Kottage Kennels & Suites, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions & Policies
May I take a tour and what services to you provide?
Yes. We encourage you to see firsthand our facility on how we interact and care for our pet guests. We provide full pet boarding, bathing, grooming, and daycare as well as fun activities for your pet.
Are all breeds welcome?
Yes, we believe there are no bad breeds. The disposition of the pet is what is determined. We reserve the right to refuse daycare, boarding or groom to any pet whose aggressive or destructive behavior is a threat to other animals, kennel staff or warrant repairs to the building. Pets that show aggression or are destructive to property will be removed from premises at the owners expense to include damages and all reserved dates of reservation.
Do you accept puppies?
Yes. We love puppy breath. We welcome all dogs of at least 12 weeks of age that have completed their series of puppy vaccines, i.e. Bordetella (2 boosters), Distemper/Parvo (DHPP-minimal 3 boosters), Rabies (1) and de-worming or a negative fecal exam. For your puppy’s protection, all series vaccines must be completed 30 days prior to boarding, daycare or grooming.
What are your OFFICE HOURS?
** Beginning August 1, Saturday's will no longer have office hours from 9:00am - 11am
*Monday – Friday: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (by appointment)
*Saturday: Office closed-no arrivals or departures
*Sunday (pick-up only): 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (by appointment)
**All arrivals and departures are by appointment only within theses hours.
What do I need to make a reservation?
For first-time guests, we require new client application and vaccination records to be completed and received before reservation is finalized. The required documents may be found in the Reservations section of our website. Complete and submit the information which will be emailed to us. Like any hotel reservation, a credit card number will be placed on our secured client software to hold the reservation. An advance deposit may also be required. We will call you to obtain this information once we receive the new client application and vaccination records. We have busy times around spring break, summer months and major holidays. We recommend making reservations as soon as your dates have been determined since we book up quickly.
How far in advance may I make a reservation?
Advanced reservations may be made at any time. Spring breaks kick off our year so our busy months are April through December. Advanced weekend reservations are a minimum of three nights (Friday - Sunday.) Advanced holiday reservations are a minimum of 5 nights/6 days. An advance deposit is required for reservations made 30 days to a year in advance, or if vaccinations are not current at time of reservation being made.
When is boarding check-in and check-out?
Pets may be picked up or dropped off during normal business hours. Pets picked up after 12:00pm will be charged for that day. A fee will apply to pets picked up or dropped off before or after posted business hours.
Check-In for First Time Boarders
We want our first time boarders to have a great experience so we like them to arrive by 12:00pm. This will allow them time to get to know us, their surroundings as well as a full day of fun with new friends.
How do I determine the size of accommodation for my pet?
We will help you choose the right accommodation depending on your pets needs. Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, German Shepherds, Mastiffs and all large breeds would require a luxury suite which is 5’ x 18’ in size.
Do you require a bath prior to boarding?
We trust all owners are responsible for the care of their pet. Pets, who arrive extremely dirty, have fleas or ticks; will receive a bath at the owner’s expense. If the said pet has matted hair and those mats are unable to be removed through brushing, the animal shall be shaved prior to bathing to alleviate the risk of a bacterial infection under the mat. If fleas or ticks are abundant, we reserve the right to refuse to board your pet. Boarding and cancellation fees will apply due to reservation being cancelled.
Flea and tick control - Kottage Kennels & Suites, Inc. policy is to have a flea free environment for the safety of your pets and our staff. All pets must be current with flea and tick protection. If your pet arrives with fleas or ticks, they will be treated at the owner’s expense before being placed in their room.
What if my trip is delayed?
We understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances happen where you may be delayed and we will try to accommodate your pet for the extended stay. It is always a good idea to have a relative or friend available to pick your pet up if we do not have availability.
Do I need to bring my pets’ food?
