FAQ | Nauset Kennels

FAQ's

What are the required vaccines for boarding?

Make sure to tell your vet that your pet is boarding or doing day care. Not all of the required vaccines are given automatically by your vet. We ask that all vaccines be emailed, faxed or mailed prior to boarding.

Dogs - Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, & Canine Cough. We strongly recommend the Canine Flu Vaccine but it's not required at this time. Due to the increase in canine cough, we require your dog to be vaccinated for canine cough at least 7 days prior to boarding if this is a new vaccine for your pet, or if the previous vaccine has expired. If your dog just needs a booster, we do recommend having one if the expiration date is close to the boarding dates.

Cats - Rabies, FVRCP, and Feline Leukemia. Please note that most indoor cats have not been vaccinated for feline leukemia, however, since they may be boarding in the cattery with others, this vaccine is required. If this is a new vaccine for your cat, then you will have to have both the first vaccine and the booster completed before your kitty comes to stay with us.

We can appreciate that many of you, like us, struggle with how many vaccines our pets are given. However, to operate the safest environment possible, we require that all pets have the proper vaccines. Like humans, there are always those dogs that cannot have vaccines, so they must be protected by the rest of the "herd" being vacccinated.

Why must I clear vaccines with you ahead of time instead of bringing them with to check-in?

Because people are human and mistakes will be made once-in-awhile on your vet record. If we can clear that up ahead of time while your vet is actually still in the office, then we don't have to turn you away.

Requiring the paperwork ahead of time also frees up time during the actual check-in process.

What does my dog do during the day while boarding?

Our schedule rarely varies, allowing the dogs the comfort of a routine. Our dogs are let out around 7:45 a.m. to do their business while we prep their food and medicines as needed. After breakfast, the dogs “take care of business” outside, while inside, the kennel is thoroughly cleaned.

At approximately 9:00 we begin the morning personal times (walk, run, or love) and putting dogs out in the kennel play yard. (While we make every effort to give your social dog play yard time, it is not a guarantee. If you want to absolutely ensure outside play time, inquire about personal play times). Fresh water is always available. We do try to provide non-social dogs individual time in a play yard, but cannot guarantee this. Personal play times are available.

Everyone comes in by 3:30 p.m. so our feeding and cleaning routine can begin again and we can start to prepare the kennel for the evening hours.

We close boarding at 5 p.m. Our animals are settled and tucked in when we close.

My dog is super-high energy. Will he get enough exercise?

Our dogs get lots of exercise in our play-yards and lots of stimulation from being around so many other dogs. If you have one of those super-duper high energy dogs, then we recommend personal times for an additional charge. One of our employees will run, walk or play with your dog for twenty minutes. You tell us how often; some of our clients require two to three play times a day while others only need one or two spread throughout a visit.

How does Doggie Day Care work?

Dogs are separated by breed, size, energy level and personality. Some big dogs think they are small dogs and vice versa, so we assess dogs more by temperament than anything.

Throughout the day, we are out with your dogs monitoring, cleaning, refreshing water and observing. We may decide that a dog needs to come in for a time-out or a rest period. We may switch dogs around for different play experiences.

Towards the end of the day we start day care clean up baths (when requested by the owner) and getting everyone ready to go home. If a day care dog is also boarding, we bring him back over to the kennel at the end of the day.

Our goal is to send your dog home happy and exhausted!

My dog got hurt in day care. How did this happen?

Like school and camp, it is our goal to keep your dog as safe as we possibly can. And while injuries are rare, scrapes, scratches and punctures do occur. Kids will be kids and occasionally squabbling will occur. Sometimes, kids and pets aren't even trying to be rough, but might cause or experience an injury in the normal course of play. Have you ever been running along and bumped into someone or taken a wrong step and twisted your ankle a bit?

We truly make every effort to ensure the safety of your pets. If an injury does occur and we are aware of it, not only do we notify you, but we take appropriate steps to treat it. We want our dogs and our customers to look forward to day care and feel comfortable here.

Sometimes an injury will occur that we are not aware of. While we try to be vigilant, it does happen. Please apprise us if we have missed something.

