You Ask, We Fetch the Answers!
We know that leaving your pet in someone else’s care comes with a lot of questions—and we’re here to answer them all. Whether you're scheduling daycare, lodging, grooming, or arranging in-home visits, this FAQ section covers our most commonly asked questions about our services, policies, and what to expect during your pet’s experience with us.
Explore the topics below to feel confident, prepared, and informed—every step of the way.
Common Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at info@kkhowlidayinn.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Check-in and check-out are available daily from 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Please note: No check-ins or check-outs are available on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day.
Some grooming appointments may be scheduled outside of these standard timeframes. If you have a grooming service booked, we’ll coordinate specific drop-off and pick-up times directly with you.
Yes. Dogs checking out between 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM will be charged a late pick-up fee equal to half the nightly lodging rate per dog.
Our system uses check-in times to manage suite availability and schedule arrivals efficiently. Please provide your preferred drop-off and pick-up times in 15-minute increments when requesting your pet’s service.
We accept cash, checks, debit cards, and all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Please note: All credit card payments will incur a 3% service fee. To avoid this fee, clients may pay with cash, check, or debit card.
Payment is expected at pick up. However, clients are welcome to prepay in advance if they prefer.
To ensure the health and safety of all our canine guests, the following are required:
- Rabies (annual)
- DHPP or DHLPP (annual)
- Bordetella (annual)
- Flea & tick preventative (must be current and applied regularly)
- Fecal test – Required only if your dog will participate in group play.
The test must show a negative result and be current according to your vet’s guidance.
For your convenience, here is a link to our Vaccination Checklist that you can share with your dog's/dogs' veterinarian - Howliday Inn Vaccination Checklist
No, but it is highly encouraged. We recommend speaking with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
If you choose not to vaccinate your dog for H3N2, we do require that you sign a waiver acknowledging the risk.
Great question! While you can upload your pet’s vaccination documents through your client portal, expiration dates are not automatically updated in the system. For safety and accuracy, only our Canine Concierge team can manually verify and enter expiration dates after reviewing the documents.
Here’s how it works:
- After you upload records, our team reviews them and updates your pet’s profile manually
- You may also have your veterinarian email the records directly to us at info@kkhowlidayinn.com
- If your vet allows it, we’re happy to request the records on your behalf—just let us know
📌 Please note: Not all veterinary offices permit third-party record requests
🐶 Helpful Tip: Our system sends automatic reminders 30 days before any required vaccine expires. Be sure to allow emails from Kritter Kare’s Howliday Inn so you stay up to date!
A reservation is only considered Confirmed when the following are complete:
- All required vaccinations are current and verified
- All necessary agreements are signed
- A deposit (if applicable) has been received
- A confirmation email has been sent by our team
Only dogs with Confirmed reservations will be eligible for check-in.
📬 Important: We highly recommend that you accept all forms of communication from Kritter Kare’s Howliday Inn—including email and SMS—so you don’t miss your confirmation notice, important updates, or schedule changes.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and seamless experience for all our canine guests.
Yes, we do! At Kritter Kare’s Howliday Inn, we love rewarding our loyal clients. Here are several ways you can save on lodging, daycare, and grooming:
🐾 The Howliday Perks™ Program
The Howliday Perks™ Program is an opt-in loyalty program created to thank our clients for choosing Kritter Kare’s Howliday Inn. Once enrolled, members can earn points on qualifying purchases, receive monthly scratch-off savings with select memberships, enjoy exclusive one-time offers, and take advantage of referral rewards for both the referring client and the new client.
Perks may include discounted services, complimentary add-ons, or special savings opportunities. New perks are introduced throughout the year, making it easy to enjoy added value while providing your animal companion with exceptional care.
🎖️ Military & First Responder Discount
We proudly offer 10% off all in-house services for:
- Active or retired military personnel
- First responders
Proof of service/employment required. Discount is applied to your client profile.
📦 Packages & Memberships
We offer pre-paid packages and memberships that bundle services at a discounted rate—perfect for frequent guests who love convenience and consistent care.
💌 Seasonal Specials & Newsletter Exclusives
We extend exclusive savings opportunities throughout the year, including:
- Limited-time promotions
- Holiday specials
- Early booking incentives
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about these offers!
Dog Lodging Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at info@kkhowlidayinn.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Lodging is charged per night, and your drop-off day counts as Night #1 of the stay.
Yes. A 50% deposit is required to secure your dog’s reservation.
This deposit is applied to your total lodging bill and must be submitted through our client database system at the time of booking.
Yes. A modest holiday fee is added to stays that include certain holidays.
If you need to cancel, please do so at least 48 hours before your scheduled check-in.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice, or no-shows, will forfeit the 50% deposit for the reservation.
