FAQ Categories

Boarding/Play & Stay
Careers
Company Info
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Grooming
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Boarding/Play & Stay

1. Why do you call it “Play & Stay”?

Play & Stay is the fun name we give to dogs who are boarding with us. They are boarded in on of our spacious and comfortable Doggy Suites and have a playtime session and treat. The playtime session could be in a group or individual setting depending on your dog’s needs. Learn more about Play & Stay.

2. What kind of pets will you board?

We board all types of pets – furry, feathered, scaly and more! Our typical boarders are dogs and cats, but we are not strangers to rabbits, hamsters, birds, and lizards. For small animals we do require owner’s to provide habitats (tanks, bird cages, housing for guinea pigs & rabbits). If you have a unique pet and want to see if they will be comfortable in our center, ask us by filling out our “Contact Us” form.

3. Can I see the facility before my pet boards?

We recommend a tour before using any pet care facility. You should always visit to make sure you are comfortable leaving your pet there. This also gives you the opportunity to ask lots of questions to make sure their services can meet your pet’s needs.
The best way to secure a tour is to schedule one directly on our site to ensure we are able to accommodate you. Select the date and time range that works best for you and we will be in touch to confirm that it will work for us. Or, if you’re in the area, you can stop any of our Best Friends locations for a tour during business hours. Tours are for “people only” so you can get the most out of your visit.

4. How do I make a boarding reservation?

You can make a reservation for our boarding, grooming, or day camp services in three ways: 1) online through our reservations site, by downloading our mobile app, or by calling one of our centers directly.

5. What are your checkout and check-in times? And, am I charged for the full day when I check my pet out?

At our Disney location: Pets may check-in anytime during our operating hours, which is one hour before the earliest park and one hour after the latest park, including holidays, events and early admission. Our check-out time for all of our room types is noon and daycare charges will apply for late check-outs. However, if grooming is added on to an overnight reservation in our Indoor or Indoor/outdoor rooms, the daycare charge will be waived until 6pm the day of check-out. This rule does NOT apply to any of our suite style rooms (including Vacation Villa, Luxury, and Club suites) and daycare charges will apply for checking-out after noon.
Other Locations: Pets may be checked-in at any time during operating hours up until 30 minutes before closing. Checkout time is by noon on the departure day. Note that Checkout time is waived if a grooming service is scheduled for that day and a team member will call you when your pet is ready. If you pick up your pet after noon, and grooming has not been scheduled, then you will be charged for the next night.

6. Do you require a deposit in advance of a boarding visit?

At our Disney location: We require a one day/one night deposit on whatever room type they are choosing upon making the reservation. We then take full payment at check in.
Other Locations: We do not require a reservation deposit at this time, but will take a minimum 50% deposit at check in. Certain circumstances require a greater deposit at check-in. Please ask a team member for specific deposit details for your stay.

7. What is your boarding cancellation policy?

We realize that plans do change, and wish to accommodate all of our customer’s needs.

At our Disney location: We require a cancellation within 48 hours of your boarding reservation in order to return your full deposit.
Other locations: We ask that you give as much notice as possible but at least 72 hours advance cancellation of the scheduled arrival date.

8. I’m boarding my pet for the first time? What should I expect?

Your pet will adjust quickly to our boarding facility, our staff and routines. Feeding, cleansing, exercise, and kennel staff monitoring are all scheduled events that bring order and structure to the boarding environment.
You can do a lot to help prepare your pet for this environment in the days before your pet is to be boarded. First, establish (or reinforce) a routine schedule of meal times and limit feedings to twice per day. We feed in the morning, and again in the late afternoon, as required.
Also, we routinely quiet the facility down after closing hours to give the pets adequate rest and comfort. It’s best if your evening schedule, in the week before boarding, is stable and consistent, and getting the pet(s) into a comfortable “wind down” to their day by 7PM will enable them to adjust quickly to the kennel, once boarded.

9. Are there different types of suite options for my dog?

We have different types of suites for your dog and cat. Some centers have more variety than others. To see what is offered at your local center, find your location and visit their pricing page.

