Q & A and Our Policies
I'm sure you have many questions regarding our facility and policies. I have made an effort to answer the most commonly asked questions below as well as explain our boarding policies. Should you have any further questions, feel free to contact us via the Contact page.
How do I make a reservation?
The first step is to check our Calendar Page to insure we have space when you need it. Next, copy out or download the Boarding Agreement. Fill it out and email it to [email protected]. Or you can snail mail it to: Training Unlimited, 890 Burley Hollow Rd., Amherst, VA 24521.
We will need to also receive a copy of your dog's vaccination records showing they are up to date on:
1. Rabies
2. Distemper/Parvo
3. Bordetella
4. Leptospirosis
5. Puppies under 6 mos. should also receive Corona vaccine.
6. As of Jan. 1, 2018 - Required: Canine Influenza vaccine
6. Suggested: Lymes and Giardia
Vaccinations must be given by a licensed veterinarian. Also, all dogs are required to be recieving regular flea, tick and heartworm control treatments. Should your dog be staying with us at a time when this will need to be administered, be sure to bring it with you.
Also, your dog must have a complete fecal analysis within 14 days of arrival. This includes testing for all parasites, giardia and coccidia.
All dogs will have the opportunity to play together throughout the day, between 7 am and 10 pm.
Dogs who are not social will be kept separated. This includes intact males over the age of 6 mos., dogs who tend to be possessive, assertive or overbearing of others. Also, very small dogs (under 10 pounds) will not be allowed to play with the larger dogs. We do not board intact male dogs over the age of 8 months of age.
If you are boarding more than one pet please specify, in the boarding agreement, whether, or not, you wish them to share a suite. If not specified we will assume that you DO wish them to share and only 1 suite will be reserved.
What is the typical daily schedule?
6am - Out to play
6:30 am - Breakfast in their private suites
7 am - Play yard gates are opened and the dogs can go out to play or remain in their suites as they please.
8-11 am - In play yards as rooms receive housekeeping service.
11:30 am - 4pm - Free play or rest as the dog chooses.
4 pm - Dinner in their private suites
4:30 pm - 9 pm - Free play or rest as the dog chooses.
Betwee 9-10 pm - Bedtime snack (Grain free biscuit) and enclosed in private suite
Dogs in training will also be enclosed in their suites for a few minutes prior to, and after, their training sessions. Dogs who receive a third meal will also be enclosed in their suites at this time. There is an additional charge of $5 for a midday feeding.
What about emergencies?
During an emergency with your pet(s) we will try to contact you at the numbers on your Information sheet. If we are unable to reach you, we will try to contact the provided emergency contacts and/or we will take your pet to a veterinarian or Emergency Veterinary Services if most vets are closed. You will be responsible for any expenses. We will also charge $40/hour of our time and $1/mile, should the vet visit be requested by the pet owner for a check-up, vaccination or other reason.
We offer pick up and delivery.
We will pick up and/or deliver your dog from any location at a rate of $1/mile and $40/hour of our time. Pets always travel in crates for everybody's safety.
We are closed on the following days:
We are closed to the public (no checking in or checking out) during: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. We may also be closed some other days that are not holidays due to planned events.
During peak season (May - August) and holidays, a minimum 3-day stay is required. Holiday premium of $5/day may be added to the standard fees, only on the actual holiday. For example, Christmas Day, Easter Day, Labor Day, etc.
What are your hours?
We are open 6 days/week, Monday - Saturday between the hours of 8:30 am and 6 pm - by appointment only. We must know when to expect your arrival as this is a 75 acre farm that requires administration throughout. Please be punctual.
I would like to check in/out my pet outside of your business hours. What do I do?
A $50 fee will be applied if early or late check in/out is needed. This must be arranged at time of reservations and approved by management.
What is included in the rate?
A 6' x 18' indoor/outdoor suite with doggy door between, conditioned interior, full tempered glass doors, ceiling fan/light, raised Kuranda bed, raised feeder/waterer, non-slip flooring, custom decorated suites and tons of attention and top rate care from a professional animal trainer. Should your pet be scheduled for training he/she will receive total consistency on behavior modification, two short training sessions and one formal training session each day. If you have a social dog he/she will also receive lots of play time with other dogs.
What do I need to bring for boarding?
1. FOOD - It is required that you bring your pet’s own food so as to not disrupt the pet’s routine. Changing your pet’s diet increases the risk of loose stool and/or vomiting. We provide two scheduled mealtimes included in the boarding rate. Only enough food for the pet(s) stay will be accepted due to our limited storage space. Click here to learn more about appropriate nutrition.
2. 2-3 TOYS- please don't bring anything irreplaceable as we do our best to keep up with items; however, we do allow toys in their suites so there is a risk of items being lost/destroyed. Nothing with stuffing!
3. MEDICATIONS - we administer all medications except injections free of additional charge. Should your pet require an injection there will be a $10 fee for each administration.
4. MAT for raised bed - should your pet be staying for longer than 4 days, bring 2 so that your pet can always have clean bedding. We are not responsible for destroyed bedding, so be certain to NOT bring anything that you highly value. Nothing with stuffing!
