FAQs

Do I need to make a reservation?
To ensure availability for boarding and to expedite the check in process, reservations are highly recommended. Over major holidays our indoor/outdoor runs are often all reserved several weeks before the holiday occurs. Reservations can be made over the phone, in-person or online via our website.

Can I tour the facility before I make a reservation?
Absolutely! We love giving tours of our facility. Come take a look at all of our happy pets in their “Home Away From Home” and see why they love visiting us at Bayside Kennels. We take great pride in our services and the cleanliness of our facility.

What time do I have to drop-off or pick-up my animal to ensure that I do not accrue additional charges?
We do not have a specified drop-off or pick-up time frame. We only charge by the night; so we ask that you drop off or pick up your animal during business hours.

Is there an additional fee if I want to bring my pet’s food from home?
No! Some facilities charge an additional fee to serve food brought from home as it is time consuming to prepare different meals for each boarder. We actually encourage pet owners to bring food from home to help prevent digestive upset associated with a rapid diet change. All food must be stored in a resealable plastic storage container or individually bagged per feeding. Please do not mix medications or supplements in with food. Otherwise, we gladly provide dry adult food for dogs and cats at no extra charge while boarding.

My pet takes daily medication. Can you administer them?
We are glad to administer medications your pet needs at no additional charge. Please bring all medications in their original containers and alert us to any dosage changes from the original label. We can give your pet its medication at feeding time if needed, but please do not mix medication into food bags. Our kennel staff is trained to administer insulin injections along with oral and topical medications.

May I bring bedding for my pet?
We provide ample bedding for all boarders. Boarding dogs will be provided with a fleece blanket. We also have rubber matting and thicker bedding for those who require extra padding. If you prefer to bring bedding from home, it must fit in a standard sized washer and be labeled with the pet’s name in permanent marker. Beds with foam inserts do not wash well, as in the case of “accidents” we must launder the entire bed to maintain sanitation. We cannot be held responsible for bedding damaged by pets or during laundering. Please limit personal bedding to one item per pet to allow kennel staff to launder items in a timely manner.

May I bring my pet’s toys?
We have a wide variety of toys we can provide your pet with during its stay, but you are welcome to bring your own as well. All items must be washable and have an area which can be permanently labeled with your pet’s name. However, we cannot be held responsible for lost or destroyed toys; so please do not bring any items that are not easily replaced. Please limit toys to one or two items per pet.

How often is my dog walked / played with?
Our facility features spacious indoor / outdoor runs which allow each pet ample space to stretch their legs. Each run is cleaned daily which provides some one-on-one interaction with our kennel staff. We do offer Playtime at an additional $3 per 15 minutes. With playtime your pet will have one-on-one time with a kennel attendant in one of our outdoor play yards or our climate-controlled indoor play room. Does your dog enjoy playing with other dogs? Ask us about our daycare playgroup which is also open to pre-screened boarding dogs.

Why does my pet have diarrhea after his/her stay?
Anytime a pet’s diet is changed, there is the risk of diarrhea. Some pets’ stomachs are more sensitive than others. Stress is another leading cause of diarrhea. Parasites and bacteria can be sources as well. Though it is not a requirement for our facility, veterinarians recommend stool checks 1-2 times a year combined with year round parasite prevention program to minimize risks.

What is your policy regarding fleas?
Upon check in for boarding we perform a flea scan on each pet. If fleas are found upon check in or at any point during their stay we will administer a Capstar oral flea tablet to treat the infestation at the owner’s expense. (Capstar prices are based on pets’ weight which is typically less than $10 per dose). We recommend all boarding pets be current on their monthly flea preventative. If they are due for their preventative during their stay, we’ll be happy to administer it for you, free of charge. All grooming pets found with fleas will also be treated as described above.

Why do my pet and/or belongings smell?
It is important to remember that this is a kennel and not every pet has the same level of hygiene. Though we take every measure to control odor and perform frequent sanitation measures, we cannot completely eliminate odor. Also, remember that our facility features indoor/outdoor runs so the combination of elevated humidity, water (from rain and disinfecting), and open runs increase the bond of odor to hair and bedding.

Do you have attendants 24/7? What happens in the event of a medical problem or emergency?
Pet Care Veterinary Hospital is located adjacent to our facility with veterinarians on staff 6 days a week. There is always a veterinarian on call in the event of an emergency outside of their office hours. If there is a problem with your pet that may require medical attention, we will try to contact you prior to having our veterinarian assess the problem. In the event that you cannot be reached and we feel the problem should be addressed immediately, we will proceed with having our veterinarian assess the problem and treat as conservatively as possible until you can be reached. You will be responsible for all charges. Though we do not have staff on duty overnight at our facility, we take every measure to ensure your pet’s safety and carefully secure the facility before we leave each night. Our facility features a fire alarm system that operates 24/7.

Will I be charged if my pet requires a bath due to soiling?
Potty accidents happen. In some cases, we can do a simple rinse off and dry to maintain sanitation and comfort. However, extensive or continuous bathing/grooming will be charged.

Why do you require the Canine Influenza and Bordetella Vaccines?
Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease that most commonly results in a persistent cough with or without nasal discharge. The disease syndrome is more accurately described by the term canine infectious tracheobronchitis which means inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (main airways in the lungs). The most common agent causing kennel cough is the bordetella bacteria. A newer virus, H3N8 or canine influenza virus, has caused infections in many areas of the United States, including the Hampton Roads area. For more information on canine influenza, please visit www.doginfluenza.com.

Do you offer military or other types of discounts?
Occasionally we have special offers for our Facebook fans and on our website; so check back often! We do offer a discount for pets boarded in the same enclosure. Bayside Kennels is committed to making quality care affordable to everyone by offering reasonable, competitive pricing on all the services we provide. Both owners served in the navy for a combined 14 years, they are proud to offer a 10% discount for all active duty military families.

Are there any breed restrictions? Do you accept aggressive dogs?
We accept all breeds for boarding, grooming and doggie daycare. Regardless of breed, our kennel staff must be able to safely leash and handle all dogs. Except in extreme cases, food aggression and aggression toward other dogs can be accommodated.

How do I provide proof of my pet’s vaccines?
After making a reservation or appointment with us, you may fax or have your veterinarian fax proof of vaccines to (757)499-0669. Vaccine paperwork may be brought in person ahead of time or at drop off. In emergency circumstances, our receptionist can attempt to reach your veterinarian by phone as a courtesy, but we cannot guarantee that your vet’s office is open or able to release records over the phone. If we cannot verify vaccination history, your pet may be turned away or required to receive all vaccines at our veterinarian’s office at your own expense.