Talk with pet owners from near and far and you'll hear common concerns about boarding services they have used. At Sage Valley we listen to our customers. We process any and all feedback and build anything we can into providing better care for our furry guests. We aim to represent the future of dog and cat boarding, not the past.

Here are a few of the concerns in our industry and how we approach them at Sage Valley:

General Questions:

Q. The owner or manager was rude to me.
You can contact Co-owner Tom Allen at anytime via tom@sagevalley.com and share this type of information. It will be resolved promptly and professionally. We can't say how, because everyone loves our staff.

Q. He seemed very stressed.
We never just tuck our guests away to get stressed. Because we document all of their behavior in a daily journal, we can note stressed pets and can move them to another kennel where the environment may be less stressful. Once we find a comfy spot for our nervous guests, we make note in their file to ensure they stay in this comfy area during all of their ensuing stays with us.

Q. The facility smelled bad and seemed dirty.
We take pride in how clean our facility is. Our daily procedures include multiple cleanings, not just one at the day's start. This ensures that as messes are made, they get cleaned up which means your pet is less likely to go home smelling bad.

Q. It was really overcrowded with too many dogs and not enough handlers.
We employ one supervisor for every 15 dogs we have stay with us and hire seasonal help to ensure this during our peak summer months and during the holidays.

Q. They only offer one type of food, and we couldn't bring our own food.
This is not fun for anyone and will likely lead to an unhealthy situation such as diarrhea, an upset stomach, weight loss, lethargy, and undue stress. When your dog stays with us, we strongly encourage you to bring your own food if you like. We offer Canidae Brands dog kibble if you like. We carry the entire line of their kibble.

Q. They didn't follow my feeding or medicine instructions.
We know how important these can be for so many pets. We take every precaution to make sure feeding and medication instructions are followed to a tee.

Q. I had to come back early from my trip because I couldn't pick him up after 4 pm without being charged another day.
Proudly we have eliminated all of the extraneous pick-up and drop-off constraints as well as all of the fees associated with them. At Sage Valley, you simply pick up and drop off when we are open at the times that work best for you, even on Sundays and most holiday weekends. Our boarding rates are simply applied to the nights you stay - just like a nice hotel. We don't charge you for a bunch of extras that a boarding facility should be providing anyway.

We welcome you to come in for a tour and ask as many questions as you want. We'll give you straight answers and help you make the right decision for you and your pet.

Boarding Questions

Q. How should I prepare to board with Sage Valley?
To keep your pet's stress to a minimum we advise you to keep them from seeing you packing for your trip. It will also help both you and your pet if you make a separate and relaxed trip to the kennel when you are bringing them in for boarding. In other words, please bring your pet in to us when you're not in a big rush to get out of town!

Q. What do I need to know if I am coming for a first time visit?
We ask that you check in your "rookies" before 2:00 p.m. if you have the flexibility to do so. We have a special introduction process for newcomers that helps them to settle in easier on their first day. If you have a sensitive pet, it may be advisable to try our day care and then schedule an overnighter before leaving them with us for an extended stay.

Q. What is your check in process?
We have seen hundreds of dogs that come in happy and eager only to go to pieces after the dog-owners put them through a long emotional good-bye! Please have a seat - calmly - in our lobby while our staff takes your pet back to the kennel. Dogs experience less stress when they don't see you leaving them.

Q. How can I check up on my pet?
You may check up on your pets during their stay. We maintain a diary that tracks the details on every animal in our care. Appetite, attitude, activity level, and stool/urine conditions are all recorded throughout the day. The diary helps us to identify any problems in the early stages. Call during business hours to get a current report. Please press #1 if you get our machine. If we're busy we will return your message, even if you're calling long distance.

Q. What is your check out process?
Dogs remember big events. For the benefit of your dog's next visit with us, avoid having a jubilant reunion and take the dog out for a quick walk instead. The next time your dog visits us, it will be less likely to spend time feeling anxious anticipating that big reunion. Those anxious feelings about the reunion tend to contribute to a more difficult stay for your dog.

Q. Tell me more about what you feed the dogs?
We have Canidae Brands dry kibble and some canned foods available. Use of these is included in your fee. If you want your own food to be fed, please bring in enough food for your pet's length of stay.

Q. What Vaccinations are need for my pet to stay with Sage Valley?
Dog Vaccinations: Bordetella, Rabies and Distemper vaccinations must be current for every dog. Vets usually give Bordetella only on request and it is administered to prevent some of the more common canine bronchitis (kennel cough) strains. We can phone-verify vaccination dates with your vet if your receipts are not readily available to bring with you at check-in. Please feel free to have your vet fax them to us at 303-279-6591 if that works better for you.

Cat Vaccinations: The FVRCP and Rabies vaccinations must be up to date for every cat. Feline Leukemia vaccinations are recommended. We can phone verify cat vaccinations if needed.

Q. My dog is on special medicine, will you accept him at Sage Valley?
We accept pets that receive medications at no additional charge. Please print the instructions clearly on an index card that can be kept with the medications. We currently do not offer shots, nor will we administer shots. If your pet requires daily shots, please consult your vet for a boarding opportunity that will best suit your pet's needs.

Q. Can I bring something from home to make my pet feel more comfortable while at Sage Valley?
Sage Valley now provides padded bedding for all non-destructive pets while they board. You are encouraged to bring in two or three familiar toys from home as these can help to make your pet feel more at home during their stay with us. Avoid bringing in anything of value as pets will sometimes become bored and destructive during their stay.

Q. How should I expect my pet to act when they return from Sage Valley?
Just like kids returning from summer camp, some pets can be easily excited when you pick them up from the kennel. Why not, they had a great time! You may notice when they get home they will rest a bit. This behavior is not unusual and they should return to normal within 48 hours after you get them home.

Q. Should I be worried about Kennel Cough while my pet is at Sage Valley?
All kennels experience occasional bouts with canine infectious tracheo-bronchitis. We tend to have a lower percentage of cases because of our daily procedures, the disinfectants we use daily, and how clean we keep our facility. The Bordetella vaccination protects against some, but not all, canine infectious tracheo-bronchitis strains. The cough can sound serious but presents no real threat to your dog, particularly when treated early on. If your dog should exhibit a consistent hacking cough, contact your vet for an appointment or an antibiotic prescription and call the kennel office. By promptly alerting the kennel about anything infectious, you will help them to locate, isolate and minimize further exposure with other dogs.

Q. What are your rates at Sage Valley?