Frequently Asked Questions
1) I’d like to see your facility before I bring my pet for services, may I?
Absolutely! As a matter of fact, we have an open door policy for new and current clients. Feel free to come in for a complimentary tour of Bark-N-Bubblessm anytime during regular business hours.
2) Are there doggy daycare packages for multiple stays?
Of course! We are pleased to maximize your savings by offering 10 day and 30 day package rates. Please call us for more information at 508-865-8155.
3) Do you have specials?
Yes, we have specials seasonally. To keep up to date on our current specials please visit our Facebook page: Click Here
4) I have a cat that needs to be boarded, can you help?
Yes, we also have boarding accommodations for cats that is separate from our dog boarding accommodations.
5) What vaccinations are required for my dog or cat’s stay?
We require an up to date Rabies Vaccine Certificate from your veterinarian, as well as an updated immunization list. Please see our Boarding page for more information.
6) Is my dog required to also have the Bordatella Vaccine?
We do not require the Bordatella (Kennel Cough) vaccination, but if you choose to give it, it must be given 14 days prior to coming to our facility for any service. Is the Kennel Cough Vaccine a wise choice for your dog? Bordatella info
NOTE* The Bordatella vaccine must be given to your dog 14 days prior to coming to the kennel.
7) What type of Bordatella vaccines are there?
The 1st type is injectable which takes a bit longer to build antibodies. The 2nd is intranasal this is when they spray the vaccine into your dog’s nose. The vaccine only covers a few strains and is only effective for 6 months so you might vaccinate
your dog and still contract the disease. It is considered 60% effective, which is darn close to even odds. Also, the intranasal vaccine can cause a very mild case of canine cough and be transmissible to other dogs.
8) How is Bordatella (Kennel Cough) transmitted between dogs?
Having been a dog owner and spending her career working with dogs, the owner of Bark-N-Bubbles has a vast array of experiences with dogs and illnesses such as Kennel Cough. This cough can be caught anywhere, pet stores, dog parks, the vet’s office and etc. It generally isn’t a life threatening illness. It is mostly annoying with a dry hacking cough. There are many different strains of canine cough.
9) Why do you not require the Bordatella Vaccine?
I want my clients to make the best choices for their dogs. I also want you to have information and make an informed decision with your vet. I don’t require the vaccine. I don’t believe it prevents the disease. Again, I encourage you to review this with your vet as well.
10) Where can I find more information on the Bortadella Vaccine?
The best thing to do is to talk to your dog’s vet. If you would like quick access to some online information here: Is the Kennel Cough Vaccine a wise choice foryour dog?
11) What do I have to bring for my dogs or cat’s stay?
Nothing except your pet.
12) Can I bring my dog or cat’s own food?
Absolutely, please put it in individually portioned, labeled baggies. It is recommended that you do bring your pet’s on food as to not cause any upset stomach or diarrhea from switching brands.
13) Can I bring toys?
Yes, you may bring your pet’s toys which will be left in his/her kennel room. Please note, we cannot guarantee that they will not be eaten or lost.
14) Can I bring rawhide chews for my dog?
No, please leave rawhides of any kind at home as they are unsafe.
15) What about bedding, can I bring my pet’s bed?
Unfortunately no. We do not allow outside bedding of any kind. This is done to prevent the spread of fleas and ticks.
16) What will my dog sleep on?
We provide your dog with clean, off the floor bedding for the duration of their stay.
17) Will my cat be in the same room or will dogs have access to the room he/she stays in?
No, our cat boarding room is separate from our dog kennels and no dogs are permitted to interact with our feline friends.
18) Will my dog be able to play and socialize with other dogs?
Of course! Are facility is designed with your dog’s enjoyment and benefit in mind. Your dog can play as much or as little as he or she wants.
19) I see that other kennels charge for playtime, do you?
Absolutely not! Bark-N-Bubbles was established with your dog’s health, safety and happiness in mind. Dogs naturally want to exercise and socialize with other dogs in the pack, for many dogs this is crucial to their happiness. We never up-charge for playtime.
20) Is the water in the Sunshine Lagoon fresh?
Yes, our exclusive Sunshine Lagoon for dogs contains fresh, filtered water and is frequently monitored for contaminants. Please note, the Sunshine Lagoon is currently only for the use of our Daycare dogs.
