Frequently Asked Questions
What are your rates?
All boarding is a two night minimum.
Dog Overnight Boarding
Charge is based upon dog size and which kennel they need:
Small Breed dogs are $15/night
Medium/Large/ XLarge dogs are $20/night
Multi dog discount - each additional dog (from the same family) are $10/night
Cat Overnight Boarding
Cats stay in a large kitty condo complete with climbing ledges, cozy bed, hammock, and toys
The charge is $15 per night for one cat
The charge is $25 per night for two cats sharing the same condo
Do you board only cats and dogs?
We also welcome birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, and other typical indoor pets. We need to find out more about your pet, so please call the office to discuss the prices and schedule a booking. Sorry, we do not take reptiles/fish.
Can you board my puppy?
We are VERY happy to board puppies! Our minimum boarding age for puppies is 4 months. Puppies need at least two sets of puppy shots and rabies to board. All puppies must be 100% housebroken to potty outside. We understand puppies are young and we will forgive the occasional indoor potty accident but multiple messes will be charged a cleaning/bathing fee in addition to the boarding fee.
What are the check-in and pick-up times?
Open Monday-Sunday to take calls, schedule appointments and provide care
Drop-off/Pick-up Hours
Monday: 8am-6pm
Tuesday: No drop-offs, No pick-ups
Wednesday: 8am-6pm
Thursday: 8am-6pm
Friday: 8am-6pm
Saturday: 8am-Noon
Sunday: Noon-6pm
We live on the property and move around between the house, kennel, and pasture so we ask all customers to please call/text at least 30 mins prior to arrival so we can be available when you arrive.
Can I pick-up my pet outside of your normal business hours?
No, I am sorry. I really prefer to stick to my business hours for the following reasons:
#1 After hours pick-ups delay the evening routine and get the dogs stirred up making things a little harder for everyone. Most days we have 30-60 dogs boarding and keep a strict morning/evening schedule. We close at 6pm and that is when we start the evening play time. All dogs are let into the play yards to exercise and potty while I tidy their rooms, refill water bowls, and prepare their supper. This is also the time when they start to wind down for the evening and they know that there will be no more excitement of their friends leaving or new dogs arriving. I find that if they have a couple hours of quiet calm time before bed time they are very quiet during the night and sleep well.
#2 After the 6pm play/feeding/potty time is over that is when my family time begins. I usually take a shower, start cooking supper and enjoy time with my children and husband. That is when I am 'off the clock' and can relax.
If you ABSOLUTELY must arrive outside my business hours please contact me. I must approve all requests and there will be a $50 extra fee.
How are boarding fees calculated?
Boarding fees begin the day you check-in your pet and are calculated by each night the pet stays with us. Since we charge by the night, the bill is easy to calculate and there are no surprises....schedule pick-up for morning or afternoon and your cost remains the same.
How long can my dog board at Country Acres?
We provide both short and long term boarding. Most customers only need short term boarding of a few nights but we also have customers that need long term boarding of several months or years due to temporary work relocation, active duty overseas, hospitalization/ illness, damage to their homes and are unable to find rental properties that allow pets, or for seniors that are going into nursing homes and cannot take their pets.
Can I make reservations on-line?
Yes! We use a form to book your pet(s) online. The process is very simple - go to the 'online booking' tab, fill out the form and hit the submit button. I will get an email with your information and requested dates. Once I check availability I will send you a confirmation through call, text, or email.
You can also schedule your pet's stay over the phone. Feel free to call or text 337-317-3659 and I will enter your information onto our calendar and confirm your reservation.
Do you fill up?
Yes, we do. We generally fill up quickly for holiday weekends, school vacations and during the summer months and recommend making reservations for your pet as early as possible. Once we are full, we begin a waiting list for any possible future cancellations. We try our best to accommodate all the pets we can safely board.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or shorten your reservation it’s as easy as a phone call or text to let us know. There is no penalty as long as we receive the cancellation three days prior to the reservation. If this is not met, you will be expected to pay for the dates you reserved.
What vaccinations are required for my dog?
We require your dog to be vaccinated against rabies and parvo/distemper. We strongly recommend that your dog be vaccinated against bordetella (kennel cough) at least 2 weeks prior to boarding, so that the vaccination has time to take effect before entering the kennel. We also recommend that you talk to your vet about the vaccination against a recent canine influenza, H3N2 and H3N8.
