Boarding....& so UPSET!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

I understand what you are saying, however, if a vet offers this service
he should be responsbile to see that it is done properly. After all he
is collecting a fee for this service as well. It dosen't come free or cheap.
His staff should be trained in caring for the pets as well as giving potty
breaks, play time etc. If he dosen't want to be bothered with this than
he should not be offering the service. What is right is right.

I totally agree. If the service is offered, it needs to be done right. I wouldn't expect the vet him/herself to look in on my animal, but I do expect that their employees are trained and care. After all, the vet usually owns the practice and has control over who they hire...

[RebelBelle]

I decided when I first got him that Jamie would NOT be boarded for any reason. Luckily enough I have enough extended family in my area that it would never become necessary. I just want to make sure that he is being cared for by someone that loves him at all times. However in the event that no one in my family could not watch him and I couldn't take him with me (very unlikely), I would definitely turn to my YT family. So I want to let anyone reading this thread know that if you need a puppysitter and you are near me or coming near me, please feel free to let me know. I would love to help out anyone that I can.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by tobyfan

This whole thread is VERY upsetting to me mainly because I may HAVE to board Bob the end of next month!!! He has an appointment on April 2nd to be interviewed at Camp Bow Wow in Edmond, Okla to see if he qualifies!!!
http://www.campbowwow.com/us/ok/edmond/

I will be going to Pennsylvania and now hubby wants to go with me and that leaves me needing to figure out something with Bob. My grandma is having surgery so taking him wont be an option this time.

OMG..Im so worried. I wish wish wish we did have the YT circle of people that would and could watch our beloved babies...I would GLADLY pay for that kind of care, wouldnt you all?????????????

I don't know. That site has two things on it that bother me. The first is all campers have to wear a collar. I'd insist on a harness. Second, why do campers over drink when they get home for about the first three hours?

[amandawash]

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

I understand what you are saying, however, if a vet offers this service
he should be responsbile to see that it is done properly. After all he
is collecting a fee for this service as well. It dosen't come free or cheap.
His staff should be trained in caring for the pets as well as giving potty
breaks, play time etc. If he dosen't want to be bothered with this than
he should not be offering the service. What is right is right.

I see your side of it as well. However, it seems extremely common practice for boarding places to only take the dogs out 2x per day. Of course I don't agree with that, and ended up not taking Ranger to any of the boarding operations here due to that reason. But, I was aware of this as I called and asked TONS of them numerous questions- which is what you are supposed to do so you are not surprised at the end. Bottom line is most boarding facilities- including vets offices- offer the minimum care, which most of us don't feel is anywhere near suitable for our babies.

I ended up finding this spectacular woman who offers a "dog camp" type situation, for little dogs only. They spend the nights in their crates, but the rest of the day they are in her house with her wonderful family.

ASK QUESTIONS before you board your pet. Find out EXACTLY what services they will be offering. I would also ask for references from other boarders, and make sure they show you the facility prior to dropping your pet off.

I am sorry to create controversy, I just think vets get the short end of the stick many times. Sorry guys, Amanda

[PrincessDiana]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I don't know. That site has two things on it that bother me. The first is all campers have to wear a collar. I'd insist on a harness. Second, why do campers over drink when they get home for about the first three hours?

It says a quick release collar, which is much better. I think it's important that all the dogs have identification. MOST dogs wear collars, so they probably just were using that term for convenience. I'm sure you could work out a harness situation with them.

I don't know about the water thing, but I know people who have boarded their dogs at Camp Bow Wow and absolutely love it.

[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by amandawash

I see your side of it as well. However, it seems extremely common practice for boarding places to only take the dogs out 2x per day. Of course I don't agree with that, and ended up not taking Ranger to any of the boarding operations here due to that reason. But, I was aware of this as I called and asked TONS of them numerous questions- which is what you are supposed to do so you are not surprised at the end. Bottom line is most boarding facilities- including vets offices- offer the minimum care, which most of us don't feel is anywhere near suitable for our babies.

I ended up finding this spectacular woman who offers a "dog camp" type situation, for little dogs only. They spend the nights in their crates, but the rest of the day they are in her house with her wonderful family.

ASK QUESTIONS before you board your pet. Find out EXACTLY what services they will be offering. I would also ask for references from other boarders, and make sure they show you the facility prior to dropping your pet off.

I am sorry to create controversy, I just think vets get the short end of the stick many times. Sorry guys, Amanda

I think you and I are coming from the same place here. It's not that we think minimal care is okay (obviously not because we both have said we won't leave our dogs at places like that). I think the lesson we are trying to get across in this thread is to not assume your dogs will be cared for in a certain way. Always ask questions and let your preferences be known.

What gets me is that people call boarding facilities and the first thing out of their mouth is "How much do you charge to board a dog?" That's all they care about??? I have a TON of questions I ask before I even consider asking about the cost... and who cares how much is costs if you get quality care.

Anyway, again...always ask questions so that you will know what a boarding facility does and does not do

[mizzwanned]

I'm sorry this happened to you. I have never boarded any of my dogs, luckily i have always had someone to take care of them if im gone. If i did have to board them i would only leave them at a dog hotel type place, that have rooms and treat them great. I would ask for references and tons of questions!

[tobyfan]

Originally Posted by Judy in Waco

How far is Waco from you? I would be glad to yorkiesit for Bob if he doesn't get into campbowwow. We would just have to work out the travel arrangements. I have been blessed enough to be able to help a YTer out before and have been blessed to have a YTer also help me. I know how important this is. Feel free to pm me.

Judy you are very sweet and considerate to offer to watch Bob. I think that is wonderful..I may be meeting up with Diana and Bob may be staying with Franklin . Thank you so much for your offer!! It means a LOT to me. and Bob..

[Judy in Waco]

Originally Posted by tobyfan

Judy you are very sweet and considerate to offer to watch Bob. I think that is wonderful..I may be meeting up with Diana and Bob may be staying with Franklin . Thank you so much for your offer!! It means a LOT to me. and Bob..

I hope it works out with Diana because that would be much more convenient for you and less travel time for Bob. It sounds perfect!

[jancie]

I am totally freaked out and after reading this thread, I'm freaked even more! Our family is going on our very first vacation to Disneyland at the end of April. I had first looked into boarding our babies, but was not at all at ease with leaving them in that kind of atmosphere, and then a lady from our church offered to watch them. I thought that was great, but now I'm really nervous because they have never had small dogs before, and her husband keeps saying " You won't sue us if they run away, or if we step on them and they die will you?"
ACK! I am totally freaked!

[PrincessDiana]

Originally Posted by jancie

I am totally freaked out and after reading this thread, I'm freaked even more! Our family is going on our very first vacation to Disneyland at the end of April. I had first looked into boarding our babies, but was not at all at ease with leaving them in that kind of atmosphere, and then a lady from our church offered to watch them. I thought that was great, but now I'm really nervous because they have never had small dogs before, and her husband keeps saying " You won't sue us if they run away, or if we step on them and they die will you?"
ACK! I am totally freaked!

Oh wow. He's probably just kidding but that definitely would make me uneasy. You should "kid" right back and say "Um, heck yes I will!" and then just laugh it off. I'm so ornery.