FAQs
Q: Do you offer trials or temperament visits?
A: All new clients MUST book a Day Care appointment prior to any overnight stay as a trial. During the Day Care stay, your dog's temperament will be assessed to determine how they will react to an open kennel environment, other dogs, etc.
Q: Do you accept last minute booking requests?
A: We DO NOT accept last minute booking requests from new clients. Booking requests from repeat clients that are submitted less than 48 hours of the appointment may or may not be booked depending upon availability. If booked, a $4/day fee will be applied. Requests submitted outside of business hours (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) may not be processed until the next business day.
Q: Where will my dog be staying?
A: At this time, Champ STRONG Kennels is a HOME BASED business with a capacity of 10 kennels for overnight boarding & additional space for day care appointments. We are located in Columbia, SC about 7 minutes from Downtown. For security reasons the address is not disclosed until booking requests are complete. We have ample space both indoors & outdoors, with a large fenced in backyard.
Q: What time can I dropoff & pickup my dog?
A: The time you select for dropoff/pickup MUST be adhered to. Select a specific dropoff/pickup time between the hours of 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM or 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM. You will be charged a half day if you change your dropoff/pickup time without providing at least 30 minutes notice. The fee will also apply if we must contact you to determine the time change for your dropoff/pickup. You will receive a partial refund if changes are made to your dropoff/pickup time & we do not provide at least 30 minutes notice of the change to you.
Q: What is the process for dropping off & picking up my dog?
A: Use the app to alert us of your upcoming arrival by selecting the "I'm on my way!" feature or send us a message. When you arrive, BEFORE exiting your vehicle, use the app to select "I am here!" or send a message to let us know you have arrived. ONLY curbside dropoff/pickup is available at this time. Wearing a mask during dropoff/pickup is encouraged.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: You MUST bring food, treats or anything else your dog will need. Toys, bowls, beds & crates are all provided for you. Food service is available at an additional cost per day if you opt not to bring your own food. Per the City of Columbia Code of Ordinances, all dogs MUST be on a leash upon arrival & departure. Failure to do so may result in a $200 fine.
Q: Will you be with my dog for 24 hours of the day?
A: Since Champ STRONG Kennels is a home based business, we are on site with your dog all day (aside from stepping away for appointments or to run any errands).
Q: Will my dog be in a crate & if so, for how long?
A: For safety reasons, crates are used for sleeping, eating, & briefly during dropoffs, pickups or when we need to step away from the kennel. Aside from that, your dog is free to roam & play all day in the kennel space as well as outside in the backyard for potty breaks taken every 2-3 hours.
Q: Does my dog need to be up-to-date on vaccinations?
A: Yes; vaccinations MUST be up-to-date as they are the safest way to try & prevent illnesses from spreading. Places where dogs are in close proximity to one another, such as boarding facilities, are at a higher risk for outbreaks. Your dog should be up-to-date on vaccinations such as DHPP/DAPP, Rabies, & Bordetella. Please contact your veterinarian to ensure that they are.
Q: Is there an age requirement for my puppy? Can they be boarded if they have not received their rabies vaccination?
A: We DO NOT have an age requirement. Your puppy is welcome to board as long as they are current on their puppy vaccinations. The first vaccinations are given at 6–8 weeks, followed by monthly vaccinations for the next 3 months. The Bordetella vaccination for kennel cough can be given as early as 9 weeks. The rabies vaccination is usually given at 4 months. We recommend that you speak with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is cleared to board.
Q: Will my dog be the only dog in your care during their stay?
A: Depending on the number of booking requests received, your dog will be with 1-8 other dogs. Our capacity is currently (10) dogs per day depending on breed, weight & temperament.
Q: Do you accept dogs that are not neutered or spayed?
A: Yes; we do accept dogs that are not neutered or spayed. All owners MUST complete their owner & pet profiles in the app which should include this information along with details on feeding, immunizations, veterinarian, current mailing address, emergency contact etc. Emergency contacts MUST be someone who can pickup your dog in the event of an emergency while you are away, NOT your spouse. Your spouse’s info can be added in your app profile as a “Family Member”.
Q: What is the difference between Day Care & Boarding?
A: Day care is a short term option if you need pet care for 12 hours or less. Boarding is a long term option if you need pet care overnight.
Q: What are regular rates & what are peak rates?
