Selecting the right care for your pet isn’t an easy decision. It shouldn’t be. After all, dogs are indeed members of our families. We think your choice should begin with your four-legged family member. Answering these questions will help you find the best pet care for your dog.
Is the facility owner and staff experienced and qualified to provide high quality care for my dog?
Caring for dogs may seem easy but let me assure it is not. Dogs require a tremendous amount of patience, love and attention. It also requires extensive knowledge, training and experience. Our engaged owner has over 25 years in the animal welfare industry, including acting as the Advisor to the Mayor of Miami on Animal Affairs and as Executive Director of the Nashville Humane Association prior to owning another 5-star resort in Boulder, CO. The In the Doghouse team also includes a professional dog groomer, veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, and an experienced team of professional dog handlers.
Your dog is our first priority and the onsite owner makes sure this is always the case.In the Doghouse professional dog handlers are trained in Behavior, First Aid and CPR.
Who owns the dog facility?
Is it a corporation, a chain, or an investor who owns lots of facilities? Keep looking. Is it an absentee owner who isn’t present to manage operations? Will you get the same dedication? At In the Doghouse, our facility is locally owned and operated by an experienced veteran of the animal welfare industry who understands all aspects of pet welfare and behavior. She is available to you at any time to ensure you get personalized, quality care. One example, we at In the Doghouse opened our doors to first responders in the last hurricane because the community needed us. No one else did.
You don’t have to settle for anything less.
How long has the facility been in operation?
Dog boarding facilities come and go. It takes hard, dedicated work and extensive dog knowledge to deliver a long-term quality care to clients. At In the Doghouse, we have been in operation for over ten years, have over 170 5-star reviews, and have been through the highs and lows of business cycles. We are proud to say we are here to stay so rest assured we will always be there for you.
Is the facility safe for my pet?
Safety begins with design and involves procedures. First, look around. Are electrical outlets placed too low on walls posing a hazard? Is the facility too warm in summer or too cold in winter? Are there dirty chairs and couches that can’t be disinfected for animals to pass disease lying around? How are small dogs and large dogs housed and separated for play? Is the facility designed to separate areas to prevent spread of disease? What happens if a dog gets sick? In the Doghouse is designed and built just for pets.
Am I able to take a tour?
Your ability to see the interior of a pet care facility is essential. If you’re told no, for any reason, it’s usually because there’s something they don’t want you to see. Either the facility is not clean or pets aren’t provided quality care. It’s true that an impromptu tour can upset the balance of the facility and create unnecessary stress for pets but good operators can work around this to allow you to see the facility without intruding too much on the dog’s play Being denied the ability to see a pet care facility should be seenas a big flashing red light. If you don’t feel assured your pet won’t either.
Have they asked for my pet’s health information?
All pet care facilities should ask for health information about all pets in their care. Failing to do this should be seen as a giant red flag. Unvaccinated pets pose a risk of introducing and spreading disease. Essential vaccines for dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus, but might also include Bordetella (canine cough). Bottom line, if you’re not being asked for verifiable information on your pet’s immunizations, no one else is either.
Is the facility clean? Does it smell?
Your nose will help you determine if a facility is clean. While there are occasionally odors in all facilities, unpleasant smells or odors are strong indicators that a facility is not being properly cleaned. And extremely strong odors usually indicate the facility cannot be properly cleaned due to the construction materials used. Wood, unsealed concrete floors or brick walls, for example, are porous and trap germs and bacteria that cannot be removed. Over time these germs spread to all surfaces and permeate the HVAC system, which churns out more bad air. At In the Doghouse we take cleanliness to a whole new level. Our cleaning systems are medical-grade and are used in the finest veterinary hospitals in the United States. We also have high quality air purification systems.
Will my pet thrive in this environment?
A quality pet care facility should be more than just a place to drop off your pet. Know what you’re paying for. Dogs are inherently social. They require human interaction and they crave socialization with other dogs. And they thrive in environments centered on enrichment and learning. While quality care will cost more, both you and your pet will benefit over time, with good behaviors reinforced and bad behaviors reduced. Love and human interaction are cornerstones of In the Doghouse. Pets in our care will receive lots of real-human time and structured play care, with periods of rest, group play and individual attention.
What if my pet has special needs?
If your pet is elderly, has mobility issues, is a little extra fussy or timid, or requires medications, it’s important that staff specifically understands your needs and can accommodate your pet. Does the facility have a way to account for and administer medications? Can accommodations be made for arthritic pets, such as soft bedding? In short, some pets will require more monitoring and reporting to pet parents than some facilities can provide. In the Doghouse is trained to deal with all kinds of special needs due to the extensive experience of its owner/operator.
So, will I feel good about leaving my pet?
Does the staff really love pets? How many pets do they have? Does the staff genuinely care about your dog and are dogs getting extra TLC in the facility? If you’re uneasy or don’t feel assured your pet is in the very best environment, your pet will likely know and your pet’s stay won’t be as fun. Your pet should be as excited to go to a facility as the staff is in having him. Trust your gut. If the facility is clean and smells nice, and the staff is attentive and trustworthy you’ll know it.
Pets are important members of our families. We love them as we love humans. In the Doghouse, we’ll work to ensure your four-legged family members have the best time ever in the very best environment. We are the premiere pet resort in Charleston, SC with over 170 5 star reviews. We can’t wait to take care of your animals!
