Boarding Situation... Need Advice

[Maya]

Hello:

We are going out of state for Christmas, and can't have Cassie there with us. However, we wanted her to be near us, so a couple of weeks ago we made a reservation at a Petsmart just 20 min. from where we'll be staying. They called me today, to confirm... I told them we woldn't be leaving Oregon on the morning of 12/26, as previously planned, but in the evening of 12/25. The lady said I couldn't pick up Cassie on 12/25. I said: 'But we HAVE to leave Oregon on 12/25!'... She still continued with 'I am sorry, we do not release dogs on Christmas Day" I asked 'Do you have somebody watching the animals there on Christmas Day?', she said 'Of course we do', I said 'So, why can't they release Cassie'... she said 'We are not equipped to do that' (?!?!), I said 'I would just need that person to open the door, give me the dog, I sign the paper and leave'... she said 'I am sorry, it's the company policy'... I said 'Can I talk to a supervisor, I really, really need to make this work, I need to ask for an exception', she said 'I am the assistant manager, there's currently nobody above me here you could talk to'... As you can see, I tried and tried... I was persistent but not rude, or mad at the woman.

I can't believe you cannot pick up YOUR dog on Christmas Day, not even in an emergency?!?

So, here's a question for you experienced dog owners: does this surprise you, or is this the norm (if it is - WHY??? I really need to understand why!) My husband and I are so suspicious now that there might be nobody there really watching the dogs on Christmas Day, maybe somebody just comes and feeds them and leaves again. Do you think that's possible (I asked, the lady said no way, they have people there at all times)?

I would really like to hear from other Doodlekissers - what do you think about this situation?

Thanks!
Maya

[Tamara & Giada]

Yes, I think a lot of places have certain times and even days they are open for "office work". That is too bad, I personally never like kennals. Can you look for a different place?? GL:)

[Maya]

Not really (if you mean 'another boarding place'). When we made Christmas plans, Cassie was not even on the radar :-) We got her on Nov. 8th and just a few days later I started looking for a place to take care of her for those two days that we'll be gone. Turns out that for holidays they book 2-3 months in advance, and their waiting lists are very long (some 50+ names).

Fortunately, there's a friend who's willing to watch Cassie while we are gone, but we'd rather have her near us, and not have to burden anybody, that's why we preferred the boarding option.

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

It doesn't really surprise me. Maybe they only have one person working and if they make an exception for you to pick-up your dog than others will expect the same and maybe it would be too much for one person? I'm really not sure but am speculating. Many places have different rules for holiday. Good luck!

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Can you look for boarding that has video on the East Coast the have Camp Bow Wow's you can see your dog anytime from your computer.....they are only put in crates at nite. Good luck I know how hard it is to leave them.