FAQ
How do I get my dog ready to come for daycare, grooming or boarding at your facility?
We are so honored you are considering ACCR to care for you family member. Please give our office a call or email and our staff will begin our New Client process. We ask that you complete an agreement form (found on our website) and provide your dog's vaccination record via email or fax. Their records will need to indicate that they have received the following vaccines by a licensed veterinarian: Bordetella, Distemper and Rabies vaccinations. Once we've received those two items, our staff will reach out to you and schedule a phone interview. The interview must be completed by the dog's owner(s).
The goal of the interview is to help you and your dog become more comfortable with our services, get to know your pup(s) and answer any questions you may have before arriving at one of our Facilities.
I've never boarded my dog before, what is the environment like or what should I expect when coming to your facility?
Your dog will have their own individual suite (appropriate to their size) with space to stretch out, relax and call their home while staying with us. We provide comfy blankets and/or orthopedic cots for your dog to lay on along with food and water bowls. We also provide plastic bone beds and mats for those who need it. Our facility is climate controlled with air conditioning and central heating to help circulate air flow. The suites areas are divided into several rooms to ensure your dog has a comfortable and relaxing stay. Soft, relaxing music is played in each area of the building to create a calm environment.
What do I need to bring with my dog for their stay?
In order to keep your dog from getting an upset stomach we request you bring your dogs food from home to keep them on their same every day diet. Food should be in a Ziploc bag divided up by meal or in one bag and we measure each meal out. We ask that you bring your dog on a secure leash (no retractable leashes please) and collar for the safety of your dog and other dogs. We can have a lot of traffic moving through our lobby and even though your dog may be friendly, not all dogs are.
You are welcome to bring some personal items from home. A favorite blanket or one of your t-shirts is a great way to help them feel more at home when staying with us. You may also bring your dogs favorite treats, toys or chew bones to give them something to do while relaxing in their suite (no more than 5). Keep in mind though your dog may chew or have a thieving neighbor while they are here so items from home may be damaged during their stay.
What vaccinations do I need before boarding my dog?
Required for dogs 6+ months
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Distemper/Parvo & Rabies vaccinations
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Bordetella vaccination (intranasal form recommended)
Recommended for dogs 6+ months
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Bordetella vaccination containing a parainfluenza vaccine & adenovirus-2 vaccine.
Note While the Distemper/Parvo combo vaccines such as DHPP or DAPP also contain protection from parainfluenza & adenovirus1 & sometimes adenovirus 2 - studies have found the live intranasal form of the vaccine provides quicker & more complete protection. Please discuss options with your veterinarian to make the best choice for your pet.
Note: All vaccinations must be administered by a veterinarian. Consideration may be given to vaccines administered by a breeder, rescue or shelter.
Please see our vaccination policies page for more details.
How often will my dog have access to go to the bathroom?
Your dog will be let outside, individually or with their sibling, at least 5 times per day. Staff members are constantly moving throughout the building during the day to keep an eye on your dog and checking to see if they need to go out before or after designated let out times. We are staffed 24 hours a day so our overnight shift is available in case your dog needs to go out during the night or has any other concerns needing attention.
Can my two dogs be boarded in the same suite?
Yes! We can accommodate boarding no more than 4 dogs from the same household in a suite. Temperament, and medical issues, may require separate suites for dogs from the same household.
What if I need to cancel my dogs stay?
We understand not everything in life can be planned and unfortunate events can interrupt your plans. Please give us a call as soon as you know to cancel your dog's stay.
Our cancellation policy is as follows:
A $30 same day cancellation or no show fee will be enforced for daycare or spa only appointments. A $40 same day cancellation or no show fee will be enforced for boarding appointments. Holiday deposits are taken for peak boarding times. Deposits are refundable or placed as a credit on ACCR accounts IF we are able to fill your pup's reservation. Refunds are processed once peak boarding time has passed.
Can my dog have bones while they're boarded?