10. Are your pet care centers air-conditioned?

Most of our pet care centers are fully air-conditioned for summer comfort and heated in the winter. About two-thirds of our properties also have outdoor exercise runs and play yards for outdoor activity, weather permitting.

11. Are your facilities indoors?

Best Friends has both indoor and outdoor facilities. If you would like specific information about the center closest to you, you can request it with our “Contact Us” form or by finding a location near you and giving them a call.

12. Can I check in with my dog while he/she stays with you?

We have webcams in our day camp rooms and you can watch them in action. Also, some of our boarding suites offer Pet Chatz, an interactive camera inside the suite – you can even dispense treats! If you miss them on camera, we will still let you know how they did with a Report Card that we send home with them. May of our pet parents like to call to check on their pets during their stay with us – we always let them know that they are welcome to call us at any time to check on their pets. To take a peek at our Pet Cams, find a location near you and click on the “View Petcams” button.

13. My pets like to have toys with them. Can they have their favorite toys while boarding with Best Friends?

Your pets may have one or two toys to play with in their suite during their stay. If you bring toys from home, be sure to mark them with permanent ink with your last name. Your pets’ toys will stay with them in their suites and we do our best to return all toys. Occasionally, a toy may be lost during a playtime or cleaning. If you prefer not to bring toys from home, you can purchase toys in our retail center for your pet’s stay.
We request that you not bring in any of your pet’s bedding for their boarding visit. We provide comfortable and sanitary lambs wool bedding for all our pet guests. Pets can be highly possessive of their personal bedding, and may become agitated when our staff removes the bedding for sanitizing, which, for the health of all our pet guests, we must do each day. Also, we don’t want blankets or other fabrics to get caught up or wrapped around the pet, which might cause them harm. Our bedding is hypoallergenic, safe and comfortable.

14. My dog is on a special diet. Can I bring in my own food?

Our planned premium meal program at each of our pet care centers consist of precisely portioned feedings of high quality, premium nutrition dog food. However, if your pet requires a special diet, we encourage you to bring their food when boarding. Our trained associates will follow your instructions to make sure your pet follows his regular diet. By pre-bagging each meal in a separate bag labeled with your pet’s name, your pet will receive the exact amount of food that you feed him or her at home.

15. What are “add ons” to customize my pet’s boarding experience?

We have fantastic add-on services to help customize your dog’s or cat’s boarding experience. Anything from extra playtime to a special treat while they stay. Check out all of these opportunities and book these online with your reservation or by calling your local Best Friends center.

16. Where is my dog going to go to the bathroom when in your care?

Best Friends has a mix of indoor/outdoor & indoor-only pet care centers. All Best Friends centers are highly sanitary and safe. Dogs in our care will eliminate in the exercise run of their two-room suite, in our playrooms, or outdoors (if the center is indoor/outdoor). These areas are well suited for this purpose, and are regularly sanitized. Our highly trained staff continuously monitors all elimination and consumption behavior, which is noted on each pet’s chart. To learn more, schedule a tour with us.

17. While my dog is boarding with you, will he be taken out for walks?

While your dog stays with us he/she will take part in either group or individual play based on temperament and your request. This play will occur every day of his/her stay. Click here to learn more about our additional add-on services.

18. Can all my pets stay together in the same suite?

Yes, we can accommodate your wishes and board your pets together in the same suite, as space allows (typically we allow up to 3 dogs under 30 lb. each to board together in the same suite – this allows adequate space for each pet and promotes both comfort and safety). Up to two cats can be boarded together in one condo. Siblings must be able to eat and drink in close quarters and both siblings must be altered. Contact the location you plan to board your dogs and/or cats at for specific details.

19. My pet is so thirsty when she comes home from a boarding visit? Does she get water when stays with you? Or, why won’t she drink when being boarded?

