Policies

Check our Policies.

Arrivals, Departures, and Holidays

Check-In

Guests are welcome to check-in at any time during our lobby hours; please note that our lobby is closed on all major holidays.

All dogs must be on a leash at all times, while cats must be confined in a carrier for their safety.

Every attempt will be made to provide the care necessary for your pet should an emergency occur. It is important that you leave a phone number where you can be reached or an emergency contact person so that communication between you and the veterinarian can take place in a timely manner. Your emergency contact must be a person you trust, who will be in the local area while you are away, and who you have authorized to make decisions about your pet if you cannot be reached. Your pet is a member of your family and we honor this relationship. If we are unable to reach you or your emergency contact, we will use our best judgment and act in the best interest of your pet, as if your pet were ours.

Check-Out

Guests may be checked out at any time during our lobby hours. Please note that our lobby is closed on all major holidays. We do have staff working behind the scenes after our lobby is closed; however, these staff members are responsible for animal care only and are not authorized to open our doors or check out guests after the lobby is closed.

You must arrive before 12 pm Monday through Sunday to pick up your pet, or you will be charged up to a $20 late fee.

Holiday rates apply.

Lodging Restrictions

Puppies and Kittens

Guests must be at least 16 weeks of age to board with us. Vaccination requirements for puppies include age-appropriate boosters for Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella, and Rabies. Kittens require Leukemia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Rabies. Once your furry pal is at least 16 weeks old, we’d love your little one to come and stay with us! Boarding young pets is a great way to accustom them to a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences and will make their future boarding experience much more familiar and enjoyable.

Senior Pets

We do not place an upper age limit on boarding pets, but we ask that you consider your geriatric pet’s unique personality and special needs. Some geriatric pets have a more difficult time being away from their family. We discourage boarding large dogs over the age of 12 and small dogs and cats over the age of 14. However, if you do need to board your geriatric pet, The Animal Tender Pet Resort’s spacious suites could be a great fit for pets who might become unduly stressed in a cage-like enclosure that is common in most veterinary clinics.

Pets We Cannot Board

Aggressive or Feral Animals: We all know a “crabby” pet or two who might not like every person or every other animal they meet, but who is generally safe to handle or be around. These pets can usually be boarded with little difficulty. However, we are unable to board pets that are truly dangerous, feral (“wild”), or have had little socialization and may react with aggression when frightened. The safety of our team, your pet, and our other guests is our first priority. If upon check-in, we determine that we are unable to safely handle and care for your pet, we will let you know so that you can make alternate boarding arrangements. If you are unsure of your pet’s temperament and feel they might be aggressive, we recommend contacting us in advance to schedule a time to bring your pet in for a brief assessment. This “meet and greet” will give us a better idea of whether The Animal Tender Pet Resort is the right option for your pet. Any dogs who do stay with us who are aggressive toward other dogs may not participate in daycare or other group activities with pets outside of their own family.

Females who are pregnant or in heat: Females who are pregnant should be boarded at a veterinary clinic in the event that they go into labor and need medical intervention or care during the delivery. Females who are in heat are not accepted. Our male guests can detect females in heat from long distances and can become highly agitated, resulting in a less-than-calm resort experience for all our other guests.

Pets recuperating from recent invasive medical procedures: Your veterinarian is the best place for your pet to stay following any invasive medical procedure that took place within the last 10 days.

Pets with serious medical conditions or pets that require frequent veterinary attention: Such conditions include pets with frequent, uncontrolled seizures; pets with diabetes; pets suffering from debilitating paralysis; or pets with serious cardiac, kidney, or liver disorders. Pets with these conditions are best boarded with your veterinarian.

Pets who are exhibiting signs of, or who have recently been diagnosed with, contagious disease, including dogs who have been diagnosed with Parvovirus or cats who have been diagnosed with Panleukopenia within the past 6 months, or pets who have exhibited signs of an upper respiratory infection or kennel cough within the past two weeks.

