Question 1

Can I have a tour of your facility?

Accepted Answer

We do not typically give tours of the back of our facility, where the dogs are, because the dogs get upset when they see a new person.  It results in barking that can lead to over arousal, which could then cause a fight to break out.  So, the only way we can give tours is when all the dogs are outside.  We do have web cams where you can see a majority of the play area both inside and outside.

Question 2

Why does my dog have to go through a temperament evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Dogs will be tested on various types of behaviors.  They include but are not limited to petting, interaction with other pets and people, and basic commands. Please allow 30 minutes to complete the evaluation.  Passing this evaluation will allow your pet to attend daycare and/or lodging.  Once they are enrolled, the evaluation does not stop.  While at UNLEASHED and lovin’ it! all pets will be continuously monitored for aggressive or submissive behaviors which could cause problems.  You will receive a report card of your pets’ actions and behaviors exhibited throughout their stay with us.  We will address any concerns we may have with your pet when you pick-up.

Question 3

Does my dog have to be spayed/neutered?

Accepted Answer

All pets 9 months or older must be spayed or neutered.  Certain exceptions do apply.  Females in season cannot attend daycare or lodging.

Question 4

Is there someone that stays over night with the dogs?

Accepted Answer

We do not have staff that stays overnight.  Our building is monitored by Comtronics with an alarm system and smoke detectors.

Question 5

Does my dog need to be on a leash when arriving or leaving?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All dogs are required to be on a leash at all times when coming or going. This is for the safety of your dog, especially in our parking lot. This will also help keep the lobby environment more calm and running smoothly. Remember, we do have a self-serve pet wash & do toe nail trims and not all of those dogs are dogs are friendly with other dogs.

Question 6

What methods of payment do you take?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Question 7

Do I need to schedule an appointment for a nail trim or self-serve wash?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you do have to make an appointment for Toe Nail Trims &/or the Self-Serve Pet Wash; You can use our online reservation form on our website, www.unleashedandlovinit.com,(http://www.unleashedandlovinit.com/) call us at 517.817.0177 or email us at reservations@unleashedandlovinit.com.(mailto:reservations@unleashedandlovinit.com)

Question 8

Do I pay when I drop-off or pick-up my dog?

Accepted Answer

It is up to you whether you pay at drop-off or pick-up.  Most customer choose to pay at pick-up in case there is a problem with travel.

Question 9

What sizes are your kennels and crates?

Accepted Answer

Our kennels measure 4’x4’, 4’x5’, 4’x10’ and 5’x10’.
Large crates measure 42-inches long by 28-inches wide by 31-inches tall.
Medium crates measure 36-inches long by 22-inches wide by 25-inches tall.

Question 10

Can my dogs board together in the same kennel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs from the same family can stay together in the same kennel. Please let us know if the dogs need to fed separately.

Question 11

How do you handle introducing my dog to the playgroup?

Accepted Answer

When your dog arrives they will be taken immediately to the outside play area. Our dog handler will greet your dog. They will then let 1-2 dogs at a time outside to meet your dog.  This is repeated until all dogs in the play area have met your dog.

Question 12

Can I bring lunch, toys and bedding for my daycare dog?

Accepted Answer

If your dog eats lunch you can bring meal for them to have at nap time. Your dog does not need toys and bedding for daycare but if you think it would make them more comfortable at nap time you can bring it.  We do offer the dogs pet cots and bedding in their kennels/crates to make them comfortable during nap time.

Question 13

What am I allowed to bring with my dog when they are boarding?

Accepted Answer

While your dog is staying with us you can bring anything your dog may want to keep in his/her kennel.  This includes toys, blankets/kennel pads and treats.  We also require that you bring your own food so your dog doesn't have to deal with a possible upset tummy from the diet change.  Please note that we do not need your dog’s food & water bowls unless they use a specialized bowl

Question 14

Do you administer medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can administer any medication your pets needs at no additional charge.

Question 15

When do the dogs eat?

Accepted Answer

We feed the dogs at nap time (11:30am) and at night (6:30pm).  The reason we do not feed in the morning is because most dogs want to get out of their kennels to play in the morning and won’t typically eat.  In addition, after the dogs eat they need to rest of at least an hour before playing to prevent vomiting and bloat.

Question 16

If I don’t bring food, what will you feed my dog?

Accepted Answer

If you do not bring your dog’s own food, there will be a $1.00 per feeding charge added to your bill.

Question 17

If my dog eats a special diet, can you accommodate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will prepare your dog’s food as directed.  We have a refrigerator and freezer to store any special diets.

Question 18

Will my dog get fresh water?

Accepted Answer

We always have a fresh bucket of water in each play area inside and outside. The water is changed frequently to keep it clean for our dog guests.  When water buckets are changed they get soaked in a bleach solution and washed to ensure cleanliness.

Question 19

Will my dog be offered treats?

Accepted Answer

We offer the dogs Old Mother Hubbard peanut butter treats at nap time and occasionally throughout the day for good behavior and taking photos.  Please let us know if your dog has allergies and cannot have treats.

Question 20

What if the dogs play rough? Or get in a fight?

Accepted Answer

Dogs do play rough and can get into scuffles. They tousle and rough each other up and all want to jump into the mix anytime anything is going on. They can get scrapes and scratches. The key is to make sure when this rough play starts to escalate, or if any of the dogs seem uncomfortable, that our trained dog handlers know how to recognize it and when to intervene. What looks like a fight may only be two dogs having fun.

