canned to get them to eat again. Dogs can go off their feed due to stress or can lose weight due to so much exercise and stimulation. Cats can go off their diet due to stress and research indicates they may never eat again after 3 days of anorexic behavior. I do not want to compromise any pet's health by not meeting his nutritional needs. I also want him to enjoy his stay and delicious yet healthy canned food just might be the turning point he needed to perk his appetite. There will be an extra cost for this that will depend on the amount needed. Treats are given at naptime and night to signal quiet time. I only give healthy treats but will gladly feed your pet any treats you provide for him except rawhides or pigs ears.
I also provide nutritious antibiotic and steroid free bones in all shapes, sizes and anatomy from lamb, pork, and beef to turkey necks for your pooch to munch on. All bones (except the turkey necks) are fresh from the butcher and hand cut right here for the best assortment of shape and size.Treats are best given during our afternoon nap hours and at night for 'lights out'. I have Kong rentals for both large and small dogs that I fill with delicious organic treats and peanut or almond butter to hold the goodies in. This makes for many hours of constructive activity. Please click on the link above to learn about these healthy and nutritionally vital sources for both cats and dogs.
-----------------TOP ----------------
A reservation is required for any service at Doggie Daycare & Motel to ensure the best possible care and attention you and your pet deserve. I have limited 'people' hours so please beware that an appointment needs to be made for any service you request. *You may decide you would like to tour the facility prior to making your reservation. Please click on the link here to learn more about the tours if you decide to book one in advance.
Once you have read the pages from the web site that pertain to your reservation I ask that you fill out a Reservation Request Form and a Consent Form and send by e-mail or USPS mail to me through the addresses provided at the end of each page. It is strongly recommended to e-mail the Reservation Request Form to expedite the handling of your reservation. You may also make your reservation by phone especially if the web site has not answered all of your questions or concerns. Technology is great but sometimes it is nice to know there is an actual human on the other side of all these addresses and numbers. Please keep in mind that I answer the phone as often as I can and I do not believe in 'call waiting'. I feel it is rude to put you on hold as you were there first and you deserve all of my time it takes to answer your questions or concerns…period.
A completed Consent Form must accompany all pets. It is best to send this with your pet's proof of vaccinations, your Reservation Request Form, deposit (if required) and any other information I may need to know so I can be sure to have all your paperwork prior to your reservation day. This way you can be freed up to focus on your work day or trip while I take the stress off of you to do my job which is to focus on your pet. These forms can also come with you the day of your reservation so do not worry if time has not allowed this prior to.
