Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come in for a tour?
Absolutely! Our welcoming staff will be available to give you a tour of our facility anytime during regular business hours Monday through Saturday.
Dog Lodging
I am really nervous as my dog has never lodged before.
As a result of the special hands-on care, comfortable accommodations, competent & well trained staff, the quality of the facility, and the amount of personalized activities we offer, our guests adapt very well and enjoy the wonderful experience of being part of our family. If you have any concerns we recommend a complimentary visit to help.
My dog does not eat Diamond food at home, will switching be a problem?
My dog does not eat Diamond dog food at home, will switching be a problem? Most pets do well on our dog food, but if they require a special diet, you are encouraged to bring in their own food from home. If a pet is not eating, we have a series of defined steps we take to supplement the Diamond dog food to ensure your dog is getting the nutrition required.
What should I have prepared for my pet's arrival?
Activity and grooming requests should be made at the time your pets’ reservation is made. Vaccination records for Bordetella, Distemper/ Parvo, and Rabies should be faxed over to us at 434-293-2501 before arrival. Adequate telephone numbers should be provided in case we need to contact you. Any special diets or medications should be clearly communicated to our receptionists upon check-in. A scheduled pick up time should also be discussed upon drop off.
What is your cancellation policy for reservations?
Lodging appointments are subject to the following cancellation policy- Holidays and Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) – notice less than 72 hrs - $25.
What happens when a pet in your care needs veterinary care?
If your pet should require medical attention while in our care, our customary procedure is to contact your veterinarian. Should the nature of your pet's illness require an office visit, we reserve the right to utilize Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service available to the Charlottesville community during traditional non-business hours, depending on the illness and the non-availability of your veterinarian.
How do I make reservations?
For reservations at Pampered Pets you should contact us directly via our reservation link on the Reservations page or by phone. All reservations must be confirmed by email, telephone or in person. Our pet care service providers will be happy to discuss all of the lodging, grooming, and daycare options Pampered Pets has to offer! Holiday and peak reservations should be made well in advance.
Cat Lodging
Can I lodge my kitten?
Cats and kittens must have their completed vaccinations for Feline Distemper and Rabies in order to stay at Pampered Pets. Please speak to your veterinarian regarding the appropriate age requirements for receiving vaccinations.
I have multiple cats. Can they lodge together?
Pampered Pets requires cats to lodge separately. We must ensure that each cat is eating and using their respective litter boxes.
Are cats allowed out of their accommodations?
Pampered Pets offers a wide selection of cat activities that can suit any feline personality! In addition, cats can stretch and roam around our Kitty Playroom during daily cleaning of your cats’ accommodation.
What should I do to prepare for my cat's reservation?
All activity and cat grooming requests should be made when booking your reservation. Vaccination records for Feline Distemper and Rabies should be faxed over to us at 434-293-2501 before arrival. Emergency telephone numbers should be provided in case we need to contact you. Any special diets or medications should be clearly communicated to our receptionists upon drop check in, along with a pick up time for your cat. All amenities are provided: litter box, litter, bowls, and bedding — no need to bring any of these items.
My cat does not eat Purina cat chow or Friskies can food at home, will switching be a problem?
Most cats do very well on our cat food, but if they require a special diet, you should make arrangements to bring in their own cat food from home.
Grooming
How often should I groom my pet?
Grooming your pets is part of keeping them healthy and happy. Depending on the breed, age, coat, and some health conditions, pets should be groomed regularly once every four to six weeks. Our grooming staff will be happy to discuss a schedule that is right for your pet!
How much will it cost to groom my pet?
Specific grooming prices can be quoted over the phone and vary depending on breed, size, type of grooming, condition of coat, and cooperation during grooming. Our pet care consultants will be happy to discuss our grooming options and prices with you.
What is your cancellation policy for grooming reservations?
Appointments are subject to the following cancellation policy – Notice less than 72 hrs - $25.
How do I make a grooming appointment for my pet?
You should contact us directly by phone 434-293-7387 (Pets) or drop by our facility. Our pet care consultants will be happy to discuss all the options we have to offer!
What time should I drop off and pick up my pet for grooming?
Pets with grooming appointments should arrive anywhere from 7:30 A.M. to 10 A.M. Upon check-in our pet care consultant will discuss a scheduled time for pick up. The latest pickup for grooming appointments is 5 PM.
Do you groom cats?
