HAPPY TAILS PET SERVICE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We understand that your pets are like family, and it’s our top priority to make you feel comfortable with the care we provide.
To make sure all your questions are answered, we’ve included our FAQs below.
IS HAPPY TAILS THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR DOG?
Our goal is to ensure that dogs are comfortable, happy, and in an environment that is as fulfilling to dogs as we can reasonably create. However we understand that our service may not be suitable for every dog. A well socialized dog usually does well and we only want the best for your dog(s). We accept dogs that play well with others and feel comfortable in an open environment. Because our environment is very much a social one, dog-wise and human-wise, it is crucial that our canine guests innately enjoy being round other dogs, or at least be comfortable with them.
All dogs must be non-aggressive.
Are dogs in separate rooms?
No, the dogs have access to our entire home. If your dog sleeps on the couch at home, they are welcome on ours.
We model your dogs home life as much as possible while they are staying with us.
I'd like to see where my dog is staying. When can I schedule a tour?
We appreciate that you would like a tour. However, we do not allow humans in for tours as it causes stress to the guests that are staying with us. Since we are home based, and do not have a specific 'dog' area.
Should I bring my dogs food?
Yes, we ask to bring enough food for their stay. Please make sure you DO NOT change your dog’s diet before they come to board with us. DO NOT give them any new treat/bone you have never tried prior to dropping them off.
Changing your dog’s diet abruptly can upset their digestive system, especially in a new environment.
This can lead to your dog feeling ill, developing diarrhea or vomiting and adding unnecessary stress to their stay.
Being away from you is hard enough, having an upset stomach on top of it is no fun.
Can my dog bring their favorite toy?
We cannot guarantee that toys, blankets, or beds will be kept in the same condition as brought in so please keep valuables at home, we are not responsible for anything lost or ruined while with us.
Do you have any breed restrictions?
At Happy Tails we welcome all breeds with open arms, we firmly believe that no breed is inherently bad. However, to maintain a fun, calm and safe environment for all, we do have certain behavior expectations. We require all of our guests, regardless of breed, to demonstrate respect towards other dogs and humans.
Any behaviors that pose a danger, such as fence fighting, aggression, destructiveness, ill intent etc. from any breed of dog, is not suitable for boarding here. In the event tat a dog exhibits such behaviors and they can not be easily corrected, we will promptly contact you or your designated emergency contact to arrange pick up. Our priority is to ensure the well-being and safety of all our guest and family.
How can I check on my dog?
We will happily send updates of your dog having a blast, living their best life during their stay.
You may also follow us on instagram @happytails.petservice
What is homestyle boarding?
We offer homestyle boarding for your 4-legged family members.
It is a way for your pet to feel less stressed and MORE comfortable in a home environment that they are accustomed too.
How many dogs do you take at once?
The daily number changes. On play care days, we may have up to 8.
We generally do not take more than 4 dogs at a time for boarding.
Where do they sleep?
They sleep where they are comfortable. Some on the couch, some on dog beds/cots around the house, some in bed with us.
If they are kenneled at home, I will keep the same routine here. If they are here for training they will sleep in the kennel.
If they are destructive they will sleep in a kennel.
What are the risk of boarding my dog?
While most of our guests board with us and never have an issue, there are risks to taking your dog into any setting where there are multiple dogs and open play. Boarding your dog is just like sending your child to daycare with other kids.
Accidents happen, and there is a possibility they can get sick or hurt.
It is your responsibility to research and be aware of all the risks.
Some of these risks include but are not limited to: nips, bites, scratches, illness, injury,
allergies (eye and nose), or stress-related illness (diarrhea, dehydration, UTI’s, etc).
While we do everything in our power to minimize these risks. — they unfortunately can still happen.
Does training actually work?
Structure, boundaries and consistency will help you and your dog live a more fulfilling life.
As the owner you are also going to be a huge component to your dog's success.
If we are expecting your dog to make some changes, you must as well.
How successful that dog training is depends on how dog owners comply - or don't.
The owners have to follow through or its a total waste of an investment.
WHAT IS “KENNEL COUGH”?
Kennel cough is a term loosely used to describe a complexity of respiratory infections—both viral and bacterial—that causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe. Simply put, it’s a cold.
Kennel Cough is spread through the air, or coming into direct contact with another infected dog.
Dog’s can catch “kennel cough” walking in their neighborhood, going to the pet store, the groomers, their vet, getting a drink of water from a communal bowl at a local business, or their daycare/boarding facility.
Although we require the bordetella vaccine to help prevent kennel cough, it is similar to the flu shot, in which it covers the majority of strands of the virus, but not all. Kennel Cough has a 7 day incubation period,
meaning your pup will not show any signs for 7 days, but is still highly contagious in those 7 days.
Which is why once the virus is spread, it’s hard to fight.
If you suspect your dog is coughing or hacking, it is important to us that you keep them home and seek proper medication right away. If you think your family member caught their cough here, please do not hesitate to let us know right away, so we can take the necessary precautions to help stop the spread of it.
The ideal time to get their bordatella vaccine is 10-14 days prior to when they will be boarding, going to daycare, or possibly seeing the groomer. That way, if they are carrying the virus unbeknownst to you, they have time to shed the virus and be completely healthy before they visit all their friends!