Boarding FAQ
Q What are the requirements for boarding?
A All boarding dogs must be at least 12 weeks old and have all age-appropriate vaccinations. (For very young puppies we recommend having at least 2 distemper/parvo vaccinations on board, and Bordetella as well, given at least 2 weeks prior to boarding). Dogs must be, for the most part, house-trained and not destructive. Dogs must be handleable, have had some leash training, and have fairly good manners. Dogs must not be aggressive towards other dogs or people. Even if your dog is not participating in our daycare group, dogs must at least tolerate the sight of other dogs without aggression or major reactivity. Typically, we do not board giant breeds or large breeds over 125# unless they have good leash manners, are clean, and well housetrained. (These dogs will be considered on a case-by-case basis). A handling-fee may be charged for hard to handle dogs. A housekeeping fee may be charged for beyond normal or excessive soiling of their rooms.
Vaccines required: pets must be current on distemper/parvo, rabies and Bordetella. Bordetella must be administered not less than 14 days prior to boarding. A negative fecal within the past 1 year (and yearly after that). Canine influenza is encouraged but is not required. Bordetella is required at least yearly, bi-annual boosters for Bordetella are encouraged. An up-to-date vaccination record is required at the time of booking or there must be verifiable appointments scheduled for vaccination updates. Please get all necessary vaccine updates at least 2 weeks prior to boarding whenever possible.
Q My dog is coming for boarding. What do I need to bring? A Bring anything you think your pet would like to have in his room with him. Toys, beds and blankets, and bones (no rawhide bones or rope toys) are all fine to bring. His belongings will stay in his room; they will not be shared or taken outside. Please do not bring un-washable beds, overstuffed beds, or dirty, smelly beds. A worn, unwashed t-shirt or pillowcase is allowed and can be very comforting to many pets. The familiar smell of home and mom/dad often will bring comfort and lessen the anxiety caused from being away from home. Please do not bring food/water dishes. We will provide food and water bowls. Please DO bring a dish if your pet uses a slow-feed or special dish.
Q Do I need to bring his food? A Although we do have several popular brands of food we keep in stock, it is always best to provide your pet with his usual food. There are just way too many brands, flavors, and special diets nowadays making it impossible to stock every brand. Not only is it impossible to stock every food, switching foods drastically usually leads to digestive upset and/or diarrhea.
Q Can I just bring my dog’s food in the dog food bag? A Please do not bring a full bag of food. Bring only enough food for your pets’ stay plus an extra feeding or 2 in the event you are delayed getting back. We prefer kibble to be put into gallon size baggies or pre-portioned in sandwich bags. Please do not bring a huge food tote or 40# bag of food unless your dog is here for a long stay (7+ days) and will consume most of it. We have limited storage space and cannot store multiple large bags of food. Per County regulations, all open food must be kept in an airtight container. We simply do not have the space for multiple large dog food totes for storage.
Q How often do you feed the dogs who are boarding? A We feed twice per day. Morning meals are started between 5-6am. Evening meals are started between 3-4pm. Puppies under 6 months will be fed a mid-day meal if they’re still getting fed 3x/day at home. Small dogs who are susceptible to hypoglycemia will be offered mid-day meals or snacks.
Q My dog doesn’t eat well when he’s boarding. What do you do about that? A That is not uncommon at all, especially if it is your pet’s first time staying. If your pet’s food strike last thru 2 meals, we will then try a couple tricks we keep up our sleeve to entice them to eat. Usually, once we whet their appetite, there is no longer an issue. Some things we try: hot water on their food, small amounts of wet food, shredded cheese, parmesan cheese, canned pumpkin, cottage cheese, boiled chicken and/or rice, turkey or beef gravy or broth. If you know your pet is a reluctant eater, please let us know what usually gets him to eat or bring the enticement you know works from home.
Q How often do you let dogs outside? A Our day begins around 5am (sometimes earlier depending on how many pets are staying) with morning let outs. If your dog is social and friendly with other dogs, he will be allowed to potty and play with other social dogs and dogs from our daycare group. On the weekends, dogs have at least 4-6 hours of play, in intervals, weather permitting. Dogs who are not social are taken out 4-7 times per day. The length of time outside is dependent on the weather. If the weather is warm enough, and the dog appears to enjoy being outside, he will be allowed to stay out longer. If it is cold or rainy outside, the potty breaks will be shorter but more frequent.
Q My dog has separation anxiety. Can you keep him? A It all depends on the severity of the anxiety. A trial day would be appropriate in this case so we can assess, and collaborate with you, a plan. If your dog has anxiety but is social with other dogs, allowing them to mingle with other dogs may take their mind off their anxiety and can provide an outlet for burning off some energy and anxiousness. Dogs with anxiety but who are not social, providing more outside time, 1;1 attention and individual walks, enrichments such as frozen treats/Kongs or bones, sometimes works. We also have a few herbal and natural remedies: Rescue Remedy, Melatonin. Thundershirts, soothing, calming music, and lavender essential oils are used as well. We want all dogs to be comfortable and happy while they’re here! It is always recommended to speak with your vet about a sedative to have on hand and use as needed in case other interventions fail or are not enough.
