Pet Boarding
Your pet’s home away from home!
Whether you are going out of town for vacation or business, we know it is hard to leave your pet. The guilt and stress over it make it even more difficult. Nobody ever wants to leave their baby. But imagine if your pet gets to go and stay with people that treat them like their own! The Companion’s Choice Animal Hospital team is here to keep your four-legged family members safe, happy, and comfortable during their stay. Our facilities include clean, climate-controlled dog runs and kitty condos available for your furry companion year-round.
Call , text, or use our scheduler to request your boarding!
What can you and your pet expect
Prior to your pet's stay
- Your pet’s comfort and overall experience are most important to us! We will do our best to ensure they have proper bedding, feeding, exercise, socialization with staff, “cat-ification” and more during their stay. However, if you have a special request, don’t hesitate to ask! We will do our best to accommodate your pet’s needs!
- You are welcome to drop off your pet at any time during our regular business hours which are Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm and Saturdays 8 am -12 pm. We do offer special extended hours for boarders on Sundays from 5 pm – 5:30 pm* as well as earlier on Monday – Friday mornings beginning at 7:30 am. (*Hours on Sundays are staffed through our north boarding entrance at 815 W 22nd St).
- After you schedule your pet’s boarding, watch for us to reach out approximately 7 days prior via text message. This is a request for you to fill out our boarding questionnaire. The questionnaire allows us a chance to start preparing for your pet’s arrival and will provide us with vital information on how you would like your pet cared for while staying with us! Completion of the questionnaire is appreciated but can also be done when you drop off.
- Once you have the boarding questionnaire completed, if you have selected to sign the estimate of charges electronically, our staff will send you an email within 1-2 business days for your approval and signature. Once this is completed, and if there are no other questions, concerns, or additional things you would like to add while boarding, you will be marked “EXPRESS” on the day of your scheduled boarding. Our EXPRESS check ins usually take only about 5-10 minutes depending on staff availability.
- Don’t worry if you aren’t able to complete the boarding questionnaire and/or the electronic estimate! We are more than happy to go over all of this when you bring your pet in. We do ask that you prepare for check in to take 15-20 minutes if you are unable to complete the paperwork ahead of time. If your pet has any medications, needs anything done while in our care (vaccines, bath, toe nail trim, exam with a veterinarian, etc) please plan for up to 30 minutes for check in, so we can ensure that we have all of the necessary information and paperwork completed prior to your departure.
At drop off
- If you filled out the questionnaire and the electronic estimate of charges, you are ready for your EXPRESS check in!
- For drop off, please bring your pet on a leash or in a kennel. Also, if you want them to eat something other than iVet maintenance, please bring their food. You also have the option to bring up to two personal belongings. Keep in mind we have a variety of dishes, blankets, and toys if you do not want to or forget to bring your own! Please do not bring any irreplaceable items as they may get damaged or ruined in the laundry.
- If you didn’t get a chance to fill out the questionnaire and/or the electronic estimate prior to your pets stay, we will get you checked in at drop off. Please plan an additional 15 minutes to go through all of the paperwork and instructions before you leave.
During your pet's stay
- All dogs are walked three times per day. Early morning, mid-day, and evening. Cats are not walked, but are allowed multiple kennels to move around in as space allows.
- One of the biggest perks to boarding with us is the availability of a veterinarian 24/7! Should your pet have any issue during their stay, our trained kennel staff will notify the veterinarian on call and care is provided to your pet, even if it is after our normal business hours. You would be contacted about the situation, and depending on the level of intervention needed, fees may apply.
- Boarders are fed two times per day, (more or less frequent feedings may be available upon request). We want to ensure all pets staying with us are eating regularly. For this reason, we do not offer free feeding or leaving food out all the time, but are happy to measure out any amount you chose to be given at the frequency you request.
Policies
- All pets must be current on the following vaccines:
- Canine – Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella, & Rabies (Leptospirosis not required but recommended)
- Feline – Distemper (PRC) & Rabies (Feline Leukemia not required but recommended).
