Here are some frequently asked questions at Animal Campus. If you need any other question answered please feel free to email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Each group of questions will be broken down per building to help find an answer to your question.
Doggie Dorms (Boarding)
What if I have two or more dogs? Do I get a discount?
Rates are cheaper for multiple dogs staying in the same kennel. This is for both our regular sized kennels and our Deluxe kennels.
Can I get a discount if I have to leave my dog there for an extended period of time?
In the past we have offered discounts for extended stay customers. These are on a case by case basis and we try our best to make such cases as affordable as possible. Usually we will require a minimum of a 20 day stay to consider discounted rates. As this can vary from case to case please contact us for more questions. Just because your pets stay for extended times doesn't guarantee you a discount. Certain requirements and situations must be met to qualify.
How often do my dogs get out to play?
As long as the weather isn't severe weather they will be outside on average 5-6 hours per day. They are let out twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon/evening. In case of severe weather (cold, snow, rain, heat) they will be let out if possible to go to the bathroom and then they will play inside in groups. Most circumstances allow us to still get outside to play but our top priority is your pets safety and we will do what is necessary to keep them safe.
Some kennels I have taken my dogs to in the past have made my dog really stinky, leaving him with a gross kennel smell. How do you deal with that?
Our facilities are VERY clean. Not only do we clean 4 times a day but we also have an air filtration system that helps get the dog smell out. Very few dogs come out with that kennel smell. If you would like we also offer a "Go home bath." This will be given to your pup as close to your pick up time as possible.
Do dogs ever get into fights? What happens if they do?
There have been few times where dogs have gotten into quick altercations. We have changed are rules and have no longer taken toys out in the yards which has caused fewer incidents. We have now also set up a trial day system which gives us a chance to meet your dogs and to make sure that this is the right facility for your pet. If any dog comes into our facility and is having a hard time adjusting to our social environment we will do the best we can to work with these dogs but safety is our number one concern. In the few cases when a dog would be injured we have a Vet on staff to look over all dogs involved. The family of the dog will be contacted and brought up to speed on the situation.
If my dog is injured while staying with you am I going to be stuck with a large bill from your Vet?
If your pet is injured during your stay you will be charged for the Dr's time, medications dispersed, and any material cost that is used. We will also trying and split the bill 50/50 between the two clients that were involved in the altercation. Being that ever case is different it is hard to say an average amount charged. Any major costs will have to be approved by you, unless it is a life threatening situation, and in that rare instance we would do whatever it takes to best care for your dog.
There are many benefits. The main benefit is socializing your dog. So many people i talk to get upset when their dog growls or barks at people and other dogs. Not to mention not being able to play with a new, or unfamiliar dog when they see one at a family event or a park. Just as kids learn social skills in daycare's and schools, dogs learn the same thing at our daycare. They get use to the different smells and behaviors and have a watchful eye on them at all times.
Another benefit is if you just need a break and need a sitter for the day. We have many customers that are remodeling their house, have a new baby, or have other distractions around so they don't have the time or energy to watch them. Daycare is the perfect way to give your dog a fun play day while you get your stuff done.
How much playtime does my dog get during the day?
Weather permitting, they are playing both outdoors in our acre and a half play yard and indoor area for around 7 hours a day. Our daycare follows school rules when it comes to weather and holidays. If schools are closed, we are closed.
Will my dog get dirty will at the daycare?
YES! :) We average about 25 dogs per day and they always seem to find the mud. Certain times of year are worse then others but for the most part there is a great chance your pup will get dirty. Especially due to the fact that we have a pond. We will wipe down your dog at the end of the day to get rid of most of it but we do offer a discounted go home bath for all our customers. The prices for the baths range depending on size and behavior.
Klipperz Pet Grooming
Yes. A cat groom is $40 and includes the haircut, a nail trim, an ear cleaning, and a wet rag wipe down to remove any extra hair. We do not bath cats. In our experience cats are so frightened by the new environment and unfamiliar smells they tend to urinate on themselves defeating the purpose of the bath. Of course if you would like a bath we can attempt it at no extra charge. If your cat doesn't like to be groomed, we can offer sedation for an additional $25.
How experienced are your groomer's ?
Denise our full time groomer has groomed for over 26 years. And Sandy our Part time groomer has groomed for over 15 years. Both are able to groom all dog breeds.
What is all included in a full groom ?
A full groom is a bath with our gold shampoo, a nail trim, ear cleaning (and plucking if required by breed), and haircut of your choice. For an additional $15 you can get your full groom upgraded and get a conditioning treatment, anal cleaning, and teeth cleaning.
Why are some dogs more expensive then others?
Our prices are based on weight and breed. Bigger dogs take longer to do and are more work. Smaller dogs have less surface area and dry a lot quicker. Some breeds require a special cut like a "skirt" on a cocker-spaniel, or shaved feet and face on a poodle. These take more time and skill to do which is why they cost more. Other factors are the condition of the coat and the dogs behavior. The more time a groomer has to spend on your dog, the more it will cost.
