Q: What days are you open & what days are you closed?
A: We currently offer curbside dropoff & pickup only. Please use the "I'm on my way!" feature in the app before leaving, then select "I am here!" or send us a message upon arrival. Please arrive at your scheduled time to help keep the process smooth & our environment calm.
Q: Do you offer Daycare?
A: Daycare is offered on a limited, as-needed basis & is subject to availability. Overnight Boarding remains our primary service. If you're interested in Daycare, please contact us to inquire about available dates. Daycare trials are still required for new clients before Boarding.
Q: Do you offer trials or temperament visits?
A: Yes! All new clients must complete a Daycare appointment as a trial before Boarding. During the trial, we assess your dog's temperament, behavior around other dogs, & comfort in our environment. Returning clients who haven't booked within 6 months or more are also required to complete a new trial.
Q: When should I schedule a temperament visit?
A: We recommend scheduling your trial well in advance of your Boarding appointment. This allows time to make other arrangements if our environment isn't the right fit for your dog. For dogs new to Daycare or Boarding, occasional daycare visits may also help them adjust.
Q: My dog does not play well with others. Can I still book an appointment?
A: Unfortunately, no. We have an open kennel environment where dogs interact with one another throughout the day. For everyone's safety & comfort, dogs must be able to socialize appropriately with others. Dogs requiring one-on-one or separated care may be better suited for a private care provider.
Q: Does my dog need to be up-to-date on vaccinations?
A: Yes! All dogs must be current on DHPP/DAPP, Rabies, & Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccinations. We also require a 48-hour waiting period after vaccinations before attending Daycare or Boarding.
Q: Is there an age requirement for puppies? Can they board without vaccinations?
A: Puppies are welcome as long as they are current on all age appropriate vaccinations & boosters. We recommend confirming with your veterinarian that your puppy is ready for a group care environment before booking.
Q: Do you accept unneutered or unspayed dogs?A: Yes! We accept unneutered & unspayed dogs. Please ensure your pet's profile is complete & includes accurate information about their spay/neuter status, vaccinations, feeding instructions, & emergency contacts
Q: Do you accept dogs in heat?
A: Yes, we accept dogs in heat. We ask that you provide doggie diapers to assist with cleanup. Please notify us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Q: My dog was recently neutered or spayed. Can they attend Daycare or Boarding?
A: Dogs must wait at least 10–14 days after surgery before attending Daycare or Boarding. They must also be fully healed & cleared to resume normal activity.
Q: Where will my dog stay? Will they be with other dogs?
A: Champ STRONG Kennels is a small, home based boarding business located in Northeast Columbia with a maximum capacity of 6 dogs. Each dog has their own individual kennel but shares indoor & outdoor common areas with other dogs during supervised playtime.
Q: How much space does my dog have?
A: Each dog has their own 2 ft. x 4 ft. kennel. We also have approximately 150 sq. ft. of indoor play space & a 3,000 sq. ft. fenced backyard for outdoor play & potty breaks.
Q: Will my dog be in a kennel? If so, for how long?
A: Kennels are used during sleeping, feeding, dropoffs/pickups, & whenever we need to step away. Otherwise, dogs enjoy supervised indoor & outdoor playtime throughout the day.
Q: Will someone be with my dog 24 hours a day?
A: While we are home based, someone is not physically present 24 hours a day. We are on site for much of the day but may step away for errands or appointments. Dogs are safely secured in their individual kennels during these times.
Q: What is a typical day like for my dog?
A: Our typical daily routine includes:
7–8 AM: Breakfast & potty break
11 AM–1 PM: Lunch (if applicable), rest time & outdoor break
5–6 PM: Dinner & outdoor break
9 PM: Bedtime
Potty breaks are provided approximately every 2–3 hours, with indoor & outdoor playtime, rest periods, & enrichment activities throughout the day. Schedules may vary based on each dog's needs.
