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!