Pets will frequently become very thirsty from the excitement and stress of seeing their family and loved ones again when they’re picked up. It’s natural and you should expect your pet to be a bit dehydrated from all the excitement once you get them home.
While in our care, pets are monitored carefully for their consumption of fresh water, which is continuously checked and refreshed throughout the day. And, just like the excitement of coming home, when they first are checked-in and settled in their suite, they will tend to become very thirsty. We watch this carefully, and are sure to provide plenty of fresh water upon check-in to get the pet fully hydrated. After the first 30 minutes or so, they settle into the new routine, get comfortable, and establish regular eating and drinking habits. Upon returning home, give your pet small amounts of water or ice cubes, until all excitement is dissipated.

20. My pet gets anxious, do you have any tips to help ease this anxiety for boarding?

Acclimating your pet to the boarding routine prior to arriving is helpful. Set meal times to twice a day – in the morning and late afternoon. Help them wind down at around 7 pm as we do in our facility. For dogs who need an extra bit of calm, we sell Honest Paws CBD Calm products at our centers. These are designed to relax an anxious dog and can be helpful for boarding or grooming appointments. Learn more about Honest Paws CBD.

21. Do you have any age restrictions for taking pets (old or young)?

Our primary concern is the welfare of our guests. For this reason, our minimum boarding age for dogs is 4 months. It is generally recommended that puppies get their first round of “adult” shots at 12 weeks (including rabies), and the second round at 16 weeks. Additionally, in any kennel environment, a young pup could possibly be exposed to air-borne viruses it could not fight off. Our recommendation is to board puppies at your veterinarian’s office until they have reached our minimum age requirement.
Senior dogs are always welcome. Be sure you communicate any medical or health related issues to us ahead of their stay. For more details on this, visit our Vaccine & Health Requirements Page.

22. How much do you charge for boarding?

Our boarding rates vary depending on locations. Visit our pricing page and select the location you are interested in visiting. This will give you a complete list of the boarding rates depending on the type of suite you are interested in.

23. Why does my dog smell when I pick him up after being boarded?

At Best Friends, we are meticulous in cleaning our kennels, and use hospital grade disinfectants to keep them spotless. However, in the closed quarters of a boarding facility amongst other pet guests, a dog’s natural odor may become more noticeable.
Certain customers may also be more sensitive to pet odors after having not been with an animal for a while. We recommend scheduling a “go-home fresh bath” or grooming appointment on your pet’s last day of boarding with us. Check-out time is 12 noon, however if you schedule a “go-home fresh bath” you may pick up your pet any time that day before the Center closes for the price of the “go-home fresh bath or groom” and no additional boarding charge.

24. How long can my dog board at Best Friends? Do you discount for long-term boarding?

Boarding can be long-term, as long as we are pre-paid for each 30 days. There is a 10% discount for every 30-day stay, but these visits must be prepaid and we must have a credit card on file so that we can charge the boarding expense every 30 days.

25. Do dogs need to be spayed or neutered?

We don’t require that our boarding dogs be spayed or neutered. However, if you have multiple dogs, boarding in the same suite, they will need to be spayed/neutered. Any dogs, boarding with us that are not spayed/neutered, will be limited to individual play rather than attending our group play during their stay. Learn more about our care requirements here.

26. What are the vaccination requirements for boarders?

All of our up-to-date requirements are held on our Vaccines and Health Requirements page. If your pet is in need of a vaccination, we are partnered with VIP Petcare in many of our locations where we offer a full array of vaccinations and wellness services to our clients. These clinics are convenient, staffed by a licensed veterinarian, cost-effective, and there is not an exam fee. Visit our Vet Care page to learn more about these vaccination services.

27. My pet is diabetic and requires shots – can he/she board with you?

Pets with significant medical needs are better off under a veterinarian’s care than in our pet boarding centers, despite the qualifications of our well-trained staff. We do not accept diabetic pets for boarding but will refer you to a highly qualified veterinarian who can board and administer treatments to your pet. Our Disney location, however, can work with owners to administer medicine for their diabetic pets as they are typically able to visit and do so. View our Medications and Medical Conditions list to learn more.