Kottage Kennels & Suites, Inc. provide an all natural dog food to our boarders, “Purina Exclusive Lamb & Rice.” You are welcome to bring your own food if your pet is on a special diet or has an overly sensitive stomach. We do recommend this for elderly pets and puppies. Kottage Kennels & Suites will be happy to feed your food at no additional charge. However, due to the added time involved with feeding owners food, please prepare food in a zip lock bag with their own measuring scoop, sealed, and labeled with your pet’s name. Canned food should be labeled with your pet’s name and amount to be fed per feeding. Homemade food should be bagged per feeding in a zip lock bag. If not pre-bagged, zip lock bags will be available at an additional charge. Due to storage, large bags of dog food will be sent home. Dry food plastic containers are acceptable. Glass containers will be sent home.
Do you administer medications?
Yes. Medication is extremely important and requires proper handling. Be sure to bring any special medicines your pet is currently taking along with dosing instructions provided by your vet. All medication must be dispensed out in a daily/weekly AM/PM pill box container. Original prescription bottle is also required. At time of arrive it is required that the owner of pet to list all medication on a piece of paper the pet’s name, name of medication(s), dosage, and reason for medication.
My pet has health issues; can they still come?
We do take care of many special needs pets. Contact us directly to discuss the specific issue and we can make a decision at that time. If your pet has been seen by their veterinarian for a contagious illness or diarrhea, they may not board or be groomed for a minimum of 15 days after they completed their round of medication, symptoms have subsided or released by the treating veterinarian. They will also need clearance from their veterinarian that the illness is no longer present. Pets with skin problems, or hair loss must have a skin scrapping or release from their vet that they have nothing contagious. Pets with canine papillomaviruses warts will not be able to be boarded or be groomed due to being contagious. These warts are different than the warts an older dog gets as they age.
Will you administer insulin or allergy shots?
Yes, at the customer’s request and instructions. For those pets which need insulin or allergy shots, please place vial in its original packaging in a zip lock bag and label the zip lock bag with your pets name on it. Provide a needle and syringe for each shot given during the duration of their stay. It is also recommended that a couple of extra doses be left just in case the pet is left longer than originally planned due to unforeseen circumstances. We do charge handling fee of $1.75 for each shot given.
What do you do in case of illness or injury?
We will contact you at the emergency numbers you provide, contact your local veterinarian to consult and will transport your pet to your personal vet or our on call veterinarian for appropriate treatment. For any life threatening illness we will take your pet to the nearest qualified veterinarian. Our shuttle is available to transport dogs in case of any emergency. Transportation charges will apply.
Do I need to bring my pets’ bowls, crate, bedding and toys?
Kottage Kennels & Suites, Inc. is happy to provide everything for your pets needs. If you would like to bring something special from home be sure the item is not fluff filled and small enough to easily fit in the washing machine such as a towel or baby blanket. Nylabones, Kongs, and favorite toys are accepted. Items not permitted are rawhide and rope toys. Clearly mark all items with your pet’s name in permanent marker. All personal items shall arrive new or freshly cleaned. Kottage Kennels & Suites will refuse any and all items which arrive soiled or too large. Kottage Kennels & Suites is not responsible for any personal items which may become damaged or lost. Due to limited storage space, Customer’s kennels or crates will be sent home once pet arrives unless otherwise agreed upon.
Do you provide outdoor play areas?
Yes. Our facility features 2 indoor and 4 large outdoor play areas for your dog to run and play as well as toys to suit all personalities!
Does my pet get to go outside, if so, how often?
They have the opportunity to go out 24/7. Each pet guest may spend as much time outside as they would like due to having their own outside run by utilizing a doggy door to their inside accommodations. Even if the weather is unfavorable they may go to their outside area since it is all under cover. It is like having their very own screened in porch!
Will my dog get to interact with other dogs?
Yes. We love to see our pet guest having fun with new friends. Interactive play between pets is based on temperament and grouped by pet size. Large dogs (unless from the same family) are not included in smaller dog groups. All dogs are acclimated beforehand to make sure they can interact safely with others. Our experienced staff will make your dog feel comfortable, happy, and safe. For the safety of our daycare pet guests, socialization testing for first time off leash group play participants is required to ensure they have proper socialization skills. We reserve the right to refuse those from group play if they are pushy, play rough, mouthy, bark excessively or hump their friends. We will be happy to look at alternative daycare options other than group play. Pets that are 6 months old or older that are not spayed or neutered will not be able to participate in group play.