Absolutely! Our full-service grooming salon offers many options for bathing, comb-outs, coat treatments, claw trimming, and more for your cat.
Day Lodging
Can I add more activities to my pet's daycare?
Absolutely! We have a large selection of playtime services and activities to make your pet's stay comfortable and fun!
Can I add a grooming to my pet's day lodging reservation?
Of course! Our guests are individually handled during the day, half of which is spent in our Daycare program and half in our grooming salon. They receive one 10 minute playtime session with their own Activities Counselor and a wholesome snack break. Our pet consultant will be happy to book your grooming appointment along with your daycare reservation and discuss the type of grooming you would like for your pet!
Pampered Pets Day Camp
Can I see the Day Camp Facility?
We would be happy to show you our facility and answer any questions you may have. Viewing is best done between 9 - 12 or 1 - 4. Call ahead if you would like to set up a specific time to look at the Day Camp.
How do I know if my dog is right for Day Camp?
We have a thorough application and evaluation process that will help us make the best decision for both dog and owner. For your dog to really enjoy the Day Camp experience, he should like playing with other dogs, be comfortable around people and adjust well to new environments/ situations. If you just aren’t sure, please contact us and we can assist you in making the right decision for your pet.
If my dog is evaluated and determined by staff not to be ready for Day Camp, can he be re-evaluated?
In some cases, there will be dogs with mild to moderate anxiety or fear issues towards other dogs, people or new places that may initially not be right for Day Camp. In a situation like this, a behavior modification program would improve the dog’s social ability and he could be re-evaluated for day camp.
Some dogs just aren’t interested in playing with other dogs. They are more people oriented or have matured and simply have become less interested in dog play. Some dogs have a few select doggy friends and don’t like any others….that’s okay. Humans don’t like every person they meet, so why should our dogs be any different?
Any aggression or behavior issues that could be dangerous in a Day Camp environment will be identified during the Application process. The evaluation will then stop. Dogs that are under-socialized or show aggression towards people or other dogs will need professional help from an experienced trainer. Day Camp is not the place to try and “fix” these problems.
How large are your play groups?
We keep our play groups small (10-12) to maintain a safe, manageable play environment for all our campers. We separate our campers based on size, play style and personality.
What if my dog comes for his first visit and does not do well in the play group?
If for some reason your dog does not enjoy the group play environment, we will contact you immediately. If you are unable to pick him up right away, we will gladly offer day lodging to you that day, free of charge.
Why do the dogs get naps?
In play groups, dogs can sometimes become over-stimulated but continue to play. Some don’t self regulate very well and choose not to rest when there are lots of other dogs around. This can cause unnecessary problems that we want to avoid. Midday naps help the dogs settle down. During this time, Counselors will be handing out lunches/snacks to the dogs and also taking a much needed break of their own!
Can I bring bedding, etc. for my dog?
We encourage you to bring your own bedding (blankets, etc), so your pet will be comfortable during his naptime. Any extra items you bring will be stored in your dog’s assigned personal area for that day. Pampered Pets has pet cots and bedding available for rent, also.
What if my dog gets hurt at Day Camp?
We will be diligent in our screening process and supervise all group play closely but unfortunately, accidents will occur. Dogs use their mouths and paws to play and enjoy running around with each other. This can cause scratches or nicks to occur, especially on short-coated dogs.
If your dog were to become ill or get injured and need immediate medical attention, we would contact both you and your veterinary hospital to quickly get the care your dog needs. If your veterinarian were unavailable, we would go to the closest available veterinary clinic.
Do the dogs get to go outside?
Yes. We have outdoor play yards and will have the groups on a schedule similar to a general home environment, where they go outside every few hours. If your dog eliminates indoors, that is okay. The Day Camp environment is very different from your home and the dogs are aware of the difference.
How often should I come to Day Camp?
The average owner will bring their dog 1-3 times a week. We discourage bringing your dog every single day as they can become exhausted. This can cause problems in the Day Camp environment as well as at home. We all know how it feels when we are exhausted. We can become irritable or quick-tempered and just feel down right miserable. Exceptions can be made depending on the dog and the needs of the owner. If at any time we see a change in the dogs behavior and feel he is coming to Day Camp too often, we will notify the owner and make different arrangements.
We do encourage you to come at least twice a month, so your dog can adjust well to group play and develop relationships with the other dogs. If your dog is absent from Day Camp for more than 6 months, he will need to be re-evaluated before coming back into the camp.
