IMPORTANT CHANGES TO OUR BEDDING POLICY
For
many years we here at the kennel have not allowed owners
to bring their own bedding for their pets. Over the last
year we have tried to “re-vamp” this policy
and again allow owners to bring their pet’s own
bedding. Our guidelines for this have been that the bedding
must be able to be “easily laundered” in a
normal washing machine and of a nature and size meeting
our criteria.
What
we are now finding, again we did in the past, that client
discretion and bedding size invariably create problems
both for the management of the kennel and for many pet
owners. Predictably bedding needs cleaning and we are
happy to provide the laundering service (necessitating
removal of the bedding for a short period of time); however
there will be a charge of $.50 per day for laundering
and temporary bedding to all clients leaving their own
bedding. During the laundering process, we will provide
replacement bedding from our "in-house" supplies.
A major problem is the return of the laundered bedding
to the correct pet!! Repeatedly problems arise when a
pet "shreds" bedding, accidentally ingesting
what might be materials potentially harmful to his health.
This causes us many anxious hours and numerous phone calls
to veterinary services around the community.
Many
owners become upset because their pet’s bedding
is damaged -- and they can not understand why their pet
might shred his favorite bed!! Remember the kennel is
a different environment what happens here is quite often
a foreign experience for your pet and it may react to
these differences in many ways: the most frequent response
-- chewing!! What is most apt to be chewed other than
toys? -- You guessed right BEDDING!! When dealing with
multiple pets, as we often do, the logistics of this becomes
a huge challenge. Often, returning clients become disenchanted
with us when we had trouble promptly returning their bedding
articles -- or what was left of their bedding. In quite
a few cases we may aggravate a customer over this issue.
WE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY BEDDING ITEM!
We
feel that clean bedding is an absolute must, and while
it is as our policy to provide your pet with the finest
quality care possible at a reasonable rate, we can no
longer continue to provide bedding at no charge or accept
outside articles of bedding which are, in our opinion,
unmanageably large and over-bearing in size. While the
kennel area is disinfected pet bedding is removed from
the run and stacked neatly in the section which houses
your pet. If our staff feels that a bedding items is simply
too large then we will tell you and we reserve the right
to refuse that item. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL WE ARGUE
THIS POINT WITH A CLIENT – THIS IS OUR POLICY AND
WE ASK YOU TO HONOR OUR POSITION.
A
further area of concern is the inadvertent damage to bedding
from the active boarder. This could occur from the rowdy
acts of your pet's neighbor as it achieved its desire
to "covet" your pet's hand knit, favorite blanket.
In his effort to obtain the
blanket he would attempt to pull it into his run area
by pulling it under the small open area beneath the dividing
partitions. Often this resulted in torn or ripped bedding.
Hence a possibly disgruntled owner! And finally there
was the instance of the active or nervous pet that passed
the day "shredding" his or his neighbors bedding
and enjoying the process immensely. You guessed it---another
angry pet owner!!
We realize that this will not be a welcome amendment to
our policy regarding bedding l, however we feel that clients
board pets with us because of the quality which they desire
for their pet and most will see the wisdom surrounding
this change. Please, if you have concerns regarding this
do not vent your concerns on the kennel attendant. I,
personally, will be happy to discuss this with you should
you so desire but the attendants are not involved with
this policy decision and can not be expected to alter
or change it. Please respect this fact and contact me
through the attendant should you so desire. If I am not
currently at the location I will attempt to return your
inquiry promptly by telephone. (Leave a number with the
attendant.)
Please remember that we will continue to accept one (1)
item from home such as a toy (no balls), rawhide chew,
or other safe item. Your name should be written on these
and we will do our best to secure their safe return. Lost
or damaged items are discussed on our policy sheet as
well.
Thank you!