Do you board dogs and cats that are not spayed or neutered?
Yes. We do board dogs that are not spayed or neutered, however we do not board any pet that is in-season, pregnant, or nursing. ***NOTE: All male or female dogs over 6 months old must be spayed or neutered to use our daycare services.
My female dog is in-season. Can she stay? To stay overnight, participate in daycare or to be groomed the pet must not be in-season. If they come into season during their stay additional charges will apply for products and extra daily care.
What are your rates? click here
Kottage Kennels & Suites offers various room types. Rates are determined by the type of accommodations. Rates do include feeding 2 x a day, basic medication needs, treats, daycare and individual playtime. Additional charges may apply for special requests over what is included and for after hour pick-up or drop-off. Advanced deposits will be required for boarding reservations made months in advanced, peak season as well as all holidays. Family pets boarding together receive multiple pet rates; however we reserve the right to separate the pets in separate runs if this becomes necessary for any reason. If separation is necessary the second pet goes to a full rate for the accommodations provided. We reserve the right to refuse to board any pet that's a health threat to other animals or whose aggressive behavior is a threat to other animals or kennel staff. We are a crate free environment so if a pet needs to be crated due to aggressive or destructive behavior, an additional charge per day will apply for after hours turnouts. Extra large, elderly and special needs pets additional charges will apply. We have someone we can refer who will stay in your home for those elderly pets that need specialized individual care.
What is included in your rates?
When your dog stays with us overnight, we roll out the red carpet. Our overnight rates include: Private sleeping accommodations complete with a bed and blanket; A private, covered, synthetic grass outdoor play yard with access to their inside accommodations by using a doggy door. If your pet is pet friendly and would like to play with others they may participate in doggy daycare. All medications administered as directed, room service meals, food prepared hot or cold just like at home. For overnight pricing click here.
Will you teach my dog to use the doggy door?
Yes. 99.99% of the dogs have no problem using the doggy door since it is ground level. Dogs from 5 pounds to 150+ pounds use it with no problem. It only takes a few times of showing them how to go in and out. Once they figure it out they love it!
Are there additional charges if my pet is not potty trained?
Yes. All puppies and dogs should be potty trained for outside. Puppies should have the concept of going outside to potty on their own. Elderly incontinent dogs will need special attention and we have someone to recommend in those cases. Since each pet has a doggy door with an outside run so they may use the bathroom 24/7. If they choose not to use it, excessive clean up charges will apply. If there are two or more dogs sharing a suite, we reserve the right to separate if there are numerous accidents. Daily rate charges per suite will apply.
INCONTINENT/MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS
Since our suites are indoor/outdoor, our inside floors are designed just like home. We do not have a false floor drain system for those who are incontinent, not potty trained or inconsistent in using pee pads. Overnight pricing is $88 per day for pets who fall in this category due to additional staff that will be required to keep the suite clean and sanitized to our standards. Excessive clean up charges may also apply.
Do you offer long term rates?
Yes. Long term discounts are determined according to the number of days stayed. The discount is applied at time of check-out. Discounts will not apply to special needs, excessive cleanup, time consuming food preparation, etc. Discounts will also not apply to pets that are aggressive or destructive to property and need to be crated.
What precautions are taken to prevent communicable diseases?
At Kottage Kennels & Suites our pet guest’s health is our #1 priority. We require that all vaccinations be up-to-date prior to arrival. Any other visible health issues must be addressed prior to boarding or grooming. We strive to keep accommodations and surrounding areas clean at all times. We use a veterinarian approved sanitizing solution on all accommodations as well as providing fresh blankets daily for each pet guest. All food and water bowls are washed daily in a sanitizing dishwasher. While we make every effort to keep our guests safe and healthy, please keep in mind that anytime pets are near one another there is a possibility for communicable diseases and parasites. We also require a 15 day window for any vet visit to include being groomed at the vet office since sick dogs are treated at the vet. This lessons our risk of something being brought into the kennel.
How much is grooming and what does that include?
