Whiskers Resort FAQs

Why don't you answer the phone?

We do when we can. Probably we are busy cleaning, bathing, scrubbing, playing with, petting, and loving your companion animals. They are absolutely our priority. We check our messages every few hours (none on Sundays or holidays). Please leave a message because we are pretty darned good at returning calls.

Why are you by appointment only?

We are a small business. Our receptionist has many responsibilities besides checking animals in and out. She may be doing errands off property or on slow days, only work half days. Petsitters are in charge of caring for the animals. They are not permitted to disregard this task even for the animal's guardians especially because we have combined play for our pups. Our play program pups can get quite territorial (which can lead to aggression) when we have visitors.

Why do I need to give advance notice in order to change my appointment time?

First off, we are a small business and consequently have a small team working around the clock. Our days are planned the day prior and the schedule is set. That said, it is usually much easier to get a later appointment than an earlier one on the day of your appointment. We would love to clone ourselves but we haven't figured out how yet.

What is your vaccination policy?

Please see our vaccination page. Even better, please print it out before going to your vet.

Printable copy of our vaccination policy

What flea control is required?

Once again, please see our vaccination page for this info. Yes, we know flea control is not a vaccination but we couldn't figure out where else to put this info.

My companion animal does not have fleas/ticks so why is flea control needed?

Because we want to keep it that way! Your companion animal must be flea and tick free to visit Whiskers. In fact, if your companion animal has a flea or tick infestation, there is a fine and charges for flea/tick control. Furthermore, it costs us a bundle 'cause we have to treat our premises and we are a group of holistically minded people so by this point we are pretty unhappy. Remember, everyone here must be on an approved flea/tick control so the way we figure - any fleas and ticks here are very hungry!

What brand of food do you use?

The pups are fed high quality lamb and rice products-- by-product free, naturally preserved and have no ground corn. We add canned food and also use Nutro's brand treats. Additionally, we may feed an assortment of other treats (whatever suits our fancy) but NOT rawhide (due to choking concerns), or pig's ears (due to fatty lump concerns).

We provide healthy kibbles for our kitties but to our dismay, many have thumbed their noses at our holistic canned/wet food products. So we feed them a variety of wet food products. Our treats also vary.

Can I provide my companion animal's food?

Sure! But it doesn't change the price. If you want a specific amount given, please sort into a ziploc baggie per meal or expect to pay us to do so. If your food is home-made, we have a refrigerator and chest freezer for these products. Once again, please sort into a ziploc baggie per meal.

I see you have no receiving hours on holidays. Is there anyone caring for my dog/cat on holidays?

Absolutely. Animal care is a 365 day/year job.

So why can't I pick up my dog or cat on holidays?

Let's keep those animal caregivers happy by giving tham an opportunity to spend time with their families. Smaller staff needs on holidays means everyone can contribute and work just a few hours on holidays.

Why are you closed from noon-2?

Doggie siesta (dogs are like kids in that they get grumpy with no good nap time), team lunch break, and being closed from noon-2 allows us to be open half of Saturdays.

Why do you make me have my cat in a carrier past the gate?

Virtually every policy has a story behind it! Please help us. Remember we are here for all the animals and our time needs to go towards all of our charges NOT crawling through bushes and making flyers -- everyone suffers. Cardboard carriers are not considered carriers by the way--any determined cat can get out of one of these.

Why must my dog be on a leash past the gate?

There are some amazing temptations at Whiskers. First off there's a wildlife refuge below so endangered birds visit, there are loose cats, chickens, and lots of pig families due to neighbourhood no hunting policies. These are all factors that contribute to making Whiskers SO MUCH FUN for your dog and very entertaining for your cat. But outside of the compound, your pup may be tempted to investigate further and even pups used to off-leash walks have been tempted. We take no risks.

Why can't I watch doggie introductions?

When there's a stranger on property, dogs like to show off and are more likely to be aggressive. Remember pups are bred to be watch-dogs. Your pup may pick up on this aggression directed towards you and the doggie introductions may not go smoothly (this is a very nice mansy pansy way of putting it). There is a definite art to doggie introductions. Every little bit of "good vibrations" counts.

Why is my dog separated out before I arrive?

When there are guests on property, the pups go nuts. It can be difficult, unsafe, and appear downright ridiculous when we try to get a single pup out of the park at that point.

How long do the pups play together?

Social pups get play time throughout the day.

Why can't I see my pup play?

Doggie introductions can take 10 minutes-24 hours. To ensure the smoothest safest doggie introduction possible, their guardians cannot be present. Upon pick up we can sometimes accommodate requests to see your pup play if arrangements are made in advance.

Why is my dog so lethargic and hungry when he/she gets home?

Chances are your pup has been getting WAY more exercise than he/she does at home playing with his/her doggie friends at Whiskers. Your dog is exhausted and needs some time to rest. She/he has most likely been burning more calories than usual. Most clients report that this state of being wears off after a few hours - a few days. Many of our clients are extremely happy about getting some peace when they get home.

How often do you feed the pups?

1-3 times/day depending on exercise level, metabolism, sex, and age.

Should I feed my companion animal(s) on his/her arrival day?