If my dog is matted do I have to get it shaved ?
In most cases yes. It is very hard to de-mat a dog. It takes a lot of time and it is painful for the dog. It can also severely thin out a dogs hair making it look bad. De-matting is not possible for dogs with extreme matting. Matting can be caused by lack of brushing and/or the type of coat is has. When a dog is matted it cannot be given a bath or it will worsen. The water will only tighten up the mats causing more discomfort for the dog. If the matting ever gets too severe it is possible to tear the dogs skin. The best thing for almost all dogs when they are matted is to shave them and start over. It may not be the best looking haircut... but hair will grow back.
Will the length of my dogs hair keep them cooler/warmer during the different seasons ?
In most cases no. Dogs are built for weather changes. Some smaller dogs may still require something to keep them warm (like a sweater or such) in the cold winter, and big dogs may need extra water or shade during a hot summer. But for the most part as long as there is no matting the length of their hair has no affect on keeping them warm/cold.
My dog doesn't like to be groomed. I have been told not to come back to some groomers, what can i do?
We try to work with all dog's. We have a very different atmosphere then most grooming shops. We do one dog at a time which seems to lesson the stress levels for most dogs. There is less going on, less barking, and it seems to help them relax in an unfamiliar setting. In the past we have sedated dogs with extreme behavior problems so we could give them a haircut. This of course was requested by the customer and closely overseen by our on-staff Veterinarian. We will try our hardest to find a way to get your dog groomed when no one else will.
Most infections and organ diseases an animal gets start from the mouth...just like humans. Rotting teeth and other oral infections spread all over your pets body. By spending $200 (on average) a year you will extend your pets life, improve the quality of it's life, and save thousands in future medical bills.
What is Canine Influenza?
Canine Influenza, H3N8, is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. It causes flu-like symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and in some dogs may progress to pneumonia. Dogs at highest risk are those who visit boarding, daycare, and grooming facilities where a large number of dogs are present. All dogs un-vaccinated against the virus are susceptible to infection. Canine Influenza is transmitted by direct contact with infected dogs, and by aerosols through coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread on food and water bowls, collars, leashes, and by the clothes and hands of people who handle infected dogs. The virus is inactivated by washing with soap and water.
Treatment of the virus consists of supportive care for the duration of the sickness. Dog owners should contact their veterinarian if they believe their dog has symptoms consistent with the virus. Infected dogs showing symptoms, and even infected dogs not showing symptoms, are contagious for 7-10 days. It is recommended that these dogs be isolated from other dogs for a full two weeks while the virus is running its course. After 14 days the dog is no longer contagious. The H3N8 virus has only been isolated from dogs, and is not believed to be transmissible to humans or other species of family pets.
Diagnosis consists of a visit to your dog's veterinarian, where they may take swabs from inside the dog's nose or throat. Your veterinarian may also draw a small sample of blood at the initial visit and then ask you to return 14 days later for a second blood draw. These samples are then submitted to a diagnostic laboratory.
A vaccine for this virus has recently become available. The vaccine contains an inactivated virus, so the vaccine itself cannot cause respiratory infections. Numerous studies have been conducted on the vaccine, and no side effects have been noted in dogs aging in range from puppies to seniors. Although the vaccine does not always prevent infection, it has been shown to greatly reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
The Canine Influenza, H3N8, vaccine is available at Animal Campus Veterinary Clinic for $25.
What is so good about laser surgery as opposed to the old fashioned way?
Laser surgery has shown to cut back on blood loss during the surgery, minimize infections after surgery and leave your animal feeling less pain after surgery and recovering faster. It is a little more expensive then traditional surgeries, but it gives you the option to improve the quality of care your pet gets. Animal Campus offers both types of surgeries so you can choose what option is best for you and your pet.
What is Lepto 4-way? Why is it now required by your boarding and Daycare buildings?
Lepto 4-way is a shot to help prevent Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a very serious bacterial infection that affects the kidney and liver. If not treated early it can serious harm your pet, and in some cases cause death. Lepto can be spread through animal urine. If a dog infected with lepto urinates in a body of water such as a pond or puddle it can possibly contaminate it. It can also be passed by urine containing Lepto touching an open wound or is splashed in an animals eyes. Lepto can also be spread to humans. Signs of Lepto would be yellow color eyes, vomiting, fever, failure to eat, reduced urine, urine may be brown in color, and lethargy.
Animal Campus chooses to make this a required vaccine because we do offer a pond, and we want to protect all of our guests. While this disease has never been a problem here, we want to prevent it at all costs.
The Lepto 4-way shot is offered at our vet clinic for $9.
Please call us for more info on this and anything else relating to your pets health.
Campus Vet Clinic - (414) 427-2700
