Dog Boarding FAQs

At Country Acres, we know that leaving your pup behind isn't always easy. That's why our team is dedicated to making every stay, whether it's a single day of daycare or an extended boarding visit, feel safe, fun, and familiar. We've put together answers to some of our most commonly asked questions so you can feel confident and prepared before your dog's stay with us.

1. What should I pack for dog boarding?

Keeping things familiar helps your dog settle in quickly. Here's what to bring:

Your dog's food from home, packaged by meal if possible. Keeping their diet consistent helps avoid any digestive upset during their stay. If needed, we do offer a high-quality adult dog food for $2.95 per meal.
Written instructions for food and medications.
Any medications your dog needs, with clear dosage instructions.
A favorite toy or blanket, because familiar scents are calming.
Current vaccination records. Please have your vet email these to us before your reservation date.
A cell phone number and an emergency contact.

We provide bowls for food and water, and every dog gets Milk-Bone cookies throughout the day!

2. What’s included in our Fowlerville, MI dog boarding?

Climate-controlled runs that provide both indoor and outdoor space
Comfortable and cozy bedding provided by Country Acres
Soothing music at bedtime
A tasty bedtime snack
Proper cleaning of boarding areas multiple times a day with pet-safe products
Medication administration (if needed)
No crating
And more

3. What vaccinations does my dog need to board?

All dogs boarding at Country Acres must be in good health with proof of current vaccinations. We require Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella. The Canine Flu vaccination is currently recommended but not required due to vaccine shortages.

_{*A note on Bordetella: we require this vaccination annually. After receiving it, there is a 7-day waiting period before your dog can stay with us, and proof of vaccination is due one week prior to your reservation. If vaccinations are not current, unfortunately, we are unable to board your pet, so we recommend getting ahead of this early, especially if you're planning a holiday or summer stay when we tend to be at our busiest.}

4. Is dog daycare safe?

Yes, when run by trained staff with proper protocols in place. At Country Acres, safety is our top priority. All dogs are temperament-assessed before joining group play, and our play groups are supervised and sized to keep energy manageable. We require proof of current vaccinations for every dog in our care, and dogs showing any signs of illness are separated immediately. Our indoor and outdoor spaces are cleaned and sanitized daily so every pup has a healthy environment to thrive in.

If your dog prefers quieter company, ask us about smaller or private play options.

5. My dog has separation anxiety. Any boarding tips?

Separation anxiety is common, and with a little preparation, most dogs adjust better than you might expect. Pack a worn t-shirt or blanket that smells like home, and keep your goodbye short and calm inside our office. Long farewells can actually increase anxiety for some dogs, and a quick, confident goodbye lets your pup know everything is just fine. Let our team know about any triggers, health concerns, or quirks your dog has so we can give them extra reassurance and the most comfortable stay possible.

6. What should I know when I pick my dog up?

Welcome home! Once you're reunited, give your dog a calm transition back into the house. We recommend limiting access to food and water for 2 to 3 hours after you get home. During their stay, dogs have daily feedings and unlimited access to water, and the excitement of seeing you again can sometimes lead them to eat or drink too much too fast. Give them a couple of days to rest up from their own vacation at Country Acres!

_{A quick note on billing: the charge begins the day your pet is dropped off, regardless of time. If you pick your dog up before 10:00 am, you will not be charged for that day.}

Tips + Tricks

Feeding: Always bring your dog's food from home, packaged by meal if possible. Keeping their diet consistent helps avoid digestive upset. If you forget, we offer high-quality adult food for $2.95 per meal.
Vaccines: Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella are required. Make sure records are emailed to us at least one week before drop-off, and keep the 7-day Bordetella waiting period in mind when planning your reservation.
Drop-off: A quick, calm goodbye inside our office is the best thing you can do for your dog. It's less stressful for them and for you!
Plan ahead: Our busiest times are around holidays, summer, and school breaks. Book early to make sure we have a spot for your pup.

Ready to Book Your Dog's Stay?

Whether it's their first visit or their hundredth, our team at Country Acres is here to make every experience a tail-wagging good time. We offer dog boarding, daycare, training, and cattery services right here in Michigan, all under one roof and all with the care and attention your pet deserves. Have more questions before booking? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today. We can't wait to meet your pup.