NOTE : Most of our boarders are local (within 1 hour radius) but we will consider out of town or out of state boarders. Please text or call 337-317-3659 to discuss availability and vaccination requirements if you reside outside of southwest Louisiana.
What vaccinations are required to board my cat?
We require your cat to be immunized for rabies, distemper and feline leukemia.
Should I bring food, toys and a bed for my pet while he/she is boarding with you?
Food - Pets can get stomach upset and diarrhea when switched to a new food suddenly. We ask that you bring enough of your pet's food to cover his/her stay in the kennel.
Toys – Your pet would love to have a toy from home to keep him/her company during the stay here at the kennel. We encourage you to bring one or two favorite toys, however we cannot accept more than a couple toys from each pet. The following toys are choking hazards and we ask that you leave them at home: any type of raw hide, thin plastic toys that tear easily, and greenies.
Beds – We know that most pets enjoy having a soft place to snuggle into while boarding and we provide elevated beds/blankets for large dogs and fleece crate beds for small dogs. Cats also have beds, blankets, and hammocks. We are able to wash these each day and replace them. You are very welcome to bring your pet's own bed or blankets but please understand that we usually cannot launder these if they get dirty. Also, your pet may get anxious during their stay and will sometimes bite or dig at their bed and cause damage, we are not responsible for any damage a pet causes to any belonging you bring for them.
What is the daily schedule like for my dog?
We begin work at 6:30am every day. We begin the day with feeding each pet according to your directions and then sanitize each separate sleeping area for the dogs. While we are cleaning, the dogs are taken out for some time in the play yards. Around 8:30am, all the dogs are put back in their rooms to rest. We repeat the play/nap times several times during the day. At 6pm, we do another play time while the rooms are tidied up, water bowls refilled, and meals are prepared. One last break around 8:30pm to “take care of business” then they go back in their rooms and are given a treat (diet permitting) before we head out for the night. Dogs adjust to this schedule very quickly. Generally, dogs are much more active here at the kennel than they would be at home, which makes for a VERY quiet kennel in the evenings when they rest up to do it all again the next day!
What type of runs do you have for dogs?
Smaller dogs are housed in their own climate controlled building away from the large dogs. The small dogs have cozy crates with soft bedding. The large dogs are housed in a climate controlled building and each dog has indoor/outdoor runs. The large dogs have comfortable Kuranda beds that keep them off the ground and each gets a blanket to curl up on. Each dog is kept separately, unless you have a multi-dog house and wish to have two dogs stay together in the same run (they must get along, if any aggression occurs they will be separated and billed for two separate kennels)
What are the cat accommodations like?
Cats are housed separately from dogs, for the mental well-being of both. Cats stay in "kitty condos" which are tri-level towers that have enough room to walk around and have shelves, hammocks, beds/blankets to rest in and toys to play with.
What type of exercise will my dog get while boarding?
We get each dog out of their runs and into one of our play yards several times a day with one of us to play. They also run and play in their runs. It is not uncommon for dogs to go home after boarding more exhausted than when they came in, as they get so much exercise while here.
Do you offer group play for boarding dogs?
Normally, we do not offer group play for boarders unless the dogs live together at home. We do however offer dog daycare and have dogs that stay with us for group play and other activities. If you would like your dog to have group play please let the staff know and we will be happy to accommodate. NOTE: Owners must realize that dogs that play outside will get dirty and its possible that they will get scratches, scuffs, and nicks in the act of playing.
Can I visit my dog while it is boarding with you?
Yes, you may visit your pet with a few guidelines. Visitation is only allowed for dogs that are boarding long term. Owners are welcome to schedule a visit with their pet between the hours of 10am-4pm. These hours are important to stick to, as they allow us to make sure your dog has fully digested his/her breakfast before going out and will be back in time for the afternoon play times and supper before settling in for the night. Occasionally a dog will board who does not adjust well to leaving and returning to the kennel. If this is the case, we will let you know you will need to curtail such visits in the best interest of your pet.
Is it OK if I call to check on my pet while I’m out of town?
Absolutely! Feel free to call or text to check in on your pet.
Is someone at the kennel 24 hours per day? What if my pet becomes ill or requires medical attention during their stay?
