Check-In

Guests are welcome to check-in at any time during our lobby hours; please note that our lobby is closed on all major holidays.

All dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Every attempt will be made to provide the care necessary for your pet should an emergency occur. It is important that you leave a phone number where you can be reached or an emergency contact person so that communication between you and the veterinarian can take place in a timely manner. Your emergency contact must be a person you trust, who will be in the local area while you are away, and who you have authorized to make decisions about your pet if you cannot be reached. Your pet is a member of your family and we honor this relationship. If we are unable to reach you or your emergency contact, we will use our best judgment and act in the best interest of your pet, as if your pet were ours.

Check-Out

Guests may be checked out at any time during our lobby hours. Please note that our lobby is closed on all major holidays. We do have staff working behind the scenes after our lobby is closed; however, these staff members are responsible for animal care only and are not authorized to open our doors or check out guests after the lobby is closed. Holiday rates apply.

Puppies

Guests must be at least 16 weeks of age to board with us. Vaccination requirements for puppies include age-appropriate boosters for Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella, and Rabies. Once your furry pal is at least 16 weeks old, we’d love your little one to come and stay with us! Boarding young pets is a great way to accustom them to a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences and will make their future boarding experience much more familiar and enjoyable.

Senior Pets

We do not place an upper age limit on boarding pets, but we ask that you consider your geriatric pet’s unique personality and special needs. Some geriatric pets have a more difficult time being away from their family. We discourage boarding large dogs over the age of 12 and small dogs over the age of 14. However, if you do need to board your geriatric pet, American Canine Academy’s spacious suites could be a great fit for pets who might become unduly stressed in a cage-like enclosure that is common in most veterinary clinics.

Pets We Cannot Board

At American Canine Academy, the health and safety of our team as well as the client’s pets in our care is our first priority.

• Pets recuperating from recent invasive medical procedures: Your veterinarian is the best place for your pet to stay following any invasive medical procedure that took place within the last 10 days.
• Pets with serious medical conditions or pets that require frequent veterinary attention: Such conditions include pets with frequent, uncontrolled seizures; pets with diabetes; pets suffering from debilitating paralysis; or pets with serious cardiac, kidney, or liver disorders. Pets with these conditions are best boarded with your veterinarian.
• Pets who are exhibiting signs of, or who have recently been diagnosed with, contagious disease, including dogs who have been diagnosed with Parvovirus within the past 6 months, or pets who have exhibited signs of an upper respiratory infection or kennel cough within the past two weeks.
• Pets with extreme, non-manageable separation anxiety: Animals who experience the equivalent of “panic attacks,” those that refuse food, or those who are highly destructive when left alone do not do well in a boarding situation.
• Aggressive or Feral Animals: Although American Canine Academy’s staff is very skilled in dealing with aggressive, and/or non-safe dogs, there are scenarios where we will not accept aggressive or feral dogs. This is decided on a case by case basis.

Bedding, Toys and Comfort Items

We want your pet to feel comfortable and secure while staying with us, therefore you may supply your pet’s personal bedding (no oversized beds, blankets or comforters, please). Bedding must be labeled with a permanent marker with the guest’s first and last name. When your pet is in unfamiliar surroundings, they may chew things they would not ordinarily chew at home. Any bedding item or toy that becomes too damaged or that we believe may pose a hazard to your pet may be removed at the discretion of our team. You may also supply up to two toys or comfort items for your pet to enjoy. The items must be washable, be suited to your pet’s size, and may not pose an obvious choking hazard. Because dogs can be protective around bones, rawhides, and other treats with a perceived high value when other dogs are in the vicinity, they may attempt to rapidly consume them if they perceive their prized possession could be threatened. Therefore, to avoid the potential for inappropriate consumption, these items are not allowed.

Required Vaccinations

The health and safety of our canine guests is our first priority; therefore, we require that all pets staying with us be current on the vaccinations listed below. Pet vaccinations should be administered at least seven days prior to arrival by a licensed veterinarian. Written proof of current pet vaccines must be received by American Canine Academy at least 72 hours prior to check-in. It is your responsibility to keep your vaccination records current with us. Please keep in mind that absolutely no pets will be admitted without vaccine verification. Dogs require current Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Bordetella vaccines, administered appropriately by a licensed veterinarian. Pet vaccines must be administered at least seven days prior to check-in, and proof of pet vaccination should be sent to us via e-mail or fax at least three days prior to check-in.

Medical Information

Medications: If your pet is on medication, you need to bring written instructions on how it should be given, how often, and what it is for. The medication also needs to be provided in its original packaging.

Medical Emergencies: When you check your pet in, we ask that you give us the name and contact information of your personal veterinarian and provide us with your preferences regarding veterinary care for your pet during your absence. If a medical problem occurs with your pet, we will first attempt to contact you and get your pet in to see your own vet, if located within 5 miles of our facility. If unavailable, or if the situation is critical, we will take your pet to a nearby veterinarian or to the nearest emergency clinic. All charges for veterinary care and transportation will be your responsibility. Please refer to your Boarding Contract for further information.

Special Needs: Please feel free to discuss any special requirements with us when you make your reservation. We will do everything in our power to make sure your pet is taken care of and provided for. The following is a sampling of special needs that can be accommodated:

• Medications
• Supplements
• Special meal preparation
• Extra feeding times
• Food from home
• Treats from home
• Special handling care
• Daily brushing

Kennel Cough Disclaimer and Policy

Kennel cough is a disease that can be contracted in many locations, dog parks, veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, or by simply walking your dog down the street. This infection is similar to the human cold. Kennel cough is a common disease that cannot be fully prevented, even with appropriate vaccination. There are many strains of kennel cough—some bacterial and some viral—and vaccination is not sufficient to protect your dog against all strains. If your dog’s immune system is weak, the possibility of contracting this disease will increase. If your pet’s immune system fails to protect them from this disease and they become ill, it will risk the wellbeing of other dogs in our care. American Canine Academy will take the following steps if we notice any signs of illness:

• Remove pet from the main area of our facility for quarantine
• Call owner or emergency contact
• Request the dog to be taken to a veterinarian immediately
• Administer medication prescribed by the veterinarian
• Keep the dog calm and comfortable

The dog owner will be responsible for payment of all charges associated with the treatment and care of kennel cough. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Transportation to Veterinarian Hospital office
• Veterinarian services
• Medications
• Administration of medication