What questions should you ask a kennel before boarding your pet with them?
What vaccinations are all the animals my pet will be boarded with required to have?
The best protection for your pet is for all the animals it is housed with to be just as healthy.
CHFA requires yearly Rabies and distemper/parvo vaccinations as well as twice annual kennel cough.
How often are kennels/runs cleaned?
Sanitation is integral to halting the control of contagious diseases. Cleaning only when soiled can allow the spread of gems and disease.
CHFA cleans the entire boarding facility to hospital level of sanitation each day as well as when soiled between times. Pet safe disinfectants are used on all kennels/runs, food and water dishes as well as all bedding.
How often are dogs walked outside?
Some boarding facilities save labor time by not walking dogs which forces pets to urinate and defecate in their runs. Gross!
CHFA walks each dog at least twice each day including weekends. This gives each animal one on one time with a care giver for emotional interaction and allows our staff to observe animals individually for signs of problems.
Can my pet receive his/her medication while staying here?
Many older pets have special need and are on daily medications need to control medical conditions.
CHFA does not board sick/contagious animals but will gladly handle the medical needs of all of our boarders. Trained hospital staff will administer any needed medications and monitor for signs of illness.
What if my pet becomes ill while staying with you?
Though uncommon, from time to time pets become ill or injured when their families are away. It is always best to have a plan in place.
If your pet has a medical problem while boarding at CHFA, Dr. Vaughn will assess your pet and hospital staff will alert you to your pet’s problem and begin appropriate treatment. In the event of a true emergency if you are unreachable steps will be taken to ensure your pet’s health until you can be reached to make appropriate decisions. (All medical care while boarding is at owner’s expense.)
Can my pet eat their own food while boarding with you?
Sometimes sudden dietary changes can result in upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea.
CHFA encourages owners to bring their own foods and we will feed them according to your instructions. All dogs are fed Science Diet Sensitive stomach food. Cats are fed the feline version of the same diet. If your pet is on a prescription diet our staff can sell you a new small bag of your diet if needed but due to expiration dates and spoilage prescription diets are not kept open and available.
During what hours may I pick up my pet?
Never assume your pet will be available for release during non-business hours.
CHFA only releases pets during regular business hours. Monday through Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7 am until noon. Animals may be picked up at anytime but if your pet is receiving any grooming services while here please notify our staff of planned pick-up time so that we may have them ready for you at your convenience.
Will my pet have direct or indirect contact with any other animals?
Cohabitation of runs or scheduled play time may be fun but can many times result fights leading to injuries. Even family members will sometimes squabble when other dogs are around and take aggression out on each other.
CHFA houses each pet individually and only handles them for walks in a one on one fashion.
How will my pet be kept warm/cool?
Some kennels house animals in barns or other non-climate controlled areas. Air quality is extremely important in controlling disease in housed animals.
CHFA’s facility is climate controlled by central heating in air and kept comfortable year around. We further improve our air quality with high turn-over exhaust fans and dehumidifiers