My pets have never been boarded before will they be OK?
Yes. Most pets, just like children on their first day of school, settle in and quickly adjust. We aim to make every guest's visit a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We do this by providing a clean, safe and secure environment with professional animal lovers dedicated to looking after your pet. We love them as we do our own!
Please talk to your dog in "dog lanuage" when dropping them off for their holiday... if you are calm and at ease about leaving them then they will be calm about staying, if you are anxious/nervous this will relay to your dog and he will feel the same emotions. NEVER pat your dog if they is nervous and tell them "it's ok" this tells them there IS something to be fearful of and makes the settling in period much longer and unenjoyable for them. The best thing for you and your pooch is to say a quick goodbye, leave and then they will be taken out the back into the kennel free of your anxiety! This makes for a quick settling in period and means they start having fun sooner. For this reason 'parents' are not permitted in the kennels upon drop off.
What if I am running late can I come out of hours?
No. Our opening hours are designed to make holidaying with us an enjoyable experience for all our guest's. Guest's are disturbed and dogs get over-excited and bark with the constant arrival and departure of pets checking in and out. This is why we have limited opening hours. We are prepared to attend to pets any time, but expect customers to observe & respect our opening times. Plan your trip allowing for traffic and leave with enough time to get here during our open hours. If you are running late and absolutely not going to get here please phone us!
Can I bring my pets bed or a toy?
Preferably not. We provide trampoline beds with blankets for dogs and the cats have a choice of several beds and hidey holes for comfort, most pets prefer companionship to toys. Personal belongings in the kennels often get damaged, dirty or lost. However you can bring coats for dogs in Winter, if your dog wears one. Personal items left must be clearly marked with your pets name and family surname. Any items brought MUST be washable.
How far ahead should I book?
Easter, Christmas and June/July are usually booked out 3-6 months in advance. If booked out when you call you will be placed on a waiting list and called if and when a place becomes available.
Is a deposit required for bookings?
For all peak period bookings (Easter, December/January, September/October and June/July holidays)
A non refundable deposit of 10 days payment per pet is required to be paid no later than 2 weeks after the booking is made. You can pay deposits by Visa & Mastercard over the phone, with cash or EFTPOS at reception during opening hours or via direct deposit. Any peak period booking under 10 days must be paid in full.
My pet is a fussy eater, should I bring his own food?
No, unless they are on a diet prescribed by a vet. We feed a healthy mix of colour free dry biscuits with a gourmet chicken mix (chicken mince, veggies, rice/oats/lentils) that even the fussiest of dogs won’t turn down. Please bring vet prescribed diets in marked zip-lock bags or microwave containers in their daily portions.
Do you offer discounts for long term?
No. Discounts are offered to our VIP guests only. VIP costs $30 per year and offers 5% off all boarding fees and 3 free hydrobaths and personal invitations to any events held.
What if my pets get sick or injures themself?
In the event of accident or illness the Alice Springs Veterinary Hospital is on call 24/7. If the need is non urgent - we will phone you first, if it is urgent - we phone the vet first. All veterinary cost's and transport to and from the vets along with vehicle sterilisation are the responsibility of the pet owner and must be paid prior to check out. Actual Veterinary Fees will be charged to the credit card left on the Vet Consent Form at time of consultation. Veterinary Consent Forms MUST be completed prior to or at check in, pets will not be accepted without this form.
Can I phone and check on my pet?
Yes, if you feel the need to and it makes you more comfortable. Keep in mind that we will always endeavour to contact you, or an alternate contact person, if there is a problem. For a small fee you can also opt to have web updates for your pet where you will be able to see photos and video of your pets at play on our Guest Galleries page. (Go to Guest Gallery for a sample)
What if I cannot pick up on the original check out day and need to extend?
Please phone and advise us as soon as possible. Except for Christmas & June/July Holidays, extensions are rarely a problem. Any additional days can be paid for on pick up.
What if I have a change of plans and wish to pick up early?
For cats no problem, as they don't get bathed. For dogs staying over 7 days you must give us at least 24 hours notice to ensure they still get their complimentary hydrobath. Remembering that payment for the dates booked is required at time of check in and there are no refunds for early pick up.
Can you bath my dogs before I pick him up?
Yes. Hydrobaths are complimentary for dogs staying 7 days or more. Hydrobaths should be booked and paid at check in for dogs staying under 7 days (See Optional Extras). If you change your pick up date or time you must give us 24 hours notice prior to your booked departure time, as we aim to keep them clean and dry for the home trip.
Please Note: We will not bath dogs if the temperature is under 15 degrees.
My dog needs exercise. Can he be taken out for a walk?
No. Unfortunately due to the large number of stray unruly dogs wandering around Alice Springs, we feel it is in the dogs best interest not to be walked outside the premises. Instead we offer group playtimes several times a day for the social dogs and extra cuddles and one-on-one playtime for the antisocial.
My pet sometimes looses/gains weight when boarding, is that normal?
Yes. Just like us humans when we go on holidays, our weight can change and so can your pets. A change of atmosphere, extra activity from playing and running around having fun, or eating healthy nutritious food (and there is plenty of good food on offer) can all effect your pets weight. A moderate change in weight is not unusual.
Most dogs are "over fed with love" at home, therefore overweight pets will quite often go home looking a little more trim and tought (and healthier) as they are fed proper proportionate nutrition and not as many 'tid-bits' as they are fed at home.
If your pet is obese, please feel free to talk to us about a weight-watchers fresh food diet plan.
After all, our aim is to send your kids home in as good as, or better condition than when they came in for their holiday.
We trust all your questions have been answered should you wish to know about something that is not answered here please email and ask our friendly staff, we will endeavour to answer your question and then add it to our FAQ's.
