frequently asked questions

What vaccinations are required?

• Dogs: Bordetella, DHPP, and Rabies all must be up to date prior to boarding.
• Cats:  Rabies, FVRCP, and Feline Leukemia all must be up to date prior to boarding. 

What do I need to bring at time of boarding?

• You will need to bring your pets food, pre-portioned in baggies or containers. Wet food does not need to be pre-portioned. Any medications with names of medication and directions. These will be placed into a pill-organizer upon arrival and placed with your pets bin of food. Small beds are accepted, large beds or items that will not fit into our washer will be kept out of the kennel and with their belonging.  Comfort items such as blankets, stuffed toys will be given by discretion of the staff. 

Do you accept unaltered dogs (not-spayed, not-neutered)?

• Yes, whole males and whole female are welcomed at our facility. However, they will not be allowed into a play group with other intact opposite sex. Females that are in heat will be housed in a separate part of the facility, and let out alone to ensure the safety of the other pets in our care.

Do you charge extra for medication administration?

• No. We will apply any topical medication, give oral medication and administer injections at no extra cost during staff hours. Any medications that are required at a time when staff are not in the building will be charged an extra $20 per day fee. (example: medication given at midnight).

Do you provide food?

• We request that all food is brought from home to ensure animal stay on their regular diet and doesn't cause GI upset. However, if you prefer we can provide our house kibble, Kirkland's Chicken and Rice at $2/meal.

Why do we ask food to be pre-portioned?

• We ask that all food be pre-portioned to ensure accuracy, safety, and consistency in your dog’s daily routine. Pre-portioned meals help our staff provide the correct amount at each feeding, reduce the risk of over- or under-feeding, and prevent cross-contamination between diets.
• Many dogs in our care follow special feeding instructions, including prescription diets, multiple daily meals, or separate feedings. Pre-portioning allows us to efficiently manage these needs while maintaining a calm, organized feeding process — especially during busy boarding and daycare schedules.
• Most importantly, keeping your dog’s feeding routine consistent helps reduce stress and supports proper digestion while they’re away from home.
• We will pre-portion your food with baggies at a flat one time fee/stay of $3.00 per pet.

What does a day look like for my pet while boarding?

• Our overnight guests are let out for morning potty time around 645am while breakfast is being prepared. After all dogs have had outside time in one of our 5 grass yards we allow one hour for meals and for them to digest their food. While they are kenneled for breakfast daily housekeeping by staff is completed, including routine kennel cleaning, water bowl changes, and fresh water.
• Dogs are then let out for a second potty break and playtime in the morning for approximately one hour (this may include outdoor play, indoor playroom, or just cuddling with the staff inside) all weather dependent.  
• Afternoon nap time occurs between 1-3pm every day. 
• Afternoon staff arrival and dogs are let out for another approximate 1 hour potty break and outdoor or indoor play time while dinner is prepared. While dogs are eating dinner routine kennel cleaning, fresh water, and daily routine house cleaning are preformed again. We like to keep everything clean throughout the day. After dogs have had time to digest their food they are let out again for another potty break and outdoor/indoor play time before bedtime, just like you would at home! 
• Sound machines are found throughout the kennels to sooth any noise or anxious dogs.

Why do my dogs get mandatory rest/nap times during daycare or boarding?

• Mandatory rest and nap times are an important part of maintaining a safe, healthy, and balanced environment for all dogs in our care. While play and socialization are beneficial, continuous activity can lead to overstimulation, stress, and exhaustion, which may increase the risk of injuries or behavioral issues.
• Scheduled rest periods allow dogs to:

Reset mentally and physically

Regulate their energy level

Prevent over-arousal during group play

Maintain healthy routines similar to home

Rest time is especially important for puppies, senior dogs, and high-energy dogs, helping them stay relaxed and better able to enjoy playtime when it resumes.

At Denise's Animal House, we believe that a well-balanced day includes both activity and downtime. By incorporating structured rest into each dog’s routine, we ensure a calmer, safer, and more enjoyable experience for everyone. 

Let's be honest you'd be exhausted if you exercised all day too!

Why do we offer supplements in food?

•  It’s not uncommon for dogs to eat less—or even skip meals—when they’re away from home. Changes in routine, environment, activity level, or mild stress can temporarily affect a dog’s appetite. Increased play and excitement can also make some dogs less interested in food at first. 
•  Our team closely monitors all dogs during meals. If a dog is hesitant to eat, we start with simple, gentle encouragement such as allowing extra time, offering meals in a calm setting, or adjusting feeding schedules. Many dogs resume normal eating on their own once they settle in. 
• If a dog continues to have difficulty eating, we may use approved appetite-support options as a last resort, only with owner consent provided at drop-off. These may include:
• Wet dog food (chicken or beef - will check for allergies)
• Pureed chicken
• VMIX (adds a mild, sweet aroma to entice eating)
• DYNE Animal Mix (a calorie-dense nutritional supplement)
  These supplements are never given without prior authorization. Pet parents will be notified if their dog had difficulty eating and if any supplements were needed. Your dog's comfort, health, and routine are always our top priority, and we work closely with owners to ensure the best care possible.    (These are all provided at no extra cost)

Do you offer daycare/day boarding?

• Yes! We have several dogs that visit us throughout the week while parents are at work, or if you just need to get them out of the house and socialized! They follow the same let out schedule as our boarding dogs. But don't worry they will have plenty of outdoor running and indoor play time. 
• Daycare/day boarding only offered Monday-Friday (8am-5pm)

What kind of animals do you care for?

• Our typical overnight guests include dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish. But we can take any caged animal given their provided enclosure.

Do you provide grooming services while boarding?

• Yes! If time allows and your pet needs grooming done during their stay, as long as our groomers have time, they will make every effort to take care of your pet from head to toe! A complimentary bath is given if you dog stays longer than 7 nights, but you may also add on a paid bath if duration is shorter than 7 nights. Nail trims can also be completed during your pets stay. 

Do you offer grooming?

• Yes, we have two dog groomers with over 37 + combined years of experience!! We also have a cat groomer!! 

Can my dog be groomed if they are nervous or anxious?

•  Absolutely. Our experienced groomers are trained to work patiently with nervous or first-time dogs. We focus on calm handling and positive experiences and will adjust the groom as needed to keep your dog comfortable. 

Do you offer discounts?

• Military discount 15% off
• Police dogs 35% off
• Cannot combine two discounts (please make sure you notify us of your discount).

Do you require deposits and what is your refund policy?

• Any boarding over a holiday will require a $50.00 deposit. A 100% refund will be given if we are notified two weeks prior to first nights stay of cancellation. A 50% refund if we are notified between 7-13 days. No refund will be given for those cancelling within one week of boarding reservation.

Do you provide photos of the pets while staying?

• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to see your pet play while your away! If you don't have these social media platforms you may request emailed photos throughout their stay. Pictures on social media are not always guaranteed!