Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How far in advance do I need to make my reservation?
Answer: We would always like 2 weeks advance notice of any reservation request. However, you can make a reservation any time, and we do accept walk-ins, provided we have availability. During the summer, you need to make reservations at least 10 days in advance, as we usually sell out every weekend. In winter months, we have more capacity and can accommodate shorter lead time requests. For all holidays, we recommend a minimum of 2 weeks notice for reservations. We sell out quickly for holiday weekends.
Question: Why do you recommend I bring my own food?
Answer: We recommend bringing your own food mainly because it will help keep your dog from getting an upset tummy and having loose stools. Stress from being placed in a new environment, without the comfort of you being near, is enough to give your pooch a tummy ache, but compounded with switching his food suddenly will most certainly give your furry friend stomach problems. While keeping him/her on their own food may not guarantee that they won’t get an upset tummy, it will most definitely help.
Question: Are the dog runs heated and cooled?
Answer: Yes. We have two large 18 Seer Heat Pumps that heat and cool the dog run areas. While we try to allow the dogs to roam between the indoor and outdoor part of their runs as much as possible, on really hot days or really cold days we will lock them inside for a few hours to allow the heating and cooling system to take maximum effect.
Question: How do you decide which dogs should play with other dogs?
Answer: We get to know every dog in our care. We pay close attention to the comments the pet owner makes about their dogs. In addition, we elvaluate how they do going back to their run and how they act in their run. We slowly introduce any new dogs into a play group. Everyday, we create a play list for that day that divides dogs into groups based on size, temperament and other qualities.
Question: Why does food have to be in a sealed container?
Answer: This is a requirement by the State of Missouri and a good one. Keeping food in sealed containers not only keeps the food fresh and tasty for your pet, it also helps us keep rodents and insects out of the resort.
Question: Why can’t my dog have access to the outside part of the run all the time, and never be locked in?
Answer: We want your dogs outside as much as possible. However, we need to bring the dogs in to be respectful to our neightbors across the street from us. We try to bring the dogs in by 10:00 PM at night (actual time may be up to an hour earlier or later). In addition, if we deem the weather is either too hot or too cold, we bring your dogs in so that they can be as comfortable as possible in our facility.
Question: Why do you suggest I bring something with my scent on it?
Answer: Having something that has your scent on it will decrease the amount of stress your dog endures. Being able to smell your scent is comforting to your canine companion, and we are all about comfort!
Question: Why does my dog/cat need all of his/her vaccinations before being allowed to board?
Answer: One of our main concerns is the welfare of your dog/cat. In order to ensure their continued health and security, we need to be sure that no dog/cat comes in sick and puts other dogs/cats at risk of getting sick. Current vaccinations eliminate the threat of rabies, kennel cough, distemper, parvo, and feline leukemia outbreaks.
Question: How do you train your staff?
Answer: We have three certified dog behavior specialist that work with each of our employees on how to read a dogs body language, and on how to handle a wide variety of situations.
Question: Why do you ask so many questions about my dog/cat and their habits?
Answer: We want to give your dog/cat the best possible care. In order to accomplish this, we will need information on their daily eating, sleeping, playing, and medication habits. The more information the better!! We will utilize all the information you give us, and make sure that your furry friend has the greatest and most fun stay feasible.
Question: What is anal gland expression?
Answer: Have you ever noticed your do/cat dragging their bottom along the ground? Or maybe that their anus looks enlarged? Or that they just don’t smell good? This maybe because they need their anal glands expressed. The anal glands are two quarter-sized glands located right inside of canine and feline anuses. Sometimes these glands fill up with fluid, which can irritate your furry friend, causing them to attempt to ‘itch’ by dragging their bottom across the floor. This is their way of trying to release the fluid themselves. It, however, doesn’t always work. This means that in order to relieve their irritation, you will have to have the glands expressed by either your local vet or a groomer.
Question: Why aren’t children allowed in the dog areas?
Answer: While all of our guests are great dogs in their natural environment, being in a strange place and away from their owners can cause some dogs to be more aggressive. We don’t want a child getting a hand or finger bit.
Question: Why are there mouse traps around your facility?
Answer: The worst enemies to any facility are disease carrying rodents and insects. Although we are adamant about maintaining as clean and sterile of an environment as physically possible, we realize that no expense should be spared in keeping our resort pest free. Therefore, we have contracted with Biggs Pest Control to maintain our facility on a monthly basis ensuring we are rodent and insect free. We believe the eye sore that is a mouse trap is a small price to keep your pets safe.