Whether it be after boarding or even surgery, we get a lot of questions when pets return home after staying with us.
We have decided to write a few of these down so you can know what to expect (or at least not be alarmed by). Here are a few of the comments/questions we get:
Is boarding available during the holidays?
Our guests are fully cared for 365 days a year. However, our lobby is closed for guest check-in and check-out on the following holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter
- Memorial Day
- 4th of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve we are open from 7:00am-12:30pm. Please contact us for scheduling confirmations.
What vaccines are required to board my pet?
Dogs:
- Required: Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella
- Optional but recommended: Canine Flu
*We do not accept self-vaccinated vaccine records.*
Cats:
- Required: Rabies and Distemper
- Optional but recommended: Bordetella
*We do not accept self-vaccinated vaccine records.*
What if my pet needs to be medicated during their stay?
We will gladly give your pet their medication while they stay with us. Medication must be in its original bottle/container with its original label on it. We will follow the instructions provided on the label, so if you are giving a different dose than what is written we will need confirmation from your vet that the dose that you are giving is appropriate. Confirmation can be provided in a written note or a quick call to our guest service representatives.
How will my pet be fed?
We believe your pet does best when their diet stays consistent. We would love for you to bring your pet's food in pre-portioned and labeled containers or zipper bags. This will help us make sure that your pet gets exactly what they need while they stay with us. If you prefer, we carry Hills Science Diet i/d (intestinal sensitive stomach diet) that we can also gladly feed your pet for an additional $3.50/day.
What if my pet has an emergency?
Our skilled guest attendants have full access to contact our veterinary staff to assess any medical or behavioral concerns and give you peace of mind that your pet is in the best care possible. Where else can you take your pet to stay overnight with a veterinarian just a call away?
“Oscar is acting like he's starving! Did he get fed while he was there?”
Of course!! Your pet was either fed the food brought when he was dropped off or our high-quality dry food if none was brought with him. Occasionally, dogs and cats do not eat as much while they board, so it is “normal” for them to play catch up once they return to their homes.
At doggie daycare, (unless it is a puppy), pets are not fed lunch. Just like my 3-year old son when he gets home from school, they have usually built up a huge appetite playing all day!
Of course, it goes without saying that after a surgery or dental visit, pets are hungry because they were fasted the morning of the procedure.
"Bailey drank a whole bowl of water when she got home. Was she allowed to drink water while she was there?"
All pets have access to water during their stay. That being said, when they are here just for the day, such as for daycare or grooming, they are given water when they are walked. This is to prevent them from splashing and turning over water bowls in the cages (and getting dirty). It is also normal for pets to feel more comfortable drinking water when they return home.
"Fido was really tired and slept the entire evening after I brought him home. He seemed worn out!"
If we did our job, your pet had lots of play time and exercise while boarding or in doggie daycare and is worn out! There's so much activity in our hospital that your pet is likely over stimulated and excited. Because of this, his sleeping pattern can change in the time spent with us, and he just needs to catch up on his zzzzz’s!! I usually feel like sleeping a lot when I come home from vacation as well. Typically after a good night’s sleep, Fido feels like playing again within the next 24 hours.
“Maggie’s stool is loose. Has she been having diarrhea while there?”
First of all, if your pet was having diarrhea, the staff and doctors would have contacted you and started them on medication. That's the good thing about boarding your dog or cat at a veterinary hospital - if they develop problems, the issues are addressed immediately.
Secondly, pets often experience excitement when returning home and are often rewarded with treats. So this “excitement” leads to colitis, a common cause of loose or watery stool. Some pet owners expect it and we arrange to send them home with preventative medicine.
We take every precaution at Electric City Stay and Play to prevent viruses and parasites from being passed to your pet. Stalls, runs and cages are sterilized. We also require dogs to be checked every 6 months for parasites (unlike annually at most vet hospitals). This is the reason: some of the parasites we see are easily spread between dogs (Coccidia and Giardia) and are not prevented by monthly heartworm preventatives. We have staff that clean/scoop fecal material as soon as it hits the ground.
To recap, loose stool or diarrhea is not uncommon but please let us know if it continues for more than 24 hours once your pet returns home.
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