Joyful Petcare at Warrior Run – Frequently Asked

Welcome! Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by both new and returning pet parents. We’ve organized them by topic (Services, Booking, Pricing, and Policies) for easy navigation. If you don’t see your question here, just reach out to us – we’re always happy to help!

Services and Offerings

What services do you offer at Joyful Petcare?

We provide a comprehensive range of pet care services for your convenience and your pet’s happiness. Here’s an overview of what we offer:

-          Pet Boarding (Overnight Pet Sitting): Comfortable “pet resort” lodging for dogs and cats, where your pet enjoys a safe, cozy stay with plenty of attention and playtime. We have various room sizes for pups of all breeds and even special cat cabanas for our feline guests (with window views of the play yard!)

-          Dog Day Camp (Doggie Day boarding): Daytime care and play for dogs. Perfect when you need to be away for the day – your dog can romp in supervised play sessions and enjoy our facilities instead of staying home alone. It’s basically a fun “camp” where dogs can socialize with humans and burn energy.

-          Pet Grooming: Professional grooming services to keep your dog looking and feeling great. Our skilled groomer offers everything from baths and nail trims to full haircuts and spa treatments. (Pricing for grooming is based on your dog’s size and coat/condition – we’ll give you a quote upfront.) We also offer Kitty nail trims! Pet Taxi Service: A pet transportation service to safely chauffeur your pet to appointments or to our facility and back. Think of it like an Uber for your pet – we can pick up or drop off your furry friend as needed, with rides priced by distance.

-          “Paws of Remembrance” (Pet Cremation & Memorial): Compassionate end- of-life services. If you ever face the difficult time of losing a pet, we offer pet cremation (private or communal options) and can even assist with memorial items.

In short, Joyful Petcare is a one-stop shop for pet care – from vacation boarding and grooming makeovers, to transportation and even respectful final arrangements when needed. We’re here to support you and your pets at every stage of life.

Do you offer pet sitting at my home, or only boarding at your facility?

Our primary overnight service is boarding at our Watsontown pet resort, where pets stay with us in our comfortable facility and receive professional care (think of this as our version of “pet sitting,” just at our place rather than yours.) We do not currently offer overnight stays in your home by a sitter.

Can you care for cats as well as dogs?

Absolutely! We love cats, and we offer services tailored for our feline friends. Cats are welcome to stay with us for boarding – we have dedicated Cat Cabanas for them, which are comfy private enclosures separate from the dog areas. Each cat boarding unit even has a window overlooking the play yard, so kitties get a bit of entertainment (they can safely watch the dogs from afar, which many cats enjoy “sitting in judgment” as we like to joke.) While boarding, cats receive daily care just like dogs do: we feed them on their normal schedule, refresh their litter boxes regularly, give them attention and petting (as much as each cat is comfortable with), and administer any medications if needed. Aside from cats and dogs, if you have other types of pets (such as birds, rabbits, or fish), let us know – we handle small pets on a case-by-case basis. Our staff has experience with a variety of animals, so don’t hesitate to ask. The bottom line is, we’re not just a dog facility; we’re here for all your beloved pets.

What is “Paws of Remembrance?”

Paws of Remembrance is the name of our pet cremation and memorial service. This is a service we provide to help pet owners when a beloved pet passes away. We know how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye to a furry family member, so we handle this service with utmost compassion and care. If you should ever need our Paws of Remembrance services, here’s what we offer: we can facilitate pet cremation and help you with memorial arrangements. We have two cremation options – Private Cremation (where your pet is cremated individually and the ashes returned to you only), or Communal Cremation (where multiple pets are cremated together; in that case, no individual ashes are returned, but it provides an affordable option and a respectful send-off.) Whichever you choose, we handle your pet’s remains with dignity and love throughout the process. Additionally, we offer a range of memorial items and choices for your pet’s final resting place. For example, we have a selection of urns and pet caskets if you’d like to keep or bury your pet’s ashes. Some families choose home burial as another option – we support whatever your wishes are. We can guide you through the choices during that difficult time.

Our team members are animal lovers too, so we truly understand the pain of losing a pet. Paws of Remembrance is handled directly by us – you can call us, and we will assist with the transportation of your pet if needed, and make all the arrangements. We strive to make the process as gentle as possible for you, honoring your pet’s memory every step of the way. If you want more details about these services (hopefully you won’t need them for a long time), you can reach out to us anytime for information.

Booking & Scheduling

How do I book a service or make a reservation?

Booking with us is easy! You have a few options:

-          Online: You can request services directly through our website. We have “Book Now” or “Request” buttons/forms for major services. For example, you can book your pet’s stay (boarding) or fill out a grooming request form online, and similarly, there’s a form to schedule the Pet Taxi. Just visit our website and navigate to the service you need – you’ll find a short form to provide your contact info, your pet’s info, and the dates or details of the service. Once you submit that, a staff member will get in touch to confirm availability and finalize the booking.

-          By Phone: Prefer to talk to a human? No problem – you can always call us at 570-538-2393 to schedule any service. Our friendly receptionist can answer questions, check our calendar, and book your appointment or reservation right over the phone. This can sometimes be the quickest way if you have detailed questions or special requests.