At Howliday Inn, our lodging experience is intentionally personalized and one-on-one. We maintain a low dog-to-staff ratio to ensure that every potty break, walk, and extra service is spent with just your dog and a member of our Canine Concierge team. This individualized attention allows us to truly get to know each guest and provide care tailored to their unique needs and personality.
This approach is different from many larger facilities—and it’s something we’re proud of! It helps us provide a safe, calm, and enjoyable stay for all types of dogs, regardless of breed, age, or temperament.
However, if your dog enjoys social play and has:
- Passed a social evaluation within the last 3 months, or
- Regularly participates in our daycare program,
they may join our group daycare sessions during their stay, upon request. In these cases, group play will replace extended walk/playtime sessions as part of their lodging experience.
Let us know your dog’s preferences at the time of booking—we’re happy to create the best fit for their stay!
🍽️ Food Requirements:
To help us follow your dog’s regular feeding routine:
- Pre-portion all meals in individual, labeled bags or containers
- If your dog receives different meals at different times, or if you have multiple dogs with different food, please clearly label:
- The dog’s name
- The meal time (e.g., “Breakfast – includes medication” or “Dinner – Dog A only”)
We offer up to three meals per day, so please pack accordingly.
💊 Medication Instructions:
If your dog requires medication during their stay, please follow these guidelines:
- All medications must be brought in the original prescription bottle, with the veterinarian’s instructions clearly labeled
- If any pills need to be split or cut, please pre-cut and prepare those doses in advance and include enough for the full stay
- This helps ensure medications are administered safely and accurately
🧸 Personal Belongings Policy:
You may bring up to two personal items from home to help your dog feel comfortable. Popular choices include:
- A blanket (washable, no larger than full-size)
- A favorite toy
⚠️ Please note: Personal items are left at your own risk.
They may become lost, damaged, or destroyed during your pet’s stay. We kindly ask that you do not bring anything irreplaceable or of sentimental value.
🥣 Bowls:
We provide food and water bowls for all guests. Please do not bring bowls, unless:
- Your dog has a specific allergy or feeding preference that requires a special type of bowl
- Ceramic or glass bowls are not allowed, as they can easily break.
We know you're excited to reunite with your dog! To make the process smooth, we’ll ask you to settle your bill before we bring your pet out, as their excitement can make check-out paperwork tricky.
📅 Changes to Pickup Plans:
- Early Pick-Up? Please call us the day before—especially if your pet is scheduled for a bath.
- Extending the Stay? Let us know as soon as possible so we can adjust our schedule and care routines.
- Someone Else Picking Up? Provide us with their name and phone number. For security, we won’t release pets to unauthorized individuals.
💧 At-Home Reentry Tips:
Your pet may seem very thirsty or hungry when they get home—but please do not offer large amounts of food or water immediately. Excitement and nerves can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. Let them settle before feeding.
🦠 A Note on CIRDC ("Kennel Cough"):
After lodging or any time spent in a dog care setting, it’s possible for pets to be exposed to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)—a common, highly contagious illness spread in any shared dog environment (including parks, groomers, and vet offices).
Dogs are often contagious before showing symptoms, making prevention challenging, even in clean, well-managed facilities like ours.
Possible symptoms include:
- Honking cough
- Sneezing, nasal or eye discharge
- Fatigue or decreased appetite
- Mild fever
Most dogs recover within 7–10 days with rest and basic care. If your dog develops symptoms, please contact your vet for confirmation and notify us with the vet instructions/medicines prescribed so we can take extra precautions.
Dog Daycare/On-site Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at info@kkhowlidayinn.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Because we believe one size doesn't fit all when it comes to daycare. Some dogs can become overly tired or overstimulated by all-day play, while others may get bored with a repetitive routine.
At Howliday Inn, our trained Dog Daycare Supervisor and experienced daycare team design a balanced, engaging schedule that includes:
- High-quality, supervised playtime with other dogs
- Small group activities to keep things fresh and fun
- Plenty of rest breaks to avoid burnout
- And personalized one-on-one attention with staff throughout the day
Our goal is to ensure your dog enjoys a safe, enriching, and well-paced experience that’s tailored to their needs—so they go home happy, relaxed, and ready to come back!
Before joining our daycare program, all dogs must complete a two-day social evaluation.
This process helps us:
- Determine if daycare is the right environment for your dog
- Learn about your dog’s personality, preferences, and play style
- Match them with compatible playgroups for safety and fun
- Introduce you to how we operate, so you understand the “why” behind our approach
- Develop a plan moving forward if your dog needs support adjusting (e.g., overcoming shyness)
If we find that daycare isn't the best fit, we’ll explain why—and work with you on other options that suit your dog’s unique needs.
Curious about what happens if daycare doesn’t work out? [Click here to read: My Dog Got Kicked Out of Daycare Today]
Getting started is simple and designed with your dog’s comfort in mind.
