I AM A FIRST TIME BOARDER – WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE TIME OF CHECK-IN?

You may arrive anytime during the check-in hours listed. Please allow 30 minutes to complete your check-in to ensure we have enough time to ask and answer any questions. If you are arriving after 4:00 pm, we suggest you feed your pet at home and administer any afternoon medications before coming to Top Dog or be sure to tell us your pet has not been fed for the afternoon or will need medication at a later time that evening. To save time, first-time boarders can download and complete the required forms from our website prior to their arrival. For access to the boarding forms, CLICK HERE. We recommend that you read and complete the Boarding Form in advance, being sure to include all feeding instructions, medications, and special care and handling instructions. Please bring a copy of your pet's most recent vaccination record or have your vet fax us the records prior to your arrival. Please also bring your dog's food, any blankets or toys they may want, and any medications they will need during their stay. At the time of sign in we will have you provide the check in and check out dates of your pet's stay and the date you last administered a monthly flea treatment (we require all pets to remain up to date on veterinarian-approved flea medications and we have Frontline available here for a fee if your pet is not up to date upon arrival). We will also have you provide 1-2 emergency phone numbers in case we need to contact you in regards to your pet. You may call to check on your pet daily anytime during the scheduled hours. If you would like your pet to be bathed, groomed, or get a nail trim during their stay, please schedule that service when you call to book the boarding to ensure we have time to get it done while they are here. 

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 'DOG DAYCARE' AND 'DOG BOARDING?"

Dog daycare means, leaving your dog in our care for the day; generally for work, business during the day, etc. After you are done handling your business, you would then check your dog out the same day. Now, boarding your dog means you are leaving your dog in our care for one or more nights. We do require a reservation for dog daycare and boarding but we will accommodate for any emergencies that may come up, just give us a call!  ​

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CAN MY DOGS STAY TOGETHER?

Yes, dogs from the same family can stay together in the same kennel. Dogs sharing the same kennel must at all times get along, especially during feeding time. However, if difficulties arise, we reserve the right to house pets separately at the individual boarding rates.​

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DO I NEED TO BRING MY DOG’S FOOD IF THEY ARE BOARDING?​

We recommend bringing your dog’s food from home, as a lot of dogs do better staying on their regular diet from home and have less trouble with upset stomachs from switching foods. However, we have Science Diet Lamb & Rice in case you forgot for a fee.

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WHAT SHOULD I BRING WHEN I BOARD MY DOG AT TOP DOG?

You are more than welcome to bring your pets bed, blanket, toys, etc. If possible, please mark the dog's belongings with the pets name and your last name in permanent ink. During boarding, some dogs might act differently and could chew things that they normally don't at home, and we are not responsible for damaged or lost items. If you do not bring a bed or a blanket we can offer them a blanket free of charge. If your pet is a chewer and likes to chew, we can offer a ramp/ raised platform so they can be up off the floor. The ramps are made out of high density molded plastic and are sanitized regularly during their stay and vigorously cleaned between pets. We have our own non-tip food dishes that we use. However, if you would like to bring your own you are more than welcome to do so as well.   

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MY DOG TAKES MEDICATION. ARE YOU ABLE TO GIVE IT TO THEM?

Yes, we will gladly administer medications to your dog while they are in our care. All medications must be in the original prescription container so that we will have detailed information about the medication. We do not administer injections.

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​HOW MANY TIMES MY DOG GO OUT FOR POTTY BREAKS?

Your pet will be let out to a large exercise area 4 times every day, 7:30 a.m, noon, 3:00 p.m and 7;30 p.m. All times are individual and under supervision of the staff. 

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WHAT VACCINES DO YOU REQUIRE?

At Top Dog, we take our vaccination requirements very seriously. We are concerned with both the health of your pet, and the health of all the other animals your pet may come in contact with while boarding with us. When making a reservation, we will let you know what vaccination information if any, we have on file for your pet, and when we show those vaccinations are due to expire. However, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that Top Dog has required proof of vaccinations prior to boarding. 

All vaccinations must be given at least 48 hours prior to boarding. First-time vaccinations for puppies must be given at least 2 weeks prior to boarding. Vaccinations cannot expire during your pet’s stay.

Dogs (Must be at least 4 months old) – Rabies, DHPP (Distemper), Bordetella. Canine influenza (Highly recommended)

• Rabies can be either 1 year or 3-year vaccinations DHLPP Yearly

• Bordetella must be a 6-month vaccination or yearly

• Canine Influenza yearly. Highly recommended. 