-          By Email: If it’s not urgent, you can also email us at joyfulpetcarewr@gmail.com with your booking request or questions. Send the dates you need and the service you want, and we’ll respond to confirm.

-          In Person: If you happen to be dropping by (perhaps for a tour or during pick-up/drop-off times), we can also schedule your next service face-to-face.

However, you choose to book, we’ll typically ask for some basic information about your pet (age, breed, any special needs) and what dates/times you need. For new clients, we may also set up a meet-and-greet or have you fill out a brief questionnaire about your pet’s habits and health, just so we’re fully prepared to care for them. But the short answer is: call us, email us, or use our website – any method works, and we’ll make sure your pet’s spot is reserved!

How far in advance should I schedule services?

It’s always best to book as early as possible, especially for our most in-demand services or peak times of the year. We do our best to accommodate last-minute requests, but to guarantee availability, here are some guidelines:

-          Boarding (Overnight Stays): If you’re planning around major holidays (summer vacation, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.), try to book several weeks in advance because we fill up quickly during those times. For non-holiday periods, a week or two ahead is usually sufficient, but earlier is never a bad idea.

-          Grooming: Our grooming slots can book up fast because our groomer is very popular (clients love her work). In fact, our newsletter noted that our groomer’s calendar fills up quickly. We recommend scheduling grooming appointments at least 3 weeks in advance. If you have a specific date or need your dog groomed before an event, try to give us as much lead time as you can so you get your desired time.

-          Day Camp / Day Boarding: We have more flexibility for day camp since it’s daily, but if you know you’ll need a particular day, feel free to reserve it a few days ahead. Regular weekly attendees often keep a set schedule with us, which we can arrange.

-          Pet Taxi: We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice for Pet Taxi requests. This service depends on driver availability and scheduling around our other activities. If you have an upcoming vet appointment next week, for example, call us a couple of days beforehand so we can put it on our route. In an emergency, we’ll do what we can, but advance notice is greatly appreciated.

In general, sooner is better. If you’re a new client, giving us extra time before your first booking also allows us to possibly do a meet-and-greet and ensure we have all the info we need about your pet. And if you ever have a last-minute need, don’t hesitate to contact us – if we have the capacity, we will absolutely help. It’s just that we can’t guarantee a spot during busy periods unless you’ve reserved in advance.

What are your hours for drop-off and pick-up?

Our facility has specific hours each day when we are open for pet drop-offs and pick-ups (this helps us ensure staff are available and that the day’s routine for the animals isn’t interrupted). Here are our standard lobby hours for drop-off/pick-up:

-          Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (morning) and 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (evening.)

-          Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (morning) and 5:00 PM- 5:30 PM (evening). Our evening hours on Saturdays are for pick-ups/drop-offs only.

-          Sunday: We have limited hours on Sundays, primarily for boarding pick-up/drop-off only. Sunday times are 9:00 – 9:30 AM in the morning and 5:00 – 5:30 PM in the late afternoon[12]. (These short windows allow folks to retrieve or drop off pets on Sunday, but otherwise we keep Sundays low-key for the animals in our care.)

If you need to drop off or pick up outside of these designated times, please talk to us in advance. We understand travel plans don’t always line up perfectly with our schedule. In some cases – especially for boarding – we may be able to arrange an after-hours or between-hours drop-off/pick-up as an exception, but this needs to be scheduled beforehand. (An additional fee may apply for off-hours pickups because we’ll need to bring in staff outside normal hours.) Our goal is to be flexible when possible, so just ask, and we’ll do our best.

For grooming appointments and day camp drop-offs, those typically happen during the morning hours. If you have a special circumstance (e.g., you can’t get here by noon to drop off your dog for boarding), let us know, and we’ll find a solution. Communication is key – we want it to be convenient for you while still keeping a routine that works for our staff and pets.

Will I be charged if I pick up my pet later in the day?

Yes, if you pick up your pet after a certain time, we do charge for an additional day of boarding. We operate a bit like a hotel – we have a daily boarding rate, and our “checkout” time is noon. If you pick up around 12:00 PM on the final day of boarding, you are not charged for that day. But if you pick up later than 12 PM (in the evening window), then the boarding day rolls over, and we will charge you for that day.

For example, say you book your dog from Monday to Wednesday. If you drop off Monday morning and pick up Wednesday morning before noon, that’s billed as two nights (Mon and Tue nights). But if you can’t pick up until Wednesday at 5:00 PM, then Wednesday counts as an extra day of boarding, and you’ll be charged for three days. This policy is in place because when a pet stays beyond noon, we’ve cared for them most of that day, and we also may have had to turn away other bookings, thinking your pet was occupying the space.

We want to make sure this policy is transparent: “If you pick up in the evenings, you are charged an additional day of boarding.” (That’s directly from our guidelines.) If you know in advance you’ll need an evening pickup, you might consider actually booking that extra day and picking up the next morning – sometimes pet parents find it’s less rushed that way. Either way is fine with us as long as we plan accordingly.

This policy primarily applies to boarding. For grooming appointments, day camp, or other one-day services, there’s no “late pickup fee” per se – but we do ask that you arrive by closing time (6 PM on weekdays) to get your pet. If an emergency delays you, just call us as soon as possible. We will never leave your pet unattended, of course – in a pinch, your pet can stay safely with us until you arrive, but additional charges may apply if it’s significantly past closing or turns into an overnight stay.

