Frequently Asked Questions

About Dog Lodging

  • How am I charged for my pet's stay?

    Howliday Inn always charges for the day that your pet arrives regardless of the time that you bring your pet in. Please note: Your reservation drop off date counts as Day #1. 


    Check-in time is after 11:00 AM. However, if you need to drop off your pup(s) BEFORE 11:00 AM,  please let us know. All early drop offs will be charged 1/2 a day lodging.


    Check-out time is 4:00 PM. However, if you need to pick up your pup(s) AFTER 4:00 PM, please let us know. All late pick-ups will be charged 1/2 a day lodging. 


    You may pick up OR drop off your pup(s) ANY day of the week OR weekend – no more waiting until Monday to pick up your furry family member. This policy ALSO applies to holidays.


    Please Note: There is a minimal fee included when lodging on certain holidays.


    Cancellation Fee: We understand that plans may change, and a cancellation may be necessary. We ask that if you do need to cancel, you give us a minimum of a 48 hour notice from your scheduled check-in day. For all no-shows or cancellations that are less than a 48 hour notice, customers will incur a charge of 1/2 their full board fee (example: customer requests 3 overnight stays @ $42 a night [$126 total], they will pay $63 total).

  • Do you require a deposit for lodging at The Inn?

    A deposit is required for stays of eight (8) or more days. A deposit may also be required especially during our busiest times of the year such as holidays and school break periods. The Howliday Inn Concierge will let you know if you will need to submit a deposit. 


    Reservations at our facility are limited in most of our boarding styles and we may become full very quickly during peak seasons of the year. When our facility reaches capacity, we are forced to refuse reservations. When someone with a current reservation cancels, does not show (or adjusts in some cases) last-minute, we often cannot refill the space.

  • What methods of payment do you accept? Do I pay at drop off or pick up?

    WE ACCEPT CASH, CHECKS, VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS AND DEBIT CARDS. 


    Please note: ALL plastic payments do incur a 4% service fee. To avoid this fee, a client may pay with cash or check.


    In most cases, clients will pay at pick up. However, for long term stays (eight (8) or more days), 1/2 payment is required at the time of drop off.

  • What vaccinations are required for my pet to stay with you?

    To be a guest at Howliday Inn, dogs are required to be current on their vaccinations. For your convenience, here are a list of the vaccinations Howliday Inn currently requires:


    Rabies vaccination (yearly)


    DHPP or DHLPP vaccination (yearly)


    Bordetella vaccination (yearly)


    Flea & Tick perventative


    And, as of 1/1/2020, we will additionally require the following:


    H3N2 or Canine Influenza (typically a yearly vaccine, but please confirm with your vet regarding how frequently this is required)


    Fecal test (ONLY if your pup is participating in dog group play services. The test needs to show a NEGATIVE result to pass.) 


    We at Howliday Inn believe your vet is most familiar with what your pup(s) needs/need, and we will differ to him/her if anything else is needed or not needed regarding vaccination care. Your vet is welcome to fax (618-939-9001) or email (info@kkhowlidayinn.com) your pet's vaccination records to us, or we can request the vaccination records for our files. Please let us know if this service is needed.


  • Will my dog(s) play with other dogs while lodging at Howliday Inn?

    Since we like to keep our dog-to-staff ratio low, everything we do with our canine lodging guests is personalized and focused on one dog at a time. Every potty break, extended walk, extra service is spent 1-on-1 with one of our canine concierge team. Again, this service approach is unique compared to most facilities. We adore the fact that we really get to know each and every guest! This also gives us the opportunity to better care for all types of breeds and personalities so that each pet can experience a safe and enjoyable “howliday” while at the Inn. If your dog(s) is/are lodging with us and has passed a social evaluation within SIX (6) months prior to the lodging stay or regularly participates in our dog daycare program, they can participate in our daycare group during the work week. If requested, this group play session will replace extended walk/playtime sessions.


  • What should I bring with my dog(s)?

