Frequently Asked Questions

We would love to give you a tour! Tours are welcome on Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no tours offered on Sundays). No need for an appointment! Pets cannot join the tour as we can only have registered guests in the kennel.

Every pet has their own indoor/outdoor kennel that is 20 feet long and three to six feet wide. We place each pet according to their size, weight, sex and height so they are comfortable while boarding. The indoor space is their bedroom/sleeping area with provided bedding, blankets, cuddle beds and mats for comfort and a good night’s rest. The outdoor portion of the kennel is a 15-foot run where your pet can stretch their legs, go potty and visit with their neighbors through the fencing that separates their rooms. We consider this a patio area and it is completely covered to protect pets from weather and the elements. Our staff cleans up after pets’ eliminations multiple times during the day.

All of our kennel areas are completely temperature-controlled, which means they are heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer to protect your pets from extreme cold and steamy hot weather. Our staff members monitor temperatures on a constant basis and will adjust them if necessary to keep your pet comfortable while boarding. Additionally, our kennels are indoor to shield pets from rain/snow/extreme winds/lightning and thunder.

We wake our boarding guests up around 7 a.m. for a chance to go potty and eat breakfast. From 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., we visit each room to say good morning and administer any required medications. Shortly after, we begin our cleaning routine, which includes each room (we chemically clean and power wash the kennels once a day). Next, let the fun begin! Our walking staff and camp counselors begin daily activities. Throughout the day, our medical technician checks in on each pet to make sure everyone is happy and healthy. Once we reach 3 p.m to 4 p.m., it’s time for dinner and evening medications. Nap time is anytime hereafter until bedtime around 9 p.m.

Every pet has individual needs, and we will build stays around their respective ages and energy levels. We do not include any walks in the basic boarding rate so you may customize your pet’s stay as you see fit. We have many options to choose from to keep them engaged and happy while away from home.

We welcome toys for your pet! Please note: Our staff aims to keep track of all items that come in with your pet; however, a lost toy is not unheard of, so do not bring their can’t-live-without toy or multiple toys. The animals are engaged and stimulated while boarding and often do not pay as much attention to these items as they would at home. Staff are not responsible for any lost toys.

We happily provide bedding for your pet’s comfort during their stay, so you can leave their bed safe at home for their return. We launder bedding and blankets on a daily basis for cleanliness and sanitary purposes. (Your pet will love our fleecy flannel bedding!) If your pet has a specific need or medical condition and needs their bed from home, it is more than welcome.

We typically feed our guests twice daily: morning and afternoon. We prefer to keep your pet on their regular diet to avoid any stomach upset. You may bring your pet’s food or use one of the foods we provide.

All of our activities are one-on-one with a personalized counselor for very individualized attention.

Our first priority is our guests’ well-being! Should your pet develop an illness or injury, our trained vet technicians are equipped to handle it. We may need to consult with your veterinarian or a veterinarian of ours, depending on how emergent the situation may be. Once we determine the best course of action and treatment, we document all findings and treatments and contact you if necessary.

Staff members are on site from 5 a.m. until about 10 p.m. each night, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Someone lives on the premises, too!

Shady Spring has seasonal staff. During our peak boarding times — i.e., any major holiday and the entire summer — we have an average of 15 staff members to take care of your pets. Our goal is to have at least one staff person for every 10 dogs. During our quieter times, four to six staff members will be on site for your pet’s care. Outside of our pet care staff, we also have office staff members, groomers, drivers and our maintenance crew.

Our credentialed staff is knowledgeable in administering simple medications and performing basic medical care to give you peace of mind while you’re away.