Frequently Asked Questions

NEED SOME ANSWERS?

Tiny Town is designed for small dogs under 35 lbs and some larger dogs with calmer personalities.
Big City is designed for medium to large dogs over 36 lbs along with some smaller dogs with big energy!
Most dogs start at the location that matches their weight but placement may be adjusted based on temperament, age, and overall group dynamics.
All dogs complete a trial day at the location their weight falls under, and we then confirm they’re in the right spot for them.
Tiny Town is our original location, established in 2011. In 2024 we opened Big City next door to give our growing business more space and allow us to create experiences more thoughtfully tailored to each dog’s personality.
Today, Tiny Town is designed primarily for our smaller dogs and senior guests, while Big City is home to our medium and larger dogs. While weight is one factor in placement, age, temperament, and play style are also considered to ensure your dog is placed in the environment that suits them best.
We pre-screen all of our guests with a Trial Day to make sure everyone that stays at Katie’s Kennel is a safe and fun friend. We understand group play isn’t for every dog and we pride ourselves on being upfront and honest with our clients. If we don’t think your pup will have a successful stay with us, we will tell you. Making sure every dog will be comfortable and a positive pack member is a top priority to us.

A peak-time charge of $7 per dog, per night (similar to that of hotel, airline, etc) will apply during the below dates.
- Spring Break (March-mid April)
- Summer (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
- Thanksgiving (Wed-Sat)
- Christmas/New Years(12/20-1/5)
Our staff work endless hours at max capacity, to ensure the dogs staying with us are receiving the highest level of care. This charge helps us pay them Time-and-a-Half or Double-time during these busy periods.
MINIMUM NIGHT STAY
• 3 nights: Memorial Day, Labor Day
• 4 nights: 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas–New Year’s
PLEASE NOTE: Reservations shorter than the minimum stay will be automatically waitlisted until closer to the holiday.
DEPOSITS
$50 non-refundable deposit per dog required at booking and applied to your final bill at check-out.
Deposits are required for: Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve–New Year’s.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Closed for Drop-off and Pick-ups: 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day
Open until 12 PM only: New Year’s Eve
EARLY HOLIDAY CHECK-OUT
Memorial Day, Labor Day & Christmas Eve
Pick-up between 9:00–10:00 AM
$50 convenience fee applies

We require:
• Rabies
• Distemper (DHPP)
• Bordetella (kennel cough) – 6 months or 1 year is accepted
We also strongly encourage dogs to be on heartworm prevention and a flea & tick preventative to help prevent the spread of parasites.
How to send your records:
Text Tiny Town 402-680-1030
Text Big City 531-444-7875
Email Tiny Town tinytown@katieskennel.com
Email Big City bigcity@katieskennel.com
Upload it directly to your profile HERE.
Please bring your dog’s normal food and do not change their diet before boarding.
New foods, treats, bones, or human food right before their stay can upset their stomach—especially in a new environment—and may cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Keeping their diet consistent helps your dog stay comfortable and stress-free during their stay.
Note: If a dog excessively soils their kennel, a cleaning fee and/or bath charge may be applied.
Our front desk staff is more often than not, with the dogs.
When you text that you’re on the way, it gives us a heads up so we can be ready for you, provide great customer service, and keep everything running smoothly for the dogs.
Please text Tiny Town @402-680-1030 when you’re on the way for drop-off or pick-up.
Please text Big City @531-444-7875 when you’re on the way for drop-off or pick-up.

