Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Do you offer trials or temperament visits?

A:   All new clients MUST book a Daycare trial appointment prior to any Overnight Boarding. During the trial appointment, your dog's temperament will be assessed to determine how they will react to the owner, student workers, an open kennel environment, other dogs, etc.


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 help 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:  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:  Do you accept dogs that are not neutered or spayed?

A:  Yes; we 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:  Do you accept dogs that are in heat?

A:  Yes; we accept dogs that are in heat. There is an additional fee & we just ask that owners provide doggie diapers to assist with cleanup.


Q:  Where will my dog be staying & will they be with other dogs?

A:  At this time, Champ STRONG Kennels is a HOME BASED business with a capacity of 16 kennels for overnight boarding & additional space for day care appointments.  We are located about 10 minutes from Downtown Columbia.  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 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.   To keep dogs currently booked from being overstimulated, ONLY curbside dropoff/pickup is available at this time.  


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 if you opt for the facility to provide food instead of you bringing your own (Pure Balance Chicken & Brown Rice).  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:  What do services include?

A:  Services include a courtesy photo update; Individual crate; Pillows &/or bedding; Bowls for food & water; Classical background music for relaxation; Potty breaks every 2-3 hours; Exercise & play indoors & outdoors; Toys & other enrichment items. 


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 a full night versus a half?

A:  Overnight Boarding is charged by the night with pickup the next morning. If picking up the next evening, a half night will be charged. Example: a Monday morning dropoff & Wednesday morning pickup will be charged (2) nights; a Monday morning dropoff & Wednesday evening pickup will be charged (2) & a half nights; a Monday evening dropoff & Wednesday morning pickup will still be charged (2) nights & a Monday evening dropoff & Wednesday evening pickup will still be charged (2) & a half nights.


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:  What is the structure for days during my dogs stay?

A:  Days are structured around the amount of dogs being cared for, the number of dropoffs/pickups for the day, as well as owner instructions for each dog.  However, we typically follow the following routine:


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 the start of your request, 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 an Overnight Boarding request is cancelled 48 or more hours prior to the stay.  If an Overnight Boarding request is cancelled less than 48 hours prior, 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 dog prior to the end of their stay, you will not be issued a refund for any remaining days.  If a Daycare request is cancelled 48 or more hours prior to the stay, a 100% refund will be issued.  If a Daycare 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.  Please make sure you do not let them overeat or drink excessively when returning home as this can cause vomiting.


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.