- All other species – Vaccine are not required for most other species. Please reach out to us with the species you are wanting to board for additional information.
- All pets must be in fair to good general health. Any pet exhibiting poor/guarded health may need more intensive care. If your pet has any health conditions, please speak with our staff to see if our boarding services are ideal for your pet.
- Charges begin on the day of drop off, no matter the time you drop off your pet(s). At 5:00 pm, all pets still within our care are charged for an additional day. This includes any pets being picked up on Sunday dismissals from 5:00 to 5:30 pm. Rather than an 11 am cut off time like many hotels, this allows for you to pick up any time of day during the week without being charged another day.
- We have trained, licensed staff that ensure that your pet receives their medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, etc. while they are here. There is an additional fee for this service, and it is also charged with prepackaged food with a medication, vitamin, herbal supplement, etc. in the bag.
- Please let us know prior to your pets boarding stay if someone other than those listed on your account will pick up or make medical decisions on your behalf.
- An estimate of charges and policies will need to be signed prior to each boarding stay. Only individuals listed on the account who are over 19 years of age are eligible to sign. For your convenience, we offer the ability to sign electronically prior to your drop off arrival.
- Giving your pets flea prevention is strongly encouraged prior to boarding. If any signs of fleas are found on your pet at drop off, we will administer a dose of flea treatment/prevention at your expense.
- We are not liable for any injuries your pet causes to itself, other pets, or staff during their stay with us.
- If your pet is or becomes aggressive to other pets or staff during their staff, we reserve the right to require immediate discharge from our care. Please let us know prior to your drop off if your pet has any aggressive/abnormal tendencies so we can help with possible anti-anxiety medication and/or ensure they are placed in an area that is least likely to agitate them or others.
- Payment is due at the time of drop off or pick up. For extended stays, or new clients, a deposit of 50% of the expected charges may be required.
- We know that things happen in life and plans change. For this reason, we allow one last-minute boarding cancellation with less than 24–48 hours’ notice. We may require a deposit for anyone that has canceled with last minute notice for boarding more than once.
FAQ’s
What is required for my pet to board?
- For dogs, we require current Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines. Leptospirosis is strongly encouraged but not required at this time.
- For cats, we require current Distemper (PRC) and Rabies vaccines. Feline Leukemia is strongly encouraged, but not required at this time.
- Nothing else is required for boarding with us! We offer iVet maintenance foods, and we have plenty dishes, bedding, and toys on hand! You are welcome to bring your own food and up to two personal belongings if you so choose!
At what age can my pet board?
We recommend your pet be fully vaccinated prior to boarding. While the last set of puppy and kitty vaccines are typically concluded at 16 weeks, this is a good benchmark for when they are old enough to stay. Younger pets without a full series of vaccines may be able to board, but special considerations will need to be made. Please ask a member of our team if you have any concerns or questions regarding boarding when your pet is under 16 weeks of age.
My pet is in heat, can she still board?
While we highly recommend waiting until your pet is no longer in heat to board, special considerations can be made. Please talk to a member of our team if your pet is going to be in heat while boarding.
Can my pet have a bath while boarding?
We would be happy to get your pet all cleaned up to go home! Please let us know at the time of scheduling your boarding. We will try to perform the bath as close to your pet’s last day of boarding as possible. Please note: baths are not offered on weekends and are not guaranteed during stays over a holiday.
What types of animals do you board?
We board dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, mice, and rats as well! Please talk to a member of our team if you are looking to board a species not listed as we are likely able to help!
Can my pet have a procedure or see the doctor while boarding?
Absolutely! If your pet requires vaccines, a surgical or dental procedure, or any other veterinary need, we will provide high quality care before, during and after. Talk to our staff about your pets’ medical needs while they are boarding with us. Let us take care of your best friend during the recovery process while your pet is staying with us!
