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Uptown Hounds

Dog swimming in a pool with a toy in his mouth

FAQ

What makes America's Uptown Hounds Luxury Resorts different from other boarding facilities?

The physical design of the hotel is impressively unique in itself, but what most clients note is how they appreciate that our facility was created to eliminate conventional kennel stress behaviors such as barrier aggression and separation anxieties. The facility was engineered in a manner to avoid sight line tensions, which is the leading cause of stress while boarding. Our rooms are designed so each of our K-9 guests can relax and enjoy themselves in their own tranquil oasis. Uptown Hounds offers everything your pet will need while you are away. Our services include grooming, veterinary services, a pool, daycare and one-on-one play time with one of our highly trained Pet Services staff members. Our boutique offers treats, toys, bowls, and even the best dog food on the market. We are a one stop shop for your precious pup!

What vaccinations are required at Uptown Hounds?

The health and well-being of our Guests is of the utmost importance to us at Uptown Hounds. The following vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian are required prior to admittance for any and all services provided at Uptown Hounds, including boarding, daycare, grooming or pool use: Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Bordetella. Any exceptions to vaccinations (i.e. puppies) must have a release form from a veterinarian.

Can you administer my pets' medications while they are staying at Hounds Hotel?

Yes! Pills and liquid medicines can all be administered by Uptown Hounds staff. Guests requiring medications receive attention and administration of medicines by a senior staff member through any "creative" methods that may be required per your instructions. We charge $1 per medication administration.

What happens if my dog gets sick or injured while staying at the Uptown Hounds hotel?

Our first step is to contact you and your veterinarian. If s/he is unavailable or unable to help, we contact our on-call veterinarian. In addition, your assigned emergency contact in the event that you cannot be reached. Charges incurred for veterinary services required while in the care of America's Uptown Hounds Luxury Resorts are the responsibility of the pet owner.

Why are Uptown Hounds' check-in and check-out times so unique?

Our boarding rates are based upon a 24-hour period of time. Our convenient 24-hour policy accommodates your schedule by allowing you to customize your drop off and pick up times without incurring additional charges (i.e. Drop-off at 3:00pm on Friday and Pick-up by 3:00pm on Sunday equates to a two day charge). Overall Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am-7:30pm / Saturday and Sunday 8:30am-5:30pm Check-In Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am-7:30pm / Saturday and Sunday 8:30am-5:30pm

We respectfully request that all customers allow 20 minutes at first Check-In and arrive. We do take photo identification of both you and your dog during their first visit for security purposes. Identification confirmation is required for any authorized person to pick up your pet (other than yourself) at check-out. Uptown Hounds strives to create a customer-friendly environment so we can serve you to the best of our ability through convenience and affordability.

Does my dog get to play with other dogs?

As a hotel guest, your dog will not be playing or socialized with other canine guests. If you are interested in arranging for your pet to have social canine interaction, your Concierge can arrange for them to have structured and scheduled playtimes with other dogs through our Daycare Program. Your Concierge can arrange a daycare evaluation during your pet's stay. Daycare evaluations (even while boarding) MUST be conducted on a Monday or Tuesday, and also require a $50 daycare evalution charge. If your dog will not be boarding on a Monday or a Tuesday, their daycare evaluation MUST be completed prior to their stay (Monday or Tuesday) in order for them to participate in our Daycare Program while they stay.

We at Uptown Hounds highly recommend that your dog's daycare evaluation be completed PRIOR to your pet's stay. This will allow your pet to be familiar with the facuilty and staff, and will ensure that your dog's vacation will be an experience of a lifetime with their favorite playmates!

What if my dog does not like other dogs?

No problem! Our hotel has been designed specifically with privacy in mind. Our rooms are privately enclosed with 4 walls, a ceiling and a door- just like you would have in your human hotel room. Our doors arranged such that a guest can get out view of other guests. When moving around the hotel and resort, the ratio of guests to staff is one-to-one, so your pet will receive personal treatment, and can relax completely in his or hers private oasis! We do ask that you inform us when Checking In if your pet is not dog friendly, or has any special requirements.

Are there any dogs that cannot come to Uptown Hounds?

