None of these is complicated. Together they remove most of the problems that crop up on a drop-off morning.
The twelve tips
- Tour before you book. Tours are every day, 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM, and no appointment is needed.
- Check every vaccine date against the day you collect your dog, not the day you drop off. Records must be good through the end of the stay.
- Book the canine influenza booster early. It is due three to four weeks after the first dose.
- Book holidays early and read the deposit rule: a 50% non-refundable deposit applies to stays that begin within seven days before or after a major holiday.
- Write food in cups on the paperwork. Your own food is welcome at no charge, and house food is free.
- Tell staff about medication, allergies, fears and past bites. Medications are given at no extra charge.
- Pack light. A toy that is not the favorite is plenty, because toys get lost or chewed.
- Remove metal pinch (prong) collars before check-in, since they can catch on chain link.
- Leave your dog in the car at check-in and let staff walk your dog in, especially in warm weather.
- Arrive with a flea-free dog. A dog found with fleas or ticks is bathed at the owner's cost.
- Share an emergency contact who is not traveling with you.
- Plan pick-up by 11:30 AM. An afternoon pick-up is billed at half of the nightly fee.
Why the vaccine date trips people up
A rabies shot that expires on day three of a seven-day trip is the classic problem. Vets can update it in a few minutes, but only if you know in time. The vaccine readiness checker compares your dates against the requirements.
Why food notes matter
A written feeding plan prevents guesses. Cups and times work better than descriptions like "a handful." If your dog is a fast eater, a slow-feeder bowl is a smart item to bring; see the slow feeder guide.
Why timing matters
Drop-off windows are 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM. The office is closed from 11:30 to 2:00, and the kennel is closed all day on seven holidays. Because nights are charged like a hotel, a Friday-to-Sunday stay in Business Class is 2 nights at $59, or $118 on the 2026 rates.
A last tip for the first stay
Treat the first stay as a trial. Pick a shorter trip, a quiet time of year and a kennel size that gives your dog room. The AKC's guidance for evaluating a stay is simple: a tired dog, no new cuts, and a dog that is happy to see you.