1. Submit the Daycare Interest Form
Start by filling out our quick form on the Dog Daycare page. This helps our team get to know your pup and see if group play may be a good fit.
2. We'll Reach Out to You
Once our Daycare Supervisor reviews your form, you’ll receive a follow-up email or phone call to go over any questions and schedule your pup’s two-day social evaluation.
3. Create a Client Profile
Before we can proceed, you’ll need to create a profile in our client database.
4. Submit Vaccinations & Agreements
All dogs participating in group play must have:
- Proof of all required vaccinations
- A negative fecal screening
- All necessary agreements signed and submitted
You can upload vet records directly to your profile, or have your vet email them to us.
5. Schedule the Social Evaluation
Once we have your dog’s profile, vaccination records, and signed forms, we’ll schedule the two-day evaluation. We prefer these visits to occur on two consecutive weekdays, with your dog staying from around 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day.
We never rush this process. Our goal is to set every dog up for success, giving them time to acclimate to the environment and recognize us as a safe, positive space.
It all depends on what your dog enjoys most!
We start with a thorough assessment to learn your dog’s preferences, personality, and play style. From there, we tailor their day with enrichment activities that suit them best—whether that’s active play, mental stimulation, or calm bonding time.
We also offer monthly themed plans, which help guide a rotating calendar of creative, seasonal, and sensory-based experiences that keep things fresh and fun.
Some of our activities include:
- Fetch & tug sessions
- Nature hikes
- Pool time
- Nosework & agility
- Tricks & training games
- Massage time
- Stuffed Kong enrichment
- Small group play and more!
Each day is thoughtfully curated so your pup stays engaged, happy, and enriched in a way that feels just right for them.
Yes—but only during scheduled rest periods.
When it’s time for a break, your dog will be given a quiet, comfortable space to rest—typically a crate or run equipped with bedding, fresh water, and lunch (if provided). This downtime allows your dog to recharge between play sessions, which is essential for their physical and emotional well-being.
We believe that learning to relax in a calm environment is just as important as social play—especially in a structured, balanced daycare setting.
Absolutely! Your dog will go home happily tired—not overexerted.
Our daycare is designed to provide high-quality play sessions balanced with intentional rest periods, so your dog gets the right amount of exercise without becoming overly exhausted. This helps prevent injury and ensures your pup still has energy to enjoy dinner and family time at home.
Grooming Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at info@kkhowlidayinn.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We are a full-service grooming facility with an experienced, compassionate grooming team on staff. Whether your dog needs a full haircut, bath, nail trim, or a specialty service, we’re here to make them look and feel their best.
For a detailed list of grooming services, visit our Grooming Services page
Yes, all grooming services must be scheduled in advance.
We offer the convenience of online grooming requests, but please note that submitting a request does not guarantee an appointment. Our grooming team will review your request and contact you to confirm availability.
Appointments are scheduled based on:
- Your pet’s grooming needs
- Groomer availability
- Your preferred day and time (when possible)
We recommend booking ahead, especially around holidays or busy seasons, as spots fill up quickly.
Once confirmed, you’ll receive a call, text, or email with your pet’s appointment details.
Yes! Grooming services can often be added to your dog’s daycare or lodging reservation—just let us know when booking. We’ll schedule their grooming session during their stay and make sure they’re fresh, clean, and ready to go home looking their best.
Advance notice is highly recommended, as grooming spots are limited and must be scheduled ahead of time.
Grooming times can vary depending on your dog’s breed, coat type, size, requested services, and behavior during the appointment.
In general, appointments take between 1.5 to 4 hours.
We’ll provide you with an estimated timeframe in your appointment details and send you a text when your dog is ready for pick-up.
Yes, depending on your dog’s arrival time, grooming schedule, and pick-up window, they may be briefly placed in a crate or one of our suites before or after their appointment.
We make sure all dogs are safe, comfortable, and well-monitored while they rest. We use clean, well-ventilated crates or suites with soft bedding when needed, and we always prioritize your dog’s well-being. Potty breaks are also offered as needed, so your dog stays relaxed and comfortable throughout their visit.
Yes, we warmly welcome both puppies and senior dogs—and we offer special grooming packages designed just for them.
These age groups often require more time, patience, and individualized attention to ensure a calm, comfortable, and positive grooming experience. Whether it's your puppy’s first groom or your senior dog needs a gentle touch, we adjust our approach to meet their specific needs.
If your dog has limited mobility, anxiety, or other special considerations, just let us know. Our team is trained to adapt and create a low-stress, supportive environment every step of the way.
Our grooming team is trained to work patiently and compassionately with dogs of all temperaments—including those who are anxious, fearful, or reactive. We truly appreciate the opportunity to discuss any concerns with pet parents before the grooming appointment. This open communication allows us to understand your dog’s unique needs and set clear, realistic expectations for their visit.
