*** WDW Kennels FAQ Thread-BEST FRIENDS PET CARE PET RESORT NOW OPEN!! PAGE 11

[Luvchefmic]

Yes, that is correct. Back in the day, there were regular CM's. But now they are Best Friends employees.

Well, as I said, I have used the kennels when it was owned by WDW and BF, and both were/are great. Of course now that LUCY wasnt taken care of, Im not a fan of the FW site.

See but that's my point, yes it happened at the FW site but it happened under the care of Best Friends..and once they only have one kennel ...I don't know I'm just saying that when I first walked into the kennel (in particular at MK to look up one of the CMs) something didn't feel "right"...can't explain it just my "gut" you know....regardless I hope the experience with Lucy was something rare & I hope her family get some kind of justice

 

[BamaTigger]

See but that's my point, yes it happened at the FW site but it happened under the care of Best Friends..and once they only have one kennel ...I don't know I'm just saying that when I first walked into the kennel (in particular at MK to look up one of the CMs) something didn't feel "right"...can't explain it just my "gut" you know....regardless I hope the experience with Lucy was something rare & I hope her family get some kind of justice

Indeed. I hope the pet parent emails the company. I hope Lucy is doing good!

 

[andigomeep]

Does anyone have a picture of the large kennels? I'm trying to plan a trip but can't decide on whether or not to wait for the new kennel to open up in case their large kennel sizes are more adequate. We have two large dogs, 65 and 85 pounds, and after doing a quick measurement of the listed specs it just doesn't seem very large. They wouldn't have a whole lot of room to move, just barely enough to lay down and stand up. We might stay off property and board during the day but that still seems small. Can they see across to other dogs on the other side of them? We've always been able to leave them home with a friend but together they can be really quite horrible if you don't know how to handle them and follow their routine to the letter. Thanks for any help!

Edit to add: They've never been kenneled before, are not crate trained, and haven't been left somewhere new before. They're 5 and 3, is anxiety and stress going to be too traumatic?

 

[BamaTigger]

Does anyone have a picture of the large kennels? I'm trying to plan a trip but can't decide on whether or not to wait for the new kennel to open up in case their large kennel sizes are more adequate. We have two large dogs, 65 and 85 pounds, and after doing a quick measurement of the listed specs it just doesn't seem very large. They wouldn't have a whole lot of room to move, just barely enough to lay down and stand up. We might stay off property and board during the day but that still seems small. Can they see across to other dogs on the other side of them? We've always been able to leave them home with a friend but together they can be really quite horrible if you don't know how to handle them and follow their routine to the letter. Thanks for any help!

Edit to add: They've never been kenneled before, are not crate trained, and haven't been left somewhere new before. They're 5 and 3, is anxiety and stress going to be too traumatic?

This is the only pic I have of the actual "suite"..this is a medium size and my 2 poms fit in with room to spare...

Now, i have seen the big ones, and they are pretty big. I know your dogs will be able to stand and turn around. They are pretty accomodating. BUT, with that said, that is all they will be able to do. They wont be able to walk or anything like that.
I believe that the biggest suites they will be able to look across and see the other dogs. THere are like 3 rows I believe...the 2 outside rows look at the wall and is more private, and the other rows in the middle look at the other dogs.
You can request an outside space, that is covered, but not air conditioned. I dont know when you are planning on going, but summer it can be really hot on your babies.

As with all animals, there is always stress and anxiety added to the mix for any kenneled animal. Now if yours has never been, it might be really stressful for them. If you can have a pet sitter at home, then I suggest you do that. Unless you have NO OTHER option, then you have to take them, you will need to go about every 4 hours to see your dogs and walk them. I know that sounds like alot and with the proper planning, its not that bad. It gives you a nice break from the parks and quality time with your babies. It just eases their stress levels.

How long will you be staying and when are you going? The new kennel will not open til December, from what Im told.

 

[andigomeep]

We were thinking about Sept. but have gone in Dec. before and really enjoyed it a lot. We have the 40% off code but there is one week in Nov. and one week in Dec. If we stayed off property we'd rent a house, so we would be able to have them there over night with us and just in kennels during the day which would be far less hard on them then 24/7 I think. Our plan was about 5 nights, 6 days, since we need to add in drive time. They are great commuters, though, moved from VA to FL and then back again a year later! I could take one and leave one, which would be less stressful for my friend watching them but then I have to deal with the possibility of jealousy when we get back. Ugh, I wish I had good, easy dogs! I don't mind stopping to visit them, we go in bursts anyway, a few hours in the morning, few hours in the evening and sometimes back again later at night.

