Boarding FAQS

The pet industry is changing as more people are seeking alternative care options for their dogs.  This FAQ (frequently asked questions) will hopefully shine a little bit of light on what to ask other facilities as well as explains how ADGGP operates our Overnight Care services.  At ADGGP, we are constantly increasing our expectations for our staff and programs.  We have the staff, the training and the program structure and expectations "to do it right and be an enriching opportunity for your pup."

  Below are a list of questions that frequently are asked and/or should be addressed when researching a facility.

How is my dog's day structured?
Your dog should have an opportunity to get out of his or her kennel, crate or space to at least stretch his legs.  At ADGGP, our overnight guests are integrated into our daycare pack where they get to play, romp, and just be a dog.  Traditional kennels generally don't have that option but they sometimes have nice big open outdoor spaces a dog can linger for a while.  They might offer a dog walk or a play group upon request.  Newer facilities, especially those with daycare, will offer social dogs the opportunity to kick back with canine friends during the day.  This is often not automatically part of the program, so make sure you ask. 

What enrichment opportunities do facilities provide?
The music of howling dogs is probably not what you are envisioning for your best friend while you are gone.  Find out what kind of enrichment activities are included in your service package.  If additional opportunities are available, consider them.  Group play, dog walks (but find out length), cognitive skill games, educational opportunities will take your dog's mind away from the fact you are away.  Not all facilities provide a wide range of these services but some even offer a pool!  At ADGGP, the sky is the limit as far as what we offer.  Included in your overnight care package is daycare and daily enrichment games such as swimming, chasing all kinds of balls and stuffed, frozen Kong pupicles.  We always snap photos..giving our pups a chance to ham it up.  We encourage our staff to really consider what makes your dog's stay truly out of this world.  If we could make bones rain from the sky, we would for our doggie guests.

Do you use kennels and/or crates?  If so, how long is my dog expected to stay in confinement?
In traditional kennels, dogs are kept in kennel runs, crates or 4x4 cages.  They spend the majority of their time locked away, biding their time.  In the newer fangled alternatives, dogs are often kept in these same circumstances.  Some crate or kennel run time is a good thing.  You can't possibly expect all the dogs to eat together.  That would be mayhem.  After eating, dogs should have a rest time and periodic naps are a good thing.  In free range boarding environments, dogs often play to the point of sheer madness and in those cases, some good old fashioned naps are the best choice.  However, double check with your overnight care facilities and find out what is the general norm included in the services you have scheduled.   And a word to the wise, don't let cute names fool you, suites, lofts, cabins, dorm rooms, etc are just marketing names for crates and runs.  Sometimes they can be a bit larger.  At ADGGP, our dogs are part of our daycare play time and enjoy all the same party moments as our daycare groups.  Our overnight guests spend two hours in the morning and evening resting post meal.  We have a trained staff member that oversees meal times, monitors amount fed, how much a dog rests and provides support for those dogs that are a bit overwhelmed. 

What kind of training does your staff receive?
At ADGGP, we feel that education is key to a successful dog enrichment program.  Our staff spend several hours of workshop training with a Certified Pet Dog Trainer where they study dog communication skills and behavioral elements.  From there, our staff are required to become certified in pet first aid through the Red Cross and continue their education by assisting in our classes, watching training videos and attending seminars and workshops offered by nationally recognized professionals.  The staff also have 24 hour a day access to the owner of ADGGP and emergency vet care.  Nothing can be more disturbing than hearing your dog is being cared for by someone who has just been taught to clean the kennels, scoop poop and plop down a food bowl. 

Are there injuries?
As with any dog to dog play a pup can go home with a scratch or owies.  Just like kids playing on a playground or at school!  Think about those days of dodge ball, jump rope and wrestling.  With dogs, an ear can be pinched a bit too hard during an "all in good fun" rumble, a toenail can scratch a face or a side "tagged" in a bit of zealous chase.  At ADGGP, we have trained staff to administer first aid as well as several on call veterinarians that can handle those small emergencies. 

What should I bring?
This varies depending on the environment.  If a facility doesn't want your dog to have his or her bed, a bone and/or a toy...it may mean nobody is watching your pup.  Find out what the facilities reasoning is behind it.  If they are concerned that your dog's beautiful bed may get ruined or a bone can cause a riot, those are very valid reasons.  But if "choking" or "inhaling bedding" is a concern, then be aware that the effort to watch your dog is probably lacking or the staff haven't been trained in Pet First Aid.

Why the Kennel Cough Vaccine?  What is Bordatella?
Bordatella, or otherwise known as Kennel Cough, is a vaccine that we liken to the flu shot for upper respiratory bugs.  While it won't ward off all strains, it will get the bigger, badder and meaner of the bunch.  Kennel Cough is very contagious and is easily transmitted through the air.  Most facilities require a Bordatella vaccine within six months and a minimum of 14 days prior.  The manufacturer of the vaccine will indicate that it is good for a year, but according to some of our veterinary professionals, the documentation isn't very good on that timeline.  Better to be safe, than sorry.  Very few things disturb an owner than getting back a coughing dog and that is why so many places have strict requirements.  If your dog comes home and starts to cough, chances are they picked up something...much like that sniffle you picked up on the airplane.  Too much fun, the stress of a new place and the exposure to a crowd can all lead to an annoying cough.  Let your boarding facility know so that they can watch the other dogs in their pack for signs of illness.  If your dog continues to cough or it gets worse, especially at night, it is worth getting your pup over to the doc to get some antibiotics.  Then, lots of R & R is in order.

I'm jumping through hoops getting my dog a reservation...
In traditional kennels, dogs don't get the opportunity to interact with one another.  So other than some inoculations,  your dog can be easily accommodated in their runs or kennels.  With the boom of dog daycare and the advantages of dog socialization, more facilities are offering group play.  A good facility requires an evaluation to insure that your dog (and others) play the games fair, aren't aggressive and can be handled safely in a free range environment.  It may seem like a lot of work to you, and it is, but the experience is well worth it for your dog.

I can't make my check out time but I want my dog as soon as I get home!
Our check out times are set up to maximize the number of dogs that we can have play with us during the day.  Once 7pm rolls around, our daytime staff head home and our evening dog enthusiast staff start serving dinner.  Because of our dedication to keeping an eye on the dogs, our night time staff are not able to check out customers in the traditional sense. It's more important to us that we consistently care for your dog the right way- unfortunately it will make an inconvience for dad and mom.