Cats: Rabies and Distemper

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HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR FACILITY CLEAN?

Each morning, dogs are moved to temporary tower kennels and their belongings are shaken out and moved, taken inside to be washed or hand washed if necessary. Their larger kennels are vacuumed and then mopped with a specially formulated germicide/virucide/disinfectant solution before being towel dried so the dogs can safely return to their kennels. The temporary tower kennels are disinfected between each use with a disinfectant specifically designed for animal handling facilities. Each evening, the center aisles in every room, including the grooming/check-in room are vacuumed and mopped in the same way the kennels are each morning. Ramps and rugs are sanitized regularly as well. Each room also features an air purifier to kill any airborne bacteria. The waste in the exercise area is removed frequently throughout the day.​​

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WILL MY DOG BE WITH OTHER DOGS?

Your pet will see other dogs, but will never be in directly contact with other dogs, except dogs of the same family can go together in the exercise area.​

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WHAT DO YOU DO IF MY PET BECOMES ILL?

Each time you check-in, we will confirm how we may reach you directly (or reach a designated emergency contact(s), authorized to make decisions on your behalf while you are away) in the event of an emergency. You will also be required to sign a Treatment Authorization release (owner agreement/policy) that allows us to seek emergency care for your pet if you and your emergency contact(s) are unreachable, should a situation occur. 

If a problem arises, we will always try to reach you or your emergency contact before taking any action. If we can’t contact you, we will contact your emergency contact to transport your pet. If in the event your emergency contact is unable to transport your pet, our staff will be happy to transport him/her for a transport fee (fee will be base of the location of the veterinarian or emergency veterinarian place ). Please appoint a person who can make decisions, your emergency contact can help us make health care decisions for your pet.

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DO YOU OFFER A DISCOUNT FOR EXTENDED STAYS?

Yes, we offer discounts for stays 14 nights or longer. Long term boarding requires payment up front for the first  14 days at the normal rate.  Daily discounted rates day 15-21 will have a 10% discount and after 21 nights the discount will be 15% nightly to be paid at the end of the boarding month. Then at the end of each boarding month thereafter.​

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HOW DO I GET MY PET’S VACCINATION RECORDS TO TOP DOG?

You or your veterinarian may send information to Top Dog via:

Fax: (must call ahead prior to faxing) - (815) 346-6556

Email: Topdogpetgromingsalon@hotmail.com

Regular Mail: 56 Tile St. Saunemin IL, 61769

Please include your name and reservation date in your correspondence.

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DO I NEED TO CONTACT TOP DOG FOR A RESERVATION FOR BOARDING OR DAYCARE?

Yes. Please call ahead to set up an appointment. But if you have an emergency or need to go out, just call us. Your pet must be up to date on his/her records immunizations on file with us or you can present them at the moment of the check in.

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HOW DO I MAKE MY BOARDING RESERVATION AT TOP DOG GROOMING AND BOARDING?​

To make your reservation contact us by phone (815) 832-4619 or  by email: Topdogpetgromingsalon@hotmail.com. We check our mail box a.m , noon, and p.m, but if your reservation is urgent, please contact us by phone.​

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WHEN DO I PAY FOR BOARDING AND DAYCARE?

For boarding stays or daycare services payment in full is due at the time of check-out. We take payment via Visa, MasterCard and Discover and cash or checks. Long term boarding requires payment up front for the first 14 days at the normal rate.  Daily discounted rates day 15 thru the end of the boarding month should be paid at the end of the boarding month. Then at the end of each boarding month there after.​​

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WHAT ARE YOUR CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT TIMES?

Check-in and out times vary by day, as listed below:

Monday – Friday: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 p.m*

Sunday: 10:30 a.m - 5:00 pm

*Day care release please call us to set up time for check out.

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WHAT IS YOUR FEE POLICY?

Boarding fees for dogs are per night, per animal, so whether you bring your pet at 7:30 a.m. or close to 5:00 p.m, you will be charged for that night. You will not be charged for the last day of your pet's visit if you pick them up by 12:00. Dogs staying past check-out time after 12:00 require additional care and there is a charge of a day care rate., this fee is because your pet will be go out for second time at noon, supervision is given to him/her, at 3:00 p.m will be another walk and at 4:00 supper will be offer; also the kennel has been reserved for the rest of the day for your dog.