28. 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 is, however, 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 modern sanitation procedures, air flow system, required vaccinations, kennel suites construction, and staff training programs all help to create a healthy, safe and secure environment for your pets when they are in our care. You may have heard “horror stories” of poor treatment and conditions at kennels in the past…we have taken great pains to ensure that all Best Friends pet care centers provide a first-class, highly sanitary environment that dispel any fears you might have about boarding your pets with us.

We strongly suggest a tour, before making a boarding selection, of any facility that you might consider in your area. Here’s what to look for:

¨ You should be able to tour any aspect of the facility without a reservation, at any time during business hours.

¨ It should smell and be clean from top to bottom.

¨ Staff members should be available and capable of answering any of your pet care questions.

¨ You should request and receive reference lists of current and/or past customers to check on their satisfaction.

¨ Staff members should own pets and appear kind and friendly toward the animals in their care.

¨ The kennel should require vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian prior to allowing a pet to be boarded.

¨ Kennel suites or runs should be spacious and clean, and independent from one another. There should be no evidence of group kenneling, except, of course, for Doggy Day Camp socialization day camp programs for qualified pets (spayed or neutered, vaccinated, can be socialized, non-aggressive).

29. How can I save money on boarding?

We often run promotions to help you save on upcoming boarding stays. All of our promotions can be found on the Events & Promos section of our website. Also, if your pet is boarding with us for the first time, then you are eligible for our First Night Free on-going offer for new pets (excluding Disney). The best way to receive discounts, learn about exciting things happening at your center, and be invited to special events is to join our email list.

Careers

1. How can I apply for a job?

To apply for a job, at one of our centers, you can visit our Careers page to learn more about our company, the types of positions we have, and click on the “Search & Apply” button to find if there are available positions near you. Once our hiring staff receives your application, they will reach out to you if they have an opening that matches your qualifications. Thanks for considering a career with us!

2. What qualifications do you look for in your staff?

We hire pet (and people!) lovers who will gladly cuddle, play with, comfort and (yes) clean up after our guests to give them a great experience while they are away from home. We look for individuals with relevant experience in animal care, human hospitality, grooming, customer service, etc. Once a candidate is selected they must complete an intensive certification program to ensure they are prepared to offer the best possible care. Visit our Careers page to learn more about the positions at our centers.

3. What types of positions are offered at your centers?

We have a wide variety of positions at our centers from Center Managers to Pet Stylists to Doggy Day Camp Counselors. Visit our Careers Page to learn more about these roles and find out if there is one that is right for you.

4. What benefits do you offer full time employees?

We offer standard medical, dental, and vision insurance to our full-time employees. Also, if you are a pet parent, you are provided free doggy day camp and discounted boarding for your furry loved ones. To broaden your skills, we provide training which also promotes career advancement so you can grow with us. Best Friends Pet Care is employee owned which means our employees have more autonomy, flexibility, and influence on company decisions along with a share in our profits.

5. How is working at Best Friends Pet Hotel different?

Two things really separate working at Best Friends Pet Hotel compared to other companies. The first is your clientele. How many people can say they snuggle with their customers? When you work with us you get to do great things for pets each day and watch them grow in your care. The second best thing about working at Best Friends is that we are employee owned which makes us very unique. We are invested in the business and have impact on decisions.

6. Do you hire volunteers?

We do not hire volunteers at our centers. All of our folks, interacting with our fur-clients, are employees of Best Friends Pet Care.

Company Info

1. How long has your company been in operation?

Best Friends has been providing top-notch pet care facilities since 1995 and have centers located across the country. We continue to improve and expand our offerings to better meet the needs of our clients (both human and furry). Learn more here.

2. What kinds of services do you offer?

We offer boarding, day camp, and grooming services at all of our Best Friends Pet Hotel locations. At select locations we provide training and veterinary care. Find your local center to learn more about their specific offerings.

3. Where are you located?

We have more than 40 locations across the nation and are growing! To find a location near you, visit the location section of our site.

4. What are your hours?

Our hours vary based on the location. To find out the hours, at a center near you, visit our location page and click on the location closest to you.

