Q: What is a Client and what is a Guest?
A: At Windmill Lane Boarding Kennel, it’s all about the dogs. Since a person who pays for services, you, as the dog’s owner are the Client. You dog is extended hospitality, and is our Guest.

Q: Why should we board our dog?
A: Boarding your dog is a great option to ensure that your pet receives quality, specialized care when you are not able to provide it. Boarding allows you to feel good about your trip without having to worry about your dog being alone. At Windmill Lane, every pet is treated like our own and we love seeing the smiling faces of the pets and their owners upon each return visit. Read more on why to board your dog.

Q: What vaccinations are required?
A: We require the following vaccinations for dogs: DHLPP, Rabies, and Bordetella and you must supply proof of vaccinations. All puppies under the age of 6 months must have proof of a negative fecal sample within 30 days prior to boarding. All adult dogs should have a negative fecal each year. Dogs should be on a veterinarian supplied Heartworm Preventative as well as Flea and Tick prevention seasonally.

Q: Do you board aggressive dogs?
A: We require that animals be well-behaved and not a nuisance or a danger to our staff. Aggressive dogs may be admitted for boarding per manager approval. Appointments must be made in advance to arrange for a behavior assessment prior to boarding. We reserve the right to refuse service and/or handling of aggressive dogs. All decisions are final.

Q: I’m boarding my pet for the first time? What should I expect?
A: Your pet will adjust quickly to our boarding facility, our staff and routines. Feeding, cleaning, exercise, and kennel staff monitoring are all scheduled events that bring order and structure to the boarding experience. You can do a lot to help prepare your pet for this environment in the days before your pet is to be boarded.

• First, establish a routine schedule of meal times and limit feeding to a maximum of twice daily. We will feed either in the morning or afternoon or both based upon your request.
• We routinely quiet the kennel down after closing hours (after 7 PM) to give the pets adequate rest and comfort. It’s best if your evening schedule, in the week before boarding, is stable and consistent, and getting the pet(s) into a comfortable “wind down” to their day by 8 PM to 9 PM will enable them to adjust quickly to the kennel, once boarded.

Q: What are your rates?
A: Our base rate $25 per day for one guest, $20 per dog per day for additional roommates. See rates, discounts and guidelines.

Q: Do you have Sunday checkout?
A: Most kennels are closed on Sundays, but as a courtesy to our clients, we provide checkout hours on Sunday afternoons. As dog lovers ourselves, we understand how eager you are to be reunited with your pet and how a Sunday checkout can be more convenient for you. Alternate check-in/check-out times are possible on Saturday. See rates and guidelines.

Q: How long can my dog board? Do you discount for long-term boarding?
A: Boarding can be indefinite, although it suggested that any pet not be boarded over 90 days to affect the pets’ behavior. A long term boarder is required to pre-pay for each 30 days. There is a 10% discount for every 30-day stay, but these visits must be prepaid.

Q: Can I come to your facility to inspect it before boarding?
A: Absolutely! You are welcome to drop by at any time during our normal business hours. There may be a small wait due to check ins and check outs.

Q: My dog has special needs. What accommodations can be made for us?
A: Our facility is well equipped for dogs with special needs. From fully climate-controlled runs to quiet spaces, we can accommodate any special need that your pet might have.

EXTRA CHARGES: We do not specify any extra charges for administering medications or special feedings as some kennels do, and we simply expect a number of dogs to have some accidents in their runs. But we may have to add additional fees for dogs that require an extraordinary amount of care and time (i.e. difficult administration of medications, constant accidents in run and laundering of bedding, etc.) We also will have to charge for repair of damages that a dog may cause and any extra expenses that may be incurred such as trips to the vet or stores for special needs. Extra charges will apply for: difficult medications, diaper changes, and hard to handle pets. We do not board females that are in heat.

Q: Can I bring in my own food?
A: We encourage you to bring your pet’s food when boarding. Our staff will follow your instructions to make sure your pet follows a regular diet. By pre-bagging each meal in a separate bag labeled with your pets’ name, your pet will receive the exact amount of food that you feed him or her at home.

Q: What food do you feed?
A:  When requested, we feed our guests the same as our own dogs, Taste of the Wild, a no grain food. There is a nominal charge for this service.

