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 For
many years we here at the kennel allowed owners to bring their own
bedding for their pets. This invariably seemed to create problems
both for our management of the kennel and for many pet owners. Predictably
bedding would need cleaning and we would provide the laundering service
(necessitating removal of the bedding for a short period of time).
During the laundering process, we provided replacement bedding from
our "in-house" supplies. A major problem was the return of the laundered
bedding to the correct pet!! Repeatedly problems arose when a pet
would "shred" bedding, accidentally ingesting what might be materials
potentially harmful to his health. This caused us many anxious hours
and numerous phone calls to veterinary services around the community.
Many owners became upset because their pet’s bedding was damaged --
and they couldn’t understand why Fido might have shredded 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 this can become a nightmare.
Often, returning clients would 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 would lose a customer
over this issue.
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. While the kennel area is disinfected pet bedding is removed
from the run and stacked neatly in the section which houses your pet.
One area of concern is the transmission of "unwanted" factors from bedding
that comes in contact with another pet's bedding (i.e. parasites, pet
dander, etc.). No matter how hard we try this is not an easily controlled
situation when handling multiple pieces of bedding. A further area of
concern was 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 another dissatisfied
owner! And finally there was the instance of the active or nervous pet
who passed the day "shredding" his or his neighbors bedding and enjoying
the process immensely. You guessed it---another angry pet owner!! Needless
to say, this headache has perplexed us for the last twenty (20) years.
Through visitation of numerous kennels over the past years I have found
that the industry trend in the more prominent and better kennels is
to provide a selection of quality bedding at a nominal fee. The dilemma
here is how to handle the cost of bedding which is damaged as described
above. We have come up with what we feel is a very reasonable daily
fee for an assortment of bedding. FLEECE pads are 20" x 40" rubber backed
pads constructed of Sterilon synthetic fleece (this is used in hospitals
for patient comfort). They are wonderful for pets who are not suspect
to chewing. If you think your pet might chew this type of bedding, then
we suggest (for its safety) that you select BEDSHEET bedding. These
beds are just what they sound like -- large clean, cotton bed sheets
which, if shredded and ingested, should not pose a concern to your pet’s
health. Finally, our offering for the most discerning of owners and
pets is the DELUXEBED mats. These are plush, durable, nylon enclosed,
foam rubber mattresses with fleece tops. These beds are limited in supply
and therefore rental is subject to availability. The advantage to your
pet, with any of these selections, is that we provide clean, freshly
laundered bedding to your pet on a continual basis and we eliminate
dissatisfied owners. Our clients whom desire bedding for their pet now
have multiple choices which they may tailor to what they consider their
pet’s specific needs or demands.
BEDDING INSURANCE is just what it indicates--if your pet damages its
bed while here the insurance you purchase covers the replacement cost
of the particular type of bed. The various types of beds have different
replacement costs: Sheets @ $4.00, Fleece @ $10.00, and Deluxe Mats
$15.00. We are not trying to take advantage of the customer here --
just replace damaged items. If you are the gambling type -- well roll
the dice and forego the insurance -- but if you loose and your pet damages
its bed you will owe a replacement fee for the specific type of bed
you selected for your pet. Of course you will be given the bed (or what
is left of it) if you so request!! Bedding and insurance fees are available
from the admissions attendant at the time of arrival.
We realize that this will not be a welcome policy change to all, 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 items from home such as toys (no
balls), rawhide chews, or other safe items. Your name will 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. I highly
suggest that you obtain and read this document!!
Thank you!
Bedding
Rental Rates
Fleece
$ .75
Deluxe 1.00
Sheet Bed (complimentary)
Insurance .50
All prices are per day!
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