 

[BamaTigger]

We were thinking about Sept. but have gone in Dec. before and really enjoyed it a lot. We have the 40% off code but there is one week in Nov. and one week in Dec. If we stayed off property we'd rent a house, so we would be able to have them there over night with us and just in kennels during the day which would be far less hard on them then 24/7 I think. Our plan was about 5 nights, 6 days, since we need to add in drive time. They are great commuters, though, moved from VA to FL and then back again a year later! I could take one and leave one, which would be less stressful for my friend watching them but then I have to deal with the possibility of jealousy when we get back. Ugh, I wish I had good, easy dogs! I don't mind stopping to visit them, we go in bursts anyway, a few hours in the morning, few hours in the evening and sometimes back again later at night.

You sound like me, really worried and putting your dogs first! WAY TO GO! LOL

The house rental sounds great. I would do that if you could. Yea, and the day stays would be alot less stressful on them. Especially if you are staying 5 nites. Our longest stay was 4 nights/5days and by the 4th day , my boys were super super jazzed and ready to go! They were getting ansey! I think that was a little much for them.

Since you may do the day stay, and its in good weather, you could ask for an outside kennel. Those are big and in my opinion have more room. They are covered and bushes are blocking any view from the road and the backside of the kennel while other pet parents are walking their dogs. (Im talking about the TTC kennel that is). That is something to think about. Good luck!

 

[andigomeep]

They're our babies! We don't have kids (yet? ever? who knows!) so they have to come first. If we cannot leave them home, we'll do the rental house with day stays while we're at the parks. I think taking both is only fair because I don't want to come home to snippy fights in jealousy. If I pay for the whole day can I check them out to come home with us and then bring them back without paying again? The outside runs would probably be best, at least for one who I sometimes can't get to come in without lots of bribes during good weather. Plus if they can see the other dogs inside they'll likely just be annoying and bark all the time, so it'd be calmer for everyone staying there. Thanks for all the tips, if the new kennel isn't open in Nov/Dec whenever we go, we'll opt for the outside runs for larger space.

 

[BamaTigger]

They're our babies! We don't have kids (yet? ever? who knows!) so they have to come first. If we cannot leave them home, we'll do the rental house with day stays while we're at the parks. I think taking both is only fair because I don't want to come home to snippy fights in jealousy. If I pay for the whole day can I check them out to come home with us and then bring them back without paying again? The outside runs would probably be best, at least for one who I sometimes can't get to come in without lots of bribes during good weather. Plus if they can see the other dogs inside they'll likely just be annoying and bark all the time, so it'd be calmer for everyone staying there. Thanks for all the tips, if the new kennel isn't open in Nov/Dec whenever we go, we'll opt for the outside runs for larger space.

Me and DH are the same way! My 3 dogs and 2 cats are our kids and we love them before anything else!

Im not sure, but I think you can just pay for your 5 days up front and that will be taken care of. Then you can just bring em in and thats it! Make sure and tell the employee you want the same spot every day. Less stress! Take them some toys/familiar objects from home with them to put in the run or whatever you choose!

You are a very good pet parent. I wish all owners were as caring and thoughtful as you!

 

[kdzgon]

Lots of good info on this thread, but I have to say overall it has stressed me and confused me more! I also apologize in advance for the long post, but I need advice, please.

I am not much of a pet person overall - my (grown) kids have pets, and generally I am fine with visitation privileges rather than ownership. One of my issues with pet ownership is what to do when we travel (another is dealing with the loss, so bottom line I am a "softie" there...).

Anyway, my DD and DSIL are currently stationed in Okinawa, and have two dogs. They have new orders to San Diego, and will be moving there in the summer. I traveled to Oki in late April, returning with one of the dogs (was supposed to be both - long story as to the change in plans) and they will be bringing the second dog back with them this summer. They will be flying in to Orlando to join our GG, visit with us at our home for a few days and leave from there to pick up their car and drive cross country. (Both dogs will stay with us for a while until they get settled in Ca.)