5. How do I reach someone in your corporate office?

If you have questions about an upcoming reservation or related to a specific center, it is best to contact our center directly through our “Contact Us” form. These are emailed directly to the management, in the center, and they can assist. If you need to reach someone in our Corporate Office for something else, you can email them here. We will get back to you within 48 hours.

6. Do you franchise?

Best Friends does not franchise. We are a Employee Majority Owned company, and we fully own and operate all of our locations. All of our full-time eligible team members are also employee owners. As such, we all invested in Best Friends and care for your pets as though they are family. Learn more about us.

7. When are you opening a center in my area?

We are always looking for opportunities to bring Best Friends to more pet owners. Our decision to expand our operations depends on a variety of factors – from locating appropriate real estate to obtaining planning and zoning approvals to managing the construction process. Check out our locations here.

8. I own a pet services business and I am interested in selling it. Would Best Friends be interested in purchasing my business?

We are always looking for opportunities to bring Best Friends to more pet owners and would certainly consider your business. Visit our Selling Your Business page to learn more about this process. Fill out the form at the end of the page and we will be in touch with you.

Day Camp

1. What’s the difference between “play & stay” and day camp?

When your pet “Plays & Stays” at Best Friends for Daycare, he/she is boarded in a private accommodation. We also give your pet a playtime session and treat. Play & Stay is offered by all Best Friends Pet Hotels. Doggy Day Camp is a popular, daytime group socialization session for local dogs offered during weekdays at all of our pet care centers. Dogs spend the day in exercise and play with other dogs under the supervision of a specially trained counselor. To be eligible, dogs must be non-aggressive, at least 6 months old, and have been spayed or neutered. Dogs must be evaluated by a counselor to determine eligibility.

2. Do you offer doggy day camp and what are the requirements?

Doggy Day Camp is a popular, daytime group socialization class for dogs that meet certain criteria. We offer day camp as part of a membership program called, Canine Crew. You can select among monthly memberships of 6 days, 12 days, or unlimited days each month. The program is available at all of our pet care centers. Selection criteria include:
-Being at least 6 months
-Being spayed or neutered
-Having the ability to interact with other dogs in a social setting without overt aggressiveness
-Absence of health concerns, which might limit physical activity or require one on one focused attention by an animal care technician
-Parent’s ability to enroll the pet in a regular schedule of sessions (not necessarily each day) but regularly enough to allow the pet to gain status within the pack, and to become comfortable in the surroundings.

3. Do you have a screening process for your day camp dogs?

With safety as our #1 priority, we do have a screening process for day camp dogs to ensure that they are a fit for a group play setting. Our screening process is done in the form of an interview with you and your dog. The interview consists of us meeting you and your pup, answering some basic questions on your pup, and engaging him/her with some one-on-one time with one of our trained counselors. If all boxes are checked, the next step is to set your pup up with an introduction day to see how the pack responds to your pup and how he/she interacts with them. Learn more about the interview process on our Interview Page.

4. What will my dog do in day camp?

We have a full day of fun in store for your dog! To get an idea of the “day in the life” of our doggy day campers, visit our day camp page.

5. Can I check in on my dog in day camp?

Yes, we have webcams available at our centers so you can watch your dog play throughout the day. Find a location near you and then click on the “View Petcams” button to take a peek.

6. Can my puppy attend day camp?

We want to be sure that puppies learn proper socialization, self soothing, have positive interactions with new people, and get positive exposure to various stimuli to prepare them for adult dog day camp. Therefore, we have a special camp for puppies called Puppy Play Group (excluding Disney) where we set the stage for their transition to adulthood. Check out all it has to offer.

7. Is there an outdoor day camp?

Some of our centers have an outdoor play yard for our day camp attendees. When it is weather appropriate we will allow this outdoor access to our campers. Contact your local center to find out if outdoors is an option.

8. How do I book a reservation for day camp?

You can make a reservation for our boarding, grooming, or day camp services in three ways: 1) online through our reservations site, by downloading our mobile app, or by calling one of our centers directly.