What is your cancellation policy for bookings?

We understand that sometimes plans change unexpectedly – life happens! Our general cancellation policy is flexible and centered on good communication. In most cases, as long as you give us sufficient notice of a cancellation, we do not charge a fee.

Here’s a bit more detail by service type:

-          Boarding: We typically request at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel a boarding reservation. If you cancel more than 2 days ahead of the check-in date, there’s no charge. Cancelling the day of or a last-minute no-show might incur a cancellation fee (because we likely held that spot and may not be able to fill it on short notice, especially during busy seasons). During major holidays, we may have a slightly stricter policy (for example, a deposit that becomes non-refundable if you cancel within a week of the holiday) – but we will clearly communicate that at the time of booking if it applies. Generally, we try to be understanding, so just let us know as soon as you realize a change in plans.

-          Grooming: If you need to cancel or reschedule a grooming appointment, please try to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. That way, we can offer that slot to another client on our waiting list (as grooming slots are limited). If you cancel last minute or miss the appointment without notice, there might be a small fee on your next appointment (to cover our groomer’s time). We will usually waive one short-notice cancellation if it’s a true emergency, but repeated late cancellations could result in a fee.

-          Day Camp / Day Boarding: Cancellations for day camp are generally not a problem – just call or email us, even the day before or morning of, if your plans have changed. We schedule staff based on expected numbers, so a heads-up is appreciated. No fees for cancelling day stays as long as it’s not a habitual no-show situation.

-          Pet Taxi: If you need to cancel a scheduled pet taxi pickup/drop-off, please try to do so the day before if possible. We route our drivers’ schedule in advance. No cancellation fee if you notify us ahead; same-day cancellation or no-show at the pickup address might incur a charge (especially if the driver was already on their way). Again, we’ll handle this case by case.

In summary, we don’t like charging cancellation fees, and we rarely do. The key is communication – please give us a call as soon as you know you need to cancel or change a booking. The more notice, the better. We try to be fair and understanding in all situations. If you had to cancel due to an emergency or sudden illness, let us know – we can often waive any fee in those circumstances, especially for loyal clients. Our goal is to work with you, not penalize you.

If you paid a deposit for a high-demand boarding (which sometimes we require over holidays), that deposit may be forfeited if you cancel last minute (because we may have turned others away). But if we can re-book the spot or you cancel far enough out, we can apply it as a credit or refund it, depending on the scenario. We will always explain any specific cancellation terms at booking time for those peak periods. For regular times, just a normal notice is fine.

How can I get updates about my pet while I’m away?

We know how important it is to have peace of mind when you’re away from your furry family member! We are more than happy to provide updates during your pet’s stay.

Here are a few ways we keep you in the loop:

-          Text or Email Updates: If you’d like, our staff can send you a daily text message or email with a brief update on how your pet is doing. We can even send a photo or two of your pet playing or relaxing. Many pet parents love getting a “report” showing their happy pet. Just let us know your preferred method of contact when you drop off (some people prefer texts, others might want an email or even the occasional phone call). We’ll tailor our communication to your wishes.

-          Social Media: We frequently post photos and fun highlights of pets at our facility on our Facebook and Instagram pages (with the owners’ permission, of course). We even have a dedicated gallery page on our website – “Snouts, Snoozes & Shenanigans” – where we showcase the everyday joy and silly moments of our guests[14]. You might catch a glimpse of your dog having a blast in a play session or your cat lounging comfortably. Following us on social media is a great way to see what’s happening. We celebrate each pet like our own, so we love sharing cute photos.

-          Call Us Anytime: You can always call to check in. If you’re missing your pet or just want to hear how they’re eating, sleeping, and playing, don’t hesitate to ring us. Our team will give you an update on the spot. We’re used to it – caring for pets means caring for pet parents’ peace of mind too! We’d much rather you call and feel reassured than sit at home worrying.

-          Report at Pickup: When you come to pick up your pet, we’ll give you a full rundown of their stay – what they enjoyed, who their buddies were, how their appetite was, etc. For grooming clients, we give a report on how the grooming went, and for day camp dogs, we can tell you about their playtime activities. Our goal is for you to relax during your time away, knowing your pet is not only well cared for, but also having fun. We’re proud of the loving environment we provide – tails wag, and pets smile while they’re here! – and we want you to feel that positivity too. Just let us know what kind of updates you’d prefer, and we will happily oblige.

Pricing & Payments

Where can I find information on pricing? Are your rates transparent?

We believe in 100% transparent pricing – you should always know what a service will cost before you commit. All of our standard rates are published on our website or in our brochures (and we’re glad to quote you any specific scenario). There are no hidden fees. In fact, our pricing approach is “as straightforward as a dog’s loyalty,” to quote our pet taxi page.

