Boarding

Your pet's home away from home.

ON THIS PAGE:

How to Make a Reservation
How to Prepare
Vaccinations and Preventatives
Features
Recommendations
About Cat Boarding

How do I make a dog boarding reservation?

You may call any time during our normal operating hours to book a reservation. We will inform you of kennel unit availability on the dates you want accommodations. If a kennel unit is available on the dates you request, we will happily book the reservation. Reservations can fill up fast as holidays and school breaks approach. So when planning for these special days, be sure to call more than a month in advance to book. At other times, you may be able to make a reservation on short notice.

To make the check-in process go more quickly and smoothly, please complete and submit our online Boarding Guest Check-In Form before you arrive to drop off your pet. This will give us the information we need to make your friend’s stay a wonderful experience. If you would like your dog to receive a nail trim, bath, or brushing, you can indicate these—as well as any other special needs or instructions—on the form. (Additional fees may apply for added services.)

A mandatory bath is required prior to departure for a pet that boards with us for 2 or more nights. The mandatory bath is free if they are staying 7 or more nights, and 25% off the regular price of a bath if they are staying 2 to 6 nights. If your dog has long hair, which requires extra time and attention, an additional fee will apply to the bath.

If your dog is boarding on or around a holiday, an additional per day fee will apply for the 3 days before, 3 days after, and 1 day of, the holiday. If your pet’s boarding falls on any or all of these days, this “Boarding - Holiday Fee Per Day” will apply for each of these days, for up to 7 days. Additional boarding fees may also apply for dogs with special medications and/or diet, and for dogs with a medical condition that requires veterinary support.

How do I prepare for my dog's boarding stay?

Are you a little anxious about boarding your dog? How can you add to the joy of your dog while you're away?

Don’t feel bad about leaving your pet with us

The first thing you should remember before bringing your dog for boarding is to not feel guilty! Many pet owners feel a sense of guilt when they drop off their "best friend" at the kennel and then drive away. They worry that their dog will suffer separation anxiety, or that they won’t be there if their dog needs them (and vice versa). But you may be surprised to learn that dogs don’t feel nearly as bad about boarding at a kennel as their owners feel about leaving them here!

So what can you do to make the boarding experience easier on you both? One way is to bring something for your pet that reminds them of home while boarding, like their favorite chew toy or treats. (But please don’t bring bedding materials or blankets.) Also, when you drop them off for boarding, it’s best not to linger with a long goodbye. If it escalates into an emotional farewell, your dog might become anxious or confused.

Remember, we will take great care of your pet. Feel free to call us any time to see how they are doing. We can even send you a “selfie” of them! And don’t forget, the next time they see you, they will go to you...bounding with joy!

Prepare your dog’s away bag

As we state on our home page, we want our animal hospital to be the veterinary extension of your home. That includes our wish to make your dog’s boarding stay a “home away from home.” You can help grant our wish by preparing your pet’s away bag with the following items:

If possible, a supply of your dog’s preferred food, wet or dry, in a tightly-sealed container (see below)
If desired, a supply of your dog’s favorite treats
A supply of your dog’s current medication, if it will need to be given during his or her stay
If staying 2 nights or longer, any medicated shampoo needed for your dog’s mandatory bath (see below)
If you wish, one or two play toys or chew toys

Please do not include:

Dog bed, blankets, or other bedding material
Toys that you do not wish to become lost or stolen (we are not responsible for such items or occurrences)

Make sure vaccinations and preventatives are current

For the health and safety of all the boarders staying in our facility and of our staff, we require that pets be up-to-date on their vaccinations and parasite prevention. These include:

Rabies
Canine Influenza
Canine Distemper
Canine Parvovirus
Leptospirosis
Bordetella (within the past six months)
Intestinal parasite screening (within the past 6 months)
Flea & tick prevention

If your dog is due for any of these treatments, it is best to have them treated at least two weeks before bringing them for boarding. It takes approximately two weeks for the body to develop immunity from the vaccines so that they will be maximally effective in protecting your pet while boarding.

Please provide written proof of your dog’s most recent vaccinations (or a signed waiver from your veterinarian stating that a specific vaccination is not recommended for your pet for a medical reason). If you are a client of Northeast Animal Hospital, and your pet receives vaccinations from us, we will already have this information in our system.

If your dog is not up-to-date on any of the requirements listed above, we will provide you with these services at their regular cost. Thank you in advance for your understanding!

What features does dog boarding include?

We are devoted to your dog’s overall health and well-being. So dog boarding at Northeast Animal Hospital is like children's daycare at a pediatrician’s clinic! We make every effort to provide individual attention to your pet, whether they board with us for a day, a week, or more. Features of our dog boarding accommodations include:

Devotion to your pet—to their health and happiness
Trained and qualified staff
Safe and secure facilities
Clean kennel units (Cleaning is performed multiple times daily)
Indoor, climate-controlled kennel
Healthy food and treats (Your dog’s preferred diet is recommended)
Regular walks and exercise
A free bath for stays 7 nights or longer!

To make the check-in process as quick and easy as possible, please complete and submit our Boarding Guest Check-In Form before your visit. If you have any questions or would like to tour our facilities, please contact us and we will be happy to help you. And if you come for a tour, remember you can bring your dog with you on your visit!

