First thing in the morning, dogs are awakened and let out into their patios to relieve themselves. During this time, all suites are completely sanitized, bedding is fluffed, water is freshened, and breakfasts are served. Dogs are then brought back into their rooms to eat while their patios are cleaned and sanitized. After breakfast, playtimes begin! A quiet naptime follows during which the
kennel is silent with the exception of peaceful Pet Music piped into each
kennel. Evening playtimes begin after dinner. At bedtime, dogs are tucked in with a cookie and a kiss!
2) How do you choose playmates?
Playmates are carefully selected based on temperament and play-style. First, our trained Pet Care Technicians get to know your dog in order to determine the appropriate playgroup. Dogs are initially introduced through fencing - then on leash. Once new dogs are comfortable, they are brought into established playgroups.
3) How big are the suites? Are they heated and cooled?
All suites are indoor/outdoor. The indoor portions are fully heated by two
different heating systems and the air is cooled in the
summer be large fans . Single occupancy suites are 4x6 feet on the inside with 4x12 feet patios. Multiple occupancy suites are
7x8 feet inside and 7x8 feet outside. They are joined by a guillotine style door to outdoor, individually fenced patios. (The adjoining door is one we raise to create an opening; dogs do not need to learn to push through the doors.)
4) Can my dogs room together?
Dogs from the same family may share a room if they are able to eat together without argument or need for direct supervision at meal times. If your dogs need to be separated for feeding, you will need to reserve two suites. We will make every effort to room them next to each other so that they can visit when they are on their patios. Of course, they will be together at playtime and if you desire, they can share a room to sleep or play.
5) Do you require vaccinations? Which ones? What about titers?
For the safety of all our guests, we require veterinary vaccination records showing up to date Rabies, DHLP-P, and Canine Cough (Bordetella). To avoid confusion, we will want to view these record prior to the time of check-in. Confirmation may be supplied via receipts or Vet Clinic computerized printouts; Pet Health Record pamphlets are not accepted. If you self vaccinate, your records must come through a veterinarian, meaning your vet must recognize the vaccinations as valid. Titers for DHLP-P are accepted only if they have been done within the past 6 months.
6) How are the dogs fed? Does it cost extra if we use your food?
We ask that you bring you own pet's food and we feed our guests according to owner instructions. When you register your dog, you will be asked
if your dog is used to eating once a day, twice a day or
if you free feed. We will ask for specific amounts at
each feeding, please package the dry food in
individually bagged meals and bring only an amount
sufficient for the stay. We will not accept dry food that has not been pre-measured and bagged into individual meals
and that is not in a hard shell container ( sorry, this
is state law.). If your pet runs out of food or you
forgot yours, we use Canidae dog food We feed the
All Life Stages Formula. You can learn more about the food by visiting their website at
http://www.canidae.com. We have found that very few dogs have any gastric difficulty transitioning to
Canidae. The cost is $1.00 per meal. If you choose
to bring your own food
7) Can I take a tour? Do I need an appointment? May I bring my dog?
We welcome tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm to 5pm; there is no need for an appointment. We do not offer tours on Sundays due to the number of guests
going out. Outgoing, social dogs usually enjoy touring with their owners. For shy dogs, a tour can be a bit overwhelming, as our guests, who are normally quiet, tend to bark when a new person or dog comes through. If you do want your dog to tour with you, you will need to bring a veterinary vaccination record showing up to date Rabies, DHLP-P, and Canine Cough (Bordetella). Pet Health Record pamphlets are not accepted.
8) Will you bathe my dog before I pick up? What is the cost?
Hunters Ridge offers luxury baths which include citrus and oatmeal shampoos, aloe conditioners, nail trimming and filing, teeth brushing, ear care, brush-outs, trimming hair between pads and hygiene areas. Many of our clients choose to schedule a Luxury Bath at the end of their dog's stay! The cost will vary depending on the dog's size, length and condition of the coat, and overall time needed to complete the service.
9) What do you mean by "Business Hours"? When you are 'closed' does anyone feed and care for the dogs?
During business hours our lobby and facility is open to allow guests to check in and out and to conduct tours. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to
5:00pm. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:00 am - 12:00
pm Sundays we have the evening portion, 5:00pm to 6:00pm.
We are closed daily from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm for lunch. Our office closes in observance of the following holidays:
New Year's Day Easter Sunday Memorial Day July 4th Labor Day Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Christmas Eve Christmas Day New Year's Eve.
Please be aware that any closing applies to the business office only. Our guests receive top of the line care at all times!
10) What arrangements can be made if your business hours are not convenient for our travel plans? May I bring my dog in or pick my dog up outside of these hours?
Our business hours are designed for the comfort and health of our guests! It is for this reason that outside of these designated times, service is provided by appointment only. We do provide outside-hours service with an additional convenience charge applied. The charge will vary depending on what day and time you are wanting to come in.
11) My dog takes medications. Is this a problem? Do you charge extra?
We have no problem administering medications and will do so in accordance with your instructions at no extra charge
as long as the medications are prescribed by a
veterarinan . Any additional over the counter
vitamins or supplements will incur a small fee. Please keep medications in the original package/vial if at all possible and label as to type and dosage. We keep peanut butter, hotdogs, cheese, bread, etc. on hand to "help the medicine go down". Please advise us prior to check-in if your dog will be taking medications while in our care.
12) What do I need to bring to set up my dog's room?
We supply most everything your dog will need to make for a pleasant stay! We have bedding, food, bowls, toys and treats. For familiarity, you may want to consider leaving a "gently worn" t-shirt or towel. Many guests find it comforting to have a familiar smell from home! You are welcome to bring a toy or two - please, no rawhide or rope toys! Beds, bowls, quilts, chain collars and leashes brought from home will be returned at check-in as our storage space is extremely limited.
13) Do the dogs have access to water at all times when they are at
Hunters Ridge? Did my dog get enough water?
Each suite is equipped with a spill-proof automatic water container which is kept full. Water consumption is monitored carefully by our staff and abnormalities are reported. Rest assured, unless an owner specifies otherwise, our guests have plentiful access to water at all times. Occasionally upon arriving home, out of excitement and a desire to reacquaint himself with the familiar, a dog will gorge on water. This is not a sign of deprivation. For health purposes, once home, you will want to discourage excessive intake.
