Frequently Asked Questions

Whether a first-time visitor to Littleton Pet Center and Kennel, or a regular customer with questions, here's the place to find answers to the most frequently asked questions we hear from pet parents. If you have a particular question or concern that is not addressed here, please feel free to contact us directly.

1. How often does my dog get fed?

Twice a day, unless otherwise requested.  Once between 6:00-7:00am and again between 2:00-3:00pm.

2. Do I need to bring my own food/what will my dog be eating?

We encourage you to bring your own dog’s food with him in order to prevent any stomach issues that might occur by changing his diet. We do offer house food but we’re sure your dog would prefer his own.

We feed IAMs foods. If your dog is on a special diet, has medication or you would like him to continue on his current food this can be arranged with staff. Please provide your dog’s regular food, pre-measured and separated in Ziploc-type bags for each meal. You may also bring canned food to supplement your dog’s meals.

3. Where does my dog sleep?

In their own kennel.  The facility is heated and air conditioned for the dogs comfort.

4. Does my dog get to go outside?

Yes, four times a day. Their time outside is weather-dependent and they can be out anywhere from 10 minutes to one half an hour.

5. How often are the kennels cleaned?

Our facility is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every day. We use top of the line, animal-safe disinfectants that are strong enough to kill major viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens. In addition, our screening process requires up-to-date vaccinations and a clean bill of health. We take great pride in the cleanliness of our facility!

6. If my dog needs veterinary attention what is your course of action?

In the case of an emergency your dog will be transported to the nearest veterinary clinic.  Vets are on call at all times.  You will be contacted as soon as possible in case one of these very unlikely incidents occurs.

7. Will my dog be given a bath before I pick them?

For a charge we can bath your dog before you pick her up, however it is not included in the initial service.  Ask about grooming prices.

8. Will my dog be with other dogs?

If your dog gets along with other dogs you should ask about our social playtimes.  This allows your four legged friend to be in contact with many of his own kind, in our state of the art daycare facility.

9. I have two (or more) dogs. Can they stay together in the same kennel?

Yes, there is plenty of room in the kennels for multiple dogs.  We give a 10% discount for each pet that stays in the same kennel.

10. Can I bring my dog’s bed, his toys, his blanket, a few squeaky toys, a bunch of tennis balls, his food bowl, etc ?

No. For cleanliness reasons we do not allow beds. And we have plenty of food bowls to go around.

Remember, your dog plays in a group all day long with other dogs, and he’s going to get worn out by playing all day. At night, he’ll probably just want to sleep. Any personal items will be placed in each dog’s suite for them to have at night.

11. My dog needs special medications, is this a problem?

We all have special needs from time to time. We don’t view this as a hassle but a part of life, so we don’t charge extra and can accommodate most medication administration. We do need to be notified of all conditions, and expect specific instructions for such situations.

12. Are proof of vaccinations required?

Yes. Some illnesses like canine cough are airborne and highly contagious, so we want to make sure that each and every dog that comes in the door is protected. We require Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough).

Being vaccinated does not guarantee pets cannot contract the things they are vaccinated against. It only means they may receive a milder dose. Viruses like canine influenza are airborne (just like people flu) and cannot be controlled by daily hygiene regime. There are over 95 strains of canine cough. Your dog is only covered for 2 of those through vaccination.

13. My dog’s vaccinations just expired a few days ago, but I need to have my dog boarded this weekend. Can he still come?

Call us and we can discuss options.

14. My veterinarian wants me to get my dog’s vaccination updates more frequently. What vaccination terms do you require?

Your veterinarian knows what’s best for your dog. We defer to them for a particular vaccination expiration.

15. My dog is older and my veterinarian suggests that he doesn’t get certain vaccinations. What can I do?

Some vets test for titers to determine if a certain vaccination is necessary. We would accept this. Also, if a vet doesn’t feel comfortable giving a certain vaccination, we simply require a signed waiver from your vet stating this.

16. On the checkout date, do I have to pick up my dog by a certain time before I’m charged for another day?

We charge by the calendar day– it's that simple. You can drop off or pick up your dog anytime during the business hours of the respective drop off or pick up day.

17. How long can my dog board? 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 5% discount for 14 days and 10% for a 28-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.

18. Why does my dog smell when I pick him up after being boarded?

At Littleton Pet Center, 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 odor may become more noticeable. Certain customers may also be more sensitive to pet odors after having not been with an animal for a while.

19. I'm boarding my pet for the first time? What should I expect?

Your pet will adjust quickly to our boarding facility, our staff and routines. Feeding, cleansing, exercise, and kennel staff monitoring are all scheduled events that bring order and structure to the boarding environment.

You can do a lot to help prepare your pet for this environment in the days before your pet is to be boarded. First, establish (or reinforce) a routine schedule of meal times and limit feedings to twice per day. We feed in the morning, and again in the late afternoon, as required.

Also, we routinely quiet the kennel down during business hours to give the pets adequate rest and comfort.

20. Can My Pet Catch A Disease by being kenneled with other pets?

Yes, your pet can be exposed to disease when kenneled 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, high sanitation standards and quality living conditions are vitally important to ensuring an absence of disease.

Our modern sanitation procedures, 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.
• 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.
• Kennels or runs should be spacious and clean, and independent from one another. There should be no evidence of group kenneling, except, of course, for Doggy Daycare.

21. 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, we have automatic waterers in each kennel. 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.

22. What is your cancellation policy?

We realize that plans do change, and wish to accommodate all of our customer's needs. So, we require 24 hours advance cancellation of the scheduled arrival date.

23. While my dog is boarding with you, will he be taken out for walks?

We offer 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 $5. We also offer trail walks as part of their playtime program.

24. My pets like to have toys with them. Can they have their favorite toys while boarding?

Your pets may have one or two toys to play with in their kennel during their stay. If you bring toys from home, be sure to mark them with permanent ink with your last name. Your pets' toys will stay with them in their suites and we do our best to return all toys. Occasionally, a toy may be lost during a playtime or cleaning. If you prefer not to bring toys from home, you can purchase toys in our retail center for your pets stay.

We request that you not bring in any of your pet's bedding for their boarding visit. We provide comfortable and sanitary bedding if requested.

25. My pet is diabetic and requires shots?

We do accept diabetic pets for boarding, but there is a charge of $5 per injection to administer treatments to your pet.

26. Is your pet care center air-conditioned?

Our pet care center is fully air-conditioned for summer comfort and heated in the winter.

27. Why are you more expensive than other kennels?

Littleton Pet Center cost a bit more because we offer more: better trained people, better technology and a better quality facility.

At Littleton Pet Center, we are committed to providing an unprecedented level of safety and comfort for our pet guests and service for their owners. Any pet guest visiting Littleton Pet Center is given premium-quality care and attention, including careful monitoring of eating, play and elimination habits. Furthermore, our staff of animal lovers is highly trained, and is compensated for their professionalism and skills.

Ultimately you must decide whether the extra cost is worth the peace of mind. Most of our customers are willing to pay a bit more to ensure that their family pet is well-cared for during their absence.

28. Does my dog need a collar and lead when in the kennels?

No, we do not leave collars on our guests, however, we do require you to have a lead on your dog when bringing them from your car into our kennel. You need to leave the collar and lead here for when you can take your pet home.