A: There is an additional $4/day during holidays & peak seasons. Booking requests that fall within (2) days of a holiday are considered holiday bookings. Peak seasons are times throughout the year that are extremely busy & highly requested like spring break, fall break, etc.
Q: What is the difference between being charged for a half day versus a full day?
A: For overnight boarding, you will be charged for each night your dog is booked. If you dropoff Monday morning & pickup Wednesday morning, you will be charged for (2) days. If you dropoff Monday morning & pickup Wednesday evening, you will be charged for (2) days & there will be an additional charge of a half day for extended care (2-12 hours). If you dropoff Monday evening & pickup Wednesday morning, you will still be charged for (2) days, so we recommend a morning dropoff & pickup or evening dropoff & pickup to maximize your dog's stay.
Q: How will I know that my dog is okay & adjusting well?
A: You will receive a courtesy photo update. Please refrain from requests for updates. If your dog is having any issues or causing any concern, you will be contacted immediately. No news is good news. You are also welcome to check social media for additional updates here.
Q: I selected Food Service; what kind of food do you provide?
A: Sudden changes in diet can result in digestive issues & discomfort; because of this, we encourage you to bring your dog's regular food. However, if selecting food service & your dog is not sensitive to eating other foods, the food provided will be Pure Balance Chicken & Brown Rice.
Q: How do I pay for the services I am booking?
A: Requests are first come first serve. Your request may be cancelled based upon changes in our availability. If you receive an invoice, payment is due upon receipt of the invoice to confirm your request. If payment is not received by close of business at 7:00 PM the day before your stay, your request will be cancelled. We accept electronic payments via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Apple Pay & other major card services. CashApp, PayPal & Zelle are also accepted.
Q: Can I make changes to my booking if it has already been booked & confirmed?
A: Yes; if you need to make any updates to the service(s) you booked, please contact us as soon as possible.
Q: Can I cancel a booking?
A: A full refund will be issued if a Boarding request is cancelled 48 hours prior to the stay. If a Boarding request is cancelled less than 48 hours prior to the stay, a 50% refund will be issued for the first 2 days & a 100% refund will be issued for any remaining days. If you opt to pickup your pet prior to the end of their stay, you will not be issued a refund for any remaining days. If a Day Care request is cancelled more than 48 hours prior to the stay, a 100% refund will be issued. If a Day Care request is cancelled less than 48 hours prior to the stay, there is no refund & payment can be credited towards a future stay. A no call, no show will result in a cancellation with no refund. If at any point we need to cancel your request, you will be contacted as soon as possible & receive a full refund unless you opt to use your payment as a credit..
Q: What happens if my dog becomes injured or ill?
A: As with any pet care facility, illnesses can be passed from one pet to another. In the rare event that your dog shows symptoms of illness, we will seek immediate intervention &/or treatment. However, under no circumstances will we assume responsibility for expenses related to your dog after your departure. All reasonable precautions will be taken against injury, escape, or death of your dog. It is understood that any problems that develop with your dog while you are absent will be treated by the veterinarian you have listed, or a local or emergency veterinary clinic should your veterinarian be unavailable. You assume full responsibility for any treatment expenses involved.
Q: My dog has vomited &/or had diarrhea after boarding; why?
A: Sometimes vomiting &/or diarrhea in the first 48 hours after returning home is normal & often due to your dog's excitement about returning to their owners & everyday environment. However, if symptoms last more than 48 hours after returning home, your dog should be monitored &/or taken to their veterinarian for a checkup.
Q: Why is my dog tired after returning home?
A: Your dog may return home & spend a lot of time sleeping due to the fact that a kennel environment may be more busy than they are used to. Your dog is being entertained with toys & they may be playing with other dogs indoors & outdoors to keep them active while away. They may often need more sleep when they return home after all of the fun they had.
Q: Why is my dog eating &/or drinking more after returning home?
A: We make sure that your dog will eat & drink according to the schedule you provide. However, it is common for some dogs to eat & drink a less while they are boarding in a new environment away from their home. This is why we try to give one-on-one attention as needed during feeding times to ensure they are eating & drinking as they should be.
Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes; we are a member of & insured through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC.
Champ STRONG, LLC does not discriminate in providing services to clients on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
If you have a question that has not been answered, feel free to contact us at champstrongllc@gmail.com.