9. How much does day camp cost?

Our day camp program is a membership program designed to meet the needs of our pet parents. You can opt for a monthly membership of 6, 12, or unlimited days of camp each month. Your monthly fee will be automatically deducted from your account each month. Visit our pricing page for the cost of membership at your location.

10. Can I purchase day camp packages?

Our day camp program is a membership program designed to meet the needs of our pet parents. You can opt for a monthly membership of 6, 12, or unlimited days of camp each month. Read more about it on our day camp page.

11. How can I save money on day camp?

We often run promotions to help you save on day camp. All of our promotions can be found on the Events & Promos section of our website. Also, if your pet is using doggy day camp for the first time, then you are eligible for our First Day Free on-going offer for new pets. The best way to receive discounts, learn about exciting things happening at your center, and be invited to special events is to join our email list.

12. What are the vaccination requirements for day campers?

All of our up-to-date requirements are held on our Vaccines and Health Requirements page on our site. If your pet is in need of a vaccination, we are partnered with VIP Petcare in many of our locations where we offer a full array of vaccinations and wellness services to our clients. These clinics are convenient, staffed by a licensed veterinarian, cost-effective, and there is not an exam fee. Visit our Vet Care page to learn more about these vaccination services.

13. Do dogs need to be spayed or neutered?

All dogs attending our day camp need to be spayed and neutered to attend group play, but this is not a requirement for puppy play group.

14. Are there any special events during day camp?

We have special parties at all of our centers during day camp. They typically occur on a monthly basis and are themed with fun photos, treats, and exciting activities. You can see our upcoming parties on our Events & Promos page.

15. Will my dog be fed during day camp?

Yes, we can feed your dog at day camp at your request. We can feed dogs mid-day and they will also rest from play during this time. We offer kibble that is high in nutrition, but are able to feed your pup any food that you provide from home.

16. Do you provide transportation to day camp?

Pick-up and delivery services to day camp are available at some of our locations. Please call the center directly to find out about availability, rates and areas serviced. Our Disney location picks up from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and Disney’s Yacht Club. Learn more about Disney’s transport service here.

Grooming

1. What type of pets do you groom?

Best Friends grooms all breeds of dogs and cats. We have trained groomers who specialize in breed-specific cuts. Check out our pricing guide to give you an idea of costs based on your dog’s size and breed.

2. How much does it cost to groom my pet?

Our grooming rates vary depending on the breed & size of your pet and the type of services you choose. Find a location near you and call them directly to learn more about pricing related to you pet. Though we do have a grooming pricing guidelines on our website, calling the center directly and discussing your pet’s needs with a member of our professional grooming staff is the best way to obtain a quote.

3. What are “add ons” to customize my pet’s grooming experience?

Our grooming staff are experts and can customize your grooming appointment to your needs. Some of the common add-ons can be found on our grooming page. If you don’t see what you are looking for let us know and we might be able to help!

4. How do I book a reservation for grooming?

You can make a reservation for our boarding, grooming, or day camp services in three ways: 1) online through our reservations site, by downloading our mobile app, or by calling one of our centers directly.

5. My pet gets anxious, do you have any tips to help ease this anxiety for grooming?

For anxious pets, we suggest trying Honest Paws CBD Calm products, sold at all Best Friends locations. You can try the products, prior to the groom, to see its affect on your pet and determine if it would be helpful to ease their grooming anxiety. Read more about Dog Anxiety in this helpful article.

6. What is a shedicure?

A shedicure is an extra solution to remove additional undercoat. During the bathing process we use a special de-shedding shampoo and once the coat is completely dried and combed out, we use a furminator. It is different from brushing or combing because this process will remove MORE loose undercoat with a noticeable difference. Learn more about our grooming services, including the Shedicure, in this helpful article.

7. My pet has sensitive skin, how will your grooming products affect him/her?

We provide a variety of different shampoos/conditioner to accommodate your pet’s skin type. Also we can use a vet-prescribe shampoo that you provide, for no additional charge. Feel free to take advantage of our complementary grooming consultation to discuss your pet’s sensitive skin or other skin issues with our expert groomers. They can make recommendations and ensure your experience (and your pet’s experience) is top-notch!

8. Does Best Friends use heated drying cages in its grooming facilities?

We have a policy against the use of heated drying cages in our grooming salons.

Our Grooming Associates are trained to hand-dry pets after they have been bathed. The process involves brushing out the coat to remove shedding hair, while blowing it dry. The use equipment similar to, although larger than, the hair dryer you might use at home. When your pet’s coat is almost completely dry, they are put into a holding compartment to rest. A high volume of ambient, room-temperature air is circulated in that compartment. We NEVER add heat to the circulating air.

In addition, we are continually evaluating and upgrading the equipment at each of our facilities to ensure that all Best Friends salons are in compliance with our strict corporate standards.

The health, safety and comfort of all of the pets in our care is of primary importance to us. We have established our grooming policies, selected the equipment we use, and trained our staff with those requirements in mind.

9. Would you tranquilize pets before you bathe or groom them?

Best Friend’s professional stylists will not tranquilize a pet in order to groom. Our stylists and groom techs are well trained to handle nervous pets, and treat every pet with tender loving care. If a pet is too agitated to be safely bathed or groomed, our staff will not attempt to force the service on the pet.
For anxious pets, we also suggest trying Honest Paws CBD Calm products, sold at all Best Friends locations. You can try the products, prior to the groom, to see its affect on your pet and determine if it would be helpful to ease their grooming anxiety.

10. How can I save money on grooming?

We often run promotions to help you save on grooming. All of our promotions can be found on the Events & Promos section of our website. Also, if your pet is using our grooming services for the first time, then you are eligible for our New Pets offer grooming offer. The best way to receive discounts, learn about exciting things happening at your center, and be invited to special events is to join our email list.

Other Services & Info

1. Do you offer dog training?

Training classes are available at some of our Best Friends locations. Best Friends Canine College offers a wide variety of group, private or while-boarded obedience training programs for pooches of all ages. Centers, that offer training, have multiple class levels – from beginning to advanced.

Visit our Training Page to learn more. If your location offers training then it will be a dropdown selection on the Training Form located at the bottom of the training page. Feel free to fill it out with any questions or needs and our center associates will get back to you promptly.

2. What kind of veterinary services do you offer?

Around half of our centers provide veterinary services for your pet through our partnership with VIP Petcare. These clinics are designed to support the wellness of your pet through testing and preventative measures and are run by state-licensed Veterinarians. You can get necessary vaccinations, receive diagnostic tests, and much more. Visit our Vet Care page to learn more and to find a clinic near occurring a Best Friends location near you. No appointment necessary!!

3. Do you have any services specific to puppies?

Puppies are always welcome at our centers. In order to board with us, puppies need to be at least 4 months to ensure they have all of their needed vaccinations. We also have a special Puppy Play Group program designed to give your puppy the needed socialization so he/she can grow into a well adjusted dog. And, of course, our grooming services are a great way to keep your pup feeling great. Getting them started on a grooming schedule early will help you in the long run as you expose them to having their feet touched, to loud sounds, and to interactions with new people. If it’s your first time learning about us, come and visit by Booking a Tour of our facility.

4. Do you have more information that I can read related to pet care?

We have many informative blogs on our site for pet owners. You can search by a topic you are interested in and find out more.

5. Do you sell any products at your centers?

We sell a variety of items at our centers including treats, toys, Honest Paws CBD products, gift certificates, and more. Visit a center, close to you, to check out their retail set and make a purchase.

6. What are the ways I can book a reservation?

There are a few ways that you can book a reservation with us and the route you take depends on you. The most convenient way to book a reservation is through our Mobile App. Download the app, fill out a profile for you pet, and have all the information you need on your fingertips. If you prefer technology on a desktop, you can visit our Reservations Site and follow the same process. And if you like to discuss your needs with a live audience, feel free to call our centers directly. Find a location near you and drop them a line.

Policies & Processes

1. Can I make reservations online?

We offer online reservations for our boarding, day camp, and grooming services. You can do this through our convenient Mobile App or through our Reservations Site.

