Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been in business -- what are your owner's qualifications?

Wakefield Kennel was formally opened in March 1974; however, our location has been here for over 35 years. The kennel originally was operated under Peggy Kessler untill March 1974. At that time our General Managers, Barry G. & Nancy L Dofflemyer bought the small kennel, remodeled it many times and have operated it for over 35 years! The Dofflemyer's have been in the pet business for over 40 years and in fact are the second oldest, continuously operated pet business in the Charlottesville Area. The kennel is currently operated under the care and custody of "second generation" manager Andy Dofflemyer. Andy has been raised in the kennel business and returned to run the kennel after attending George Mason University. We are proud to have Andy and we are sure that after your interaction with him you will recognize his wealth of knowledge both about dogs and the kennel business in general.

Wakefield Kennel proudly offers a limited grooming staff which includes Nancy Dofflemyer and Amy Herrlein, whose experience is unrivaled in the area. Nancy has been grooming for over 35 years and at this time her acceptance of new clientele is very limited. Nancy is known for her patience and uncanny ability to "make friends" with the most problematic of special, "challenging" pets. Amy Herrlein has been our groomer for over 15 years and was recently voted "Best In Area" by the Daily Progress Readers! Visit Amy and experience what others in the area have acclaimed as the best!

Where exactly is Earlysville, VA & when can we visit your facility?

Earlysville is conveniently located just off of Route 743 2 miles west of the Charlottesville/Albemarle Airport. We are a short 7.0 miles from the intersection of Hydraulic Road & Emmett Street (K-Mart). For a set of complete directions and a map please see our "Directions" Page.

Visitation is open for all prospective clients at any time during normal business hours. Because we are most busy during the first and last hour of the day, we can offer you a more meaningful tour if you arrive after or before those times. There is no need to schedule a visit -- you can arrive unannounced! Please visit hour "Hours of Operation" Page for normal hours.

Please do not visit after our normal hours -- there is no staff available for after hours visits and the facilities are patrolled by the police authorities to ensure security.

Your name is "Wakefield Kennel". Do you offer facilities and services for cats?

Absolutely!! While we no longer have facilities here at Wakefield Kennel for our feline friends. Charlottesville's newest, finest, and largest "cattery" is located at our "Sister Facility" The Dogg House at 2101 Berkmar Drive in Charlottesville (804-975-3647). When we selected their name we wanted a "catchy" and "rememberable" title. We, quite honestly, realize that it does not fairly represent our commitment to the needs and investment we have made to our feline friends. Please see their website www.thedogghouse.com /cattery.htm for more complete details and pictures.

How do most pets react to "first time" boarding or grooming?

Most pets do very well. We feel that it is a good idea to bring your pet in for a trial visit. Do this before you actually leave the area and you can visit and get an idea of how well your pet does before you actually have to leave him/her with us. For a more detailed list of suggestions please see our "What You Need to Know" Page.

My Pet Really Suffers While Away From Us What Can We Do?

Frankly speaking, most pets do very well while boarding. The suffering is done by their owners!!!! We like to think of the boarding experience as "Camp Wakefield". There are many activities for your pet here and boredom is rare. We do occasionally have pets that suffer 'separation anxiety". We suggest that you visit our web page devoted to Separation Anxiety (click here) and read about many of its'

What Vaccination Do You Require Before Our Pet Can Be Admitted?

Our vaccination policies are very simple: we absolutely require distemper, BORDETELLA, and rabies vaccines. Please visit our web page "Vaccinations" which will detail our requirements fully. We recommend these vaccinations regardless if you board with us or any other kennel. Be careful if a kennel is "lax" or does not require a full compliment of shots -- if you don't need them then neither do others and that's a sure receipt for disaster!!!

Our Pet Needs Medications Will You Administer Them?

Part of the routine, daily needs for many pets are medications. We here at Wakefield Kennel recognize the importance of continuing your pet's routine. We have made specific provisions in our data processing and with our staff to record, administer, and assure you that your pet's medical/medication needs are met.

Under absolutely no conditions will we administer sedatives to your pet -- regardless if they are veterinarian prescribed!! If your pet needs this type of medication you need to make arrangements for your pet to be hospitalized with your veterinarian. This applies to both boarding and grooming services.

What type of extra care or "outside" exercise will our pet receive?

We have designed our facility to provide your pet with "indoor/outdoor" access continually throughout the day light hours. Unlike other facilities we have truly "covered outdoor exercise runs" thus allowing your pet to travel from its sleeping area to its exercise area at his/her will. We also offer "Special Play Sessions", and "Nature Walks" which allow you to have your pet taken out of the kennel environs and given quality time on luxurious grass areas or to be hand walked by an attendant over our 30+ acres of woods and fields. Because these service require additional labor and attendant interaction with your pet, they are priced as "A La Carte" services and are charged in addition to our base boarding rates. Please see our "Special Services" Page for more information.

I have heard about "Kennel Cough" can my pet catch it in your kennel?

Canine Cough (BORDETELLA bronchiseptia, Infectious canine tracheobronchitis, Kennel Cough) can be caugh anywhere. It is very contagious and is found anywhere pets are present: Dog Shows, Veterinary Hospitals, Grooming Shops, Humane Societies, Pet Shops, Field Trials, and yes in kennels.

Wakefield Kennel was the first kennel in the Charlottesville - Albemarle area to require Canine Cough Vaccine for admission to the kennel. While this was not "vogue" that decision has been credited, and applauded by many local veterinarians for its resulting reduction in the disease in the area. Please see our web page devoted entirely to this issue: "Canine Cough".

Do you really offer swimming pools for our dogs?

We offer Swimming Facilities at our Sister Facility, The Dogg House at 2101 Berkmar Drive in Charlottesville, VA. The Dogg House is noted as the "Nations First" pet boarding facility to offer swimming pools which incorporate "adjustable swim jet" hydrotherapy. These 7' by 9' "swimming pools" were specifically designed for us, to our specifications, by a company in Texas. They are indoor, heated, filtered, and chemically sanitized "pools" which are open year round. Please see The Dogg House's "Swimming" Page for more detailed pictures and information.

How many dogs do you groom a day?

Our grooming services are by appointment only and are very limited. Our groomer, Nancy Dofflemyer, currently accepts new clients only after a personal conversation or interview only. Please call us to set up a conference with her.

How do your prices compare to other kennels and grooming shops?

We feel sure that our rates are fair and comparable to other facilities of similar size who offer similar services and quality. We encourage you to visit all local facilities and compare both the "Rates" and staff. We feel confident that you will find us to your liking.

Our rates are discounted during midweek, the off season, and non-holiday periods. We do this because you the consumer should benefit from our periods of lower demand. Some of our competitors say we "raise" our rates during the holiday periods. However, if you compare our "holiday rates" to their normal rates, you will see that we are less expensive than theirs even at our highest holiday rate!!!!

How can we make reservations with your facility?

We have 24 hour reservation capability by telephone and voice mail! In addition you can make a reservation here, ANY TIME, on-line, by using our "On-Line Reservations System". Please remember that all reservations require you to provide us with your credit card number to secure your pet's spot with us. Holiday reservations usually book to capacity at least a month in advance, so call us early!

Thanks for visiting our site and asking these questions -- if you have any further questions please call us at (434) 973-5171 or Fax us at (434) 973-1562. We look forward to your inquiry.

Sincerely,
Andy,Barry, & Nancy Dofflemyer