What vaccinations are required?
- Dogs: Bordetella, DHPP, and Rabies all must be up to date prior to boarding. We suggest vaccination are give up to two weeks prior to expiration to allow your dog to be most protected.
Do you accept unaltered dogs (not-spayed, not-neutered)?
- We require dogs to be spayed by 6 months or neutered by 12 months. However, we will still accept dogs that have been spayed or neutered after these ages, provided they have been altered before arrival. We do have a second facility located just minutes away that does accept unaltered dogs of any ages. Please see: www.Denisesanimalhouse.com to schedule a tour or book a stay.
Why do you do an evaluation?
- All dogs attending Traveller's STAY & PLAY must be social and exhibit no aggression toward people or other dogs. To ensure a safe and positive experience for every guest, all new dogs are required to complete a temperament evaluation prior to joining daycare or boarding.
What if I have a dog that I do not want to socialize, has aggression, or fails the temperament evaluation?
- The safety of our dogs and staff at Traveller's STAY & PLAY is always our top priority. Because our daycare and boarding programs include interactive group play, all dogs must be social and comfortable interacting with both people and other dogs.
- If a dog displays aggressive behavior, significant stress, or is unable to safely participate in group play, they may not pass the temperament evaluation and therefore cannot attend daycare or boarding at Traveller's STAY & PLAY.
- We do not offer isolated or non-social boarding options at this facility.
- For dogs who need individualized care, limited social interaction, or alternative accommodations, we are happy to book a stay for you at our other facility, Denise’s Animal House, located in Lebanon, Ohio (just 8 minutes away), which offers different care options that may be a better fit for your dog’s needs.
- Our goal is always to guide pet parents toward the safest and most appropriate environment for their dog, even if that means recommending a different type of care.
What do I need to bring at time of boarding?
- You will need to bring your pets food, pre-portioned in baggies or containers. Wet food does not need to be pre-portioned. Any medications with names of medication and directions. These will be placed into a pill-organizer upon arrival and placed with your pets bin of food. Small beds are accepted, large beds or items that will not fit into our washer will be kept out of the kennel and with their belonging. Comfort items such as blankets, stuffed toys will be given by discretion of the staff.
Why do we ask food to be pre-portioned?
- We ask that all food be pre-portioned to ensure accuracy, safety, and consistency in your dog’s daily routine. Pre-portioned meals help our staff provide the correct amount at each feeding, reduce the risk of over- or under-feeding, and prevent cross-contamination between diets.
- Many dogs in our care follow special feeding instructions, including prescription diets, multiple daily meals, or separate feedings. Pre-portioning allows us to efficiently manage these needs while maintaining a calm, organized feeding process — especially during busy boarding and daycare schedules.
- Most importantly, keeping your dog’s feeding routine consistent helps reduce stress and supports proper digestion while they’re away from home.
Do you charge extra for medication administration?
- No. We will apply any topical medication, give oral medication and administer injections at no extra cost during staff hours. Any medications that are required at a time when owners are not on site, but staff will spend the night will be charged an extra $20 per day fee. (example: medication given at midnight).
Do you provide food?
- We request that all food is brought from home to ensure animal stay on their regular diet and doesn't cause GI upset. However, if you prefer we can provide our house kibble, Kirkland's Chicken and Rice at $2/meal.
What does a day look like for my pet while boarding?
- Our overnight guests are let out for morning potty time around 6:45am-7:30am while breakfast is being prepared. After all dogs have had outside time in one of our 5 grass yards we allow one hour for meals and for them to digest their food. While they are kenneled for breakfast daily housekeeping by staff is completed, including routine kennel cleaning, water bowl changes, and fresh water. Dogs are then let out for a second potty break and playtime in the morning for 1.5 hours (this may include outdoor play, indoor playroom, or just cuddling with the staff inside) all weather dependent. Afternoon nap time occurs between 1pm-3pm every day. Afternoon staff arrival and dogs are let out for another approximate 1.5 hour potty break and outdoor or indoor play time while dinner is prepared. While dogs are eating dinner routine kennel cleaning, fresh water, and daily routine house cleaning are preformed again. We like to keep everything clean throughout the day. After dogs have had time to digest their food they are let out again for another potty break and outdoor/indoor play time before bedtime, just like you would at home! Sound machines are found throughout the kennels to sooth any noise or anxious dogs.
Why do my dogs get mandatory rest/nap times during daycare or boarding?
- Mandatory rest and nap times are an important part of maintaining a safe, healthy, and balanced environment for all dogs in our care. While play and socialization are beneficial, continuous activity can lead to overstimulation, stress, and exhaustion, which may increase the risk of injuries or behavioral issues.
Scheduled rest periods allow dogs to:
- Reset mentally and physically
- Regulate their energy level
- Prevent over-arousal during group play
- Maintain healthy routines similar to home
Rest time is especially important for puppies, senior dogs, and high-energy dogs, helping them stay relaxed and better able to enjoy playtime when it resumes.
At Traveller's STAY & PLAY, we believe that a well-balanced day includes both activity and downtime. By incorporating structured rest into each dog’s routine, we ensure a calmer, safer, and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Let's be honest you'd be exhausted too if you exercised all day too!
Do you provide bathing services while boarding?
- We offer paid exit baths for boarding dogs, these are given the morning of an evening pickup or the evening before a morning pickup. We also offer nail dremels.
Do you provide grooming services while boarding?
- Not at this location, yet! We do however have two excellent dog groomers with over 35+ years of experience at our other facility located just minutes away in Lebanon. Please call Denise's Animal House at 513-932-9427 or visit our website at www.denisesanimalhouse.com We also have a cat groomer!!
Do you offer daycare?
- Yes, this is one of the main services we offer! We have several dogs that visit us throughout the week while parents are at work, or if you just need to get them out of the house and socialized! They follow a similar structured play time and rest schedule as our overnight guests. If maximum time is utilized for daycare they will have 8 hours of kennel free playtime. No daycare is offered on the weekends or holidays.
Do you require deposits and what is your refund policy?
- Any boarding over a holiday will require a $100.00 deposit. A 100% refund will be given if we are notified two weeks prior to first nights stay of cancellation. A 50% refund if we are notified between 7-13 days. No refund will be given for those cancelling within one week of boarding reservation.
Do you provide photos of the pets while staying?
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to see your pet play while your away! Facebook posts are guaranteed once daily, almost always twice a day though.