Below we have listed some of the frequently asked questions regarding boarding with Kasten’s Dog Training. Not finding your question here? Give us a call at 574-522-7050. We will be happy to help!
What should I bring when boarding my dog?
We ask that you only bring your dog on a leash along with food in either a new unopened bag or individual meals packed in zip lock baggies. Bring any medication your pet requires in the original, marked container. If your dog eats from a raised or slow feeder, you may bring that too. You may provide a towel or blanket but no stuffed bedding. If you are getting refresher training with your boarding stay please bring your dog’s training tools. We will provide all other things your dog needs during their stay including bowls and toys.
How far in advance should I make boarding reservations?
We recommend calling at least two months in advance for all major holidays and spring break and one month in advance for weekend and summer boarding. If your plans should change in the meantime, just call us at least three days in advance to cancel your reservation. This allows us to call someone on our waiting list and accommodate another guest.
What is included with the boarding fee?
We have kennel care staff on site 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Your dog is let out to potty first thing in the morning and last thing at night and has additional potty opportunities throughout the day. Your dog is escorted to and from an outdoor potty run on leash by a human. Your dog will be fed their own food 1, 2, or 3 times a day – you tell us how many times. Your dog will have access to fresh water during the day. We will administer your dog’s medications on their specific schedule (for more information about medications see below). We wash food and water bowls after each use. We have a refrigerator available for cold food and medication. Our facility is monitored by a security system and cameras and the owner lives on site.
Do you charge by day or by night for boarding?
We bill dog boarding by day, meaning, each day your dog is in our facility counts as a day regardless of drop off or pick up time.
For example, if you drop Fido off at 6 PM on Friday evening and pick them up at 8 AM on Saturday morning you will be billed for 2 days of boarding.
What kind of activities can my dog participate in while they are boarding?
Effective September 12, 2022 our model for boarding is changing to increase quality of kennel life and interaction with your dog. For each full day boarding*, the boarding rate will now include an activity which may be one of the following, depending on weather, your dog’s needs, and your directives.
- a daily activity in the courtyard or an indoor training room,
- refresher training for dogs trained by KDT**, or
- a walk around the property
An additional walk, refresher or activity may be purchased for $14.
Monday through Saturday, if you pick your dog(s) up by 10 AM, you will receive a $10 discount on your invoice as there will be no scheduled activity for the dog that day.
* Drop-off days will not include an activity. We recommend time for the dog to “settle in” prior to adding activity.
** You must bring your training tools to the boarding in order for your dog to receive refresher training.
Is there an extra fee to administer my dog’s medication?
We do not charge a fee to administer medications your dog is required to take. Please make sure you bring enough medication for their entire stay and that all medications are clearly labeled with dosage instructions. We are able to administer injections.
*** NOTE *** If there is a time-consuming process or non-routine care is required, a charge of $3 per event will be assessed.
Can we see the kennel before boarding?
Absolutely, in fact we encourage you to visit. Call us at 574-522-7050 to schedule your tour.
What vaccines does my dog need?
You must drop off or email your vaccination records to us prior to arrival. You may also have your veterinarian email us vaccination records. Our email address is sales@kastensdogtraining.com
We require:
- Distemper – given at least 72 hours prior to arrival and renewed every 1-3 years
- Parvo – given at least 72 hours prior to arrival and renewed every 1-3 years
- Rabies – given at least 72 hours prior to arrival and renewed every 1-3 years
- Bordetella – Oral given at least 5 days prior to arrival and renewed yearly, nasal given at least 10 days prior to arrival and renewed yearly, or intravenous given at least 14 days prior to arrival and renewed yearly.
What are your policies regarding dogs from the same family staying together?
We will ask you before boarding your dogs from the same household if you would like them to stay in the same kennel together. Dogs boarded in the same kennel together must be able to eat their meals together. Kasten’s Dog Training reserves the right to separate dogs kenneling together for any reason including but not limited to: aggression, resource guarding, being disruptive, illness/injury, etc.
What happens if my dog gets sick or injured while in your care?
In the case of illness or injury, Kasten’s Dog Training will attempt to contact you and/or your emergency contact(s). In the event you cannot be reached, we will assume the responsibility to seek medical attention, guided by the amount listed in your boarding contract. We will make every attempt for care with your veterinarian; however, we reserve the right to choose any veterinary clinic. All veterinary costs incurred will be the responsibility of the dog’s owner.
How old should my dog be to board?
Dogs and puppies older than 4 months may be boarded at Kasten’s Dog Training. For puppies younger than 4 months of age at the start of the boarding period we offer puppy residency programs which assist you with housebreaking, crate training, play biting, chewing, leash work, basic commands, and more. Please see Puppy Programs for more information. There is a 4-day and an 8-day program available. We can also custom make a program that would fit your needs if you needed a longer boarding stay.
Does my dog have to be spayed or neutered?
It is preferred that your dog be spayed or neutered before any training or boarding session; however, it is not a requirement. Female dogs in heat will not be allowed at Kasten’s Dog Training for training or boarding until their cycle is complete. Should a female go into heat during a boarding stay they will be quarantined and the owner will incur additional charges due to extra cleaning, extra supplies, and additional effort involved with our staff. If a female training dog goes into heat during their training program, their training will be postponed then resumed once their cycle is complete. Each day a female dog in heat is in our facility is $75.
What time is check in and check out?
- Monday – Friday
- Drop off and pick up is anytime between 8 AM and Noon and 2:00 PM and 6 PM
- Training dogs by appointment only
- Saturday
- Drop off and pick up is anytime between 8 AM and Noon
- Training dogs by appointment only
- Sunday
- Drop off and pick up is anytime between 4 PM and 6 PM
- Training dogs by appointment only
Are you open holidays?
Our office is closed on major holidays (New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). We still provide kennel care and train on all major holidays but do not offer customer service, drop off service, or pick up service.
New Year’s Eve the office is open from 8 AM to Noon for check in and check out.
Christmas Eve the office is open from 8 AM to Noon for check in and check out.
Is there a cancellation fee?
We do understand that things come up and you may need to change your reservation. We prefer to be notified as soon as possible for boarding reservations. We do not charge to cancel your boarding reservation. We do require $60 per dog deposits for holiday and spring break boarding stays. Deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Do you require a deposit for boarding reservations?
We do not require deposits for regular boarding. We do require a $60nonrefundable and nontransferable deposit per dog for Holiday and Spring Break boarding.
Do you require a deposit for training reservations?
We require a $200 deposit to schedule dog training. To reserve your spot in our group lessons you must pay for the class in full at the time of scheduling.