General Boarding Information

Forms to bring with you

Every dog that boards with us will need the following forms submitted at check-in. These forms do not need to be completed ahead of time but filling them out beforehand will make the check-in process much quicker for you.

Check-in form  Vaccine Requirements & Waiver

Vaccinations

If your dog needs an update on inoculations, it should be done at least 72 hours prior to the boarding date. Most vaccines take at least this amount of time to boost your dog’s immunity. Remember, we require Bordetella within the last 12 months. Proof of Vaccinations is required for all dogs checking in (Verbal confirmation will not be accepted. Physical paperwork is required). Your vet can email us your vaccine records to: info@aocb.com Please ask one of our staff for additional information if you still have questions about our vaccination requirements.

**If your dog develops a dry hacking cough, discharge from the eyes or nose, lethargic behavior or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian. The Academy of Canine Behavior requires that all dogs be vaccinated for Kennel Cough within 6 months of boarding but the Bordatella Vaccine does not cover all of the viruses that cause the disease, so a dog may still become ill. We follow strict sanitation procedures, but no amount of sanitation can prevent a dog catching an airborne virus.

What to bring or leave at home

Medications

If your dog requires any medications during their stay, they will need to be kept in their original container.

Bedding

If you wish your dog to have bedding during his stay, simply request it. We would prefer that you not bring in your own bedding. We have found that some dogs destroy bedding while boarded. If you feel that your dog must have their own bedding, we will take it with the understanding that you may not get it back in the shape it was when you dropped it off.

Toys

Dog toys are like bedding. We would prefer that you request a toy or chew if you feel your dog may need one. If the dog must have one of his own toys, it is important for you to know that we will NOT accept the following: rawhide, toys small enough for your dog to swallow, hooves, most squeaky toys. All toys provided by the owner must be inspected before acceptance.

Leash & Collar

All dogs must be brought into the lobby on a leash and collar. Keep in mind, your dog may be behaved but another dog in the lobby may not. All collars and leashes will be sent home with you. Your dog will be given a “kennel” collar. This collar is a flat nylon collar with identification on it. When you come to pick-up your dog, remember to bring in their collar and leash to take them home.

Food

The foods we feed in the kennel are all quality products. We offer Kirkland Signature Super Premium Lamb & Rice formula, Chicken/ Rice and Vegetable formula, Mature Dog (chicken & lamb) formula and Puppy/Growth formula. All of these foods are made by Diamond Pet Foods. Please ask for guidance in which product would be best for your dog during his stay. Changing foods could have the side effect of loose stool in a dog. If you have your dog on a food that we do not have in stock and wish to keep the dog on that food, please bring in a quantity sufficient for your dog’s stay. Or if your dog requires canned food or any supplements to his diet, please bring that in with them.

Kennel Bath

Dogs that are boarded for three nights or longer are given a bath before being sent home, provided they don’t come in matted, or they don’t get matted during their stay. A dog in boarding is not brushed and the coat maintained unless you have selected that option under our Board and Spoil program. We also will not bathe a boarding dog that shows aggression in handling. We make the effort to do your dog’s toenails as a courtesy, but many dogs object to this procedure. Should you pick-up your dog and feel that he does not meet you expectations, we would appreciate it if you would let us know. If there is not a reason, we will do what we can to correct the situation.

Changes in pick-up dates or times

Because of our policy on bathing dogs that are boarding with us, we need a 24 hour notice of any changes in the established pick-up time or date. We will make an effort to have the dog ready on a shorter notice, but this is not always possible. If you delay your pick-up date on short notice and your dog has already had its going home bath, we may not be able to re-bathe the dog for the later pick-up time.

When you get your dog home

It is best to wait at least 30 minutes after arriving home to offer food or water. It is normal for dogs to be thirsty when they get home. Many dogs get extremely excited about seeing their owners and pant heavily in their excitement. This causes loss of water vapor. DO NOT let them drink large quantities of water, quickly. This could upset their stomachs and cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. Loose stools can also be caused by a diet change or stress, and it is not abnormal for your pet to exhibit this after a boarding stay. It is not unusual for a dog to be tired for a few days after going home from the kennel. It is much like people that have been staying in motels; you just don’t rest as well away from home. Chances are, also, that your dog has been very active or more active than normal during his stay with us.

Illness

If your dog develops a dry hacking cough, discharge from the eyes or nose, lethargic behavior or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian. The Academy of Canine Behavior requires that all dogs be vaccinated for Kennel Cough within 6 months of boarding but the Bordatella Vaccine does not cover all of the viruses that cause the disease, so a dog may still become ill. We follow strict sanitation procedures, but no amount of sanitation can prevent a dog catching an airborne virus. We recommend that should you have any questions or concerns, you should give your veterinarian a call. Please do let us know if your dog does become ill.