Uptown Hounds cannot accept any dogs who have had training that includes protection, attack, or Schutzhund. Uptown Hounds cannot accept any dogs who have been diagnosed with a communicable disease and have not been cleared by their vet for interaction with other dogs.

Do we bring our dog's own food or is it supplied?

It is important that your dog's diet remains consistent while away from home. Our normal feeding schedule includes dining once in the morning and once in the evening,  We can customize any feeding schedule though our concierge service.      

We ask you to pack your dog's food individually. For each meal, please portion food into sealable zip lock plastic food bags for AM and PM or any other meal required. (eg, a 7 day stay would would require you to pack 14 seperate meals allowing for AM and PM feedings).

How far in advance do I have to make a reservation?

Uptown Hounds is eager for your pet to arrive! To ensure your dog is at the hottest K-9 hotel in Lexington, Uptown Hounds requires hotel reservations be made in advance. Please note that holidays fill up quickly so schedule with us as soon as you know your travel dates! All reservations require a $50 non-refundable deposit and are not guaranteed until all of the following have been completed, submitted and on file: (1) Resort Rules, (2) Client & Guest Profile, and (3) Vaccination records. Your deposit will be applied to your final payment made at time of check-out. We look forward to seeing you at Uptown Hounds soon!

Can I stay at the luxury resort with my dog?

Although our resort and services are much more impressive than at many human hotels, our hotel facilities are exclusively for canines.

How many times per day does my dog go outside?

Our canine guests go outside three times per day as part of our standard Uptown Treatment. You are also able to add additional outside playtimes, and personal time with our Concierge Services. The length of time outside is largely dependent on if the weather is friendly, but the norm is between 20 and 30 minutes per potty break, (less during extreme cold or hot periods). The rain or snow is not problem as our Uptown Hounds facility features a covered potty area.

Can I bring my dog's favorite toy?

Uptown Hounds encourages our guests to bring their favorite items, such as a blanket, toys, and bedding from home to ensure a comfortable and relaxing transition from your home to ours. We request that you do not send items that have great value, are irreplaceable or sentimental as Uptown Hounds is not responsible for loss or damage to any personal items left with guests. For your pet's safety, we ask that you do not bring any breakable items, such as glass, pottery, etc. We do not accept rawhide, pig ears, or hooves for safety reasons as well. Your dog will feel pampered and delighted in their private oasis surrounded by favorite familiar items from home.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

At Uptown Hounds, we understand uncontrollable circumstances arise and the need to cancel an existing reservation may be required. All Uptown Hounds requests in return is that any necessary cancellation be made at least 48 hours in advance. If guests are not checked in by close of business on the first day of reservation, the entire reservation will be forfeited and accommodations made available for rebooking to other guests. Please note, reservation deposits are non-refundable, but may be applied to future stays or any of the other services offered within the facility.

How many resorts are there?

At present, our only resort is located in Lexington, Kentucky.

What do I need to do for my dog to start daycare?

We will need  to recieve a few forms with information about you and your dog before we can schudule your pet's Daycare Evaluation. It is a very simple process: fill out your pet's evaluation forms request.  We will then send you all the required paper work via email as soon as we receive the request.  We suggest that you fill out the paperwork and stop by for a tour. This will allow you to see where your pet will be playing and we can answer any other questions you may have and set up your evaluation date. We conduct evaluations on Mondays and Tuesdays only.  We do require that all dogs be up to date on vaccinations (See Required Vaccinations). You may have your vet can fax us the vaccination records, or you may provide your own copies. However, we will require proof of vaccinations before scheduling an evaluation.

Uptown Hounds Daycare is Lexington's 4-legged party paradise.

When can I drop off and pick-up for daycare?

Daycare opens at 6:30 am, pick-up is BY 7:30 pm. Any pets that are not picked up by 7:30 pm will be assumed to be staying the night with us and the daily room charge and needed food charges will apply.

How young can puppies start daycare?

We encourage puppies to start in daycare as early as their vet recommends. We do require DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations to be started or have written approval from their vet that they are ready for play.

Can older dogs attend daycare?

Although we do not have age limits, daycare is a highly energetic activity and participants must be in good physical health.

What is involved in the Evaluation?