My dog does not play well with others. Will she have alone time in the play yards?

We make every effort to ensure that all dogs have outside time. However, this is not always feasible and we cannot guarantee that your dog will have individual time in the play yard. We recommend signing your dog up for personal play times or hand walking.

My dog comes home and immediately goes to the bathroom and acts as though he's never been out. He does the same with water, drinking as if he isn't provided with enough water. Please explain.

This seems to be the m.o. for most of our dogs. Our own dogs do this as well, so we know what you are talking about! Not only do they have water at all times, but they are let out many times throughout the day to go potty. When there is so much going on, dogs aren't necessarily interested in drinking or going potty (sounds an awful lot like my preschooler!). They are drinking and pottying, but not giving it the same amount of attention as they might at home.

Will my cat be allowed outside?

Our current cattery does not have access to an outdoor area. It is in our plans though, to include an outdoor area for our kitties when phase two of our construction commences (probably over the next few years).

My cat is an only cat. How will she adjust to an open cat room with other cats?

Social cats tend to gravitate to other social cats. Less social cats like to find their own space. Interestingly, cats tend to avoid one another while in the cattery. There are always places for the more quiet kitty to hide away from the others.

What should I bring when boarding my dog or cat?

If your dog or cat is on a special diet then we recommend bringing that food. Please label the bag, container, or cans. Some of our clients are on the Raw diet, others come in with containers of homemade food. We will feed what your pet requires, when your pet requires it.

You may bring a small blanket from home, or even a shirt that might smell like home. While we accept these comforts for your dog or cat, please know that we cannot guarantee that they will not be ruined or soiled. We do not accept crates, but will be happy to provide one at night for your crate-trained dog.

Please leave all large beds, crates and toys at home. We provide both for your pet.

Do you ban any breeds or dogs from your kennel?

No. Our kennel set-up allows us to board any and all types of dogs. While we do not discriminate, we do not allow aggressive dogs of any breed to mix with the general population.

Can I check on my dog or cat while she is in your care?

Of course!! We've fielded phone calls from around the world. And emails are a beautiful thing. Call or email and we will let you know the scoop on your baby. Feel free to check in as many times as you need to.

Is someone there 24 hours a day in case of an emergency?

One of our employees does live above the kennel, so someone is almost always there during the off-hours.

What do you do in case of an emergency?

We immediately assess the situation and if possible, we will take your animal to your local vet. If there is an emergency, all local vet services now send all of their clients immediately to CARE, located in Dennis. While we will make every effort to contact you, our first priority is the care of your pet. If you have any concerns about decisions being made for your pet while you are away, please contact us personally and we would be happy to discuss this with you.

How are your boarding fees assessed?

Boarding fees begin the day your pet arrives, regardless of check-in time.

Your pet is welcome to check-in up to one hour before we close. For instance, if we open at 8 and close at 5, your pet may check-in any time between 8 and 4.

Similar to a hotel, check out time is noon. However, if you have requested a bath for your dog, check out time is nullified and you let us know what time you will be picking up.

Doggie day care is $20 per day. You may leave your dog for as little or as long as you want. If you want the full spa treatment, with play time and a bath, you will be charged for both.

Why do you require a deposit for holidays, vacations and summer months?

Quite simply, we needed a way of ensuring that people who made reservations actually needed them. In the past, many people made reservations months in advance knowing how quickly we book up, then would cancel if they happened to think of it. Deposits require a bit more planning and ensure that more people will call in advance if they need to cancel. Note: all deposits are applicable towards services and are refundable if the reservation is cancelled at least 48 hours prior to boarding.

Are you open year-round?

Yes we are! Our office is closed for certain holidays (see our list of closings below), and we do close the office early on Saturdays during the off-season, we are a year-round business.

Closings:

New Year's Day	Closed
Easter	Closed
Memorial Day	Open 8-12 only
Independence Day	Closed
Labor Day	Open 8-12 only
Columbus Day	Open 8-12 only
Thanksgiving Day	Closed
Christmas	Closed

We are open from 8-5 all Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend to the weekend after Columbus Day.

updated 10/2010