To give you a quick overview of our prices for major services:

-          Boarding: Boarding is charged per night (per “boarding day”.) The rate depends on the size of the accommodation your pet needs. We have Small, Large, and Extra Large dog units. As of our latest rates, Small runs $28 per night, Large is $29 per night, and Extra Large is $31 per night[16]. Cat boarding (in our cat cabins) is $27 per night[17]. These rates are all-inclusive of the basic care (feeding, exercise, administering meds, etc.). Example: If your medium-sized dog stays 3 nights in a large unit, it would be 3 × $29. One playtime per day is already included at no extra charge[18]. (Optional add-ons like extra play sessions or special treats are available, but totally up to you – see below on packages.)

-          Doggy Day Camp (Day Boarding): We have a simple daily rate for day camp. It’s $19 for a full day of play (morning through late afternoon), or $10 for a half-day (either just morning or just afternoon.) No registration or membership fees – you just pay per day as you use it. If you bring your dog for a half day, it’s roughly up to 4 hours; anything over that is the full-day rate.

-          Grooming: Grooming prices can vary because they depend on your pet’s size, breed, and the type of grooming needed (a simple bath vs. a full haircut and de-shedding treatment, for example). We will give you a quote when you book. To give a sense: a small short-haired dog will be on the lower end, whereas a large fluffy dog that needs extensive grooming will cost more. Our philosophy is that pricing is based on your pet’s size and special needs (like heavy de-matting or extra shedding treatments) – we make sure it’s fair, and we’ll discuss it with you upfront. There won’t be surprise charges when you pick up your pet; if, during grooming, we see something that requires extra work (say, a flea bath or de-matting), we’ll attempt to contact you to approve any change in plan. Basic nail trims, ear cleaning, etc., are usually included in full grooms. Again, just ask for an estimate, and we’ll happily provide one.

-          Pet Taxi: The pet taxi is charged as a flat fee based on distance. Specifically: $15 for 1–10 miles, $20 for 11–20 miles, and $25 for 21–30 miles (distances are from our facility in Watsontown). If you’re further than 30 miles, we might still be able to help for an adjusted rate – we say “let’s chat” about those cases. The pricing is simple and includes the round-trip or one-way ride for your pet (and yes, that includes if you need us to wait during, say, a vet appointment and bring them back – we’ll work out a fair price). No hidden fuel surcharges or anything like that.

All prices include the care aspects you’d expect – for example, boarding includes feeding, administering any medications, playtime, etc., so you’re not paying à la carte for every little thing. The only extras would be optional add-on services you choose (like a grooming during the stay, or extra play packages). We pride ourselves on simple, pet-parent-friendly pricing with no surprises. And of course, if you have any questions about what something will cost, just ask! We can provide a detailed breakdown for your specific needs anytime.

Do you offer any discounts or packages?

Yes, we do! We want to provide value to our clients, especially those with multiple pets or those who want to spoil their pets with extra services. Here are some of the discounts and packages available:

-          Multi-Pet Discount (Boarding): We offer a break for families boarding more than one pet. If you have two or more pets staying with us at the same time, the additional pets receive a discounted rate on boarding. Typically, the first pet is full price, and the second pet sharing the same accommodation is half price, or if they are in separate accommodations, we give $5 off per night for the second pet. For example, if you board 3 dogs, and each has their own kennel, Dog 1 might be $29/night, and Dogs 2 and 3 would be $24/night each[21]. If two small dogs from the same household share one larger suite, we charge $31 for the first dog and $15.50 for the second (approximately half off) – the exact arrangement can be discussed based on what’s best for the pets (together or separate). We’ll make sure you’re getting any applicable discount automatically.

-          Boarding Add-On Packages: We have a menu of fun add-ons to enhance your pet’s stay – these are entirely optional, but very popular. For instance, you can add extra play sessions: our “Stay ‘n’ Play” package gives your dog two additional one-on-one play yard sessions each day with our staff (beyond the one playtime already included in boarding) – great for active dogs who can never get enough play! We also have a “Cuddles ‘n’ Tales” package, which is a special one-on-one cuddle and story time in a cozy setting (perfect for dogs who love snuggling.) There are even more: nature walk around the property (Walk‘n’ Sniff), a “Spoil Me” deluxe package with extra treats and play, a “Super Senior” package for older pets needing extra comfy bedding and gentle walks, etc. Each has a small fee (ranging from a few dollars up to around $10-$19 for the deluxe packages). These are designed to personalize your pet’s stay. You can decide on any of these when booking or at check-in. If you don’t choose any, don’t worry – your pet will still get loving care and the included exercise. The packages are just for added enrichment.

-          Day Camp Packages: While our day camp is pay-as-you-go, we sometimes offer promotions if you pre-pay for a bundle of daycare days. For example, occasionally we run a special like “Buy 5 days, get 1 free” or similar. Follow our Facebook page for announcements on that.

-          Loyalty Rewards: We appreciate our repeat customers. Though we don’t have a formal punch-card system, you’ll often find that we give small perks to loyal clients (like a free nail trim during grooming after a few sessions, or a complimentary treat or upgrade for a dog who boards with us frequently). We also highlight a “Pet of the Month” in our newsletter and social media – just a fun recognition where your pet might get a special treat and feature.