If you forget or run short of supplies you can purchase them at our pet boutique which features deluxe beds, mats, treats, toys and high quality pet food. We sell Merrick, Pure Vita, Evangers and Dr. Hrvey's foods, as well as herbal remedies, grooming supplies and books written by your host, Miriam Fields-Babineau.
Also, please be aware that items from home will be exposed to other dogs as they enter/exit each other's suites throughout the day. Don't bring anything that you'll miss if it is damaged.
What are the main policies I should know when my pet is boarding?
1. CHARGES- You are charged for the day you check in regardless of the time of check in. If you checkout your pet before 10 am, you will NOT be charged for the last day. If you checkout your pet after 10am, you WILL be charged for that day.
PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU CHECK OUT YOUR PET EARLIER THAN THE SCHEDULED CHECK-OUT DATE, YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE ENTIRE ANTICIPATED STAY INCLUDING ADD-ON SERVICES, NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. BATH REQUIREMENT- If your pet(s) will be staying at Shady Mountain Pet Retreat for four or more days, he or she is required to have a bath service at no additional charge (if under 70 lbs) in the interest of good canine health and sanitation since they will have played and became dirty over their stay. If your dog is over 70lbs the bath will cost an additional $40. Should you wish your pet bathed more often or if staying for a shorter length of time than 4 days, you will be charged accordingly. (See boarding agreement for costs.) We prefer to send our guests home clean, tired and well behaved.
3. RESERVATIONS- Reservations are essential. Due to our small, exclusive facility, space is very limited.
A 30% deposit is required which will be applied toward your stay but forfeited and non-refundable if you cancel. Unscheduled early pickups will be required to pay for the entire anticipated stay. Please call in advance if your pet’s stay must be extended. If you cancel without notice 2 or more times, we reserve the right to refuse you service or require an upfront non-refundable appointment fee.
What should I be prepared for when my pet returns home?
For most pets, leaving you is an experience that needs some time to adjust to. Coming home from boarding is an adjustment, too. The more often your pet is boarded, the more adjusted he or she will become to the activity. Most dogs will be very tired and sleep or be quiet for a few days. Keep in mind, while here, they had a lot of play time. Not only will they be tired but might also miss their new buddies. Dogs can quickly form attachments to their playmates, especially if they are the only dog at home.
Please remember that when dogs play, they can receive some scratches, bruises or other injuries just as human kids playing at the playground. They can also become wet and/or slobbery from all of the fun! You do have the option to opt out of allowing your dog to play with others if this is a big concern. Most dogs, however, have so much fun playing with other dogs that a few bumps and scratches are well worth it. Their skin heals quickly but their experiences last a lifetime!
How do I make a reservation?
The first step is to check our Calendar Page to insure we have space when you need it. Next, copy out or download the Boarding Agreement. Fill it out and email it to [email protected]. Or you can snail mail it to: Training Unlimited, 890 Burley Hollow Rd., Amherst, VA 24521.
We will need to also receive a copy of your dog's vaccination records showing they are up to date on:
1. Rabies
2. Distemper/Parvo
3. Bordetella
4. Leptospirosis
5. Puppies under 6 mos. should also receive Corona vaccine.
6. As of Jan. 1, 2018 - Required: Canine Influenza vaccine
6. Suggested: Lymes and Giardia
Vaccinations must be given by a licensed veterinarian. Also, all dogs are required to be recieving regular flea, tick and heartworm control treatments. Should your dog be staying with us at a time when this will need to be administered, be sure to bring it with you.
Also, your dog must have a complete fecal analysis within 14 days of arrival. This includes testing for all parasites, giardia and coccidia.
All dogs will have the opportunity to play together throughout the day, between 7 am and 10 pm.
Dogs who are not social will be kept separated. This includes intact males over the age of 6 mos., dogs who tend to be possessive, assertive or overbearing of others. Also, very small dogs (under 10 pounds) will not be allowed to play with the larger dogs. We do not board intact male dogs over the age of 8 months of age.
If you are boarding more than one pet please specify, in the boarding agreement, whether, or not, you wish them to share a suite. If not specified we will assume that you DO wish them to share and only 1 suite will be reserved.
What is the typical daily schedule?
6am - Out to play
6:30 am - Breakfast in their private suites
7 am - Play yard gates are opened and the dogs can go out to play or remain in their suites as they please.
8-11 am - In play yards as rooms receive housekeeping service.
11:30 am - 4pm - Free play or rest as the dog chooses.
4 pm - Dinner in their private suites
4:30 pm - 9 pm - Free play or rest as the dog chooses.
Betwee 9-10 pm - Bedtime snack (Grain free biscuit) and enclosed in private suite
Dogs in training will also be enclosed in their suites for a few minutes prior to, and after, their training sessions. Dogs who receive a third meal will also be enclosed in their suites at this time. There is an additional charge of $5 for a midday feeding.
What about emergencies?
During an emergency with your pet(s) we will try to contact you at the numbers on your Information sheet. If we are unable to reach you, we will try to contact the provided emergency contacts and/or we will take your pet to a veterinarian or Emergency Veterinary Services if most vets are closed. You will be responsible for any expenses. We will also charge $40/hour of our time and $1/mile, should the vet visit be requested by the pet owner for a check-up, vaccination or other reason.
