Frequently Asked Questions

Where do the dogs sleep at night?
They sleep in one of our warm and cozy cottages namely, The Gingerbread Cottage, Liquorice Lodge or one of our Donut Dorms. We provide beds & blankets as well as food/water bowls.

What vaccinations do my dogs need to join daycare or board?
All dogs need to be up to date with their annual vaccinations including the Kennel Cough Vaccine (nasal spray). Please take note that this is a live vaccine, so your dog needs to be kept separate from others for 3 days after receiving this to prevent the spread of the virus. (See vaccination policy here)

What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tree caused by a contagious virus (e.g. Adenovirus 1&2, or Parainfluenza virus), or bacterium (e.g. Bordetella bronchiseptica). It is often very difficult to control, as the infectious agents can be transmitted through air, by contact with contaminated surfaces, or being in contact with an infected animal, much the same way humans contract the common cold or flu.
*Should I have my dog vaccinated since he/she can contract if from the vaccine? Bear in mind that vaccinations provide very good protection against kennel cough in most dogs. However, protection is not always 100% & some dogs will contract the disease despite being vaccinated. Still, we do recommend that your pets be vaccinated, because it strengthens the body’s resistance against these diseases.
*Can my dog pick up Kennel Cough at daycare? Your dog can pick up the virus in any situation or location where there are many dogs, since it is an airborne virus your dog may even pick up from a neighbor’s dog. Though we strive to create a safe environment, we unfortunately cannot always control this and because Kennel cough is so highly contagious, no amount of supervision, sanitation or personal care can guarantee prevention. It is important to remember that if your dog has contracted Kennel Cough and is being treated for it, that you please continue to keep him/her at home, even though he/she may no longer be clinical signs of being sick. This helps us to minimize the chances of it spreading further.

Is there shelter in the play areas?
Yes, every play pen has a roof as well as kennels. Whether your dog chooses to utilize the sheltered areas, when raining, is their choice.

Do dogs have access to water?
Yes, every play pen has many water bowls, some even have shell swimming pools.

What time can I drop my dog off for DAYCARE?
Anytime between 6:30am (7am if it’s your dog’s first day) until closing at 6pm.
Note: We have a drop & go system in place when dogs get dropped off for daycare/boarding. Please do not make a fuss when dropping your dog off as it can spark separation anxiety because it draws attention to your absence and suggests that your dog should be concerned by your departure.

What is the procedure for collecting my dog/s?
When arriving, please wait in our lobby & we will bring your dog out, put their leashes on & hand them over to you.
Note: If you are collecting at peak times (4-6pm), please be patient with us. Please check the mirror in the ally before entering the passage! If occupied, please wait your turn.

What time can I drop my dog off for BOARDING on weekends?
We have designated drop off / collections on weekends.
Saturday 7am-8am. Sundays 3:30pm-4:30pm.

What if 7am-8am is too early for me on a Saturday?
Then kindly advise us when making your dogs booking and we will book him/her in for Saturday daycare, cost is R110 per dog, which will allow you up to 5pm to collect. Please be patient with us as one of the kennel hands will assist you at that time and not one of the office staff.

Why, if there is someone present with the dogs at all times, can’t we collect our dogs on weekends?
Our kennel hands are not as familiar with the owners of every dog like the office staff is. They are not allowed to let a dog go unless pre-arranged with the owner of Pet-i-Ket. This is to ensure the safety of your dog/s. They might also not be aware of any extra’s that you
packed in for your dog and then these will get left behind.

If I cannot collect on time, can I send someone else to collect my dog/s?
Yes you can, but please arrange with the office. We will need their names and their relation to the dog.

What must I bring with when my dog boards?
Just your dog on a collar and leash. Also, enough food for their stay (preferably in a plastic container, clearly marked with their names). We supply beds, blankets, bowls etc.

Dietary requirements and food
Whatever your pets diet we can accommodate it, so long as the food is portioned, packed per meal and clearly marked.

Should your dog be on a cooked food diet, each meal has to be pre-prepared, and frozen, so that our staff will just defrost and serve it to your dog. We do not cook meals on site, but can heat food if required.

Should we be required to portion the meals an additional cost of R10 per day will be added to your bill. 

Should your dog run out of food during the stay we will gladly go and purchase it from our nearest vet/vet shop/supermarket at an additional fee to cover our petrol plus time costs R120. You will be invoiced for the cost of the food plus the additional fee as mentioned above. Or you are welcome to arrange for food to be delivered at the kennels.