Our professional dog groomers provide a variety of services from a basic nail trim to a complete spa day! Grooming costs depend on the condition of coat, style of cut and additional spa services requests. All basic grooms include a deluxe bath, ear cleaning and nail clipping. An extra charge will apply for pets that need de-matting. Pets that are extremely matted will be shaved. For your pets comfort as well as your pocket book, we recommend having your pet on a regular grooming schedule. Pets that come in for regular grooming have a much more enjoyable time because we are able to keep their hair coat in good condition.
What vaccines are required?
Dogs boarding, daycare or grooming, Kottage Kennels & Suites requires Rabies, 6 month Bordetella (kennel cough), Distemper/Parvo, negative fecal or worming on every dog and be in good health.
DOGS: Rabies (yearly or 3 year)
Bordetella (every 6 months) **Bordetella vaccines are required to be given every 6 months**
DHLPP (yearly or 3 year)
FECAL or worming (yearly for intestinal parasites)
CATS: Rabies (yearly or 3 year)
FVRCP (yearly)
FelV (yearly)
PUPPIES
For the safety of your new puppy, we require that puppies receive a series of vaccines completed 30 days prior to boarding, daycare or grooming.
*(3 - 4) Distemper/Parvo (combo) vaccines (boosters 3 weeks apart)
*(1) Rabies
*(2) Bordetella (booster 3 weeks later)
*negative fecal and be wormed at least 15 days prior to boarding.
We do not accept handwritten vaccination records. Please have your Vet fax us your pet’s vaccination records at least 15 days prior to check-in at (478) 994-7699. We will not be able to board/daycare/groom your pet(s) if these records have not been received or has been to the vet 15 days prior to arrival date.
*All required vaccinations noted above are required prior to any services provided by Kottage Kennels & Suites, Inc. For more information regarding the need for vaccinations, please CLICK HERE.
What is a typical day of boarding like?
7:30 am: Guests are given their breakfast and morning medications are administered as directed.
8:30 am: Daycare guests start arriving for the day. Playtime begins! Dogs join their playgroups in safe supervised play areas for socializing and fun!
1:00pm: Snack time
2:30pm: Overnight guests return to their room.
3:00pm: Dinner is served to our overnight guests. Afternoon medications are administered as directed.
4:00pm: Dogs join their playgroups for some more fun!
6:00 pm: Night time treat before bedtime and evening medications as directed.
All pet guests will have time throughout the day to enjoy the outdoor play yards either by themselves or with their playgroups.
LATE ARRIVAL OR EARLY CHECKOUT:
Arriving on a later date, or checking out earlier than the scheduled days reserved, will result in being charged for the days actually booked. We thank you for keeping this is mind when making your reservations so the dates reserved are accurate. A confirmation email is sent to all customers so we encourage everyone to make sure the dates entered are correct.
Cancellation Policy:
- Non-holiday reservations require a full 7-day advanced notice of any change or cancellation before the schedule check-in date to avoid a penalty.
- Holiday reservations are a full 14-day advanced notice of any change or cancellation before the scheduled check-in date to avoid a penalty.
Advance deposits:
If Kottage Kennels & Suites, Inc. are given the proper advanced cancellation notice, advance deposits will be turned into Paw Bucks (credit) on the customer’s account to be used on future reservations for up to 1 full year.
If Kottage Kennels & Suites, Inc. are not given the required notice of cancellation on non-holiday or holiday reservations, the deposit will be forfeited and addition penalties may apply and be charged to the credit card on file.
2021 Holiday Hours - Beginning August 1, there will no longer be office hours on Saturday
“Memorial Day Weekend”
Saturday, May 29…………Office Closed
Sunday, May 30…………Office Closed
Monday, May 31…………Open 4-6pm (pickup only)
“4th of July”
Saturday, July 3…………Office Closed
Sunday, July 4…………Office Closed
“Labor Day Weekend”
CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE
Will be checking messages/emails
during this time.
“Thanksgiving”
Thursday, November 25…………Office Closed
“Christmas”
Friday, December 24…………Office Closed
Saturday, December 25…………Office Closed
Sunday, December 26…………Open 4-6 (pickup only)
“New Year’s”
Friday, December 31…………Office Closed
Saturday, January 1, 2022…………Office Closed
Sunday, January 2…………Open 4-6 (pickup only)