We offer pick up and delivery.
We will pick up and/or deliver your dog from any location at a rate of $1/mile and $40/hour of our time. Pets always travel in crates for everybody's safety.
We are closed on the following days:
We are closed to the public (no checking in or checking out) during: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. We may also be closed some other days that are not holidays due to planned events.
During peak season (May - August) and holidays, a minimum 3-day stay is required. Holiday premium of $5/day may be added to the standard fees, only on the actual holiday. For example, Christmas Day, Easter Day, Labor Day, etc.
What are your hours?
We are open 6 days/week, Monday - Saturday between the hours of 8:30 am and 6 pm - by appointment only. We must know when to expect your arrival as this is a 75 acre farm that requires administration throughout. Please be punctual.
I would like to check in/out my pet outside of your business hours. What do I do?
A $50 fee will be applied if early or late check in/out is needed. This must be arranged at time of reservations and approved by management.
What is included in the rate?
A 6' x 18' indoor/outdoor suite with doggy door between, conditioned interior, full tempered glass doors, ceiling fan/light, raised Kuranda bed, raised feeder/waterer, non-slip flooring, custom decorated suites and tons of attention and top rate care from a professional animal trainer. Should your pet be scheduled for training he/she will receive total consistency on behavior modification, two short training sessions and one formal training session each day. If you have a social dog he/she will also receive lots of play time with other dogs.
What do I need to bring for boarding?
1. FOOD - It is required that you bring your pet’s own food so as to not disrupt the pet’s routine. Changing your pet’s diet increases the risk of loose stool and/or vomiting. We provide two scheduled mealtimes included in the boarding rate. Only enough food for the pet(s) stay will be accepted due to our limited storage space. Click here to learn more about appropriate nutrition.
2. 2-3 TOYS- please don't bring anything irreplaceable as we do our best to keep up with items; however, we do allow toys in their suites so there is a risk of items being lost/destroyed. Nothing with stuffing!
3. MEDICATIONS - we administer all medications except injections free of additional charge. Should your pet require an injection there will be a $10 fee for each administration.
4. MAT for raised bed - should your pet be staying for longer than 4 days, bring 2 so that your pet can always have clean bedding. We are not responsible for destroyed bedding, so be certain to NOT bring anything that you highly value. Nothing with stuffing!
If you forget or run short of supplies you can purchase them at our pet boutique which features deluxe beds, mats, treats, toys and high quality pet food. We sell Merrick, Pure Vita, Evangers and Dr. Hrvey's foods, as well as herbal remedies, grooming supplies and books written by your host, Miriam Fields-Babineau.
Also, please be aware that items from home will be exposed to other dogs as they enter/exit each other's suites throughout the day. Don't bring anything that you'll miss if it is damaged.
What are the main policies I should know when my pet is boarding?
1. CHARGES- You are charged for the day you check in regardless of the time of check in. If you checkout your pet before 10 am, you will NOT be charged for the last day. If you checkout your pet after 10am, you WILL be charged for that day.
PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU CHECK OUT YOUR PET EARLIER THAN THE SCHEDULED CHECK-OUT DATE, YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE ENTIRE ANTICIPATED STAY INCLUDING ADD-ON SERVICES, NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. BATH REQUIREMENT- If your pet(s) will be staying at Shady Mountain Pet Retreat for four or more days, he or she is required to have a bath service at no additional charge (if under 70 lbs) in the interest of good canine health and sanitation since they will have played and became dirty over their stay. If your dog is over 70lbs the bath will cost an additional $40. Should you wish your pet bathed more often or if staying for a shorter length of time than 4 days, you will be charged accordingly. (See boarding agreement for costs.) We prefer to send our guests home clean, tired and well behaved.
3. RESERVATIONS- Reservations are essential. Due to our small, exclusive facility, space is very limited.
A 30% deposit is required which will be applied toward your stay but forfeited and non-refundable if you cancel. Unscheduled early pickups will be required to pay for the entire anticipated stay. Please call in advance if your pet’s stay must be extended. If you cancel without notice 2 or more times, we reserve the right to refuse you service or require an upfront non-refundable appointment fee.
What should I be prepared for when my pet returns home?
For most pets, leaving you is an experience that needs some time to adjust to. Coming home from boarding is an adjustment, too. The more often your pet is boarded, the more adjusted he or she will become to the activity. Most dogs will be very tired and sleep or be quiet for a few days. Keep in mind, while here, they had a lot of play time. Not only will they be tired but might also miss their new buddies. Dogs can quickly form attachments to their playmates, especially if they are the only dog at home.
Please remember that when dogs play, they can receive some scratches, bruises or other injuries just as human kids playing at the playground. They can also become wet and/or slobbery from all of the fun! You do have the option to opt out of allowing your dog to play with others if this is a big concern. Most dogs, however, have so much fun playing with other dogs that a few bumps and scratches are well worth it. Their skin heals quickly but their experiences last a lifetime!