21) Why do you have so many outdoor play areas?
No two dogs are alike. In addition to our private, weather sheltered runs, we offer five outdoor play areas so that we accommodate the needs of all dogs; personality, energy level, age, special needs etc.
22) What if my dog is dog aggressive and doesn’t like to socialize?
We tailor your dog’s stay around his/her personality, needs etc. If your dog doesn’t play well with others or prefers not to socialize we can provide him/her with a private kennel space which includes and individual outdoor, weather sheltered run to ensure proper exercise and comfort. The safety and comfort or your and all of our dogs is our number one priority.
23) My dog or cat requires medication, can you administer it?
Yes, our staff is trained to administer medication to your pet, including insulin or other injectable medication. We ask that all medication be properly labeled, with proper dosage information. Additionally, we request that if your dog is on medication, especially something like seizure medication or insulin you provide us with a couple of days extra dosing in case your travels are delayed.
24) Is there an extra charge or fee for administering medication?
Absolutely not. We will administer any medication that your pet needs to be a happy and healthy member of your family.
25) Can my dog have their nails trimmed or be groomed while staying for daycare or boarding?
Of course! We will gladly provide your dog with grooming services per your request. Be sure to ask about our discounts and packages.
26) There was a kennel at your facility prior to Bark-N-Bubbles, are you affiliated with them at all?
No. Bark-N-Bubblessm is a new business established ℠ in 2013 through the passionate work of owner Kelly Hauk. There is absolutely no affiliation with the prior business that was in our facility.
27) What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that you give us at least a 2 day notice for non-holiday stays and 4 day notice for holidays stays. A fee of $50.00 will be put in your file if you do comply with the above request.
28) What do I have to bring for my dog or cat’s stay?
Nothing except your pet.
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What is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough quite simply is an upper respiratory infection in dogs much like a cold for humans, which is a self-limited disease. Rarely is kennel cough fatal and the ones that would be at risk would be young puppies, senior dogs or any dog that has a compromised immune system. Classic signs for kennel cough are a forceful, persistent cough that is “honking” in nature, they may have sneezing, discharge from their eyes and nose. Kennel cough is highly contagious, if you think your dog may have kennel cough, you should keep him away from other animals and contact your veterinarian. Although most cases of kennel cough will resolve without treatment, medications may speed recovery or minimize symptoms during the course of infection. These include antibiotics that target Bordetella bacteria and cough medicines. Veterinarians may choose to put puppies, senior dogs, or a dog that are immuno-compromised on antibiotics just to cover them so it doesn’t escalate to pneumonia. However, a healthy dog will be able to recover from this on his or her own which can take up to 3 weeks, though it can take up to six weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions. If your dog does have kennel cough rarely will it result in loss of appetite or decrease in energy. You may also find that keeping your dog in a well-humidified area and using a harness instead of a collar, especially for dogs that strain against a leash, will minimize the coughing. Where can dogs get kennel cough? Is it just from a kennel facility? NO Although the name “kennel cough” makes one assume the virus is contracted mainly through kennel environments, your dog can actually contract kennel cough anywhere there are dogs. Exposure at dog parks, pet stores, dog shows, daycare, veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, literally anywhere. Much like how people are exposed to colds and viruses when going out in public. Does the vaccine work? The kennel cough vaccine only covers a few strains of the disease and given there are multiple strains the vaccine efficacy is less than 60%. The vaccine is given 2 different ways;
Is Kennel Cough a required vaccine? NO You are not required to get a kennel cough vaccine as it is not part of the “core” vaccines, some boarding, training and grooming facilities will require it. It is always best to check with the boarding facility prior to boarding your pet to see what their requirements are. Does Bark-N-Bubbles require Kennel Cough vaccine? NO Our policy does NOT require the kennel cough vaccine, however if YOU choose to do this vaccine your dog can not be boarded or come to daycare for 14 DAYS due to your pet shedding the virus during this time. If you board and its less than 14 days from their vaccine there will be an additional charge as we will need to keep your pet separated so they do not transmit it to the other dogs in our care. **We are by no means veterinary professionals and as always it’s best to consult with your vet to see what best suits the needs of your dog.** |