Your companion animal(s)should be fed breakfast on check in day and dinner on check out day.

Why can't I send along my companion animal(s) favourite bed, blankie, towel, etc.?

There may be flea or tick eggs in your cloth items that we are not aware of. We are in a constant fight with little peskies and must always be vigilient. To say it dryly; We do not accept bedding due to pest concerns.

Why can't I send along my companion animal(s) toys?

If your pup is in the play program, another pup may just decide (and probably will) to shred that toy into 10 million pieces. Also, your pup may have proprietary feelings towards that toy which may lead to doggie aggression. Kenneled pups and kitties may come with non-cloth toys (see above) but be forewarned that since we provide toys, their toys are likely to get combined with ours. Actually, one of our favourite things to do is buy toys and we have lots.:)

Why don't you let pets in the play program if they are not spayed and/or neutered and over 6 months of age?

Ahem. The first reason is pretty obvious. The second is that unneutered pups generally have higher frustration levels, display more aggressive actions, and oftentimes have unmanageable behaviors. For example; some un-neutered males mark (pee) on every vertical surface they get near which starts off the same activity in ALL of our males and means team members spend all day cleaning up pee instead of doing their job.

Why do you have a surcharge for pet(s) over 6 months of age that are not spayed or neutered?

We find that having a companion animal on hand that is not spayed or neutered raises the anxiety level of virtually all of our pets on premises which creates much more work for team members. Also some errant behaviors can cause a lot more work. For example male marking and untimely heats that attract every male cat or dog in the neighbourhood.

Will you accept my geriatric dog?

We get lots of older pets. They cannot be on any really serious medication (arthritis meds are okay, heart meds are not for example) and they cannot get stuck in the corner (trust us, if your dog does this, you'll know). If your pet does any of these, your geriatric dog may still qualify but there will be a geriatric surcharge.

Will you accept FIV+ cats?

On occasion we will. A small surcharge is appplied and our separate kitty quarantine kottage is the only accommodation available. It's really cute!

My cat acts very upset after the drive...?

Cats generally do not like car rides or transitions although we are happy to say cats usually like Whiskers!

Why do you do check out baths so close to departure time?

So the pups can have as much play time as possible. That's usually why they're here. You can request an earlier bath but since we're in a groove to bathe near check-out time, it may or may not be accommodated. However, bath requests for a day before check out are easy to accommodate.

Why are pups separated out after check-out baths?

What is good cologne to a dog? Ugh. We grimace thinking about it. Most pups love to roll in what we would consider the "grossest" spot they can find after a bath. Joila! The purpose of the bath is defeated. It's just in their nature and makes perfect sense to a doggie brain.

I read in the Whiskers Agreement form and understand that on occasion, you use bark collars. Why?

If this was not an option our overnight caretakers would probably quit which would make our doggies would be very lonely at night. Pups can work not just themselves but everyone around them into a frenzy. Bark collars can help prevent this, and additionally curb fence fighting. That said, we rarely use them preferring to ignore the barking, play music, use water squirt bottles, and only in rare instances use citronella or electronic bark collars.

Why do you have such a strict cancellation policy?

We find it makes people value our time as we do. Remember, you are getting a great deal for what we offer. Our time is maxed out in order to provide all the great amenities we do. IF we are spending our time making reservations, answering questions, holding a space, and then perhaps waiting for no-show clients we are NOT playing, petting, and loving your companion animals. If you are worried about losing your deposit due to a potential cancellation you may choose to make your reservation a day or two ahead of your departure to minimize the risk of losing your deposit. Of course, at that point, we may or may not have availability. That's the risk you would take.

Why don't you accept presa canarios, pit bulls, or human aggressive dogs?

We hire incredibly loving people. That is the most important quality we look for but we actually have quite a list. It can be difficult with all of our needs to find someone that can also handle these breeds if they get aggressive. Unfortunately, an unruly presa canario is a lot different than an unruly cocker spaniel! Team safety is very important!

Why don't you accept rottweilers, pit bulls, doberman pinchers, akitas, chows, part pitts, and german shepherds in your play rooms?

Originally, we were not at all "breedists" but rather behaviorists. As time went on though, we found we had the most aggressive incidents with these breeds.

Why have I seen them on property?

Usually that's because they were grandfathered in. We are very loyal to our ohana. In fact, one of our lifetime boarders is a rottweiler. We love her very much!

What's a lifetime boarder?

A lifetime boarder is a companion animal that belongs to Whiskers Resort and vice-a-versa. We care for him/her as if they were ours and pay for medical costs, food, flea control and heartworm, etc. People enroll their pups in the lifetime boarding program for various reasons including the passing away of the primary caregiver, moving to a place or situation that will not accommodate an animal, or inability to care for their animal. Lifetime boarding fees are paid, a contract is signed and the lucky animal moves to Whiskers Resort. You may see a lifetime boarder plalying in a playroom or cruising around town with a team member. You may meet a lifetime boarder kitty sprawled on the office desk or lazing in the sun in our flower gardens. Everyone enjoys the on-site presence of our overnight caretakers. We're proud of our lifetime boarding program. In fact, we feel our lifetime boarders generally get more companionship here than anywhere else. For more information call us at 241-PETS.