All of this means it makes most sense to board the dogs together near WDW (they are missing one another quite a bit, and the trip from Oki is pretty stressful already esp for the dog).

Not being from the Orlando area, my choices seem to be a kennel at WDW or one in the immediate area that I can either "tour" online and/or find enough reviews. I thought we would simply use the kennel at the TTC, as we have been to the Lost and Found and were impressed with what we saw at the kennel, plus have generally heard positive reviews. However, I now have two concerns with TTC: one of the dogs is very afraid of fireworks (a poster commented on the loudness) and the kennels seem awfully small, especially if we board in the same one which would be our preference (dogs are mix breeds, but larger dogs).

I considered using the FW facility, but the flea incident made me re-think that decision.

I found (via online) a Pet Spa in Kissimmee that has suites http://www.vipet.net/kissimmeehome/. With the discount for the second dog, the price is similar to WDW. I like the idea of more "amenities" and suites vs kennels/cages, but the location is not as convenient. The sq ft does not appear to be much different so does it really matter all that much?

I could really use some feedback here - any comments?

 

[TheRatPack]

We used to stay offsite and we'd take our doggies with us and stay at a pet friendly hotel. One year they were doing some road construction outside the hotel we were staying at and both our little doggies were COVERED in fleas after just one trip out to potty....it was CRAZY!!! Both our little furkids were on preventative....sadly that doesn't really keep them from getting fleas on them it just breaks the cycle of their reproduction We had to give them baths every day and we went to a local pet store and got some flea shampoo and spray to use on them, trying to combat the problem. We also asked that we be moved to the back of the hotel, where there was less sand/dirt...etc from the road construction. I really think that the construction stirred up some sort of flea nest or something....don't know, but it was HORRIBLE.

We always have Capstar on hand now, and we usually give them one before we kennel them or give one to the kennel staff to give to them before we pick them up....that way we're not bringing the little buggers home. We also like Comfortis....but I don't think it works on ticks?

Oh and I'm glad Lucy is getting better....our little dachshund has had fleas like that before It's so sad....their hair is so short that you can hardly see fleas but you can see their little red tummies and know that they are there

 

[rlovew]

Not being from the Orlando area, my choices seem to be a kennel at WDW or one in the immediate area that I can either "tour" online and/or find enough reviews. I thought we would simply use the kennel at the TTC, as we have been to the Lost and Found and were impressed with what we saw at the kennel, plus have generally heard positive reviews. However, I now have two concerns with TTC: one of the dogs is very afraid of fireworks (a poster commented on the loudness) and the kennels seem awfully small, especially if we board in the same one which would be our preference (dogs are mix breeds, but larger dogs).

I considered using the FW facility, but the flea incident made me re-think that decision.

I found (via online) a Pet Spa in Kissimmee that has suites http://www.vipet.net/kissimmeehome/. With the discount for the second dog, the price is similar to WDW. I like the idea of more "amenities" and suites vs kennels/cages, but the location is not as convenient. The sq ft does not appear to be much different so does it really matter all that much?

I could really use some feedback here - any comments?

I have been at the TTC kennel when the fireworks are going off. When I was inside I could never hear them and I never heard a response from dogs that heard them in the back either. Outside walking the dog during the fireworks we could see them and hear them lightly- since our dog was only 8 weeks the first time he was there and heard/saw them it didn't bother him at all and it still doesn't- so sometimes we actually get him and weatch the fireworks with him. On the other hand at the Epcot kennel we could hear Illumination fireworks both inside and out and boy being in there during the fireworks as the dogs all barked at them was not fun.

At the MK kennel the largest kennels(cages) I have seen inside are 2 of the medium cages (that my 2 doxies- 1 standard and 1 mini stay in together) wide and they are the 12.5 times as high I believe. If you are there in a cool enough time to allow outside boarding and you want it then they have small runs that the dogs can be in. If you call for reservations (I highly reccomend as I have seen them turn people away especially if the need larger cages) they will ask about the size of your dogs and have you reserve 2 kennels if needed so they can see each other but not be in the same area without enough room for movement.

We have always boraded at Disney so I don't know anything about the other place you were looking at.