The owners live on the property so someone is almost always there. In the event that your pet requires medical attention, we will refer to your contact list and make every attempt to reach you or your designated emergency contact. If we are unable to contact you or your emergency contact and we feel your pet needs medical attention we will transport your pet to their regular veterinarian, if close by, to ensure continuity of care. If your veterinarian is not near our facility, we will go to one of the local veterinarians that we know. If we believe that the situation is urgent or if your dog needs care after regular hours, we will take your pet to the closest veterinary emergency clinic. If you have any concerns or advanced directions regarding the care of your pet and the expense involved, please talk to Heather upon check-in.
Can you care for pets that are ill or have special medical needs?
If your pet has something that is contagious or that could possibly be contagious (for example: coughing, runny nose, sneezing), do not bring your pet to Country Acres until your veterinarian has confirmed that they are no longer a risk. You may be asked to provide a statement from your veterinarian confirming that it is safe for us to admit your pet.
Country Acres can be a great place for pets who have non-contagious special needs, such as pets that are blind, deaf, elderly, hairless breeds, and teacup breeds that may need frequent feeding to avoid hypoglycemia. It is important to keep in mind that there are other pets in the facility, so if your pet has a compromised immune system or other health issues please discuss your plans with your veterinarian before deciding to board them in any facility. Remember, Country Acres cannot be held responsible if your pet becomes ill during or after their stay.
If you feel your pet has special needs, please speak to Heather before making a boarding reservation to discuss your pet's details
My pet takes several medications. Will you give my pet these medicines?
We are happy to give medicines to pets boarding with us. We ask that you bring the medications in their original containers so we understand exactly what we are giving and have information regarding dosage, prescribing veterinarian, etc.
When my dog comes home from boarding, he/she is VERY thirsty – don’t you give water there?
Please rest assured that your dog has water available 24 hours a day. There are several large bowls of water in the play yard and all dogs have an individual bowl of water in their room when they board with us. The water is checked several times per day and changed/refilled often. We’re not sure why it is, but some dogs don’t drink as much while boarding (maybe they’re like children and are having too much fun to worry about such things!) But as with being tired, the increase in activity may also increase your dog’s water intake. Don’t be alarmed if they want to drink more water than usual when they get home (though you should encourage them to drink slowly and small amounts at a time to prevent vomiting).
Why does my dog smell when I pick him up after being boarded?
All dogs are given access to outdoor play yards multiple times per day. Dogs love the outdoor time and will race around and roll/scoot in the morning dewy grass and sometimes dig/lay in the dirt. Unfortunately this can cause some doggy odor but the upside is that the dirty dogs had the most fun!! I can provide bath service if you prefer to have a fresh pet at pick-up. Please contact for more details on bath service.
Can my pet catch a disease by being kenneled with other pets?
Yes, your pet can be exposed to disease when kenneled with other animals. The risk, however, is quite low and virtually eliminated when kennels require advance vaccination to ensure a healthy population of boarded guests. Additionally, high sanitation standards and quality living conditions are vitally important to ensuring an absence of disease.
Our sanitation procedures, air flow, required vaccinations, and kennel construction all help to create a healthy, safe and secure environment for your pets when they are in our care.
Can my dog get hurt playing in daycare?
Just like children who play on playgrounds in daycare or at school can get hurt from time to time, dogs playing with each other on the playgrounds can get hurt too. Dogs play with their mouths and paws and like to wrestle around on the ground with each other. Because the dogs are always supervised while playing, injuries are rare. If injuries do occur, you (not Country Acres) are responsible for any medical expenses for your dog, as you would be for a child. You need to be sure that you are comfortable with this before allowing your dog to play in the play yard. If you are not, private play is always an option. Most owners find that the benefits of allowing their dog to play outweigh the risks.
My pet lost weight during their boarding visit, is this normal?
It is natural for dogs to lose a little weight while boarding. Most of the weight loss is due to excitement of being with other guests and the exercise they receive playing. Dogs who are in our play yards are getting constant activity that is not the same as their more sedentary lifestyle at home. Therefore they burn a lot more calories during their boarding visit, which is why we recommend increasing their food slightly. In addition, some dogs may not eat all of their food at each feeding since they are in a different environment and may also lose a pound or two for this reason.
