NEW CLIENTS
Welcome to Katie’s Kennel - we’re so glad you’re here!
Our mission has always been to create a space your dog is excited to come to and hesitant to leave. We can’t wait to get to know you and your pup. Below is a list of our requirements, behavior expectations, and key policies to help you decide if Katie’s Kennel is the right fit for you and your pup.
Requirements:
All new clients must schedule and pass a Trial Day before staying with us (details below)
Dogs must be 4 months and older
Dogs must be spayed or neutered by 8 months
Dogs must be up to date on the following vaccines and provide proof:
Rabies
Distemper (Dhpp)
Bordatella (Kennel Cough)
Dogs must be on heart-worm and flea & tick preventative
Dogs must be in good health and free of injury at the time of their stay.
What’s A Trial Day and How Much Does It Cost?
A Trial Day is a full day of play required for all new dogs before their first stay.
A Trial Day gives everyone a chance to succeed:
Your dog gets comfortable with our staff, routine, and environment
You get to meet us and tour our facility
We get to ensure group play is a safe and appropriate fit for your pup
That way, when your dog comes back for their first overnight visit, they know us, they know our routine, and we’re confident they’re going to do great!
TOUR & TRIAL DAY COST:
1 Dog - $20
2+ Dogs - $30
When Are Trial Days Scheduled?
Trial days are scheduled : Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
(Mondays and Fridays upon request and occupancy)
Drop-Off (by appointment):
7:30am, 8:00am, 8:30am, 9:00am or 9:30am
Pick-Up:
4pm-6pm
All tours and Trial Days are by appointment only. To keep our guests as calm and stress-free as possible, we do not offer walk-in tours.
IMPORTANT: For every drop-off and pick-up, we ask all clients to text us when they are on their way. See our FAQ for why.
What to Bring for their Trial Day:
Leash-For everyone’s safety, all dogs must arrive leashed from your vehicle to our gate or lobby
Vaccination Records- Please send these before your visit (see our FAQ for how to submit records)
Food- ONLY if your dog normally eats a midday meal.
What Behaiors We Evaluate For :
Comfort = Do they show signs of extreme discomfort or anxiety, before or after an adjustment period?
Sociability = Can they be around dogs & humans while interacting positively and appropriately?
Respect = Can they communicate appropriately, read social cues and respect boundaries with dogs and staff without excessive repetition or reactivity?
Self Restraint = Can they participate in group play without excessive jumping, nipping, mounting, barking, or barging through thresholds, dogs, and staff?
Sharing = Can they share water bowls, staff, friends, or space without becoming possessive?
Rest = Can they settle in their kennel without becoming overly stressed (consistent barking, scratching, whining) or being destructive?
Your dog might display these behaviors with us even if they’ve never shown them at home, at the dog park, or with their best friend. New surroundings, different energy levels, and large-group dynamics can bring out behaviors that don’t typically show up in day-to-day life. Some dogs present these behaviors right away, while others develop them months later. Dogs who once loved group play can become overwhelmed, overstimulated, or simply outgrow it over time. That’s why we require a trial day and continue to assess each dog at every stay.
DEAL BREAKERS
Aggression towards dogs or humans
Extreme anxiety
Excessive or nonstop barking
Resource guarding
Real Talk
We group play, all day, everyday - and for some dogs, that style of play just isn’t the right for them. Large groups can feel overwhelming or overstimulating, and even the best dogs can struggle to make good choices in that kind of energy. AND THAT’S OK.
It doesn’t mean they’re bad dogs or can’t be around other dogs. It simply means that our style of open, all-day group play may not be right for them. Our job is to advocate for every dog we meet and make sure they have a positive and successful stay. We pride ourselves on being honest and transparent about your pup’s experience so you can travel without worry and know they’re in the right environment for them.
We May Need to Call You :
If your dog becomes aggressive or un-manageable for any reason, you or your emergency contact will be called to pick them up. We won’t continue to board a dog who is creating safety or health concerns for themselves or other guests.
If your dog goes into heat while boarding, you or your emergency contact will also be called for pick up.