Q: What do services include?
A: Our services include an individual kennel, bedding, food & water bowls, toys, indoor & outdoor playtime, potty breaks every 2–3 hours, enrichment activities, relaxing music, & a courtesy daily photo update. Enrichment may include interactive puzzles, treat-filled Kong toys, & other supervised activities.
Q: How will I know my dog is doing okay?
A: We provide a courtesy photo pupdate once daily, typically around midday. If any concerns arise during your dog's stay, we will contact you immediately. Additional pupdates may also be shared on our social media stories.
Q: What is the drop-off & pick-up process?
A: Use the app to let us know when you are on the way by selecting the "I'm on my way!" feature. Upon arrival, send us a message or select "I am here!" in the app. To keep our environment calm, we currently offer curbside drop-off & pick-up only.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Please bring your dog's regular food, medications, & any necessary personal items. We provide kennels, beds, bowls, & toys. All dogs must arrive secured on a leash for safety.
Q: What kind of food do you provide if I choose food service?
A: We recommend bringing your dog's regular food to avoid digestive issues. However, food service is available for an additional fee & includes Pure Balance Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe.
Q: What are peak rates?
A: An additional $5 per night applies during holidays & peak seasons. Holiday rates generally apply to bookings within 2 days of major holidays. Peak seasons include high-demand periods such as spring & fall breaks.
Q: What is the difference between full & half-night charges?
A: Boarding is charged by the night. Morning pickups do not incur any additional charges, while afternoon pickups result in an additional half-night charge.
For example:
Monday morning dropoff → Tuesday morning pickup = 1 night
Monday morning dropoff → Tuesday afternoon pickup = 1.5 nights
We recommend morning dropoffs & pickups to maximize your dog's stay & avoid additional charges.
Q: How do I pay for services?
A: Payment is due upon receipt of your invoice & must be completed before your appointment. Unpaid appointments may be canceled if payment is not received at least 2 days before your scheduled start date. We accept major credit/debit cards, CashApp, PayPal, & Venmo. Card payments may be subject to a processing fee. Partial payments may be arranged upon request.
Q: Do you offer referral incentives?
A: Yes! Earn one free day of Daycare or one night of Boarding for each referral who completes a paid booking. Your referral must include your name in the notes of their booking request to qualify.
Q: Can I make changes to my booking?
A: Yes! Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to adjust your appointment. Changes are subject to availability & may result in additional charges.
Q: Can I cancel a booking?
A: Yes. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before your appointment are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are subject to partial refunds or credits according to our Cancellation Policy. Early pickups are nonrefundable. Please review our full Cancellation Policy for details.
Q: What happens if my dog becomes injured or ill?
A: If your dog becomes ill or injured during their stay, we will contact you & seek veterinary care when necessary. Clients are responsible for veterinary expenses related to their pet's care, as outlined in our service agreement.
Please ensure your emergency contact information is current & includes someone other than your spouse who is authorized & available to pick up your dog if needed.
Q: Why did my dog vomit or have diarrhea after boarding?
A: Changes in routine, excitement, stress, or diet can sometimes cause digestive upset after boarding. However, vomiting or diarrhea may also indicate an illness. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms occur, especially if they are persistent, severe, or accompanied by other concerns.
Q: Why is my dog tired after boarding?
A: Dogs are often more active during Boarding than they are at home. Between playing, socializing, & exploring, your dog may need some extra rest after returning home.
Q: Why is my dog eating & drinking more after returning home?
A: Some dogs eat or drink less than usual in a new environment. Once home, they may return to their normal habits or seem extra hungry or thirsty. Offer their regular meals & access to fresh water, & contact your veterinarian if excessive eating or drinking continues or seems unusual.
Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes! Champ STRONG Kennels is insured through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC.
Champ STRONG, LLC does not discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected category. If you have a question that has not been answered, feel free to contact us at champstrongllc@gmail.com.