-          Community Discounts: We are a veteran-owned business (our owner Joy is an Air Force veteran), and we deeply respect military members, first responders, and other community heroes. If you are active military, a veteran, or in law enforcement/fire/EMS, please mention it – we do extend a military & first responder discount as a thank you (for example, a certain percentage off boarding). Also, if you have multiple long-term services with us (like you use us for grooming and regular boarding), talk to us about a possible custom discount.

We try to be fair and build long-term relationships with our clients. Rest assured, our pricing already aims to be competitive and fair for the quality of care we provide. Any available discounts or promotions will be transparently applied. We’ll make sure that when you receive an invoice, it clearly shows the multi-pet discount or any package you added. And remember, if you ever have questions about the bill, we’ll happily walk through it with you. We want you to feel you’re getting great value from us– lots of tail wags and purrs for your buck!

When do I pay for services, and what payment methods do you accept?

We try to make payment as easy and straightforward as everything else. Here’s how it usually works:

-          Boarding: Payment is typically due at the end of your pet’s stay, at pick-up time. When you come to pick up your pet, we will have an invoice ready for the boarding charges (nights stayed, any additional services or packages you opted for, etc.). You can pay at that point by cash, credit, or other methods listed below. For very long stays (e.g., a month-long boarding), we might ask for a deposit or periodic payments, but that will be discussed with you at the booking time. Generally, for standard stays of a few days or a couple of weeks, just pay when you pick up.

-          Day Boarding (Day Camp): Payment is usually due at pick-up on each day your dog attends. If you have a regular schedule (say, every weekday), you can pay daily, or we can arrange a weekly billing – whichever you prefer. Some clients pre-pay for a bunch of days; we can keep track and let you know when the balance is running low.

-          Grooming: Pay when you pick up your freshly groomed pet. After the grooming session, we’ll let you know they’re ready, and when you arrive we’ll take payment then. If someone else is picking up your pet for you, we can also take a card payment over the phone if needed.

-          Pet Taxi: For one-time rides, you can pay at the time of pickup/drop-off. If we’re picking your pet up from home and dropping at the vet, you could pay the driver (cash or check), or we can arrange to charge your card via phone. We’re flexible– we can also add it to a boarding or grooming invoice if the taxi service was related to that (for example, you used Pet Taxi to bring your dog to our boarding– we can just add the taxi fee to the boarding bill).

Payment Methods: We accept cash, all major credit/debit cards, and personal checks. If you have any special payment needs, let us know – for instance, some people whose company is paying for the service might need a specific receipt; we can accommodate that.

At this time, we do not require a deposit for most standard bookings (except possibly around certain holidays or very extended reservations, as mentioned). If a deposit is required, we will let you know when you book – for example, “Holiday bookings require a one-night deposit to hold the spot, which will be applied to your bill.” If you cancel within the allowed timeframe, that deposit will be refunded. We try to keep things simple: you pay when the service is rendered, and we are upfront about all costs.

Tipping: We often get asked if tipping our staff (groomers, walkers, etc.) is allowed or expected. Tipping is never required, but if you feel a staff member went above and beyond and you want to give a gratuity, it’s certainly appreciated. You can hand it to them or even add it to your card payment, and we’ll make sure it goes to the right person. Again, though, that’s totally at your discretion.

Policies & Pet Care

What vaccinations or health requirements do you have?

The health and safety of all pets in our care is extremely important to us, so we do have vaccination requirements in place. Before boarding or using our services, pets need to be up-to-date on certain vaccinations. Specifically:

-          Dogs: We require proof of current Rabies, Distemper/Parvovirus (usually given as a DHPP or similar combo vaccine), and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines for any dogs that are boarding with us or coming for grooming. These are pretty standard for any reputable boarding facility – Rabies is required by law, Distemper/Parvo is vital for their health, and Bordetella helps prevent kennel cough in group settings. If your vet offers the canine influenza vaccine, that’s great too, but at this time we do not require it; we just strongly recommend whatever your vet thinks is appropriate for a kennel environment.

-          Cats: For cats staying with us (or for any reason they’re in our facility), we require Rabies and Feline Distemper (FVRCP) vaccines to be current. Typically, FVRCP covers feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia– basically the core cat vaccines. Again, these protect your cat and others in our care.

We’ll ask you to provide proof of vaccination (like vet records) prior to your pet’s first stay. You can have your vet email us the records at our main email (joyfulpetcarewr@gmail.com), or you can bring a copy. In fact, we mention in our guidelines that you or your vet can email your records to us to have on file –many vets are used to doing this. We’ll keep the dates on record so we know when boosters are due. If a vaccine expires, we’ll remind you that it needs updating before the next visit.

Aside from vaccines, we ask that all pets be generally healthy when they come in. If your pet has a minor chronic condition, that’s fine – we can likely accommodate (and give meds as needed) – but if they have any contagious illness (like coughing, diarrhea due to a parasite, etc.), or if they’ve been exposed to something like kennel cough or canine flu, please wait until your vet gives the all-clear before bringing them. This is to protect all our guests. Similarly, we require that pets be free of fleas and ticks. If we discover fleas on your pet, we may give them a quick flea bath or treatment and add a fee for that, and we’ll definitely inform you. Best to have them on a preventative flea/tick program, especially if they’re going to be in a social environment.