    Other than food, you do not need to bring anything for your pet’s stay, but you are more than welcome to bring some things from home to make their stay more comfortable. Many clients will bring a blanket (we provide Kurunda orthopedic beds for all our guests), toys and treats. Please limit the size of blankets to full size (so they can be washed if needed). Please do not bring dog bowls unless your pet will not eat from any other bowl or has an allergy to metal bowls. Many times your pet’s bowls will be washed and then forgotten at pick up. Do not bring ceramic or glass bowls for your pets as they can easily break.

  • What to expect after lodging?

    We realize that you are going to be very anxious to reunite with your pet after your time away. We find that it is easier to settle your bill first before bringing your pet out to you. Most pets are very excited and it makes it very difficult to handle your paper work while they want your attention.


    Don’t forget to bring your leash and collar back with you, as we usually give them back to you at the time of drop off. This prevents them from being lost.


    If you are going to pick up your pet before the original pick up date, be sure to call us the day before so that we can bathe them if you requested this service.


    If your departure date is going to be a few days later, please let us know, as in most cases it isn’t usually a problem, but we like to know this so we can adjust our reserved spacing and do any bathing at the appropriate time.


    If someone else is to pick up your pet for you, please leave us his or her name (for security) and phone number. The bill must be paid at the time of departure. You may pay ahead, leave your credit card number on our file, leave a check with us or your friend, however you wish, but we do not release a pet without payment. (If you are having some personal problems and there are any persons you do not wish us to release your pet to, please make sure we are aware of this).


    Please do not give your pet a lot of water or food when they arrive home. Your pet will be excited and may appear very thirsty. The Inn always provides your pet with water. Allow your pet to settle at home for a while before giving him/her any food or water. If you give your pet a lot of water and food, you are running the chance of diarrhea and vomitting due to nerves and excitement.

About Deluxe Doggie Daycare

  • Why is Howliday Inn's Dog Daycare format different?

    We have learned that one size does not fit all when it comes to dog daycare. Dogs can get overly tired and overly stimulated by playing all day without adequate rest. Dogs can also become bored from the same routine. Our unique daycare format ensures your dog gets plenty of rest as well as excellent quality of play. Plus, our on-staff Certified Dog Trainer customizes the daycare program and oversees the safety and enjoyment of all our daycare attendees. Your pet will still get playtime with other dogs, but we’ll add some special small group activities and more one on one attention with the staff so that every day is a unique and fun day tailored specifically for your pet. 

  • How will I know if my dog is a good fit for daycare?

    All our applicant dogs must pass a social evaluation. The goals of the evaluation are:


    • To help us determine if daycare is right for you and your dog.
    • To help us know which play buddies your dog will have the most fun with and match him up in the best play room for him.
    • To learn a lot about your dog and how we operate. We feel this is important so you understand why we do what we do. Even more importantly, if your dog is not a good fit for daycare, you know why (Click the following link to read – My Dog Got Kicked Out of Daycare Today)
    • To work out a “go forward” plan to help your dog resolve any issues such as shyness.
  • Will my dog still go home tired?

    Absolutely! Your dog will go home tired but not so exhausted he can’t eat dinner or interact with the family. We are striving for quality play sessions balanced with adequate rest so your dog doesn’t get injuries from over exercising.

  • What kinds of activities will my dog do?

    That really depends on what your dog likes! We will conduct a thorough assessment to find out what your dog really loves and then we’ll rotate those activities into your dog’s daily stay here. We have a wide range of activities including fetch, pool time, massage time, tricks, nosework, agility, tug time, nature hikes, stuffed kong time, etc.

  • Will my dog have to stay in a crate or dog run?

    When it’s time to take a nap, your dog will be provided with a quiet place to rest. Normally this will be a comfortable crate or run with bedding, water, and lunch (if client provided). Your dog will take a much-needed break before his/her next activity. We think this down time is vital to healthy dogs and helps your dog get used to learning how to relax during the day.

  • How do I get my pup(s) started in this program?

    To enroll your dog and get him/her started playing, please call us at 314-717-1PET (ext 2) or complete the daycare enrollment form & get the paperwork to us. You can bring forms in, mail/email them or fax to 618-939-9001Be sure to include your full name, email address and phone number on the enrollment form.