We take the time to build trust with each dog and will never rush or force a service that may compromise the safety of your pet—or our team.
You have our commitment:
- We will never promise results we can’t deliver, and
- We will never push a dog beyond what’s safe or appropriate for their comfort level.
If we feel your dog’s needs would be better served in a different environment or approach, we’ll be honest with you and recommend alternative options. We know that we may not be the best fit for every pup, and that’s okay—our goal is always to do what’s in the best interest of your dog. Open communication and shared expectations are key to making grooming a positive experience for everyone involved.
When dropping off your dog for grooming, please bring:
- A secure leash and collar or harness
- Any special instructions or health notes (e.g., allergies, sensitive skin, recent surgery)
- If needed, your vet-approved shampoo or medicated products
If you have a specific style or haircut in mind, feel free to bring a photo or example of what you’re looking for. This is always helpful and allows our groom team to confirm what’s possible based on your dog’s coat, condition, and temperament—so everyone is on the same page. We’ll take care of the rest and ensure your pup is safe, comfortable, and looking their best!
We understand that plans can change!
We kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a grooming appointment.
Because grooming spots are limited and in high demand, any no-show or late cancellation (less than 48 hours’ notice) that occurs more than once will result in a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the scheduled grooming service.
If you're running late, just give us a call—we’ll do our best to accommodate, but please note that late arrivals may need to be rescheduled depending on our groomers’ availability.
In-Home Pet Sitting/Dog Walking Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at info@kkhowlidayinn.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We offer a range of flexible services including:
- Dog walking (15, 30, 45, or 60+ minute visits)
- Drop-in pet sitting (1 or multiple visits per day)
- Overnight stays in your home
We’ll help you create a customized care plan that best fits your pet’s needs and routine.
We offer visits in a variety of time options to best suit your pet’s needs:
15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or longer.
Visits are scheduled within time blocks (e.g., morning, midday, evening) to allow our sitters to provide care for multiple households during each block. This helps us manage routes efficiently while still delivering high-quality care. However, we absolutely take into account pets with medical or special needs that require care at a specific time (e.g., insulin administration or timed medications). Every visit can be customized by day and time block to support your pet’s routine and your schedule. Just let us know your pet’s habits, personality, and preferences—we’ll work with you to create the perfect plan.
We recommend planning ahead, especially for new clients or during busy seasons.
For New Clients:
We require a minimum of 14 days’ notice before your first requested visit.
This allows time for:
- Completing your detailed online pet care profile
(Please note: This is a separate system from Howliday Inn’s profile. A link will be emailed to you.)
- A meet-and-greet with your assigned sitter(s) to review care needs, tour your home setup, and ensure everyone is comfortable with the arrangement
- Verifying that we can safely and confidently care for your pet(s) and home
Both the client and the sitter must feel the arrangement is a good fit.
If the sitter feels unsafe with the environment or animal behavior—or if the client feels the sitter isn’t the right match—either party may decline the service.
Because of this thoughtful process, we strongly encourage new clients to start early to avoid last-minute gaps in care.
For Existing Clients:
The more notice, the better—especially around holidays—but we ask for at least 3–5 days' notice when possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate last-minute needs, but scheduled clients receive priority.
Your trust means everything to us. That’s why we’ve built our in-home pet care services around safety, transparency, and peace of mind.
At Kritter Kare, all of our sitters are:
- Fully bonded and insured
- Background checked and drug tested
- Trained to follow our Kare-An-Tee™ program, which requires sitters to clock in and out and uses GPS tracking to confirm time spent in your home
We aim to assign two sitters per client, so your pet has a familiar team and you always have reliable backup. Only sitters you’ve met and approved will care for your pets and home. Any changes to this arrangement will only be made with your advance knowledge and approval.
You’ll also receive a detailed “report card” after each visit, either emailed or texted (based on your preference). These updates include a summary of your pet’s care and any home-related notes.
📸 Photos are typically included, unless you’ve chosen to opt out.
We take your pet’s care—and your home’s security—just as seriously as you do.
Yes. A $0.70 per mile rate is applied to all visits up to 20 miles one-way.
If your location is more than 20 miles one-way, an additional fee will be applied for every extra 5 miles traveled.
We do our best to match you with a sitter who lives closest to your area to reduce travel costs and improve consistency.
Yes. A $10 holiday surcharge per visit applies on the following holidays:
- New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
- Easter
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
🎄 We are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
However, some sitters may choose to accept requests. If so, the $10 holiday surcharge will still apply.
Tip: Holiday pet care fills up quickly! Please reach out as early as possible to reserve your sitter.
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10 Years Strong & Still Fetching Joy!
With over a decade of hands-on experience, we have the knowledge and services to create the dog care experience pet parents want — and every pup deserves — while providing true peace of mind. 🐾 Discover the difference 10+ years of trusted care can make and enroll your pup today!