The dogs live in our home with us, not in kennels or dog runs.  They sleep on the floor, chair, sofa, rug or in a variety of dog beds and open crates throughout our home.  All dogs are off leash in our house, yard and fields.  Just like at home.

 

What is long term Boarding?

We typically board dogs for  1 or 2 months at a time and our long term visitors take priority on our calendar.

 

Will you board my dog(s) for a short stay?

We do board dogs for one or two week stays when we can fit them in to our schedule.

We only take a very limited number of dogs into our home so please book early.

 

What are your rates?

We charge $45 per day for stays under 30 days and $35 per day for stays longer than 30 days.

 

Do you charge by the day or the night?

We charge by the day.

 

How many dogs do you board at a time?

We typically only board 2 or 3 dogs at a time.  However, we have dogs of our own.  I have always had Cavaliers and English Toy Spaniels and love to host more of these little guests.  We do have an older Maremma Sheepdog and we recently rescued a Collie.

Where are you located?

Holiday Pet Boarding is 4 km SW of the Calgary city limit on our 20 acre family farm. We are less than 10 minutes from the James McKevitt exit off Stoney Trail or Silverado near Spruce Meadows.  Our full address and map is on the Contact page.

 

What is a Meet & Greet?

This gives us and our dogs a chance to meet. We can assess whether we are a good fit. You can tell me all about your dog and we can all see how he/she interacts with our dogs. You can see where your dog will eat, sleep, stay and play and ask any questions you may have about our services.

 

Why do I need to do a Meet & Greet?

It is especially important that we ensure your dog and our dogs get along because we board in an open setting.

 

Do you board intact dogs?

Yes. Some of the sweetest dogs we have boarded have been intact males.  My dogs have all been fixed so females are safe.  Behaviour and temperament will be evaluated during the Meet & Greet.  Marking indoors will result in extra cleaning charges.

 

Do you board puppies?

Yes of course! Who could say no to puppies? As long as they have completed all of their puppy shots and are house trained.

 

What breeds do you board?

We don’t limit breeds as much as behaviour.  All dogs will be assessed at the Meet & Greet.  The only trouble I have ever had between dogs was with a Golden Retriever and a Doodle puppy so making judgements based on breed just doesn’t work.

 

Do you board big or small dogs?

Yes.  Both.  I have my own small spaniels and a large farm dog.

 

Does my dog have to be vaccinated?

Yes. We require proof of current, up to date vaccination prior to drop off for all dogs staying in our home. A scan or cell phone

photo of your vet records with vet contact details is fine.  I also recommend that all regular or long stay dogs have a rabies shot.

 

Do you require a deposit? 

Yes.  We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking and the balance prior to boarding. 

 

Why a do you require a deposit?

Unfortunately cancellations and/or no shows are common in this industry.  As we take a very limited number of dogs into our home at one time the impact of a last minute cancellation or no show has a big impact on our business. 

 

Can I change my dates after I’ve paid my deposit?

On a long term board we can be more flexible and certainly a day or two one way or the other isn't going to make a big difference.  But on a short term board ...... maybe.  Sometimes.  A little.  It depends. 

 

Why is deposit due 30 days prior to boarding?

Many of our customers book months in advance. I typically invoice for the deposit 30 days prior to your drop-off day.

Bookings are confirmed when the deposit has been received.  The boarding balance is due prior to drop-off.

 

What are your hours? ​

We are open for drop off, pick up or visits from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm, 7 days a week.  I am sorry but we cannot accommodate farm visits or drop offs outside these hours.  Meet & Greets are often on weekends but we are around if you prefer to come during the week.  We are CLOSED Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

 

Why can’t I drop off or pick up before 9:00 am? Or after 9:00 pm?

We let the dogs let out in the morning at around 8:00 am. I make breakfast for them, feed them and they go back out to play until around 9:00 am. After dinner the dogs play in the yard and by 9:00 pm they have all settled down and are quiet and relaxed and getting ready for bed. Cars driving in, our driveway alarm, and visitors cause a disturbance and get the dogs excited.

 

How much space do the dogs have to play?

We have 20 acres fenced and gated. There are three large fenced fields, a barnyard, and a chain linked secure area with individual dog runs. Early mornings and evenings, when we are closed, they are free to play in the yard around the house.

 

How secure is your property?

My mother in law started breeding show dogs on the property in 1961. The fences, paddocks, fields and dog runs were set up for dogs from the beginning. We recently added the driveway gate so dogs can securely play in the yard around the house.

 

Is it safe from wildlife?

As we have always had dogs on the farm their scent is everywhere and the deer, moose and elk keep clear of our property.  Our fences were built to keep dogs in and coyotes out. The dogs are excited to chase the gophers, mice and other small rodents (and sometimes skunks) on the farm. 

 

How much exercise will my dog get?

Typically, more than at home or a kennel because there are other dogs to play with and in warm weather they spend most of their days outside. If your dog is more of a napper or a senior they may choose to just go in and out to do their business and spend their days on the cool tile floor, in a bed or on the couch.  We invite them to join us on daily walks - weather permitting!

 

How long will my dog be inside/outside during the day/night?

Dogs go out around 8:00 am for an hour or so before breakfast and then again before noon.  They come and go as they want during the afternoon but most prefer to stay outside.  Our last walk of the day is late - usually around midnight.

 

Where will my dog(s) sleep?

They can sleep in crates - mine have no doors.  We have dog beds everywhere in the house. Our mud room has a cool tile floor and my bathroom floor is heated with nice warm tile.  I have a ramp up to my bed for dogs that want to sleep with me in the bed.  You can bring your dogs bed, pillow or crate if you like but we have lots of places for dogs to sleep in our home. 

 

Will you send daily updates and photos?

As many times a day as you would like . . . usually more at the beginning dwindling down to a couple a day for long stays.   I use FB Messenger and WhatsApp but can also text or email.

 

Will you feed my dog twice a day?

Breakfast is between 8:00 and 9:00 and dinner is between 6:00 and 7:00. We are happy to give dogs a before bed treat – mine get arthritis meds but shhhhhh - they think it’s a treat.

 

What is your drop off process?

Please allow approx. 30 minutes for drop off for your dogs first boarding. Once the dogs and their food have been brought in the house we will sit and have a visit. This gives you a chance to tell us about your dog’s habits and routines so that we may best accommodate your pet. This also allows the dogs to adjust to each other inside the house. It calms and reassures them that we are all friends and that our home is a comfortable and safe place. Once your dogs (and mine) have settled down and relaxed that is your cue to say goodbye and leave your dog to enjoy their holiday.

 

What is your pick up process?

Dogs tend to get really excited when they first see their owners. Be prepared for some extra excited behaviour.  Please check your returned items/food to be sure that we haven’t inadvertently forgotten to return anything.

Please understand that to limit our exposure we prefer to avoid close contact with returning travelers. Sadly, some of our customers have returned from vacation only to come down with colds, the flu and even covid.

 

What should I bring with my dog?

Food.  Enough for their entire stay. A fee will be charged if we have to buy more food for your dog. Details of your feeding practices and their food bowl. You may also bring their bed, blanket or crate. For first time visits I also recommend a worn shirt or pillowcase with your scent on it.

 

What do you need to know about my dog?

Anything and everything you think I might need to know. As we board in our home and essentially live with your dog we will be their 'other' family.  We want to do anything and everything we can to make them comfortable and happy while they are here.

 

Please message or call if you have a question I missed.