    We’ll give you a call to schedule a good time for you and your pet to come in for his/her social screening and to get comfortable with the facility prior to their first play day. 


    You’ll need to plan to leave your pup(s) with us for about FOUR (4) to FIVE (5) hours for this initial enrollment visit.


    Once your pup has been through the social screening and everyone agrees he/she would enjoy daycare, you will want to secure your pup’s spot. 


    Since our personalized program is tailor fit to your dog’s needs and our dog-to-care attendant ratio is low to ensure quality individual attention is given to our daycare guests, space is limited, so reservations are required (no drop-offs). 


    The only other requirement we have for daycare/group dog play is that a canine guest must be a “regular” participant in our daycare/group play program by participating at LEAST once every 2 weeks Monday through Friday. This participation can be a ½ day or full day of daycare. We have this rule in place because when dogs do not come back frequently, they are normally very uncomfortable. Sleeping on the couch is a lot less stressful then being in a daycare group with 15 other (energized) dogs. Due to all the energy being expelled while the dogs are out, most dogs are pretty worked up and ready to play! We also ask that you keep in mind our daycare group ranges around medium to extra-large dog breeds. Normally the weight range is between 30 pounds – 140 pounds.

More Great Questions...

  • What are your rates?

    Basic rates are listed on the lodging page (http://www.kkhowlidayinn.com/dog-lodging/) and on the daycare page (http://www.kkhowlidayinn.com/deluxe-doggie-daycare/). However, if you really want to learn more about what we are doing to give dogs & their humans the care & peace-of-mind they all deserve, consider calling, emailing or stopping by and talking to one of our fantastic Canine Concierge staff. Even though our pricing is very competitive with similar dog care facilities, a dollar amount cannot explain all that we do & how we do it. We believe taking the next step to learn more about us will be all the help you need when making that decision of where your canine companion(s) will be happiest while you are away.

  • Do you offer dog grooming?

    As of  5/4/21, we are excited to offer full grooming services by appointment only! If pet parent’s wish to have any of our dog day spa services included in their pet’s stay or after day care, please let one of our Canine Concierge team know when scheduling.


    To learn more about these services and/or to make an appointment, please email us using the “Contact Us” form on the right side of this page, or call us at 314-717-1PET ext 2. All required vaccinations for lodging are also required for day spa guests.

  • Why can I not update my dog's online vaccination records?

    For the safety and well-being of all our guests, Kritter Kare’s Howliday Inn requires up-to-date vaccination records. These records, once initially entered online along with a paper copy of the records, can ONLY be modified by a Canine Concierge team member when presented with a paper copy from your veternarian of the updated vaccination dates. We are happy to contact your vet and request this information for you, just let us know. Any scheduling of services (e.g. lodging, day care, day spa, etc.) will be suspended until updated vaccination records are provided as outlined above. We appreciate your understanding regarding this policy, as it was put in place to ensure that all our canine guests have a healthy experience while in our care. Also, for your convenience, the database we use sends an email to any client with vaccination dates that will expire within 30 days.

  • Do you offer any discounts?

    Yes we do! Here are the ways clients can save. 


    • Referral Discount – If an existing client refers a new client that books services with Howliday Inn, both parties will receive $10 of Kritter Kash (applied to each client’s online account) that can be used for any of the in-house services Howliday Inn provides (unless prior approval is required). This discount does not expire, and clients can take advantage of referring as many new clients as they wish so they can earn more than one referral discount. This is a great way to share the puppy love with family, friends, coworkers that would benefit from Howliday Inn’s services.
    • Paw Points - Clients are automatically signed up for our Paw Point Loyalty Reward program when they create an online account with us. The program then tracks earned points based on every dollar they spend with us. Clients will see how many points they have via their online profile and can redeem for services or the cash value of that service. Here is a breakdown of the paw points reward:
    1. 100 points = $5
    2. 200 points = $10
    3. 300 points = $15
    4. 400 points = $20
    5. 500 points = $25
    6. 600 points = $30
    7. 700 points = $35 
    8. 800 points = $40
    9. 900 points = $45
    10. 1000 points = $50

    Now, doesn’t that make you want to wag your tail? 


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