For grooming appointments, the same vaccine rules apply (Rabies is a must for groomers to be safe, and Bordetella for dogs since they might be around others in the salon). Occasionally, someone asks if we’ll groom an older dog who can’t get vaccines due to health – call us to discuss; we may require a vet’s note in those special cases, but in general, for everyone’s safety, we stick to the vaccine policy.

Lastly, if your pet has any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know. That’s not a vaccine, but it’s health-related. We do give treats and use certain cleaning products, so informing us helps us keep your pet safe (for example, if your dog is allergic to peanut butter, we won’t use PB treats or Kongs with them).

How do you handle pets with special needs, like medications or anxiety issues?

We are very accustomed to caring for special needs pets – whether that means pets who need medications, seniors with mobility issues, or animals with anxiety or other behavioral quirks. Our philosophy is to treat every pet as an individual and provide the extra care they require, so they are comfortable and safe. If your pet needs medication, rest assured, we can handle it. We routinely administer oral medications, ear/eye drops, injections like insulin for diabetic pets, and so on. We do charge a small fee (up to $2 per day) for standard medication administration. We ask that you provide clear instructions (ideally written down) about dosage and timing, and supply the medication in its original prescription bottle (or properly labeled). For something like insulin, we’ll also want to know about your pet’s feeding schedule and signs to watch for to ensure they’re doing well. We have had many senior pets or pets with conditions like epilepsy in our care before, and our staff is diligent about giving meds on schedule. If a pet has extensive medical needs (like multiple injections a day or very time-sensitive treatment), we’ll discuss a care plan with you, but in most cases we can accommodate it without issue.

For elderly pets or those with mobility problems, we provide whatever assistance is needed – helping them up, using special harnesses, providing orthopedic bedding, and giving them potty breaks on a schedule they’re comfortable with. We even have a special “Super Senior” program for older dogs to make their stay more comfy (soft bedding, extra potty breaks on non-slip mats, etc.). No pet will be left struggling; we’re there to give them a hand (literally, if they need help standing or walking.) If your pet has separation anxiety or is just very anxious in general, please let us know. We will take extra steps, like placing them in a quieter area away from the busiest sections, keeping a comforting item from home with them (a T-shirt that smells like you, for example), playing calming music, and spending extra one-on-one time to help them settle.

Our owner has personal experience with a dog who had separation anxiety, which is actually part of the inspiration for her taking over this business – she vowed to be the person people could trust with their pets after going through that stress. So, we truly understand, and we make it our mission to reassure your pet. We can also coordinate with you on things like maintaining their exact home routine if possible (feeding times, walk times, bedtime rituals). If your dog gets anxious during storms, we’ll be attentive and can even put a Thundershirt on if you provide one, or give natural calming supplements if you approve.

For pets with behavioral needs (e.g., not great with other dogs, or very shy, etc.), we’ll adjust our handling accordingly. A dog that doesn’t like others will not go out in their outside run at the same time as their next-door neighbor. A cat that hides will be given space and gentle encouragement, but not forced into interaction. We make note of these things in each pet’s file so all staff are aware. Safety is always number one, so if a pet has triggers (say, they are scared of men, or they guard their food), we work around those triggers to keep everyone safe and the pet happy.

In summary, just communicate your pet’s special needs to us. We take pride in offering personalized care. Many clients come to us specifically because their pet needed that extra level of attention that maybe a standard kennel wouldn’t provide. Here, giving insulin shots, preparing homemade diet meals, or sitting on the floor hand-feeding a nervous dog if that’s what it takes – it’s all part of what we do. We love them all, special needs or not. And of course, if an issue ever arises that we’re unsure about, we will contact you and work it out or get veterinary guidance if needed.

Are you insured, and are your staff trained?

Yes, absolutely. Joyful Petcare at Warrior Run is a professional, fully insured business. We carry liability insurance (including coverage specifically for pet care/boarding operations) to ensure that in the unlikely event of an accident or issue, you and your pet are protected. We know entrusting someone with your pet requires a lot of trust –having proper insurance and operating legitimately is a big part of that professionalism.

In terms of our staff, we take great care in selecting and training our team members. This pet care center has been in operation for over 50 years – since 1972 – with a long-standing reputation for quality care[2]. We (the new ownership and management) are carrying that legacy forward with a fresh commitment to excellence and love for the pets. Our team includes individuals who have significant experience with animals: from our professional groomer (who is award-winning in our area and extremely skilled) to our kennel assistants who have grown up with and worked with animals for years.

Training-wise, every staff member is trained in our protocols for animal handling, feeding, sanitation, and emergency procedures. We educate our staff on reading pet body language, safe dog introduction techniques, and signs of distress or illness to watch for. We have staff trained in pet first aid and CPR as well. While not every single employee might be a vet tech or anything, we do have managers or senior staff on duty who know how to handle health situations calmly and effectively. We also often do refresher trainings, especially before busy seasons, to go over things like proper leash handling, cleaning standards, etc.

Our groomer (Victoria) is not only talented in making pets look great, but also trained to handle wiggly or nervous animals in a gentle manner. Our kennel staff are taught how to do thorough cleaning to prevent the spread of germs (using pet-safe disinfectants) and how to administer medications properly as directed.

