Frequently asked questions-Country Hound Kennels

*Q. What kind of care will my pet receive?*
A.	Our pets are a part of our family (our babies) as your pet will be during his or her vacation with us. Your pet will receive lots of "TLC"!
Q. Do I need to bring my own dishes and blankets?
A.	No, we supply sanitized stainless steel dishes and comfort rugs
Q. Should I bring my pet's own food?
A.	You can, but the price of boarding includes food. We use a nutritious Kennel Food. However, if your pet is on a special diet or if your pet has a sensitive stomach with a change of food, please do bring your own food. Note: Often, older pets do better on their own food.
*Q. What about medications?*
A.	Administration of medications is not a problem. If your pet is on medication, please bring it in it's original prescription bottle, labeled correctly with proper dosage directions. Fee for this service is 25¢ a dose.
Q. What about my pet's toys?
A.	Bring them! It will give them something familiar to play with and remind them of you. We also have pet supplies and toys available for purchase in our shop. No Rawhide or animal body parts (ears, hoof, etc.) are permitted. These are not safe chew toys.
Q. Can I pick up my pet outside of business hours?
A.	Not usually. Of course, emergency situations always require special consideration. However, you should make every effort to pick up your pet at the appointment time Note: There is a $20.00 fee for off hours pick up or drop off.
Q. What if I have to cancel my appointment?
A.	Call to notify us as soon as you can. 24 hour notice is requested, if possible. A $50.00 non-refundable, credit card deposit is required when making a reservation. This deposit will be credited to your bill at time of pick up. Deposits will be forfeited in cases of cancelled reservations.
Q. What is ABKA?
A.	ABKA is the American Boarding Kennel Association and we have the distinction of being the only kennel in the area that have been members, since 1990. We ABKA is the non-profit trade association for the pet boarding industry in the United States and around the world. ABKA members offer a variety of services including pet boarding, grooming, training, transportation, shipping, pet supplies, day care and food sales. ABKA kennels treat your dog and cats with professional care and knowledge. We pledge to adhere to *ABKA's Code of Ethics.* and the Bill of Rights for Boarded Pets
Q. When can I visit the kennel?
A.	Appointments are required for a kennel tour, to assure that our guests do not become stressed and that they remain comfortable during their stay here. K-9 cough can be brought on by stress. Our guests are our priority. Kennel tours are conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 am to noon, and 4 to 6 pm, by appointment only. Thank you for understanding.
Q. Can you supply references?
A.	Please refer to our *Testimonials page* for letters from many of our satisfied customers. Other references available upon request

As a member of the American Boarding Kennels Association, this kennel freely acknowledges and willingly accepts the serious responsibility involved in the care of your beloved pets. As a part of that responsibility, we maintain membership in ABKA and are committed to operate our kennel in accordance with the ABKA code of ethical conduct. Implicit in that code are the following pledges:

Our Pledge to Your Pet

1. We will care for all boarded pets with kindness and will place their welfare above all other business considerations.

2. We will provide Security and Safety for all boarded pets by means of proper kennel design, good animal handling procedures, adequate separation between animals, and by keeping all pet boarding areas free of potential hazards.

3. We will maintain a sanitary environment for all boarded pets.

4. We will provide vigilant supervision of all boarded pets by competent, conscientious personnel and will respond appropriately to any sign of distress or emergency.

5. We will provide individual water containers and clean water to each boarded pet.

6. We will provide an adequate and proper diet to each boarded pet.

7. We will seek veterinary assistance whenever appropriate, the choice of veterinarian to be governed by kennel policy, as explained during check in.

8. We will require proper immunizations for all boarders, as specified in our pre-entry procedures.

9. We will administer owner-provided or veterinary-prescribed medication in accordance with instructions.

10. We will take appropriate measures to control parasites within the kennel environment.

11. We will maintain temperatures within healthful limits, and will take appropriate precautions to protect animals, which have special temperature requirements.

12. We will provide protection from the elements and from excessive exposure to the sun to all boarded pets.

13. We will provide adequate ventilation to minimize possible exposure to harmful bacteria or viruses.

14. We will provide comfortable levels of light in all boarding areas.

15. We will provide individual sleeping areas, which are large enough to accommodate normal postural movements.

16. We will provide adequate exercise opportunities in areas, which are safe, clean and large enough for each boarded pet to exercise properly.

Our Pledge to You

1. We will deal honestly, fairly, and respectfully with the public, and will put the welfare of our boarders and service to our customers above personal gain.

2. We will honor our commitments to our customers, whether they are made in our advertising, or in person, and will avoid inaccurate or misleading claims about the care which we provide.

3. We will respect the confidential nature of our kennel/client relationship, and will not release client information to unauthorized individuals.

4. We will strive to maintain and advance the professional competence of our staff by taking advantage of the educational opportunities available to us.

5. We will endeavor to resolve any disputes which might arise in a fair, amicable and professional manner.

If at any time, you should feel that we have not lived up to these commitments, we sincerely urge you to bring the matter to our attention, or to the attention of the ABKA Ethics Committee at:

1702 East Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
phone: (719) 667-1600
fax: (719) 667-0116
E-mail: info@abka.com