All boarding is a two night minimum.
Dog Overnight Boarding
Charge is based upon dog size and which kennel they need:
Small Breed dogs are $15/night
Medium/Large/ XLarge dogs are $20/night
Multi dog discount - each additional dog (from the same family) are $10/night
Cat Overnight Boarding
Cats stay in a large kitty condo complete with climbing ledges, cozy bed, hammock, and toys
The charge is $15 per night for one cat
The charge is $25 per night for two cats sharing the same condo
Do you board only cats and dogs?
We also welcome birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, and other typical indoor pets. We need to find out more about your pet, so please call the office to discuss the prices and schedule a booking. Sorry, we do not take reptiles/fish.
Can you board my puppy?
We are VERY happy to board puppies! Our minimum boarding age for puppies is 4 months. Puppies need at least two sets of puppy shots and rabies to board. All puppies must be 100% housebroken to potty outside. We understand puppies are young and we will forgive the occasional indoor potty accident but multiple messes will be charged a cleaning/bathing fee in addition to the boarding fee.
What are the check-in and pick-up times?
Open Monday-Sunday to take calls, schedule appointments and provide care
Drop-off/Pick-up Hours
Monday: 8am-6pm
Tuesday: No drop-offs, No pick-ups
Wednesday: 8am-6pm
Thursday: 8am-6pm
Friday: 8am-6pm
Saturday: 8am-Noon
Sunday: Noon-6pm
We live on the property and move around between the house, kennel, and pasture so we ask all customers to please call/text at least 30 mins prior to arrival so we can be available when you arrive.
Can I pick-up my pet outside of your normal business hours?
No, I am sorry. I really prefer to stick to my business hours for the following reasons:
#1 After hours pick-ups delay the evening routine and get the dogs stirred up making things a little harder for everyone. Most days we have 30-60 dogs boarding and keep a strict morning/evening schedule. We close at 6pm and that is when we start the evening play time. All dogs are let into the play yards to exercise and potty while I tidy their rooms, refill water bowls, and prepare their supper. This is also the time when they start to wind down for the evening and they know that there will be no more excitement of their friends leaving or new dogs arriving. I find that if they have a couple hours of quiet calm time before bed time they are very quiet during the night and sleep well.
#2 After the 6pm play/feeding/potty time is over that is when my family time begins. I usually take a shower, start cooking supper and enjoy time with my children and husband. That is when I am 'off the clock' and can relax.
If you ABSOLUTELY must arrive outside my business hours please contact me. I must approve all requests and there will be a $50 extra fee.
How are boarding fees calculated?
Boarding fees begin the day you check-in your pet and are calculated by each night the pet stays with us. Since we charge by the night, the bill is easy to calculate and there are no surprises....schedule pick-up for morning or afternoon and your cost remains the same.
How long can my dog board at Country Acres?
We provide both short and long term boarding. Most customers only need short term boarding of a few nights but we also have customers that need long term boarding of several months or years due to temporary work relocation, active duty overseas, hospitalization/ illness, damage to their homes and are unable to find rental properties that allow pets, or for seniors that are going into nursing homes and cannot take their pets.
Can I make reservations on-line?
Yes! We use a form to book your pet(s) online. The process is very simple - go to the 'online booking' tab, fill out the form and hit the submit button. I will get an email with your information and requested dates. Once I check availability I will send you a confirmation through call, text, or email.
You can also schedule your pet's stay over the phone. Feel free to call or text 337-317-3659 and I will enter your information onto our calendar and confirm your reservation.
Do you fill up?
Yes, we do. We generally fill up quickly for holiday weekends, school vacations and during the summer months and recommend making reservations for your pet as early as possible. Once we are full, we begin a waiting list for any possible future cancellations. We try our best to accommodate all the pets we can safely board.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or shorten your reservation it’s as easy as a phone call or text to let us know. There is no penalty as long as we receive the cancellation three days prior to the reservation. If this is not met, you will be expected to pay for the dates you reserved.
What vaccinations are required for my dog?
We require your dog to be vaccinated against rabies and parvo/distemper. We strongly recommend that your dog be vaccinated against bordetella (kennel cough) at least 2 weeks prior to boarding, so that the vaccination has time to take effect before entering the kennel. We also recommend that you talk to your vet about the vaccination against a recent canine influenza, H3N2 and H3N8.
