A Home Away From Home
We understand that you may feel apprehensive about leaving your pet when you need to be out of town — especially if they are ill, or when they are recovering from a procedure or surgery. At Smith Animal Hospital, we want to help put your mind at ease.
We offer complete general pet boarding services for all of our patients, and medical boarding services for pets with conditions that standard boarding centers may not be equipped to accommodate.
Pet Boarding: A Typical Day
Dogs
Every morning, the dogs head outside to our outdoor run for fresh air before breakfast. While they are outside, their kennels are cleaned, disinfected and stocked with fresh linens.
Depending on their physical ability and capacity, the dogs that stay with us are walked on a regular schedule.
Your dog will be supervised during their entire stay with us — both during walks and while they rest. In the evening, dinner is served, and then we have one last walk before bedtime.
Cats
Your cat will be fed according to their needs and your specifications, to ensure their routine remains as close as possible to their home life.
We provide one-on-one interaction with kitties (if they want it!) including pets, snuggles and play. Litter boxes are checked, cleaned and disinfected periodically throughout the day.
Your kitty's room will also be cleaned and refreshed each day. Our cat boarding area is separated from the dog area to ensure your kitty feels relaxed and safe during their stay with us.
Medical Boarding
Our expert veterinarians and nurses will supervise your pet, administer medications and watch over them closely. Any medications that may be required will be administered on the same schedule as they are used to at home.
FAQs About Pet Boarding
Every member of our team is a serious animal lover. We all enjoy lavishing our boarders with all the attention and care they deserve while they stay with us. Please note that at this time, we can only board existing patients at our facility.
Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions about pet boarding at Smith Animal Hospital.
If you have further questions about boarding, please feel free to contact us!
- What accommodations and amenities do you have?
We have all the things your pet will need for a safe, fun and recuperative stay, including these accommodations and amenities:
- Individual space for each pet
- Separate boarding area for cats
- Climate-controlled kennels
- Special diet accommodations
- Clean towels, blankets, and bowls
- Outdoor play area
- Daily walks
- Comfy, cozy beds for each guest
- Ample daily playtime with staff
We do not offer grooming services but if a dog stays at our boarding site for seven nights or more they will receive a free bath so they are nice and clean when you pick them up.
- Is there a limit to the number of pets I can board at a time?
We have a large facility and are able to accommodate several animals at once, provided you give us sufficient notice.
Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to board family members (canine/canine or feline/feline) together.
- What vaccinations does my pet require to stay?
In order to stay with us we require all pet guests to be fully vaccinated.
Dogs are required to have: rabies, bordetella, distemper, parvo, and canine flu.
Cats are required to have: rabies and FVRCP.
Vaccines must be administered at least 7 days before your pet's stay.
- How much does pet boarding cost?
Boarding fees vary based on the duration of the stay, the size of the pet, and special medical requirements. That said, our pricing is affordable and competitive, and we welcome you to contact us for a quote.
- What time should I drop off and pick up my pet?
All pets must be dropped off or picked up during regular office hours. Reservations are recommended, especially for holidays and summer weekends. During these times, we recommend that you call 2-3 weeks in advance to increase the chance that a spot will be available.
- What should I pack for my pet?
Food: We provide food for pets staying with us. However, please feel free to bring enough of your pet's regular food to last the duration of the stay.
Medication: If your pet takes any medication, bring it along for our staff to administer.
Toys: If your pet has a special toy or two, bring them along.
- What if my pet needs to take medication?
We will be glad to administer your pet's medications while they are with us.
- Can I get updates about my pet during their stay?
Yes, feel free to call us during your pet's stay for updates. If there is a problem, we will contact you via the emergency contact information you provide.
- How should I prepare for my pet's stay?
Each animal is different. To prepare for your pet's stay with us, we'll take the following steps to ensure that we can meet their unique needs.
Step 1: Contact us to get started
Call us to book, and to discuss details about your pet and your boarding needs. A member of our team will be happy to to coordinate your booking.
Please note that, due to the nature of our accommodations, we do not accept unaltered dogs. Pets must be up to date with all vaccinations and free of fleas and ticks to stay at our facility.
Step 2: Book a trial stay
We want to be absolutely sure that we are a good fit for your pet before an extended stay. The trial stay consists of a full day of daycare where we can take the time to assess your pet's temperament and make sure they fit in with the pack.
Step 3: Set your pet up for success
On the day you drop your pet off with us, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce any stress your pet may feel.
Spend some extra time with your pet beforehand, and make sure they get some vigorous exercise so that they are feeling calm. When you arrive at our facility, stay calm, cheerful and confident during the separation.
- What do you feed animals that don't have their own food?
For pets that are not on a special diet, we provide Purina EN, a high-quality veterinary pet food.