Can I bring my dog’s lunch to daycare?
If your pup is under 6 months and eats 3 times a day, then yes you can.

Can I pack my dog’s medication?
Yes, you can, we will administer as prescribed and/or see to any special veterinary needs at an extra cost per day. 

Pet-i-ket Vaccination Policy For Daycare & Boarding dogs

Pet owners need to ensure their pets are vaccinated and that their vaccinations are kept up to date as part of responsible pet ownership.
 
• All 3 puppy vaccinations
• Rabies
• Kennel Cough
• Followed by yearly booster plus kennel cough for 2 years
• From age 3 triennial vaccination with Rabies plus annual kennel cough
 
** Kennel cough still required every year!
 
** Please be advised that our Vaccination Policy is mandatory **
 
If for whatever reason your vet advises you against the above for your pet, kindly have them send an email to us so we can consider an exception for your dog. Please understand that Pet-i-ket takes the health of all dogs in our care seriously and as such require owner compliance with NSPCA health standards.
 
For your information:
 
What are vaccines?
Vaccines are special medications that have been designed to stimulate the body’s immune system so that it will produce the disease-fighting antibodies that are necessary to help protect it against diseases.
 
Why should I vaccinate my pet?
Dogs and cats must be vaccinated to help protect them from all the infectious and contagious diseases out there. When puppies and kittens are born, the mothers pass on some immunity to their young through the colostrum in their milk, but unfortunately, this protection is temporary and the best way to ensure long-term protection for your pet is to provide it in the form of vaccinations against all the common diseases.
 
How often do I need to vaccinate my pet to help protect it from disease?
Here are the vaccination guidelines prescribed by the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) for dogs:
• First vaccination at 8 to 9 weeks*.
• Second vaccination at 11 to 12 weeks, which includes the first rabies vaccination.
• Revaccinate at 14 to 16 weeks, which includes the second rabies vaccination 
• Revaccinate at 1 year.
• Revaccinate every 3 years, including rabies. (This after Abandonment of annual vaccinations in exchange for triennial vaccination studies done)
• Some vaccines like Kennel Cough still require annual vaccination
 
The standard 5-in-1 vaccination for dogs covers
1. Canine distemper
2. Adenovirus type 2
3. Infectious hepatitis 
4. Parainfluenza
5. Parvovirus
 
The standard 5-in-1 vaccine includes protection against Canine distemper, Adenovirus type 2, Infectious hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. These diseases are highly contagious and can be life-threatening, especially in puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
 
Canine distemper is a viral disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, respiratory issues, and neurological problems. It’s highly contagious and is transmitted through contact with infected dogs or their bodily fluids.
 
Adenovirus type 2 and Infectious hepatitis are viral diseases that can cause respiratory issues, liver damage, and other health problems. Both viruses are highly contagious and can spread through direct or indirect contact with infected dogs.
 
Parainfluenza is a viral disease that can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing and sneezing. The virus is highly contagious and can spread quickly in environments where dogs are in close proximity.
 
Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration. It’s transmitted through contact with infected dogs or their faeces and can be fatal, especially in puppies.
 
The 5-in-1 vaccine is an effective way to protect your dog against these five diseases. The vaccine contains inactivated or weakened viruses and bacteria that stimulate your dog’s immune system to produce protective antibodies.
 
The vaccine is administered in three doses with one dose given every three weeks and thereafter once annually for the duration of your dog’s lifespan.
 
In addition to the standard 5 in 1 vaccine, there are two optional components that can be added to the vaccine based on your dog’s lifestyle and risks: Leptospirosis and Bordetella.
 
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can cause liver and kidney damage in dogs, and it can also be transmitted to humans. The disease is commonly found in environments where there’s standing water or wildlife, and it’s transmitted through contact with contaminated urine or water. The vaccine is recommended for dogs that live in areas with a high prevalence of Leptospirosis or have exposure to wildlife or bodies of water.
 
Bordetella, also known as kennel cough, is a bacterial disease that causes a persistent cough and can lead to pneumonia in some dogs. The disease is highly contagious and is commonly found in environments where dogs are in close proximity, such as boarding kennels or dog parks. The vaccine is recommended for dogs that have exposure to other dogs in these environments.