Kennel Recommendation within 30 miles of Madison? (Russell: how much, house, camp)

[mnmel]

Hi -
Does anyone have any recommendations (or warnings) about kennels in Madison? I'm looking for a place to board my 2.5 y.o. Jack Russell Terrier during a vacation this summer, and I'm hoping to find a place that includes more than a wire cage and kennel run. One that includes playtime would be a plus.
Thanks in advance for your help!

[gold*dust1]

Camp Bow Wow and Aunt Bee's should qualify. Do a google search or get out the phone book.

Camp K9 isn't that great.

[RemiJP]

I've left my dog at Spa Woof near the airport. The staff are fantastic and they also have grooming services. They have outdoor play time in a big yard and also an indoor play room if the weather is bad.

[Megan1967]

I'd second camp bow wow and aunt b's.

[MidwesternBookWorm]

I'm curious about your comments on Camp K9, gold*dust1. What did you find less than desirable there? We've left critters (both feline and canine) there before, and thought it was a reasonably decent place for them. If there's something going on there, I'd be very interested in learning more about it before we make reservations for our out-of-town trips this year.

[gold*dust1]

Originally Posted by MidwesternBookWorm

I'm curious about your comments on Camp K9, gold*dust1. What did you find less than desirable there? We've left critters (both feline and canine) there before, and thought it was a reasonably decent place for them. If there's something going on there, I'd be very interested in learning more about it before we make reservations for our out-of-town trips this year.

We boarded our 12 year old Golden there towards the end of '06. When I made the reservation I was under the impression they had separate runs for older and small breeds. Upon arrival the girl who checked us in looked at me blankly when I inquired about the senior dog facilities and mumbled that wasn't available. She then asked if we wanted to come along while she put him in his run, like it wouldn't be necessary.

We tagged along and found out his run area was very chaotic, like many boarding kennels (to be fair) are. I was nervously commenting how bad I felt leaving him and mentioned his age, and she just didn't seem very caring and seemed bored with her job. I just wonder how much personal attention he got. I felt like he was a number.

Our Golden passed that very next year and so maybe the guilt I felt at leaving him has soured my view of K9. I know they are adequate.

Since the OP mentioned having a Jack Russell, (fairly small breed) I feel the need to say K9 wouldn't be the best fit IMO. I have 2 toy breeds now and actually took them along on our last vacation, rather than boarding them. I just think with the smaller breeds especially, they need more attention and care. Of course cats are very independent and don't have to have alot of human contact.

[MidwesternBookWorm]

That's good to know, gold*dust1, and I appreciate your response. I can see why you'd be reluctant to leave a critter there again after your experience with your senior citizen Golden.

I may do a bit of scouting around before I make reservations for this year, based on that. We are currently owned by a small tuxedo-clad feline, and while in general cats are pretty independent, he is the most touchy-feely cat I've ever met. I've had cats all my life, but I've never known an adult cat who climbs me like a tree for petting when I get home from work. I need to be sure he won't just be left in a cage all by himself for days on end.

Thanks again for the info!

[Megan1967]

I used to have a pet sitting business and I would heartily recommend getting a pet sitter for your kitties who stay alone at home. Some sitters even will stay over night and come in several times a day to let dogs out - allowing them to stay in their home rather than being put in a kennel.

Cats need human attention just as much as dogs, they just show it differently. I've noticed in house holds with both cats and dogs the cats often get the short end of the stick. A cat isn't as assertive as a dog typically, but that doesn't mean they don't want loving. When I pet sat some of the cats were desperate for human contact every visit. It could be heart breaking when I had to leave them at the end of my visit.

Unfortunately I don't know many pet sitters anymore so I wouldn't be able to recommend anyone, but you can call your vet's office or visit National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or petsit.com. I would only advise to avoid wagon wheel. I heard tons of horror stories about them neglecting pets.

[gold*dust1]

Originally Posted by MidwesternBookWorm

Thanks again for the info!

You're welcome!

[gold*dust1]

I did some research on petsitting services myself and the only one that serviced the east side that I found, charged an arm and a leg. Plus, that price only included one visit a day, it was extra for more visits. They did not do overnights. I think that is a thing of the past unless you just find a person willing to do it.

They did offer a discount for having 2 pets but it still added up to much more than a boarding facility. I think I would feel uncomfortable trusting someone to come into my home, and how would I know they were giving my pets quality care? At any rate, my 2 pups go out way more than twice a day. Might work well for cats or bigger older dogs.