 

[kdzgon]

TheRatPack, I think the issue with FW was not the fleas per se but more the welts and lack of mention to Lucy's owner. I called there today to get an idea of size etc and the person that answered the phone could not have been less helpful or appear more bored if she tried!

rlovew, Thank you for the details. We will be there in mid-July, so outside isn't really an option, IMO. Epcot has plenty of the larger cages and the person was wonderfully helpful, but Illuminations could be a problem for us. I'll try the TTC tomorrow - the other benefit there would be parking. The size at both locations is 55" h x 45" l x 36" w, so that's not all that large, especially considering they'll be there for a week. The person at FW said her largest one is 3x5, although I have to wonder if she erred on which dimension was which, and was confusing the height and length?

 

[BamaTigger]

When we were there for July 4th, and boarded our boys at the TTC kennel, the fireworks were MUCH louder than the regular non-holiday fireworks. You could hear them from inside. Now, the regular fireworks couldnt be heard unless you were outside walking them. Just thought I would clear that up.

As far as that Pet Spa place, I researched it online, and from what I saw, they close at like 5pm, which was not good for us. We like to visit our boys after the parks close right before we go to our resort, and we just didnt want to drive to Kissimmee as well. But that was about a year ago when I looked at their site, so I dont know what the hours are now.

From what I have seen of the largest suites, they are pretty good sizes. I have seen big ol german shepards, greyhound and a huge dobie in them. I think they had plenty of room as well!

 

[TheRatPack]

TheRatPack, I think the issue with FW was not the fleas per se but more the welts and lack of mention to Lucy's owner. I called there today to get an idea of size etc and the person that answered the phone could not have been less helpful or appear more bored if she tried!

Oh I know....I was just trying to give my experience with fleas in Florida....they seem to be immune to most frontlines...etc. I also wanted to throw that out their about Capstar, might be something that others could pick up from their vet and give their little doggies before boarding, then one after the week was over...might help with any major infestations taking over and causing those issues. My dachshund has gotten them like that before and it doesn't take very long when you have a dog that is really sensitive to those bites....but then many dachshunds have skin issues, so you really have to stay on top of anything that might irritate those conditions.

 

[KarenC]

Our family has boarded dogs at the FW kennel three times in the last year. Two of those times we had our two miniature poodles there. Our oldest one, Hershey, is prone to bladder infections. On both occasions, the people working at the kennel noticed blood on the towel in the kennel and watched both dogs while they peed. They called me as soon as they realized Hershey was peeing blood. I was very happen with the concern they had for him. We have decided, however, that being in any kennel is just too stressful for him and will try to get pet sitters at our house when we can.

 

[BamaTigger]

Our family has boarded dogs at the FW kennel three times in the last year. Two of those times we had our two miniature poodles there. Our oldest one, Hershey, is prone to bladder infections. On both occasions, the people working at the kennel noticed blood on the towel in the kennel and watched both dogs while they peed. They called me as soon as they realized Hershey was peeing blood. I was very happen with the concern they had for him. We have decided, however, that being in any kennel is just too stressful for him and will try to get pet sitters at our house when we can.

awww...poor Hershey! I hope he is good now!

I guess its all about the employee at these places. With everything else and other jobs, there are your great ones and just ones who want a paycheck. And that is sad, especially at a kennel when you have animals to tend to. I guess thats why I always stick with one kennel, cause the girls at the TTC are just totally top notch. I wish all of them were like that!

 

[Atotty]

Saw that the new kennel is accepting reservations starting today. Just called and left a message.

I've seen the basic info rates, services, etc. Anyone seen pictures of what it looks like on the inside yet or the walking trails/play areas outside?

 

[BamaTigger]

Saw that the new kennel is accepting reservations starting today. Just called and left a message.

I've seen the basic info rates, services, etc. Anyone seen pictures of what it looks like on the inside yet or the walking trails/play areas outside?

Oh wow Atotty!

Thats awesome they are taking ressies! Could you post or send the link for the rates and services?

Maybe we can get some pics of it real soon!

 

[BamaTigger]

I found this link on the disney blogs! There are some pics, but I dont know if they are of that kennel.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...walt-disney-world-now-accepting-reservations/


And the official Best Friends Pet Care has a page on it...with a dern cute entrance...maybe the entrance will look like the pic!
http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/NewsArticles/Luxury-Resort-Walt-Disney-World.cfm

 

[Atotty]

Made my reservation. The person I talked with was very nice and very knowledgeable. I'm really looking forward to being able to walk the trails with our dogs during breaks and letting them play in the dog park.