7:00am-8:30AM – First let out and morning stretches
8:30am- 10:00AM - BREAKFAST
*We wait one hour after meals to prevent sickness or bloat before play
10:00-12:00PM - PLAY!
12:00pm-2:30PM - Nap
3:00pm- 4:30PM - PLAY!
4:30pm-6:00PM - DINNER
*We wait one hour after meals to prevent sickness or bloat before play
6:00pm- 7:30PM – PLAY!
7:30pm-8:00pm – Wind down and get ready for bed
*schedule is subject to change based on weather
Dogs adjust best when they arrive earlier in the day. It gives them time to settle in, get comfortable, and ease into the group before bedtime.
Late arrivals can disrupt the group and make it harder for both your dog and the other dogs to transition.
Morning drop-offs help set everyone up for a calm, successful stay.
Note: If mornings don’t work, we offer a small afternoon drop-off window Mon–Fri from 2:30–3:00 PM.
Dogs sleep on average 13 hours a day at home. In our environment, they will play more and sleep less during the day than they would at home. It is important for them to get plenty of rest. Just like us, dogs get irritable when tired and their immune systems aren’t as strong. Rest and recuperation from their all day play is key to a safe, healthy, and stress-free vacation
Naptime: 12:00pm – 2:30pm daily
Bedtime: 8:00pm – 7:00am

We do not offer any grooming services outside of our Exit Baths.
Our baths consist of a shampoo, rinse, and a towel dry. We use a hypoallergenic and gentle shampoo for all coats.
Most dogs spend their vacation playing —running, wrestling, slobbering and having fun in all kinds of weather.
If you’d like your dog to go home clean, just request an exit bath for their final day.
*If your dog has an accident during their stay, we will bathe them and a charge will be added to your bill.
Yes! We love puppies.
To stay with us, puppies must:
• Be at least 4 months old
• Be up to date on Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella (as age allows)
• Be on heartworm prevention
• Have a recent stool check from their vet
Dogs 8 months and older must be spayed or neutered.
Puppies often do great here because they get plenty of play, lots of rest, and regular potty breaks—helping keep them on a good routine.
Note: Some puppies may need to wait until they’re a little older or have some training if they:
• Are extremely stressed or destructive in a kennel
• Have frequent accidents
• Struggle with basic social cues

Most dogs board with us without any issues, but like any environment with multiple dogs, there are some risks. Boarding is similar to sending a child to daycare—when groups interact, accidents and illnesses can occasionally happen.
Possible risks may include nips, scratches, bites, illness, injury, allergies, or stress-related issues such as diarrhea or dehydration.
We work hard to reduce these risks by:
• Pre-screening every dog with a trial day
• Grouping dogs appropriately by size, temperament, and play style
• Supervising dogs at all times when they are out of their kennels
• Maintaining strict cleaning and sanitation protocols
Even with these precautions, risks can never be completely eliminated in a social boarding environment.
Because we spend so much time with the dogs, we usually notice quickly if something seems off. If your dog becomes sick or injured, we will get them veterinary care as needed.
We will contact you immediately (or your emergency contact) to update you and discuss next steps.
For care, we typically use Chalco Hills Animal Hospital or VCA 80 Dodge Animal Hospital, as they are familiar with our facility and provide the level of care we expect for our guests.
If we cannot reach you or your emergency contact, we will act in your dog’s best interest and get them the care they need.
Owners are financially responsible for any veterinary care needed during or after their dog’s stay. Please see our Boarding Agreement for full details.
Kennel cough is a common respiratory infection in dogs—similar to a cold. It causes irritation of the throat and windpipe and usually shows up as a dry, hacking or honking cough, often after resting or getting up.
It spreads easily through the air or by contact with other dogs. Dogs can pick it up almost anywhere dogs gather—the vet, groomer, pet store, dog park, daycare, boarding, or even shared water bowls.
We require the Bordetella vaccine, which helps reduce the risk and severity, but like the flu shot, it does not protect against every strain.
Kennel cough typically has a 5–7 day incubation period, meaning dogs may not show symptoms right away but can still be contagious.
If your dog develops a cough, please keep them home and let us know. Most vaccinated dogs experience a mild case that clears up in 3–5 days, but if symptoms worsen (fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or excessive coughing), you should contact your veterinarian.
If you believe your dog may have caught kennel cough during their stay, please let us know so we can monitor closely and help prevent further spread.