We introduce your dog into the appropriate size group based upon the information in which you have provided in the Pre-Assessment paperwork. We introduce them to experienced daycare dogs and look for any aggressive tendency that may be shown. We ask that we have a full day in order to involve your pup in all three playtimes to deem them to be approved and safe for play.

Are there certain days when you do Daycare Evaluations?

We conduct doggie Daycare Evaluations preferably on Monday or Tuesday as these days are typically a slower day allowing for the staff to have more time to work with your pup. We do require that all of Uptown Hounds' paperwork and vaccination records are recieved and logged into our system PRIOR to scheduling your pet's evaluation.

How much does the Evaluation cost?

We charge $50 for the Evaluation of each dog which includes that day of daycare. This deposit is required at the time of reservation to hold your pup's spot for their evaluation.

Can my dog get sick or hurt?

As with human daycare programs, there is always a risk of catching a communicable illness or sustaining an injury, but we do strive to maintain a pristine environment. Doggie Daycare is a highly engaged, active, social and strenuous activity. Your dog will be exchanging saliva, wrestling and acting like the 4-legged party animal they are! Illnesses, Sports injuries or Conflict Injuries can occur, much like kids playing on the playground. First timers may be a little sore until they build up their endurance and stamina. Uptown Hounds is not responsibe in any case of sickness or injury- it is simply is part of the risk of your dog having fun playing with other 4-legged party animals in Doggie Daycare.

Do the dogs ever get into altercations?

Rarely, but altercations do occur. Our staff are constantly on the lookout for signs of any dog acting overly excited or grumpy- both of which may lead to a conflict. An alternation can happen very quickly, and our staff must act quickly to diffuse the situation. Uptown Hounds cannot be held responsible in any case of altercations. You (the owner) are responsible for any veterinary charges for treatment if injuries do occur.

What happens if my dog gets hurt at daycare?

If your dog is injured and in need of veterinary attention, we would first notify you of the injury. At this point, you may choose to pick up your dog for treatment at your regular veterinary practice. You may also choose to have our in house Veterinary Wellness Center care for the injury. We reserve the right to administer veterinary care in cases of emergency. You are responsible for any and all charges that are charged by Veterinary Wellness Center or your regular veterinary practice.

How many times per week do I need to bring my dog?

Uptown Hounds does not set a requirement of how many times per week in which you need bring your dog to daycare. However, we highly recommend no less than 6 times per month. This will allow your dog to receive the benefits that daycare offers. A 20-day package will give them over 3 months of fun and social interaction. Any pet who has not attended Uptown Hounds' daycare within the last 90 days is required to be re-evaluated. Any pet who has not attended Uptown Hounds' daycare within the last 180 days is required to be re-evaluated for a fee of $30.

Does it cost extra to swim?

Yes, we charge an additional $8.00 for swimming with daycare on swim days (weekdays).

What is a typical number of dogs that my dog will play with?

The size of the group will vary based upon attendance for that day. A typical group will have from 15-35 pups in the playtime.

Will my dog play with bigger dogs?

We have 3 separate play groups based upon size: Small, Medium and Large. We assign your pup to the group that is most appropriate for their behavior, play style and size. As a general rule; Small’s are 30 lbs or less, Mediums are 30 to 80lbs and Large are above 80 lbs.

How many playtimes in daycare will my dog have per day?

Your pup will have 3 40-playtimes per day with rest times in between. We start our playtimes with the small group, and rotate though the 3 groups during the day.

Where will my dog be playing?

We have a huge grassy lawn (100’ x 120’) for nice weather days, an 8000 sq. ft. indoor arena for the not so nice weather days.

How long is a playtime?

We limit the play times to between 35 and 40 minutes as this type of high energy play will certainly test your dog's stamina. They will need to rest up a little bit before the next play group.

Where will my dog stay when they are not playing?

Each dog has their own separate room in a villa for their appropriate size group. This is where they rest and grab a bit of lunch. As always, plenty of fresh water is provided.

Should I bring food to daycare?

If your dog always eats lunch, we are happy to give them their mid-day meal. We ask that you place the portion size for the meal in a zip-lock baggy and label it with their name to give us at check-in.

What is the staff to dog ratio?

We have two to four staff member with each group during play time. Generally, the ratio is less than 10 to 1.