Dog Boarding in Richmond, VA

• Respiratory Bordetella
• Distemper*
• Hepatitis or Adenovirus
• Parvo
• Para-influenza
• Lepto*
• Rabies
• H3n2 flu virus vaccination

Don’t Feed too Much
Don’t over feed your pet right before leaving for vacation. This could cause an upset tummy. We have plenty of food here!

Food
We serve IAMS mini chunks and IAMS puppy food. If necessary, you may bring your own food. Please prepackage it in zip-top bags, one serving per bag.

Blankets
We offer fleecy faux lambswool blankets which we launder every night. Special mattresses are available for senior citizens. Please do not bring bedding from home unless you are staying in the deluxe suites.

Stay Calm
Do not get too emotional when you drop your pet off. This can cause your pet to feel unnecessarily anxious.

Escort Service
One of our friendly Activity Coordinators will take your dog to his or her room. This shows your dog that you trust us and will keep your dog from thinking you want him to protect his/her room.

Baby Steps
Try to schedule a one or two night vacation for your pet’s first vacation, rather than a whole week.

We Need Your Number
Bring an emergency contact phone number.

Homecoming Hints
Do not over feed or offer unlimited water to your dog for at least four hours after you return home. Your dog may be really excited to get home. This may cause him/her to eat and drink too quickly and may result in an upset stomach. Just let your dog calm down a little first!

Vacation Lag
Your dog may be a little tired upon returning home. This is normal. There is a great deal of excitement at Holiday Barn! If you have any questions about your dog’s behavior, please give us a call.

What happens if my pet gets sick while they’re staying with you?

If your dog needs medical attention while in our care, we will immediately contact the veterinarian provided to us at check in.  If a visit to the veterinarian is warranted, we will provide transportation and care to and from.  We will communicate with you during the entire process.

Can I take a tour of the facility before making a reservation?

Of course!  We welcome you to come tour our beautiful facilities.  The best times to take a tour are from around 11:00AM – 3:30PM as our lobbies are not quite as busy with check-ins and check-outs during that time.  You do not need to make an appointment.  

Is there an extra charge if my pet needs to take medication?

Yes.  We charge $1.95 per oral medication administration.  We are unable to administer injections.

What if I have to cancel my reservation?  Will I be charged?

We would appreciate at least a 24-hour notice of cancellation, however, you will not be charged since we do not keep a credit card on file.

Can my dog bring his favorite toy?

Yes! Pets are welcome to pack their favorite toy but please do not bring rawhides or rope toys. 

How often do the dogs go out to potty?

When your pet is staying in our cottages or our suites, they will have 5 potty walks per day included with their stay.  Since our kennel/lodge accommodation includes a separate private potty area, we provide 3 potty walks per day.

Can I bring my dog’s bed?

You are welcome to bring your dog’s bed if he/she is staying in our suites.  If staying in our cottages or lodge, we ask that you do not bring personal belongings of any kind.  We offer comfy fleecy blankets which are laundered every night. Special mattresses are available for senior citizens. 

Will my dog have its own room?

Yes.  All dogs have their own room unless they are boarding with a sibling, per your request.  

Are the rooms heated and cooled?

Of course! All of our rooms are heated and cooled for your pet’s comfort.  During cold winter months, our floors are also heated for extra warmth.

Will my dog have access to an outdoor potty area at all times?

If your dog is staying in our kennel lodge, they will have access to a private potty area at all times. Some of the potty areas are indoors and some are outdoors. If your dog is staying in our cottages or suites, they will have 5 potty walks per day.

Do you have cameras or a webcam so that I can watch my pet?

We have security cameras in all areas of our facility for pet and people safety. We do not have webcams in the pet’s enclosures. We are happy to provide you with a picture with our “Pawdate” package.  The package also includes an update on your pet’s mood, eating habits, potty habits, and activities.

Will my dog play with other dogs?

Our dog guests will play with other dogs only if they are registered for dog daycare.   

What time do I need to drop off and pick up my pet?

For boarding, you may drop off your pet at any time from 7AM – 7PM, Monday through Friday, 7AM – 6PM on Saturday, and 9AM – 6PM on Sunday.  Please note that if you pick up your pet after 1:00pm, there is a charge for that night unless your pet is scheduled for grooming or day care that day.

Drop off and pick up times in Dog Daycare are scheduled to allow the staff a smooth transition in and out of playgroups. For your dog to attend an early play group, they must be here by 7:45AM.  To attend a later play group, your dog must be here by 10:15AM.  For a half day of daycare dogs must arrive by 12:45pm

We ask that grooming dogs arrive no later than 10:00am unless other arrangements have been made.

Training dogs arrive at a scheduled time with your dog’s Trainer.

What kind of security do you have at the facility?

All entrances and exits are secured each evening when the staff leaves.  The facilities also have an alarm system to alert the staff to unauthorized entries, movement, or glass breakage.  Our resorts are equipped with multiple sensors, alarms, and surveillance cameras for the protection of our guests. 

What kind of pet care training does your staff have?

Our staff participates in The Dog Gurus training programs that prioritizes safety and promotes excellence through education, evaluation, enrichment, and emergency preparedness. All Holiday Barn employees go through extensive onboarding and we have standard operating procedures for all operational tasks.

Will my pet have water at all times?  How often do you change the water?

Yes, all of our guests have water available to them at all times.  Bowls are sanitized and water is changed several times throughout the day.

My dog is blind.  Can you accommodate dogs with special needs?

Yes. We provide a safe environment and ensure consistent routines for special needs dogs.  

What is your protocol for elderly dogs?

We prioritize our senior guests’ needs by providing quiet, comfortable environments, ensuring the staff is trained to manage medications and dietary needs, and implementing emergency protocols.

Are there any hidden fees?

All fees are communicated to you at check-in.  Please review your receipt thoroughly.

What will my dog eat while staying at your resort?

We serve IAMS mini chunks and IAMS puppy food.  You may bring your own food. We ask that you prepackage it in zip-top bags, one serving per bag.