Additionally, because our owner is very hands-on, you’ll often see Joy (the owner) around the facility interacting with the animals and mentoring staff. She has a clear passion and has instilled a culture of “treat every pet as if it were your own.” We genuinely hire people who love animals – that’s the first requirement on the job description. Skills can be taught, but genuine compassion is a must.

So, in short: yes, we’re insured, and yes, you’re dealing with trained, caring professionals. Many of our clients tell us they choose Joyful Petcare because they feel the love and expertise from our staff the moment they walk in. We’re proud of that, and we’re always striving to live up to the trust you place in us with your precious pets.

What happens if my pet has an emergency or gets sick during their stay?

We certainly hope nothing like that happens, but we are fully prepared for emergencies or illnesses and have protocols in place to handle them swiftly. Your pet’s safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we treat every animal in our care as we would our own in an emergency situation.

Here’s what we would do, step by step:

1. Recognize the Problem: Our staff are trained to monitor all pets closely. We keep an eye on eating habits, bowel movements, demeanor, etc. If a pet shows any sign of distress – for example, not eating, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, lethargy, lameness, or anything noticeably “off” – our team notices quickly. Same for accidents or injuries (in the rare event, say, a dog twists a paw while playing, or a scuffle causes a scratch). Because we maintain a good staff-to-pet ratio, it’s unlikely for something to go unnoticed for long.

2. Immediate Care: If the situation is urgent (for instance, a dog is choking, having difficulty breathing, a severe injury, or any life-threatening situation), we will administer first aid on the spot as appropriate and not delay in seeking veterinary care. We have a pet first aid kit and people who know how to do things like the Heimlich maneuver for dogs, stop bleeding, etc., in those critical initial moments.

3. Contact You: We (or our manager) will call you immediately using the emergency contact numbers you provided. If we cannot reach you directly, we will call your listed emergency contact (often a friend or family member) and your veterinarian, if applicable. Our paperwork asks for your vet’s info, so we have that on hand too. We’ll explain what’s going on and what we’re doing. If it’s something minor (like, “Scruffy has an upset tummy, we’re thinking of giving him some pumpkin and monitoring”), we’ll inform you and get guidance if needed. If it’s more serious (“We think Scruffy needs to see a vet urgently”), we’ll tell you which vet or emergency clinic we are en route to.

4. Veterinary Care: We have local veterinarians we work with and an emergency 24-hour animal hospital in reach. Depending on the time of day and the situation, we will either take your pet to your vet (if nearby and available), or to our on-call vet, or the regional emergency vet if it’s after hours. We will transport your pet via our Pet Taxi (or personal vehicle immediately, whatever gets us there fastest.) Your pet will receive professional medical attention as soon as humanly possible. We do have your authorization in our contract to seek vet care for your pet if urgent, and we will act in their best interest. Cost-wise, emergencies are hopefully rare; you would be responsible for vet fees as per our policy, but we always try to use the information you gave us regarding treatment preferences (for example, some owners say “do whatever is necessary,” others have financial limits – we take that into account and communicate with the vet). Rest assured, however, health comes first.

5. Aftercare and Communication: We keep you updated frequently throughout the process. If we’re at the vet, we’ll call or text you with updates as we get them. Once the immediate emergency is handled, we’ll coordinate next steps with you (whether that’s starting a medication and continuing to board, or if you or someone you designate will pick the pet up from the vet, etc.). If the pet is stable but needs to come back to our facility with meds or special monitoring, we can often accommodate that too.

In summary, we have a “plan for the worst, hope for the best” approach. We maintain high safety standards daily to prevent emergencies (clean environment, careful supervision during play to prevent fights or injuries, climate-controlled facility to prevent overheating, etc.). But if something does happen, know that we won’t hesitate: your pet will get prompt care, and we will be by their side the entire time. Many of us have been pet parents for decades and have dealt with pet emergencies before – it’s scary, but you’re not alone. We’ll treat your pet like our own and do everything possible to help them recover quickly.

Will my dog be able to play with other dogs during boarding/day camp? How do you

ensure everyone gets along?

Socialization and play are big parts of keeping dogs happy here, and we do offer supervised group playtimes for dogs in the same family, or who are already “friends”–but we do it in a very structured and safe way. Here’s how it works:

-          Included Playtimes: Every dog who boards with us gets at least one daily play/exercise session included with their stay. During this time, they’ll go out into one of our secure play yards for some fun. Day camp dogs similarly get multiple play sessions throughout the day. We know dogs need to stretch their legs and enjoy companionship, so this is a priority.

-          One-on-One Play: We have one-on-one play sessions where a staff member will play directly with your dog in the yard, just the two of them (or with a sibling dog from the same family, or a family friend dog that is approved by both owners). In fact, one of our most popular add-ons is the “Stay ‘n’ Play” package, which guarantees two extra one-on-one play sessions per day with staff. Some dogs really thrive on that personal human attention and don’t care about other dogs – we cater to that. We also have lots of enrichment toys and activities to keep solo dogs happy (puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, etc.).

-          Behavior Monitoring: Our team is trained to read dog body language. If during a playgroup we see tensions rising (for instance, two dogs not hitting it off, or one dog getting overstimulated), we intervene and redirect or separate as needed. We do not allow aggressive behavior. If a dog is acting aggressively, that dog will be removed from play for everyone’s safety, and we’ll stick to individual exercise for them. We want play time to be fun and safe for all participants.