Q: Can all my pets stay together in the same area?
A: Yes we can accommodate your wishes and board your pets together in the same kennel, as space allows (typically we can accommodate up to 2 large dogs or 1 large and up to two small dogs- this allows adequate space for each pet and promotes both comfort and safety.) See the Rates and Guidelines page  for specific details and price discounts on multiple pet boarding.

Q: What is your minimum age for boarding a dog?
A: The primary concern is the welfare of our guests. For this reason, our minimum boarding age for dogs is 4 months. It is generally recommended that puppies get their first round of “adult” shots at 12 weeks (including rabies) and the second round at 16 weeks. Additionally, in any kennel environment, a young pup could possibly be exposed to air-borne viruses it could not fight off. Our recommendation is to board puppies at your veterinarian’s office until they have reached our minimum age requirement.

Q: What makes Windmill Lane a safe choice for my pet?
A: We only employ safety-minded, intelligent staff members and all of our management team is certified by the American Red Cross in Pet CPR and First Aid. In the event of an emergency with your pet, we will first follow your instructions and then decide whether a visit to an emergency vet is in order. Management is on call around-the-clock in case of an emergency.

Q: How will my dog relieve themselves?
A: Indoor only guests are taken out for potty breaks periodically during the day and a final one before lights out, around 9:30 at night.

Q: What types of exercise options are available?
A: We offer one-on-one or group walks and playtimes in increments of 10, 15, and 30 minutes. Dogs that are housed in indoor/outdoor dog runs have access to a good amount of activity daily.

Q: Why does my dog smell when I pick him up after being boarded?
A: At Windmill Lane, we are meticulous in cleaning our kennels, and use hospital grade disinfectants to keep them spotless. However, in close quarters of a boarding kennel among other pet guests, a dog’s natural odor may become more noticeable.

Q: My pets like to have toys with them. Can they have their favorite toys while staying at Windmill Lane Boarding?
A: Your pets may have one or two toys to play with during their stay. If you bring toys from home, be sure to mark them with permanent ink with your last name. Your pet’s toys will stay with them in their bedrooms and we do our best to return all toys, but we are not responsible if a toy is lost or destroyed.

You can also bring in your pets personal bedding if you like. Pets can be highly possessive of their personal bedding and feel more comfortable in their surroundings when they have it.

Q: My pet is so thirsty when she comes home from a boarding visit? Doesn’t she get water when she’s with you? Or, why won’t she drink when she’s being boarded?
A: Pets will frequently become very thirsty from the excitement and stress of seeing their family and loved ones again when they’re picked up. It’s natural and you should expect your pet to be a bit dehydrated from all the excitement once you get home.

While in our care, pets are monitored carefully for their consumption of fresh water, which is continuously checked and refreshed throughout the day. And, just like the excitement of coming home, when they first are checked-in and settled in their kennel, they will tend to become very thirsty. We watch this carefully, and are sure to provide plenty of fresh water upon check-in to get the pet fully hydrated. After the first 30 minutes or so, they settle into the new routine, get comfortable, and establish regular eating and drinking habits.

Q: My pet lost weight during their boarding visit. Was my pet fed while boarded there? Is my pet sick?
A: It is natural for a pet to lose between 5 to 10 pounds while being boarded. Most of the weight loss is due to excitement of being with other guests and the exercise they receive being in our large spacious runs. Pets that are in our social areas are getting constant activity which is not the norm to their more sedentary lifestyle at home. Therefore they burn a lot more calories during their boarding visit. In addition, some pets are just too anxious to eat all of their food at each feeding and may also lose a pound or two for this reason.

Q: What if I have and emergency and need an after-hours drop-off?
A: After-hours drop-offs can usually be accommodated for emergencies; an additional after-hours fee may apply. If you call with an emergency situation, please leave a message to that effect and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Q: What if my pet needs veterinary care?
A: Your dog’s health will be closely monitored while he visits. Any medications you bring will be administered on a timely basis and documented. If, in the opinion of experienced staff, it appears your dog is in need of veterinary examination or services, such services will be provided by your veterinarian if possible, or by another local veterinarian. Owner agrees to be financially responsible for any necessary veterinary care and/or medications.

Q: Do you have references?
A: We are happy to provide references including local veterinarians and clients.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?
A: Contact us by phone or email. We look forward to making your choice of us a reassured one.