FAQs
for VIP Boarding
How far in advance do you typically book?
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Boarding availability is shown here. For new clients, I suggest planning on at least 3 months in advance to allow time for the onboarding process. The boarding assessment can only be scheduled on days when I do not have a boarding guest in my home, which might take several weeks. In addition, a trial stay ahead of your planned travel might be required, especially for dogs with complex behavior histories or if your planned travel is for more than a few days.
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For returning clients, I suggest reaching out as soon as you have specific dates in mind. Peak times tend to get booked far in advance, so it's never too early to get on the books to ensure availability.
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How many dogs do you take at one time?
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I only take one dog at a time. This includes dogs from the same household.
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My dog is uncomfortable with unfamiliar people. Is VIP Boarding a good fit?
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Maybe. Your dog's comfort level with me is obviously one the most significant factors when determining fit for a VIP Boarding stay. As an initial step, I will carefully review and analyze your dog's history based on your responses in the intake form. Please provide thorough responses to all questions.
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If we decide to proceed with the boarding assessment meeting, a determination will be made at that time. If your dog isn't comfortable interacting with me, we may decide it won't be a good fit, or I may give you the option of a second meeting. It very much depends on what I observe and what we discuss at the assessment.
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My dog has trouble being left alone. Is VIP Boarding a good fit?
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Maybe. I can and do host dogs with separation-related needs, but this type of stay requires special considerations that I take very seriously.
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Separation anxiety, confinement anxiety, and similar separation-related behaviors are serious conditions that can result in severe panic when a dog is left alone. To host a dog with these needs, I must be prepared to not leave the dog alone for any longer than the dog can handle. This might mean never leaving your dog alone throughout the entire stay.
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I may or may not be able to accommodate this need for a given set of dates. After you submit the intake form, I will be in touch to discuss the possibility of a stay and additional details. Please provide thorough responses to all questions in the intake form.
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Are there set times I need to drop-off or pick-up my dog?
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When we schedule the stay, we will agree on the specific drop-off and pick-up times. The earliest drop-off time is typically 8:30am. The latest pick-up time is typically 9:00pm. The total fee reflects both the drop-off day and pick-up day.
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Can I add training to a VIP Boarding stay?
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Maybe. If you're interested in adding formal training sessions for basic skills during the stay, we can discuss this at the boarding assessment. Additional fees apply.
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Do you take puppies for VIP Boarding?
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No. For puppies, I only offer Board & Train programs.
How does scheduling work?
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To get started:
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Click on the "Check Dates" button to see if the dates you're interested in are available.
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Click on the "Intake Form" button to open the intake form for VIP Boarding.
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Answer thoroughly each of the questions and submit.
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I will review your submission thoughtfully and be in touch by email within 2 business days Monday through Friday. If we proceed with a boarding assessment, you will receive a booking link for it where you can view all scheduling availability in real-time.​ Don't forget to check your spam folder.
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​What if I need to reschedule the boarding assessment?
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You may reschedule the boarding assessment by selecting a different appointment using the "Reschedule Appointment" button in your email confirmation at least 48 hours before the scheduled appointment. If you notify me with less than 48 hours advance notice, or are not present at the scheduled time, the appointment is forfeited. All purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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What if I need to cancel or reschedule a VIP Boarding stay?
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At the time of booking, payment in full is required to secure the specific days you book. This payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. Once a booking is made, those days are not available to others for VIP Boarding or Board & Train, and my availability for other services is affected as well. If you cancel the booking or wish to reschedule the days, this payment is forfeited. If you choose to reschedule, a new payment in full will be required to secure the new days you book. All purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable.