NEW CLIENTS
Welcome to Katie’s Kennel! We’re so glad you’re here!
We are excited to get to know you and your pup! To ensure our space is the right space for them, we require a full day of play BEFORE their first stay with us (Trial Day). That way, when they return to board, they’re familiar with us, familiar with our space, and they KNOW you’re coming back for them!
Our mission is to create a space they’re excited to come to and hesitant to leave. We want your dog to have a successful and fun time while they’re with us, but also provide the opportunity for you to travel and worry free that your pup is happy, comfortable and well taken care of!
Below is a list of requirements, behaviors and policies to better help you decide if our place is the right place for you and your pup.
What Is A Trial Day and How Much Does It Cost?
A TRIAL DAY IS:
A full day of play required for any new dog BEFORE their first stay
It’s your dog’s chance to get comfortable with us before they stay
It’s your chance to meet us and tour the facility
It’s our chance to assess and make sure group play works for them
That way, when your dog returns for their first overnight stay, they are familiar with us, the routine, and we are confident they are going to do great!
TOUR & TRIAL DAY COST:
1 Dog - $20
2+ Dogs - $30
BEHAVIORS WE ARE LOOKING FOR TO PASS A TRIAL DAY:
Listening = do they know their name, can they follow basic commands (sit/stay/come)
Approachability = can they be approached by humans or dogs without aggression
Communication = can they communicate appropriately with other dogs
Sociability = can they be around other dogs/humans and interact positively (this doesn’t mean they are social butterflies, but that they can tolerate being in a social setting)
Adaptability = can they adjust to being away from you, can they go in a kennel, settle in their kennel, and rest quietly
Functionality = can they function in a group with high energy and playing, without becoming overstimulated (excessive barking, herding, excessive rough play)
When Are Trial Days Scheduled?
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (some Thursdays)
Drop-Off: By Appointment: 7:30am, 8:00am, 8:30am, 9:00am, or 9:30am
Pick-Up: 4pm-6pm
You will be leaving them for the entire day
ALL TOURS & TRIAL DAYS ARE MADE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. In order to keep our guests calm and as stress-free as possible, we do not offer drop in tours.
IMPORTANT: We ask that all clients text every time they are on their way to drop-off or pick-up their dog(s). See our FAQ for why.
What to Bring to Trial Day:
Leash-For the safety of all our guests, dogs must be leashed from vehicle to gate
Vaccination Records- sent before the day of your visit (see our FAQ for details on how to send)
Food- ONLY if your dog normally eats a lunch
Requirements:
Every new client must schedule and pass a Trial Day before they can stay with us (details below)
Dogs must be 4 months and older
Dogs must be spayed or neutered by 8 months
Dogs must be up-to date on vaccines and show proof
Rabies
Distemper (Dhpp)
Bordatella (Kennel Cough)
Dogs must be treated with HEART-WORM and FLEA & TICK preventative
Dogs must be in good health and free of injury
Dogs must be crate/kennel trained
UN-WELCOME BEHAVIORS
Aggressiveness towards dogs or humans
Extreme separation or kennel anxiety
Excessive barking
Resource or Food guarding in any situation
TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL STAY WITH US YOUR DOG SHOULD BE ABLE TO…
Respond to their name
Have basic manners
Be kenneled trained
Not excessively bark (ie. demand bark at people or other dogs)
*If your dog already struggles with impulse control, there is a chance that will be amplified here and make it hard for your dog to have a successful stay. That is why we require a trial day, to make sure our place is the right place for them.
Please Note:
We group play, all day, everyday. For a lot of dogs, group play isn’t right for them. Group play can be overwhelming and/or overstimulating for them. When dogs are in a group environment, even the BEST dogs, can struggle with making the right choices.
AND THAT’S OK.
It doesn’t mean they’re bad dogs. It doesn’t mean they can’t be around other dogs. It just means the way we do things, isn’t the right way for them. It’s our job to advocate for every dog we meet and make sure they’re going to have a successful stay! We pride ourselves in being open and honest about your pup’s experience with us. We want them to have a good time and for you to travel and not have to worry.
NOTE: If a dog becomes aggressive or un-manageable due to any of the reasons above, you or your emergency contact, will be called to pick them up. We will not continue to board any dog we feel is a causing issues for themselves or any of our other guests.
NOTE: If your dog goes into heat while boarding with us, your emergency contact will be called to pick them up.
If you’re ready to book a visit for you and your dog, click the new client registration below! As soon as you get registered, one of our amazing staff will reach out to you and schedule your first visit. You can also contact us via email or text!
We can’t wait to meet you!