Boarding Areas

Multiple boarding areas allow us to separate canines of different sizes, which helps alleviate fear and stress. If you have more than one pet, we may be able to honor any request to have them share a single kennel unit, provided the selected unit allows for their safety and comfort.

Exercise and Socialization

Our canine guests will interact with our team members throughout the day during operating hours. Feeding times, treat times, outdoor walks on a leash (2 times each day; additional walks are available with "extra care"), kennel cleaning times, dog baths, and “extra care” (see below) all provide opportunities for your pet to get exercise and to socialize with loving attendants.

Food

Meals consist of a high-quality, scientifically formulated diet (Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach). However, it is recommended that you bring your dog’s own food (clearly labeled in a sturdy, airtight container) since pets can experience gastrointestinal upset with sudden changes in diet. We can refrigerate and warm up wet foods if that is your companion’s preference. Whatever your choice of food, your dog’s meals will be provided at no extra charge.

Baths

Baths are always available, but if your dog boards with us for 7 nights or more, we will provide a mandatory bath for free, prior to departure. If your dog’s stay with us is between 2 to 6 nights long, we will provide a mandatory bath (prior to departure) at a discount of 25% off. Please bring any medicated shampoo with you at check-in. Dogs that receive baths (mandatory or elective) should be picked up after 3:00 pm Monday to Saturday.

Extra Care

Extra Care, which includes extra walks, extra feeding, or just extra attention, is available for an additional fee. We will make extra time for a devoted staff member to exercise, play, and cuddle with your dog!

We appreciate your understanding of the policies we have implemented in order to provide the highest, healthiest level of care—and the most positive dog boarding experience. We wish to provide the best health care for your pet beyond the boarding experience, so please let us know if you would like us to perform your pet’s regular wellness exam or address any specific medical concerns while they are staying as our boarding guest. We would be happy to provide a cost estimate for these or any other additional services at your request.

What should I know about dog boarding?

Restrictions and recommendations may apply

Dogs of all breeds are welcome to board with us. If you would like to board your puppy or senior dog, please speak with your vet before booking. We require puppies to have completed their first distemper and parvovirus vaccination. More generally, we allow puppies to board with us as long as they are up-to-date with where they should be in their canine vaccination series. If your senior dog has health concerns or susceptibilities, a discussion with the veterinarian can help determine the best accommodations.

Vaccines and Parasite Control

Necessary treatments, including vaccinations (Canine Influenza [H3N8 and H3N2], DA2PP, Bordetella [within the last 6 months], Leptospirosis, Rabies), preventions (heartworm, flea, and tick), and intestinal parasite screening (within the last 6 months) must be up-to-date. Otherwise, these services will be provided upon arrival at an additional cost.

Medications

Current medication should be dispensed according to your veterinarian’s recommendation, so please bring your dog’s medication with you. We will administer your pet’s supplied medication at an additional charge. Please note that, if a medical emergency arises, any additional medication we administer (upon the owner’s approval) may incur an additional charge.

Bedding and Toys

Bedding material is not used unless we can determine that separation anxiety won’t cause destructive behavior. If that is so determined, we prefer to use our own bedding material to eliminate any risk of damage to your own. You may bring a minimum of one or two of your dog’s favorite toys, but please remember we do not take responsibility for lost or damaged items. In this regard, please clearly label any belongings you bring for your pet.

What should I know about cat boarding?

Your cat is as important to us as they are to you. Our devotion to pets includes the attentive care you would expect from your animal hospital. Our staff is trained and qualified to take care of your cat while you are away—within secure, clean, and comfortable facilities.

Should you leave your cat at home alone while on vacation?

Cats become lonely and anxious without companionship
Cats become bored without mental and physical stimulation
Cats often prefer both dry food and wet food
Cats prefer to drink fresh water over stale water
Cats may refuse to use a litter box that is too dirty
Cats may need emergency care in case of sickness or injury

If your cat is home alone while everyone else in the family is on vacation, how would you know if your cat got sick or injured? Who would provide playful companionship and opportunities for contented purring? Cat boarding can be the answer to a feline's need for special care and attention.

Boarding your cat at Northeast Animal Hospital

Cat boarding is separate from dog boarding areas
Meals should consist of your cat's own food and feeding schedule, but we can provide a diet that is formulated for sensitive stomachs (Science Diet Sensitive Stomach)
Any current medications can be dispensed during your cat's stay
Cats must be current on vaccinations and have had an intestinal parasite screening within the past 6 months
Flea & tick prevention will be administered upon admission, at additional cost, if these parasites are discovered on your cat
Bedding material will be provided, where deemed appropriate
We can provide extra care for an additional fee

You can make the cat boarding process easier by completing and submitting our Boarding Check-In Form before your visit. If you have any questions, or would like to tour our facilities, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.

We have implemented policies that reflect our commitment to the welfare and quality care of your feline friends. We appreciate your understanding of our policies.

Please fax your pet's medical records to us at (727) 821-4952 or email vetteam@northeastanimalhospital.com prior to their stay.