What vaccinations are required for pets to be cared for?
Dogs:
- Rabies (required)
- Distemper combination (required)
- Heartworm preventative (required)
- Bordetella (recommended)
- Recent fecal exam (recommended)
Cats:
- Rabies (required)
- Distemper combination (required)
- Feline leukemia (recommended)
My pet is allergic to vaccinations. Can you still accept them?
Yes. However, your pet must undergo titer testing in place of vaccinations. Please plan ahead, as this process can take up to six weeks. Consult your veterinarian about titer testing.
How old does my puppy need to be to board?
We accept puppies as young as 10 weeks old. Since they are not exposed to large groups of dogs, the rabies vaccine is not required until they reach 6 months of age.
Do you board un-altered pets?
- Dogs: Most locations accept unaltered dogs. An additional charge may apply.
- Cats: We do not board unaltered adult cats.
Do you take diabetic pets?
Yes. However, not all host families are comfortable administering injections. Please book early to ensure a proper match. (Additional charges apply for medication administration.)
My pet has special needs. Can you accommodate them?
We do our best to meet special needs such as:
- Seizures
- Medication administration
- Blindness or impaired vision
- Deafness
- Limited mobility
Please inform the office in advance so we can assess availability. Additional daily charges may apply.
Do all host homes have fenced yards?
Some do, and others do not. When outdoors, all dogs are either:
- On a leash, or
- In a fully fenced yard
How do I know my pet is being well cared for?
- All host families are carefully screened, animal-loving individulas
- Hosts undergo an in-home interview and safety inspection
- We would never place a pet in a home where we wouldn’t place our own
We also regularly monitor homes for:
- Cleanliness
- Safety
- Pet care quality
Will my pet return to the same host for each stay?
Whenever possible, yes. However, if the host is unavailable (due to travel, prior bookings, etc.), we will match your pet with another qualified host.
Are other pets boarded at the same time?
Only one client’s pets are placed in a host home at a time to ensure a peaceful and personalized experience.
Can I meet or bring my pet to the host family?
For privacy and quality assurance:
- Clients do not meet hosts directly
- Hosts value their anonymity
- We maintain the relationship to protect the integrity of our service
We will, however, share general host details such as:
- Presence of children
- Yard conditions
- Pets currently in the home, if any.
Can I check in on my pet during their stay?
Absolutely. You can call the local Pets Are Inn office. We’ll provide updates directly from the host family.
Will someone be home with my pet at all times?
Not always. Some hosts work outside the home. If your pet is not used to being left alone, we will place them with a host who is home more frequently.
What is my pet gets sick while I’m away?
- During regular clinic hours, we contact your pet’s designated veterinary clinic
- Outside clinic hours, we will seek care at the nearest emergency vet
- We may contact you or your emergency contact to seek guidance or suggestions.
Is the rate per day or per night?
We charge a daily rate. A half-day charge may apply based on the timing of drop-0ff or pick-up.
Will my pet be placed in a kennel?
No, unless you provide a kennel for:
- Safety during transport
- Special needs (e.g., chewing, incontinence)
Otherwise, our hosts do not use kennels.
Will there be other pets in the host home?
- Some hosts have pets of their own
- If your pet does not get along with others, we will place them in a pet-free home
My cat doesn’t like other cats. Will this be a problem?
We:
- Never mix cats from different families
- Use host homes with no cats of their own
- Do not kennel cats
If you’re boarding a cat with a dog from your family, they may be housed together.
What should I pack for my pet?
Dogs:
- Food and treats (for entire stay)
- Food and water bowls
- Leash (standard)
- 2-4 toys
- Bed or blanket with your scent
- Grooming supplies (optional)
Cats:
- Food and treats
- Litter, litter pan, and scoop
- Scratching post (if not declawed)
How do you find and screen host families?
Host families come from:
- Referrals
- Former clients
- Advertising
All hosts undergo a comprehensive screening including:
- Phone interviews
- In-home inspections
- Safety and pet care evaluations
Do you check on hosts during a pet’s stay?
We:
- Call hosts to check in
- Occasionally visit homes during a pets stay
- Provide support as needed
Are host pets up to date on vaccinations?
Yes. We verify vaccination records with their veterinarians, just as we do with our clients’ pets.
How long has Pets Are Inn been in business?
Since 1982, Pets Are Inn has provided a loving, cage-free alternative for pet boarding.
