Hello, my name is Shawna, I am a licensed pet sitter, and the founder of Tampaws Pet Care. I am a pet owner and animal lover myself. I have owned a variety of pets in my lifetime, including cats, dogs, guini pigs, iguanas, turtles, birds,snakes, fish, and even a sugar gliders. Not only am I a pet owner, i am also very involved with local rescues in the Tampa Bay area and have been a volunteer/foster mom for Pug Rescue Of Florida for the past three years. This experience has allowed me to foster and care for a variety of pugs and given my first hand knowledge with dogs of all ages and conditions. I have experience with administering basic med ... View Profile

What is the meaning of pet boarding?

I enjoy to get my daily exercise in while walking my pet. I feel it's important to get lots of playtime and plenty of water to drink. I will treat your babies just like my own. I would love to have the opportunity to get to know other pets. While I haven't taken care of other dogs that are not my own, I think this would be a lot of fun for me. I'm always donating to my local animal shelter to help out animals in need just waiting to get adopted. Anytime I see a dog I like to say hello to them because they make me smile. Sometimes that's all you need to completely turn your day around. Give me a chance to keep me smiling. ... View Profile
Kennels also come with a variety of add-on services, just like a hotel. Basic kennels include comfortable places to sleep, eat and play, while more expensive versions can include televisions in every room, plush beds, and more personal attention for your animal. Which type you prefer depends on the needs of your animal and their day-to-day lifestyle.
A good kennel or boarding facility should walk your dog several times a day — anywhere from two to five — and should also build in time for play or socialization. Some kennels offer free play with other animals in a common yard, while some keep dog play one-on-one with staff, for example playing fetch or in the pool, to avoid any conflicts. Rural properties may include hiking trails.
We use home-style crates during naptime (12 to 2 p.m.) because it gives the dogs a safe place to rest in, allows them to have some “me” time and allows the staff to safely dispense individual food for dogs who eat lunch and/or medication to each dog if applicable. Similar to children in a daycare, dogs tend to easily adapt to the naptime routine as it’s at the same time each day and all their friends are enjoying the, often much-needed, down time as well! During naptime, the staff also thoroughly cleans each playroom to ensure the room is safe and clean before another exciting round of afternoon play!
We use home-style crates during naptime (12 to 2 p.m.) because it gives the dogs a safe place to rest in, allows them to have some “me” time and allows the staff to safely dispense individual food for dogs who eat lunch and/or medication to each dog if applicable. Similar to children in a daycare, dogs tend to easily adapt to the naptime routine as it’s at the same time each day and all their friends are enjoying the, often much-needed, down time as well! During naptime, the staff also thoroughly cleans each playroom to ensure the room is safe and clean before another exciting round of afternoon play!

How much do dog daycare workers make?

Dogs need proof of Distemper, Parvo and Bordetella (kennel cough) annually and Rabies every 1-3 years. Puppies must be 10 days past their final round of distemper/parvo vaccination before kennels will accept them for boarding. Vaccinations need to be given no less than 7 days prior to boarding. If this is the dog's first Bordetella vaccination, it must be given 2 weeks prior to boarding.

Dogtopia is a very active environment, with the dogs interacting for several hours per day. Even if your dog did not run all day, simply being awake can make them very, very tired. At home, most dogs sleep the day away getting 18 or more hours of sleep. Although we have a two-hour nap, and the dogs sleep approximately eight hours per night, they will be tired. Please let them rest. We do not recommend that you take them to the dog park or any other social environment for at least a few days.