NOTE : Most of our boarders are local (within 1 hour radius) but we will consider out of town or out of state boarders. Please text or call 337-317-3659 to discuss availability and vaccination requirements if you reside outside of southwest Louisiana.
What vaccinations are required to board my cat?
We require your cat to be immunized for rabies, distemper and feline leukemia.
Should I bring food, toys and a bed for my pet while he/she is boarding with you?
Food - Pets can get stomach upset and diarrhea when switched to a new food suddenly. We ask that you bring enough of your pet's food to cover his/her stay in the kennel.
Toys – Your pet would love to have a toy from home to keep him/her company during the stay here at the kennel. We encourage you to bring one or two favorite toys, however we cannot accept more than a couple toys from each pet. The following toys are choking hazards and we ask that you leave them at home: any type of raw hide, thin plastic toys that tear easily, and greenies.
Beds – We know that most pets enjoy having a soft place to snuggle into while boarding and we provide elevated beds/blankets for large dogs and fleece crate beds for small dogs. Cats also have beds, blankets, and hammocks. We are able to wash these each day and replace them. You are very welcome to bring your pet's own bed or blankets but please understand that we usually cannot launder these if they get dirty. Also, your pet may get anxious during their stay and will sometimes bite or dig at their bed and cause damage, we are not responsible for any damage a pet causes to any belonging you bring for them.
What is the daily schedule like for my dog?
We begin work at 6:30am every day. We begin the day with feeding each pet according to your directions and then sanitize each separate sleeping area for the dogs. While we are cleaning, the dogs are taken out for some time in the play yards. Around 8:30am, all the dogs are put back in their rooms to rest. We repeat the play/nap times several times during the day. At 6pm, we do another play time while the rooms are tidied up, water bowls refilled, and meals are prepared. One last break around 8:30pm to “take care of business” then they go back in their rooms and are given a treat (diet permitting) before we head out for the night. Dogs adjust to this schedule very quickly. Generally, dogs are much more active here at the kennel than they would be at home, which makes for a VERY quiet kennel in the evenings when they rest up to do it all again the next day!
What type of runs do you have for dogs?
Smaller dogs are housed in their own climate controlled building away from the large dogs. The small dogs have cozy crates with soft bedding. The large dogs are housed in a climate controlled building and each dog has indoor/outdoor runs. The large dogs have comfortable Kuranda beds that keep them off the ground and each gets a blanket to curl up on. Each dog is kept separately, unless you have a multi-dog house and wish to have two dogs stay together in the same run (they must get along, if any aggression occurs they will be separated and billed for two separate kennels)
What are the cat accommodations like?
Cats are housed separately from dogs, for the mental well-being of both. Cats stay in "kitty condos" which are tri-level towers that have enough room to walk around and have shelves, hammocks, beds/blankets to rest in and toys to play with.
What type of exercise will my dog get while boarding?
We get each dog out of their runs and into one of our play yards several times a day with one of us to play. They also run and play in their runs. It is not uncommon for dogs to go home after boarding more exhausted than when they came in, as they get so much exercise while here.
Do you offer group play for boarding dogs?
Normally, we do not offer group play for boarders unless the dogs live together at home. We do however offer dog daycare and have dogs that stay with us for group play and other activities. If you would like your dog to have group play please let the staff know and we will be happy to accommodate. NOTE: Owners must realize that dogs that play outside will get dirty and its possible that they will get scratches, scuffs, and nicks in the act of playing.
Can I visit my dog while it is boarding with you?
Yes, you may visit your pet with a few guidelines. Visitation is only allowed for dogs that are boarding long term. Owners are welcome to schedule a visit with their pet between the hours of 10am-4pm. These hours are important to stick to, as they allow us to make sure your dog has fully digested his/her breakfast before going out and will be back in time for the afternoon play times and supper before settling in for the night. Occasionally a dog will board who does not adjust well to leaving and returning to the kennel. If this is the case, we will let you know you will need to curtail such visits in the best interest of your pet.
Is it OK if I call to check on my pet while I’m out of town?
Absolutely! Feel free to call or text to check in on your pet.
Is someone at the kennel 24 hours per day? What if my pet becomes ill or requires medical attention during their stay?