Pets with severe separation anxiety: Animals who experience the equivalent of “panic attacks” or highly destructive behavior when left alone do not do well in a boarding situation.

Preparing for Lodging

Bedding, Toys and Comfort Items

We want your pet to feel comfortable and secure while staying with us, therefore you may supply your pet’s personal bedding (no oversized beds, blankets or comforters, please). Bedding must be labeled with a permanent marker with the guest’s first and last name. When your pet is in unfamiliar surroundings, they may chew things they would not ordinarily chew at home. Any bedding item or toy that becomes too damaged or that we believe may pose a hazard to your pet may be removed at the discretion of our team.

You may also supply up to two toys or comfort items for your pet to enjoy. The items must be washable, be suited to your pet’s size, and may not pose an obvious choking hazard. Because dogs can be protective around bones, rawhides, and other treats with a perceived high value when other dogs are in the vicinity, they may attempt to rapidly consume them if they perceive their prized possession could be threatened. Therefore, to avoid the potential for inappropriate consumption, these items are not allowed.

Vaccinations and Medical Care

Required Vaccinations

The safety of our canine guests and feline guests is our first priority; therefore, we require that all pets staying with us be current on the vaccinations listed below. Pet vaccinations should be administered at least seven days prior to arrival by a licensed veterinarian. We are unable to accept home-administered pet vaccinations. Written proof of current pet vaccines must be received by The Animal Tender Pet Resort at least 72 hours prior to check-in. It is your responsibility to keep your vaccination records current with us. Please keep in mind that absolutely no pets will be admitted without vaccine verification.

Dogs require current Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Bordetella vaccines, administered appropriately by a licensed veterinarian.

Cats require current Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia, and Rabies vaccines, administered appropriately by a licensed veterinarian.

Pet vaccines must be administered at least seven days prior to check-in, and proof of pet vaccination should be sent to us via e-mail or fax at least three days prior to check-in.

Medical Information

Medications: If your pet is on medication, you need to bring written instructions on how it should be given, how often, and what it is for. We cannot give injections of any kind. We can give medication one to three times per day. Please only bring the doses necessary for your pet’s complete stay.

Medical Emergencies: When you check your pet in, we ask that you give us the name and contact information of your personal veterinarian and provide us with your preferences regarding veterinary care for your pet during your absence. If a medical problem occurs with your pet, we will first attempt to contact you and get your pet in to see your own vet, if located within 8 miles of the resort. If unavailable, or if the situation is critical, we will take your pet to a nearby veterinarian or to the nearest emergency clinic. All charges for veterinary care and transportation will be your responsibility. Please refer to your Boarding Contract for further information.

Special Needs: Please feel free to discuss any special requirements with us when you make your reservation. We will do everything in our power to make sure your pet is taken care of and provided for. The following is a sampling of special needs that can be accommodated:

  • Medications
  • Supplements
  • Special meal preparation
  • Extra feeding times
  • Food from home
  • Water from home
  • Treats from home
  • Special handling care
  • Daily brushing

Kennel Cough Disclaimer and Policy

Kennel cough is a disease that can be contracted in many locations, dog parks, veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, or by simply walking your dog down the street. This infection is similar to the human cold. Kennel cough is a common disease that cannot be fully prevented, even with appropriate vaccination. There are many strains of kennel cough—some bacterial and some viral—and vaccination is not sufficient to protect your dog against all strains. If your dog’s immune system is weak, the possibility of contracting this disease will increase. If your pet’s immune system fails to protect them from this disease and they become ill, it will risk the well-being of other dogs in our care. The Animal Tender will take the following steps if we notice any signs of illness:

  • Remove pet from group play or individual play time
  • Call owner or emergency contact
  • Transport the dog to a veterinarian
  • Administer medication prescribed by the veterinarian
  • Keep the dog calm and comfortable

The dog owner will be responsible for payment of all charges associated with the treatment and care of kennel cough. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Transportation to Veterinarian Hospital office
  • Veterinarian Services
  • Medications
  • Administration of medication