2. Can I take a tour of your facility before I decide to use your services?

We offer tours of all of our centers. If you are interested in learning more about the tours and setting one up, visit our Book a Tour page and fill out the form to request a time and day that works for you.

3. Is there a way to contact a Best Friends Hotel directly?

You can reach our Best Friends locations directly by phone, email or through our online Contact Us form. Once you Find a Location near you, all of the contact information is listed on that location’s site. If your question isn’t urgent, then fill out our Contact Us form and our staff members will get back to you within 48 hours.

4. What is your policy concerning vaccinations and other requirements?

All of our up-to-date requirements are held on our Vaccines & Health Requirements page on our site. It provides information on the vaccination requirements for pets boarding and playing with us. If your pet has special medical needs, be sure to read our Medical Condition and Medication List to ensure we can meet their needs while in our care.

5. What is your cancellation policy?

Since our boarding rooms and suites fill up fast, we have set a cancellation policy for those who are reserved to board with us.

At our Disney location: We require a cancellation within 48 hours of your boarding reservation in order to return your full deposit.
Other locations: We realize that plans do change, and wish to accommodate all of our customer’s needs. We ask that you give as much notice as possible but at least 72 hours advance cancellation of the scheduled arrival date.

For our day camp Canine Crew membership program, we require 30 day notice to cancel for the upcoming month.

For grooming, we would appreciate as much heads up as possible so we may accommodate other pet parents.

6. Where you don’t have a vet on staff, what kind of training do your associates have for handling emergencies?

All Associates are fully trained in proper animal handling techniques. We provide hands-on training for any emergencies that associates may encounter. In addition, each location has specific emergency management plans and a property evacuation plan.

7. Do you have someone at your pet care centers 24 hours a day? What about vet coverage in the case of emergencies?

Our centers are monitored with emergency response systems for heating, cooling, smoke, fire and security 24-hours a day. We do not have staff members on site overnight, except at our Walt Disney World location. Our team members are on site in the early morning to feed, walk, check on and do activities with the pets every day, (regardless of published customer-facing Center hours) and do not leave until after all of the pets have been fed, and let out for their evening activities. For the dogs to have a restful, relaxing stay, it’s critical that they are not disturbed overnight, and the presence of a staff member keeps the dogs awake and the dogs feeling more stressed as they are very sensitive to even the slightest noise.

Each of our pet care centers has a relationship with a highly reputable, local veterinary for emergency care. In the event of an true emergency, we will bring your pet to the closest high quality vet that we have a relationship with, otherwise we will do our best to bring your pet to your own vet on file with us if the matter is not urgent.

8. What happens when a pet becomes ill?

Every Best Friends facility has 24-hour, on-call veterinary support. We maintain relationships with several veterinary hospitals near each center so that we are always assured of emergency veterinary care whenever it is required.

Promotions & Marketing

1. How do I get on your email list?

The best way to receive offers and be in the loop is to Join our Email List. Fill out your information on this quick form and we will keep you posted on all of our news, deals, and fun events that we have planned for you!

2. How can I find deals or coupons for your services?

We often run promotions to help you save on our boarding, day camp, and grooming services. All of our promotions can be found on the Events & Promos section of our website. Also, if your pet is boarding, day camping, or grooming with us for the first time, then you are eligible for our New Customer offers. (First Night Free not applicable to Disney clients).

3. What kind of events do you have at your centers?

We have special parties at all of our centers during day camp. They typically occur on a monthly basis and are themed with fun photos, treats, and exciting activities. We also will periodically have other special events, like adoption events, customer appreciation days, and more. If you prefer online events, we like to make our pet parents smile with our fun online photo contest and games. You can learn about all of our upcoming parties, events, and online fun on our Events & Promos page.

4. Do you post on social media?

Each of our centers have their own Facebook and Instagram pages where they post pictures of their special guests throughout the day. It is a wonderful way to see what is going on at our centers and to receive an unexpected photo of your pet playing or relaxing in our centers. Find your location and follow us by clicking on our social links.