You are more than welcome to bring your dog a bone from home to help pass the time while they are relaxing in their suite. If your dog is not used to having a bone with meat chunks on it, it can upset their stomach. We welcome most real bones and Nylabones but, we will pull out any bones we deem unsafe for your dog due to splintering, chunks falling off or if it is too small. We DO NOT allow rawhides or pig ears as they can be a choking hazard if unmonitored.
What if I forgot my dogs' food or I didn't pack enough food for the entire stay?
If your dog is in need of more food during their stay at ACCR, we will be in touch with you directly. If unable to be reached, we will connect with your emergency contact listed. If you are unable to have additional food dropped off for their stay, no need to worry. We can pick up your dog's needed food. A $25 trip charge will be placed on your invoice along with the cost of food.
What if my dog has medications needing to be given while they are boarding?
We are able to administer medication/supplements/ointments to your dog. Trained staff members are assigned to give medications throughout the day to ensure it is given at the needed times. Please bring the necessary items for us to administer the medications (examples: cheese, peanut butter, pill pockets, deli meats or bread). Medications are given during the following times, though we are able to be flexible if necessary:
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Morning Meds: 6:00 - 6:30 a.m.
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Mid-day Meds: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
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Evening Meds: 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
What if I forgot the items needed to administer my dogs' medication?
Pill pockets are available for purchase just ask a staff member at drop off. You may also have a friend or relative drop off anything you might need. Our staff members are trained on how to pill a dog in case they will not take their medication or you don't have anything with you for administration.
What happens if my dog gets sick during their stay?
Medical emergencies can happen while your dog is boarding with us and our staff is prepared to handle the situation should it arise. As the pet owner, you will be notified right away and have the ultimate choice of whether we take your dog to the vet or not. If you are unable to be contacted we will contact your emergency contact. If either you or your emergency contact cannot be reached we will do what is best for the pet in the case of an emergency. Heartland Animal Hospital provides care for any of our dogs if your personal vet cannot get them in at the time. If after hours we will contact the Eastern Iowa Veterinary Specialty Center or the Anamosa Veterinary Clinic if it is an emergency.
Will my dog be able to stay at ACCR if they are aggressive around strangers and/or other dogs?
We will gladly welcome dogs of all breeds and temperaments and will do everything possible to provide a safe place for your dog. Our knowledgeable staff members are able to read your dog's body language and determine their temperament to ensure the safety of both dog and handler, even if your dog is not used to strangers handling them. There are specific suites and areas around the building that allow your dog to be let outside and inside without them having to be leashed by a stranger until they are more comfortable. Having an aggressive dog does not mean we will leave your dog in the suite unattended for the whole stay. For safety, refreshing your dogs suite, refilling water and feeding will take place while your dog is outside or in daycare. Our management staff members are there to handle the most challenging dogs to ensure the safety of your dog and our staff.
Will my dog be allowed in daycare if they are aggressive or afraid of dogs or strangers?
We offer staff only daycare (Spoiled Solos) where your dog will only play with a staff member to avoid interactions with other dogs. If your dog is unsure about strangers or aggressive toward strangers our staff will take extra care to move slowly and make your dog as comfortable as possible. We will not force your scared or aggressive dog to do anything they do not want to do. We will always take great care in your dogs comfort level and safety.
You're staffed 24 hours a day 7 days a week. What happens during the night?
Our overnight staff cleans our facility and monitors the dogs for anything they may need overnight. If your dog has a medical condition, needs to use the bathroom more often or has a fear of storms our overnight staff moves through the building quietly while your dog is sleeping to make sure everyone is comfortable.
How clean is your facility?
Cleanliness is a top priority here at Apple Creek Canine Resort and we we take pride in having a clean facility for your furry loved ones. Before your dog arrives to their suite, it will be cleaned and disinfected from top to bottom with cleaners specialized for the kennel/boarding industry and are safe for your dog. The containers your dogs' belongings are stored in while your dog is here are also disinfected daily. We spray down all of the outdoor runs daily to ensure they are clean and fresh. Since dogs are let out individually, we pick up after each one before letting the next one outside. We do continual walk-through's to ensure no food or water is spilled and there are no messes.