Your first stay, step by step
Welcome to the Haven! Here's everything you need before your dog or cat's first boarding stay — vaccines, paperwork, what to pack, and how drop-off and pickup work.
Four things to have ready
1. A reservation
Reservations are required for all boarding guests, with a card on file. (Daycare and day stays don't need one.) We usually have room for some day-boarding requests, but don't count on it around holidays.
2. Vaccine records
Proof of current vaccinations from your vet — for dogs and cats. No guest is admitted for any service without them. All vaccines must be given at least one week before the stay.
3. Completed forms
The Policies form, Pet Profile, and Grooming & Boarding Agreement must all be on file. Missing paperwork can mean a cancelled stay.
4. A healthy pet
Guests must have been in good health for the 30 days before arrival. We health-check every incoming guest — please tell us about any issues up front.
Vaccine requirements
All vaccines must be administered at least one week before your pet's stay. Bordetella must be given before arrival. Puppies and kittens must be at least 4 months old with their full vaccine series completed.
Dogs
Required| Rabies | 1 or 3 year |
| DHLPP (basic yearly) | 1 year |
| Bordetella | Every 6 mo or 1 yr |
Cats
Required| Rabies | 1 or 3 year |
| FVRCP | 1 year |
What to bring
- Your pet's own food — in a container, bag, or individual baggies, labeled AM & PM (we feed twice daily). Keeping their regular diet avoids upset stomachs. No food? We provide ours at $5/day per pet.
- Toys & treats — welcome, as long as they're in good condition.
- That's it. We provide bedding and bowls for every guest.
A note on GPS/tracking collars: dogs play with their mouths, and these collars can come off during play — The Paw Haven isn't liable for tracking collars left on at drop-off.
Medications & health
- Free medication administration up to 3 times per day.
- Flea & tick preventative recommended. If fleas or ticks are found, your pet will be bathed and treated at the owner's expense.
- 3+ medications requires manager clearance before booking.
How arrivals and departures work
Drop-offs and pickups are available daily, at scheduled times that can vary — we'll set yours when you reserve.
- Check-in: scheduled, no earlier than 7:30 AM.
- Check-out: by 12:00 PM. Pick up between noon and 3 PM and a half day of daycare is added; between 3 PM and 5:30 PM, a full day of daycare.
- Last pickup: 5:30 PM Monday–Thursday, 4:00 PM on Fridays.
- After last pickup: your pet rolls into a new night of boarding (that day's daycare included), and you can pick up until noon the next day with no extra fees.
- Weekends: drop-off/pickup windows are Saturday 10–11 AM and Sunday 3–4 PM. Daycare fees and checkout times don't apply on weekends — but miss your window and pickup/drop-off moves to the next business day.
- Holidays: we board 365 days a year, but the lobby is closed on certain holidays — meaning no drop-offs or pickups those days. Holiday stays require a 2-night minimum, and public daycare may be unavailable during peak periods.
Cancellation policy
Boarding
Cancel at least 3 days before your arrival date. Cancellations made within the 3-day window are charged half the price of the reservation. This applies to both regular and peak/holiday periods.
Grooming
Cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment. Later cancellations or no-shows are charged 50% of the scheduled service.
Right of refusal
The Paw Haven may refuse admittance to any pet, at any time — including guests without adequate vaccine documentation, showing signs of illness, or not meeting our temperament and safety requirements.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Let's get your pet on the books
Call to reserve, and we'll walk you through the forms and get your vaccine records on file.
Call (337) 424-8564 Back to Boarding