Frequently Asked Questions
Are you licensed and insured?
I am insured through Pet Care Insurance for all my boarding and pet sitting services. I also carry insurance with alternative balance for all PEMF therapy on or off site. I am also a fully licensed boarding kennel with the state of Pennsylvania and I am subject to surprise inspections by the state dog warden to help ensure safe and sanitary conditions. As a part of my kennel license requirements, all dogs must provide a copy of their rabies certificate in accordance with state law prior to boarding.
How many dogs do you take at once? What types of dogs will you accept?
Due to my insurance, I am limited to 5 overnight dogs at one time. I will take just about any type of dog as long as they are an appropriate fit for my boarding style, including puppies and seniors. I will accept intact dogs, but I typically cannot accept females in heat unless they are crate trained. I will also accept working dogs, sport dogs, or high-energy dogs. I can accept dog reactive dogs as long as they can be managed safely. If your dog cannot be in the same room as another dog, you will need to reveal this information when you make a booking request Any dogs that are truly aggressive will need to be crate trained for the safety of the other dogs on the premises. I will not accept human reactive or human aggressive dogs, but fearful and anxious dogs are okay. I do not have any breed restrictions.
Do you provide tours or meet and greets? Is a meet and greet mandatory?
I am pleased to offer in-person tours upon request, subject to my availability. However, I highly recommend our virtual tours in the form of real-time videos, which are available at any time and are easier to accommodate. If you prefer a meet and greet with your dog, we can always arrange that here at my home during a tour, but it is not mandatory. Please note that any in-person meet and greets or tours may cause my personal dogs to bark more than usual since they do not like having unfamiliar people in their home.
Will my dog get to play with other dogs?
I don't allow dogs to play with unfamiliar dogs or with dogs from different households. If you're looking for a doggie daycare setting, I'm not the right sitter for you. However, I do offer day boarding for your dog's daytime care needs. This is perfect for short day trips when your dog needs to be let out for some play time or a potty break. The day boarding fee is the same as the overnight boarding fee since your dog will have a designated kennel spot during their stay.
What is a typical day like for my dog?
Dogs will have an individual care program here and not a daycare type of boarding setting. Dogs do not play with unfamiliar dogs and will not interact with my personal dogs whatsoever. Every dog will be cared for as part of my daily routine like my own personal dogs. Every morning starts with a potty break, yard time, and breakfast and typically an owner update. While I'm working, dogs will sleep in their kennels and relax during the day. I do work at an office at least 3 days a week, so dogs may be left home alone during the week days for up to 8-9 hours. Dogs that require additional potty breaks will be cared for accordingly. After work, dogs will have a potty break and some extended yard and play time followed by dinner. After dinner the dogs will digest their food in their kennels and relax until bedtime. Before bed they will have another potty break, some more yard and play time, and typically another owner update is provided. On weekends additional play and yard time is often provided. For the higher-energy dogs, frisbee, ball, fetch, or whatever they like to do will be provided to help provide adequate exercise doing something they enjoy.
How much time will my dog spend in their kennel?
Every dog shall be put into rotation as part of my scheduled exercise plan that has been approved by my veterinarian. This allows every single dog to get adequate time and attention from me during their stay. This also allows my personal dogs to still have time out of their crates and the time is shared between every single dog within my care. My exercise plan consists of a minimum of 15-30 minutes of exercise at least 4 times a day. If your dog requires additional time that will be taken into account as part of their scheduled exercise plan.
How do you handle anxious or nervous dogs?
Rest assured that every dog that stays with me will receive individual attention and will be handled on their own terms. I understand that some dogs may be nervous or simply not enjoy certain types of attention, and I will never force them to do anything that they don't want to do. Instead, I allow each dog to approach me at their own pace and explore their surroundings. To help ease anxiety, I use a thunder ease spray and a thunder ease plug-in that emits a calming pheromone, and I also have calming treats available if needed. Every dog under my care will use the thunder ease products to help ease their transition into my home.
What happens if my dog gets sick or injured during their stay?
I am a very paranoid pet sitter since my personal dogs tend to hurt themselves on just about anything they can, but accidents can happen. If your dog should get sick or injured during their stay, I will notify you immediately so that we can discuss the course of action you would like to take. If another dog on the premises comes down with a contagious disease you will also be notified. I do have an isolation plan in effect if any sort of contagious disease should occur on the premises and various sanitizing and similar protocols are followed daily to prevent the spread of disease as a precaution. I am also certified in dog and cat first aid and CPR. I ask that all pet parents leave me an alternate emergency contact and their vet information in case an emergency should occur. If it is an emergency and I cannot get in contact with you or your emergency contract, I will contact a vet on your behalf.
What is Day Boarding?
Day boarding is designed for short, day trips where you cannot get home as quickly as they would like to let your dogs out. This is a great way to make sure your dog receives medications, meals, potty breaks, or anything else they might need while you're away for the day. All dogs must be dropped off early in the morning and picked up in the evening, unless otherwise agreed upon. I do not operate my boarding kennel in a daycare type of manner and safety is my top priority. Dogs will get spoiled rotten while they're here, but they will not be thrown into a play group or get to play with other dogs during their stay. I also do not have the ability to offer day boarding on a reoccurring basis and this is more designed for those short day trips or days that you're just too busy to have to worry about letting your dogs out.
Contact Me
Texting is my preferred method of contact and will get you the fastest response. Please text for all short notice booking requests. If you prefer calling, please leave a message.
814-330-3802