Dog Services

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BOARDING � GROOMING

BOARDING YOUR DOG

Selecting a Boarding Kennel
Stop by a kennel and visit with the owner. Get acquainted with the people who will be caring for your dog. Ask questions; take nothing for granted. "Are toys or bedding welcome? How will Rover be exercised? What will you feed Rover?" Talk about safety features. Discuss frankly any qualms you may have about boarding. They will appreciate your frankness and interest.

The experienced personnel at Little Wolfe's Pet Resort are trained to recognize the warning signs of potential health problems and will contact a veterinarian if they feel it is called for. Many times it is easier for kennel personnel to detect problems than it is for the owner of the dog e.g., blood in urine, a warning sign that deserves attention, can more easily be detected in the kennel than at home, because the dog is exercised in a specific area which is cleaned regularly.

But it is not part of the kennel's job to diagnose or to prescribe. If Rover does require veterinary aid while he is in the kennel, you should be aware that you, as Rover's owner, are financially responsible for such aid. Discuss, before boarding, any medication or special care Rover might need. Most kennels offer a certain amount of individual care (playing with, talking to, petting the dog) but you must be reasonable. (Asking the kennel owner to check Rover at 2am to see if he's uncovered is not reasonable.)

During boarding, it is possible that dogs sometimes step in their stools or urine and become dirty. This can happen in the cleanest of kennels! Also, some of the finest disinfectants available for sanitizing are not always the most pleasant smelling, and the odor may cling to your dog's coat. Grooming may be indicated, and you should advise the kennel owner if you want Rover to have a bath on the day he goes home.

One standard for measuring the kennel owner's interest in his profession is his membership in the American Boarding Kennels Association. You can be certain ABKA members are trying to keep current on the latest developments within the industry, and that they truly care. Their membership certificate will be proudly displayed.

Make certain you understand the rate structure for all services and hours of operation. The fee for boarding not only includes the care of your pet but also the peace of mind that goes with knowing that Rover is safe and with someone you can trust.

Understanding the Kennel Environment
You should understand the possible effects of stress on a dog and not be shocked if, while your dog is boarding, he develops tracheobronchitis or, occasionally, intestinal problems. You should be aware that some dogs carry viruses in their systems for months and begin to show symptoms only after being subjected to a stress situation. In other words, they can "catch" a disease from themselves.

Sometimes temporary behavior changes can occur as a result of unfamiliar surroundings. Dear sweet Rover tears up the bed he has slept in for years. Or "Killer" that rowdy scourge of the neighborhood, turns into a little lamb. Eating habits change under stress, and a dog assimilates his food differently. Some will eat like canaries at home and like vultures at a kennel. They may put on a few pounds. Others can lose weight though eating well or lose weight by not eating enough. Kennel life can be very exciting, and some dogs lose weight because they run the weight off as they charge around barking at other dogs and having a wonderful time. These dogs often go home exhausted but happy and sleep a lot the first couple of days at home.

All of the preparation by the pet owner merely points out that he should recognize that successful boarding depends not only upon the kennel, but also upon how well the owner prepares his dog for the experience.

Now that Rover is Home Again
When Rover is picked up he will be very excited to see you. (Dogs do not have a sense of time so that he would be just as happy to see you if you left him 5 minutes or 5 days.) Do not feed him (though he will act hungry once he gets back on his familiar turf) for at least 3 hours, and then be very careful not to overfeed him. Also, excitement will cause Rover to pant a lot, lose body water and be thirsty. Give him a few ice cubes to tide him over until feeding time. Again, in his excited state, excessive food and water consumption can create problems.

Remember, Little Wolfe's Pet Resort is in the business because we love dogs.

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ALL ABOUT GROOMING

Baths
The price for baths depends on the type of animal, the condition of its coat and the animal's temperament. All price quotes given are considering that the pet has no mats or tangles. A bath includes cleaning of the ears, trimming the nails, bath and flea dip, a fluff dry and brush out. The animals are finished up with bows and bandanna. A bath does not include ANY trimming of the hair.

Haircuts or Full Grooming
Full grooming includes a bath and flea dip, cleaning of the ears, trimming of the nails, shaving the stomach, the pads and the rectum area, brush out, bath and flea dip, fluff dry, a haircut specified by the owner and scissor finish. Bows and a bandanna are put on as the finishing touch.

Note: If dematting of any animal is required, there will be a $18 (per hour) dematting fee, in addition to the regular grooming charge.

Available At No Extra Charge
Non-detergent shampoos are available if your pet is on Advantage or Frontline. Medicated and Oatmeal baths are also available for those animals with sensitive or dry skin.

Nail Trimming
Nail trimming is available Monday through Saturday for $8 to $12 an animal, during our regular hours. We do ask, however, that you call ahead before bringing your pet to be sure a groomer is available.

Appointment Information
Baths and Full Grooming are by appointment ONLY. Grooming is available Monday through Saturday. The latest Haircut appointment available Monday through Friday is 2:30pm. The latest Bath appointment available Monday through Friday is 1:00pm. The latest Haircut and Bath appointment available on Saturday is 11:00am. Baths and all Grooming appointments will take between 2 1/2 and 3 hours.

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