FAQ
PLEASE READ OUR FAQ PRIOR TO BOOKING
What is your minimum age for boarding a dog or kitten?
Our primary concern is the welfare of our guests. For this reason, our minimum boarding age for is 4 months. It is generally recommended that puppies get their first round of “adult” shots at 12 weeks (including rabies), and the second round at 16 weeks. Additionally, in any kennel environment, a young pup could possibly be exposed to air-borne viruses it could not fight off. Our recommendation is to board puppies at your veterinarian’s office until they have reached our minimum age requirement.
How long can my pet board at Maroochy Boarding Kennels and Cattery? Do you discount for long-term boarding?
Boarding can be indefinite, as long as we are pre-paid for each 30 days. There is a 10% discount for every 30-day stay, but these visits must be prepaid and we must have a credit card on file so that we can charge the boarding expense every 30 days.
Why does my dog smell when I pick him up after being boarded?
We are meticulous in cleaning our kennels, and use hospital grade disinfectants to keep them spotless. However, in the closed quarters of a boarding kennel amongst other pet guests, a dog’s natural odour may become more noticeable. Certain customers may also be more sensitive to pet odours after having not been with an animal for a while. We recommend scheduling a “go-home fresh bath” or grooming appointment for a pet before picking him up.
I'm boarding my pet for the first time. What should I expect?
Can my pet catch a disease by being kennelled with other pets?
Yes, your pet can be exposed to disease when kennelled with other animals. The risk is, however, quite low, and virtually eliminated when kennels require advance vaccination to ensure a healthy population of boarded guests. Additionally, our high sanitation standards and quality living conditions are vitally important to ensuring an absence of disease. Our modern sanitation procedures, air flow system, required vaccinations, kennel suites construction, and staff training programs all help to create a healthy, safe and secure environment for your pets when they are in our care. You may have heard “horror stories” of poor treatment and conditions at kennels in the past…we have taken great pains to ensure that we provide a first-class, highly sanitary environment that dispel any fears you might have about boarding your pets with us. We strongly suggest a tour, before making a boarding selection, of any facility that you might consider in your area. Here’s what to look for:
- You should be able to tour any aspect of the facility without a reservation, at any time during business hours.
- It should smell and be clean from top to bottom.
- Staff members should be available and capable of answering any of your pet care questions.
- You should request and receive reference lists of current and/or past customers to check on their satisfaction.
- Staff members should own pets and appear kind and friendly toward the animals in their care.
- The kennel should require vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian prior to allowing a pet to be boarded.
- Kennel suites or runs should be spacious and clean, and independent from one another.
My pet is so thirsty when she comes home from a boarding visit. Doesn't she get water when she's with you? Or, why won't she drink when she's being boarded?
Pets will frequently become very thirsty from the excitement and stress of seeing their family and loved ones again when they’re picked up. It’s natural and you should expect your pet to be a bit dehydrated from all the excitement once you get them home. While in our care, pets are monitored carefully for their consumption of fresh water, which is continuously checked and refreshed throughout the day. And, just like the excitement of coming home, when they first are checked-in and settled in their suite, they will tend to become very thirsty. We watch this carefully, and are sure to provide plenty of fresh water upon check-in to get the pet fully hydrated. After the first 30 minutes or so, they settle into the new routine, get comfortable, and establish regular eating and drinking habits.
Can all my pets stay together in the same suite?
Yes, we can accommodate your wishes and board your pets together in the same suite, as space allows (typically we allow up to 3 dogs to board together in the same suite – this allows adequate space for each pet and promotes both comfort and safety). Up to three cats can be boarded together in one suite.
Can my pet lose weight when in the kennels?
It is not uncommon for your pet to lose a little weight even though we feed them correctly. Your pet becomes more active or can stress initially therefore weight loss can occur. We do our very best to ensure your pet is comfortable.
What is your cancellation policy?
All cancellations will incur a booking fee and/or the loss of deposit. Any further question please ask a staff member when making your deposit.
While my dog is boarding with you, will he be taken out for walks?
Maroochy Boarding Kennels offers playtime services for your pet. One of our trained associates will play, run, pet, brush, and cater to the needs of your pet in our large play areas. The charge per playtime session is $8 for half hour one on one time with a staff member. We can accommodate up to 3 play sessions a day.
Are your facilities indoors?
My pets like to have toys with them. Can they have their favourite toys while boarding with Maroochy Boarding Kennels and Cattery?
My dog is on a special diet. Can I bring in my own food?
Our planned premium meal program at each of our pet care centres consist of precisely portioned feedings of premium nutrition dog food. However, if your pet requires a special diet, we encourage you to bring their food when boarding. Our trained associates will follow your instructions to make sure your pet follows their regular diet. By pre-bagging each meal in a separate bag labeled with your pet’s name, your pet will receive the exact amount of food that you feed him or her at home.