Can I be updated on my pet while boarding?
We are happy to update you during your pet’s stay with us. Please feel free to reach out to us any time during business hours for an update! We are not currently staffed to reach out to all of our owners with daily updates at this time, but are happy to talk to you about their overall attitude and activity when you call. After hours calls are triaged through an off-site third party veterinary service and they will not be able to tell you how pets at the facility are doing.
What should I bring?
You are welcome to bring their favorite toy or blanket with them but we do ask that you limit it to no more than two personal items. Please don’t bring irreplaceable items, as things may get damaged (usually from chewing 😉) during a pets stay.
How do I get my pet ready for a boarding stay?
From your pet’s perspective, a multiday retreat is an entirely different experience than an appointment visit. Having a predictable routine helps them be happier and more comfortable during their stay with us. To prepare your pet for boarding, we recommend getting them in a routine. This is especially important when it comes to feeding time. We recommend feeding your pet on a set schedule (once per day, twice per day, etc) as well as a measured, consistent amount. This is opposed to always leaving food out all the time. With consistent feeding times and amounts, you (and we) know if they are eating and how much they are eating and your pet is used to getting fed on a schedule.
- Sometimes, our four-legged guests get anxious and/or nervous at first. There are new people, new surroundings, a new routine, and new smells. If you are at all concerned about your pet’s ability to adjust to new situations, please talk with your veterinarian or one of our team members ahead of time about options we can provide to help your pet have the best experience.
How far in advance do I need to book my pet’s boarding stay?
- Boarding for holidays and summer boarding fills up fast! If you are wanting to make a reservation during these times, please call as soon as you know your plans. We recommend a month in advance if possible.
- During other times, booking your pet’s stay at least 3-10 days ahead of time is sufficient.
- We are happy to take your reservation with less notice whenever we can accommodate! Depending on timing, you may need to fill out the paperwork at the time of check in, so plan for a little extra time before you leave for your trip.
What size are your kennels?
We have four different sizes of dog kennels.
XXL – 47” W X 72” L X 75” H
XL – 36” W X 72” L X 75” H
Large – 36” W X 60” L X 75” H (Plexiglass Fronts)
Medium – 36” W X 36” L X 44” H
All of our XL and Large kennels have a built in raised bed area.
Our cat condos have a living/sleeping area with built in perch and it measures 22” W X 25” L X 30” H the attached, pass through private bathroom adds an additional space which is 10” W X 25” L X 30” H
Our cat condos are 22” W X 25” L X 30” H with an additional litter box area that is 10” W X 25” L X 30” H
We have the ability to open up our cat condos into shared or extended spaces. Depending on guest numbers, we will open it up so your feline friend has access to at least two suites.
What if my pet has an emergency while in boarding?
We have a veterinarian either on the premises or on call 24/7. If an issue is noted while your pet is in our care, the kennel team will notify the veterinarian, even if outside normal business hours to make sure your furry friend receives any needed care. Depending on severity of the condition, fees may apply, but you will be contacted first (unless you ask us not to contact you while you are away).
My pet has special needs, are you equipped to handle that?
Our patients and non-human guests are unique in personality and medical needs. We are familiar with and are able to assist with most all of the possible circumstances your pet may require. This includes but is not limited to pets that are diabetic, blind/deaf, need help walking, require wound/bandage care, require tube feeding, etc. Our Licensed Veterinary Technicians play a huge role in providing the additional care needed for a guest with special needs. We also have a veterinarian on premises or on call 24/7 should an issue arise during your pet’s stay. Talk to our staff today about how we can help with your pet’s special needs while in boarding!
Can I see where my pet is staying?
We are excited to show you around! Please call and schedule a time to come visit the facilities so we have some time dedicated to your experience and to make sure all your questions are answered. If interested, call us today to set up your boarding tour!
Boarding Hours
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Sun: Dismissals are 5pm -5:30 from our North Boarding building.