Question 21

Are the dogs supervised at all times when out in playgroup?

Accepted Answer

YES, the dogs have a handler with them at all times while out in playgroup.

Question 22

Do they get to play with toys in playgroup?

Accepted Answer

We do not typically get toys out for the dogs because of resource guarding. Occasionally though when we have smaller groups the staff will get toys out, typically this happens on the weekends.

Question 23

Do I need to schedule an appointment for boarding and daycare?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you do need to schedule an appointment for boarding and for daycare. You can use our online reservation form on our website, www.unleashedandlovinit.com,(http://www.unleashedandlovinit.com/) call us at 517.817.0177 or email us at reservations@unleashedandlovinit.com.(mailto:reservations@unleashedandlovinit.com)

Question 24

How do you separate the playgroups?

Accepted Answer

We have 3 play areas that are separated by size, play style and temperament.

Question 25

What activities does your staff do with the dogs?

Accepted Answer

We let the dogs be dogs when they are here, playing, running and wrestling. Throughout the day the staff also works on recalling, sitting at doors & group sits, as well as fun games like follow the leader and bubbles.  During the warmer months we do have pools for the dogs to splash around in.

Question 26

What correction methods do you use?

Accepted Answer

All of our staff have been trained in canine body language through the PackPro Training & Dog Gurus Knowing Dogs programs.  We use the techniques we have learned such as reading each dogs body language, body blocking, redirection, time-outs and changing play groups.  You may see staff with water bottles which are used to deter the dogs from rough play and barking.  We also use Gentle Leader head collars to help with barking.

Question 27

Let’s Talk About Bloat

Accepted Answer

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called “bloat” (also sometimes referred to as a gastric torsion), is a life-threatening emergency that commonly affects dogs. It occurs primarily in large, deep-chested breeds. GDV occurs without warning and is very difficult to treat.

What is GDV? 
 Gastric dilatation-volvulus is an acute swelling of the stomach. The stomach fills rapidly with excessive gas, which distorts and enlarges it. The stomach is not able to rid itself of the excess gas and may twist on its axis, causing obstructions at each end of the stomach (“volvulus’’ refers to the twisting motion). Therefore both the esophagus and intestines may become twisted shut. A dog may appear uncomfortable, pace or salivate at this time. Some, however, show few signs; it depends upon the severity and rate at which the bloating occurs.

Causes of GDV 
 Unfortunately, no one thing has been proven to cause bloat. It is normally seen in the large, deep-chested breeds (Great Danes, Collies, Dobermans, German Shepherds, or Boxers for example), but may also occur in smaller breeds, like Beagles and Bichons. It appears to run in hereditary lines of certain breeds. Eating or drinking too much or too fast has been thought to be a contributing factor, along with excessive exercising before a meal can be digested. A study published by the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine indicates that raising food bowls off the floor actually doubles the risk of bloat, rather than lowering the incidence at which it occurs. It does not seem to affect one sex more than the other, but is more likely to occur as dogs age. Bloat commonly occurs in dogs between the ages of 7 
and 12 years.

Signs and symptoms 
 Vomiting, dry heaves, salivation and restlessness may all be signs of bloating. They may also just be signs of a stomachache. The most obvious sign is distention and swelling of the abdominal cavity as the stomach expands. Dogs will often assume an unnatural body posture, standing with head and neck extended. A veterinary hospital will confirm the diagnosis with an abdominal x-ray. GDV causes a total collapse. The dog goes into shock, and ultimately can die from cardiac irregularities.

Treatment 
 A GDV case must be attended to rapidly if the pet is to be saved. Unfortunately, according to statistics, over 50% of GVD cases will die even with veterinary attention. Treatment for shock should be started in early phases, and the stomach decompressed. This may be accomplished by passing a stomach tube, but sometimes surgery will be the only option to try to save the pet. Surgery does not guarantee a happy outcome, unfortunately, and some pets will not recover even with it. After surgery, several days of hospitalized care will be necessary. If your dog is boarding while you travel and requires surgery and depending upon the length of your travel, your dog may still be hospitalized when you return home. A pet that lives through a bloating episode, but does not have corrective surgery, will be at a high risk for another attack. Without “tacking’’ the stomach in place, a dog will most likely bloat again.

Does bloating occur only at pet care facilities? 
 No. Since all the factors that contribute to GDV are not clear, there is no way of predicting when a bloating episode may occur. It can happen in a grooming shop, a veterinary office, a boarding kennel, a dog daycare, or at home. Sometimes owners will notice the signs, but not attribute them to a real problem until the pet collapses. Your PCSA pet care facility manager and staff are acutely aware of the dangers of a gastric torsion, and constantly monitor dogs in their care.

Can the pet care facility prevent my dog from bloating? 
 Most pet care facilities take precautions to not overfeed or let pets drink excessive amounts of water. If aware of a hereditary problem, special observation notes may be made. Dogs are exercised well before or after meals. Even with careful precautions and diligent observation, GDV may occur. In a boarding environment, bloating seems to occur with a higher frequency at night or in the early morning hours. Even facilities with live-in staff will have dogs suffer from a bloating incidence. You have a right for your pet care facility to provide the best possible care, just as the pet care facility has a right to expect you to accept financial responsibility for such care. GDV can be an expensive medical condition, so discuss guidelines for financial responsibility with your pet care facility manager and be sure to leave an emergency number where you can be reached.

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