-          Facilities: We have large fenced yards for dogs to play in, with secure fencing and double-gated entries to prevent any escapes. There’s room to run and also areas to cool down in the shade or kiddie pools in hot weather.

-          Indoor Play: In case of inclement weather (too hot, stormy, etc.), we have indoor play areas or will do indoor activities. So your dog will still get interaction and fun even if they can’t be outside at that moment.

Can I bring my pet’s own food, bedding, or toys for their stay?

Yes, definitely. In fact, we encourage you to bring anything from home that will make your pet more comfortable during their stay. Here are some guidelines on personal items:

-          Food: It’s often best to bring your pet’s regular food from home, especially for boarding stays. Sudden diet changes can upset tummies, and we want your pet to keep eating normally. You can bring the food in a sealed container or Ziploc bags – whatever is easiest. If you pre-portion it by meal (AM/PM), great, but if not, we’ll follow your feeding instructions. We have refrigerators for any perishable or wet food, and we can accommodate special diets (just let us know). We do have a house food we can feed if you prefer (or if you forget), but it’s always a brand we choose that’s easy on the stomach. However, to avoid any diet issues, bringing your own is preferable.

-          Bedding: We provide comfy bedding for all pets – blankets, pet cots or mats, etc., are available so they have a soft place to sleep. But you are more than welcome to bring your pet’s own bed or a favorite blanket from home. Having something that smells like home can be very comforting to dogs and cats. Just make sure it’s something that is okay to get a bit dirty, because it will be in a kennel environment. We’ll do our best to keep it clean, but pets do have accidents or drag bedding around sometimes. We launder bedding regularly, including any from home if needed (if it gets soiled). Please note, if you bring a very large bed and your dog is in a smaller kennel size, it might not fit – we’ll let you know and possibly use our bedding instead. For cats, a small bed or even a worn T-shirt of yours can be nice in their cat cabana.

-          Toys: Feel free to bring a few of your pet’s favorite toys. We do supply toys here too – we have balls, chew toys, etc., especially for play sessions. But if your dog has a specific toy that comforts them or a chew they love, it can be helpful to have it. We’ll give it only to your pet (we don’t allow other dogs to share personal toys to avoid any scuffles). For safety, avoid anything that could be a choking hazard unsupervised (for example, no rawhides or easily destroyed plushies left in the kennel – those we only give under supervision). Durable toys, or a Kong, are great to leave with them. For cats, a small toy or something with a familiar scent is fine. We just ask that you clearly label anything you bring with your pet’s name (and your last name if possible). We keep a log of belongings, but labels help ensure nothing gets mixed up.

-          Treats: You can bring treats if your pet has favorites or dietary restrictions. We do provide our own treats (and we do give complimentary treats to start their stay off right[28]!). If your dog has allergies or is on a special diet, bringing their own treats is a good idea so we don’t give them something they shouldn’t have. Otherwise, we use standard dog biscuits, training treats, etc., and for cats, maybe a little cat treat if allowed. Just let us know what’s okay.

-          Bowls: Not needed – we provide bowls for food and water (they’re sanitized daily). We actually prefer to use our own bowls because they’re standardized to fit our holders, and we clean them regularly. If your pet uses a slow-feeder bowl or something special, you can bring that, and we’ll use it, no problem. But for most pets, skip the bowls.

-          Other Items: If your pet has a crate that they love (and you want them crated at certain times), you can bring it, though we have kennels, so usually not necessary. You can bring their leash/collar (obviously, you’ll bring those at drop-off). We’ll store your leash during boarding so it doesn’t get lost. For very anxious pets, some owners bring an item of clothing with their scent – that’s a great idea. We’ll put that in their bed.

We do our best to keep track of every item. At check-in, we’ll note “Owner brought 1 bed, 2 toys, 1 bag of food, etc,” so that when you pick up, we return everything. Occasionally, things can get chewed up (like a dog might shred their own bed out of boredom – we hope not, but it happens). If a toy is destroyed or poses a risk, we may remove it for safety, but we’ll tell you if we have to.

One thing to note: While personal items can comfort your pet, some dogs, when in a new environment, might act differently – e.g., a dog who never chews their bed at home might tear up a bed here. We keep an eye out for that behavior. If we see them starting to destroy their bedding or toy, we might take it out to prevent ingesting anything and instead provide more durable bedding. We balance keeping them comfortable with keeping them safe.

In summary, yes, bring whatever you think will make your pet feel at home. We have plenty of our own supplies if you don’t bring something, so don’t worry if you forget, say, their bed – we have fluffy blankets and bedding here. But if you do bring items, we’ll use them as appropriate to give your pet that extra sense of familiarity. And of course, all their belongings will go back home with them. (Don’t be surprised if their blanket smells like our laundry detergent – we wash things if they get dirty, because we want them to go home fresh, not stinky!)

If you have any other questions that weren’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to address any concerns and ensure you feel comfortable and confident in choosing Joyful Petcare for your pet’s needs. Your pet’s well-being (and your peace of mind) are always our top priorities!