Q My dog takes medication. Will you give meds? A Of course! While some facilities do not give meds, we absolutely can and will. Even injectable meds such as insulin. The owner of Sit Stay n Play was a veterinary assistant years ago and is a retired Registered Nurse who has knowledge and experience of most meds given to dogs. Typically, we do not charge for medication administration but if your pet is difficult to medicate or is on multiple medications, there may be a small daily charge. We REQUIRE all medications in their ORIGINAL PRESCRIPTION BOTTLE/CONTAINER. We need to know what drugs we are giving to dogs and what conditions are being treated, therefore we need to monitor the condition being treated and watch for potential side effects or adverse reactions of the meds. If your pet is staying when his heartworm and flea med is due, be sure to pack that! We will give those on the day they’re due.
Q My dog is not fixed yet. Can you board her? A Yes, we do board unaltered pets. We do NOT board females in heat, however. If you have 2 pets not altered, we may or may not be able to place them in the same room together. Unaltered males may not participate in daycare if their hormones cause problems. If your dog is not a show or breeding dog, spaying and neutering is encouraged by 18 months.
Q My dog barks a lot. Can he still board? A Sit Stay n Play is known for being a low stress environment. Many pets stay here because they have anxiety but are very comfortable here. Some pet parents choose us over other facilities because of the low stress, quieter atmosphere. We do not have rows of wire kennels facing each other. That alone, is the main reason why kennels always seem loud; dogs are side by side, and have view of rows of dogs all down the corridor. Most of our rooms have solid walls so each room feels more private, making your pet feel more secure. This alone cuts down the stress and anxiety some pets feel at a boarding facility. Also, when a pet’s needs are met, (food, water, activity and play, exercise, potty breaks) they are usually content and do not feel the need to bark. Barking is normal, we recognize that, and is usually a happy reaction. However, if barking is extreme, excessive and nonstop, your pet is not getting the rest he needs, and thus, will only increase his anxiety. Excessive barking will also cause stress for the other pets here, some who may be anxious already. Barking is sometimes a symptom of anxiety. Please discuss with your vet about a mild sedative if you know your dog is a chronic barker. Since excessive barking could be caused by anxiety, we employ the same strategies first as discussed regarding separation anxiety. If you use a bark control device at home, please bring that with your pet. If, after trying all other options and remedies fail, a bark control device (ultrasonic device, vibration or static collars) may be necessary. These will only be used as a last resort and only when it is obvious their barking is causing distress to other pets.
Q My dog eats raw or refrigerated food. Can you store his food? A Yes. We do have a fridge and freezer for our guest’s food.
Vaccines required: pets must be current on distemper/parvo, rabies and Bordetella. Bordetella must be administered not less than 14 days prior to boarding. A negative fecal within the past 1 year (and yearly after that). Canine influenza is encouraged but is not required. Bordetella is required at least yearly, bi-annual boosters for Bordetella are encouraged. An up-to-date vaccination record is required at the time of booking or there must be verifiable appointments scheduled for vaccination updates. Please get all necessary vaccine updates at least 2 weeks prior to boarding whenever possible.
Q My dog is coming for boarding. What do I need to bring? A Bring anything you think your pet would like to have in his room with him. Toys, beds and blankets, and bones (no rawhide bones or rope toys) are all fine to bring. His belongings will stay in his room; they will not be shared or taken outside. Please do not bring un-washable beds, overstuffed beds, or dirty, smelly beds. A worn, unwashed t-shirt or pillowcase is allowed and can be very comforting to many pets. The familiar smell of home and mom/dad often will bring comfort and lessen the anxiety caused from being away from home. Please do not bring food/water dishes. We will provide food and water bowls. Please DO bring a dish if your pet uses a slow-feed or special dish.
Q Do I need to bring his food? A Although we do have several popular brands of food we keep in stock, it is always best to provide your pet with his usual food. There are just way too many brands, flavors, and special diets nowadays making it impossible to stock every brand. Not only is it impossible to stock every food, switching foods drastically usually leads to digestive upset and/or diarrhea.
Q Can I just bring my dog’s food in the dog food bag? A Please do not bring a full bag of food. Bring only enough food for your pets’ stay plus an extra feeding or 2 in the event you are delayed getting back. We prefer kibble to be put into gallon size baggies or pre-portioned in sandwich bags. Please do not bring a huge food tote or 40# bag of food unless your dog is here for a long stay (7+ days) and will consume most of it. We have limited storage space and cannot store multiple large bags of food. Per County regulations, all open food must be kept in an airtight container. We simply do not have the space for multiple large dog food totes for storage.