The owners live on the property so someone is almost always there. In the event that your pet requires medical attention, we will refer to your contact list and make every attempt to reach you or your designated emergency contact. If we are unable to contact you or your emergency contact and we feel your pet needs medical attention we will transport your pet to their regular veterinarian, if close by, to ensure continuity of care. If your veterinarian is not near our facility, we will go to one of the local veterinarians that we know. If we believe that the situation is urgent or if your dog needs care after regular hours, we will take your pet to the closest veterinary emergency clinic. If you have any concerns or advanced directions regarding the care of your pet and the expense involved, please talk to Heather upon check-in.
Can you care for pets that are ill or have special medical needs?
If your pet has something that is contagious or that could possibly be contagious (for example: coughing, runny nose, sneezing), do not bring your pet to Country Acres until your veterinarian has confirmed that they are no longer a risk. You may be asked to provide a statement from your veterinarian confirming that it is safe for us to admit your pet.
Country Acres can be a great place for pets who have non-contagious special needs, such as pets that are blind, deaf, elderly, hairless breeds, and teacup breeds that may need frequent feeding to avoid hypoglycemia. It is important to keep in mind that there are other pets in the facility, so if your pet has a compromised immune system or other health issues please discuss your plans with your veterinarian before deciding to board them in any facility. Remember, Country Acres cannot be held responsible if your pet becomes ill during or after their stay.
If you feel your pet has special needs, please speak to Heather before making a boarding reservation to discuss your pet's details
My pet takes several medications. Will you give my pet these medicines?
We are happy to give medicines to pets boarding with us. We ask that you bring the medications in their original containers so we understand exactly what we are giving and have information regarding dosage, prescribing veterinarian, etc.
When my dog comes home from boarding, he/she is VERY thirsty – don’t you give water there?
Please rest assured that your dog has water available 24 hours a day. There are several large bowls of water in the play yard and all dogs have an individual bowl of water in their room when they board with us. The water is checked several times per day and changed/refilled often. We’re not sure why it is, but some dogs don’t drink as much while boarding (maybe they’re like children and are having too much fun to worry about such things!) But as with being tired, the increase in activity may also increase your dog’s water intake. Don’t be alarmed if they want to drink more water than usual when they get home (though you should encourage them to drink slowly and small amounts at a time to prevent vomiting).
Why does my dog smell when I pick him up after being boarded?
All dogs are given access to outdoor play yards multiple times per day. Dogs love the outdoor time and will race around and roll/scoot in the morning dewy grass and sometimes dig/lay in the dirt. Unfortunately this can cause some doggy odor but the upside is that the dirty dogs had the most fun!! I can provide bath service if you prefer to have a fresh pet at pick-up. Please contact for more details on bath service.
Can my pet catch a disease by being kenneled with other pets?
Yes, your pet can be exposed to disease when kenneled with other animals. The risk, however, is quite low and virtually eliminated when kennels require advance vaccination to ensure a healthy population of boarded guests. Additionally, high sanitation standards and quality living conditions are vitally important to ensuring an absence of disease.
Our sanitation procedures, air flow, required vaccinations, and kennel construction all help to create a healthy, safe and secure environment for your pets when they are in our care.
Can my dog get hurt playing in daycare?
Just like children who play on playgrounds in daycare or at school can get hurt from time to time, dogs playing with each other on the playgrounds can get hurt too. Dogs play with their mouths and paws and like to wrestle around on the ground with each other. Because the dogs are always supervised while playing, injuries are rare. If injuries do occur, you (not Country Acres) are responsible for any medical expenses for your dog, as you would be for a child. You need to be sure that you are comfortable with this before allowing your dog to play in the play yard. If you are not, private play is always an option. Most owners find that the benefits of allowing their dog to play outweigh the risks.
My pet lost weight during their boarding visit, is this normal?
It is natural for dogs to lose a little weight while boarding. Most of the weight loss is due to excitement of being with other guests and the exercise they receive playing. Dogs who are in our play yards are getting constant activity that is not the same as their more sedentary lifestyle at home. Therefore they burn a lot more calories during their boarding visit, which is why we recommend increasing their food slightly. In addition, some dogs may not eat all of their food at each feeding since they are in a different environment and may also lose a pound or two for this reason.