Q How often do you feed the dogs who are boarding? A We feed twice per day. Morning meals are started between 5-6am. Evening meals are started between 3-4pm. Puppies under 6 months will be fed a mid-day meal if they’re still getting fed 3x/day at home. Small dogs who are susceptible to hypoglycemia will be offered mid-day meals or snacks.
Q My dog doesn’t eat well when he’s boarding. What do you do about that? A That is not uncommon at all, especially if it is your pet’s first time staying. If your pet’s food strike last thru 2 meals, we will then try a couple tricks we keep up our sleeve to entice them to eat. Usually, once we whet their appetite, there is no longer an issue. Some things we try: hot water on their food, small amounts of wet food, shredded cheese, parmesan cheese, canned pumpkin, cottage cheese, boiled chicken and/or rice, turkey or beef gravy or broth. If you know your pet is a reluctant eater, please let us know what usually gets him to eat or bring the enticement you know works from home.
Q How often do you let dogs outside? A Our day begins around 5am (sometimes earlier depending on how many pets are staying) with morning let outs. If your dog is social and friendly with other dogs, he will be allowed to potty and play with other social dogs and dogs from our daycare group. On the weekends, dogs have at least 4-6 hours of play, in intervals, weather permitting. Dogs who are not social are taken out 4-7 times per day. The length of time outside is dependent on the weather. If the weather is warm enough, and the dog appears to enjoy being outside, he will be allowed to stay out longer. If it is cold or rainy outside, the potty breaks will be shorter but more frequent.
Q My dog has separation anxiety. Can you keep him? A It all depends on the severity of the anxiety. A trial day would be appropriate in this case so we can assess, and collaborate with you, a plan. If your dog has anxiety but is social with other dogs, allowing them to mingle with other dogs may take their mind off their anxiety and can provide an outlet for burning off some energy and anxiousness. Dogs with anxiety but who are not social, providing more outside time, 1;1 attention and individual walks, enrichments such as frozen treats/Kongs or bones, sometimes works. We also have a few herbal and natural remedies: Rescue Remedy, Melatonin. Thundershirts, soothing, calming music, and lavender essential oils are used as well. We want all dogs to be comfortable and happy while they’re here! It is always recommended to speak with your vet about a sedative to have on hand and use as needed in case other interventions fail or are not enough.
Q My dog takes medication. Will you give meds? A Of course! While some facilities do not give meds, we absolutely can and will. Even injectable meds such as insulin. The owner of Sit Stay n Play was a veterinary assistant years ago and is a retired Registered Nurse who has knowledge and experience of most meds given to dogs. Typically, we do not charge for medication administration but if your pet is difficult to medicate or is on multiple medications, there may be a small daily charge. We REQUIRE all medications in their ORIGINAL PRESCRIPTION BOTTLE/CONTAINER. We need to know what drugs we are giving to dogs and what conditions are being treated, therefore we need to monitor the condition being treated and watch for potential side effects or adverse reactions of the meds. If your pet is staying when his heartworm and flea med is due, be sure to pack that! We will give those on the day they’re due.
Q My dog is not fixed yet. Can you board her? A Yes, we do board unaltered pets. We do NOT board females in heat, however. If you have 2 pets not altered, we may or may not be able to place them in the same room together. Unaltered males may not participate in daycare if their hormones cause problems. If your dog is not a show or breeding dog, spaying and neutering is encouraged by 18 months.
Q My dog barks a lot. Can he still board? A Sit Stay n Play is known for being a low stress environment. Many pets stay here because they have anxiety but are very comfortable here. Some pet parents choose us over other facilities because of the low stress, quieter atmosphere. We do not have rows of wire kennels facing each other. That alone, is the main reason why kennels always seem loud; dogs are side by side, and have view of rows of dogs all down the corridor. Most of our rooms have solid walls so each room feels more private, making your pet feel more secure. This alone cuts down the stress and anxiety some pets feel at a boarding facility. Also, when a pet’s needs are met, (food, water, activity and play, exercise, potty breaks) they are usually content and do not feel the need to bark. Barking is normal, we recognize that, and is usually a happy reaction. However, if barking is extreme, excessive and nonstop, your pet is not getting the rest he needs, and thus, will only increase his anxiety. Excessive barking will also cause stress for the other pets here, some who may be anxious already. Barking is sometimes a symptom of anxiety. Please discuss with your vet about a mild sedative if you know your dog is a chronic barker. Since excessive barking could be caused by anxiety, we employ the same strategies first as discussed regarding separation anxiety. If you use a bark control device at home, please bring that with your pet. If, after trying all other options and remedies fail, a bark control device (ultrasonic device, vibration or static collars) may be necessary. These will only be used as a last resort and only when it is obvious their barking is causing distress to other pets.
Q My dog eats raw or refrigerated food. Can you store his food? A Yes. We do have a fridge and freezer for our guest’s food.