My dog doesn’t like to be groomed. I have been told not to come back to some groomers. What can i do?

We try to work with all dogs. We have a very different atmosphere than most grooming shops. We do one dog at a time which seems to lessen the stress levels for most dogs. There is less going on, less barking, and it seems to help them relax in an unfamiliar setting. In the past, we have sedated dogs with extreme behavior problems so we could give them a haircut. This, of course, was requested by the customer and closely overseen by our on-staff veterinarian. We will try our hardest to find a way to get your dog groomed when no one else will.

If my dog is matted, do I have to get it shaved?

In most cases, yes. It is very hard to de-mat a dog. It takes a lot of time and it is painful for the dog. It can also severely thin out a dog’s hair, making it look bad. De-matting is not possible for dogs with extreme matting. Matting can be caused by lack of brushing and/or the type of coat. When a dog is matted, it cannot be given a bath or it will worsen. The water will only tighten up the mats causing more discomfort for the dog. If the matting ever gets too severe, it is possible to tear the dog’s skin. The best thing for almost all dogs when they are matted is to shave them and start over. It may not be the best looking haircut… but hair will grow back.

Why are some dogs more expensive than others?

Our prices are based on weight and breed. Bigger dogs take longer to do and are more work. Smaller dogs have less surface area and dry a lot quicker. Some breeds require a special cut like a “skirt” on a cocker-spaniel or shaved feet and face on a poodle. These take more time and skill to do, which is why they cost more. Other factors are the condition of the coat and the dog’s behavior. The more time a groomer has to spend on your dog, the more it will cost.

What is included in a full groom?

A full groom is a bath with our gold shampoo, a nail trim, ear cleaning (and plucking if required by breed), and haircut of your choice. For an additional $15 you can get your full groom upgraded to conditioning treatment, anal gland cleaning, and teeth cleaning.

What is the benefit of Daycare for my dog?

There are many benefits. The main benefit is socializing your dog. So many people I talk to get upset when their dog growls or barks at people and other dogs. Not to mention not being able to play with a new or unfamiliar dog when they see one at a family event or a park. Just as kids learn social skills in daycares and schools, dogs learn the same thing at our daycare. They get used to the different smells and behaviors and have a watchful eye on them at all times. Another benefit is if you just need a break and need a sitter for the day. We have many clients that are remodeling their house, have a new baby, or have other distractions so they don’t have the time or energy to watch them. Daycare is the perfect way to give your dog a fun play day while you get your stuff done.

Will my dog get dirty while at the Daycare?

YES! 🙂 We average about 25 dogs per day and they always seem to find the mud. Certain times of year are worse than others but for the most part there is a great chance your pup will get dirty. Especially due to the fact that we have a pond. We will wipe down your dog at the end of the day to get rid of most of it but we do offer a discounted go home bath for all our clients. The prices for the baths range depending on size and behavior.

How much playtime does my dog get during the day?

Weather permitting, they are playing both outdoors in our acre and a half play yard and indoor area for around 5 hours a day. Our daycare follows school rules when it comes to weather and holidays. If schools are closed, we are closed.

What is Lepto 4-way? Why is it now required by your Boarding and Daycare buildings?

Lepto 4-way is a shot to help prevent Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a very serious bacterial infection that affects the kidney and liver. If not treated early, it can seriously harm your pet and, in some cases, cause death. Lepto can be spread through animal urine. If a dog infected with lepto urinates in a body of water such as a pond or puddle, it can possibly contaminate it. It can also be passed by urine containing Lepto touching an open wound or splashing in an animal’s eyes. Lepto can be spread to humans. Signs of Lepto would be yellow-colored eyes, vomiting, fever, failure to eat, reduced urine, urine may be brown in color, and lethargy. Animal Campus chooses to make this a required vaccine because we do offer a pond and we want to protect all of our guests. While this disease has never been a problem here, we want to prevent it at all costs. Please call us at (414) 427-2700 for more info on this and anything else relating to your pet’s health.

Can I get a discount if I have to leave my dog there for an extended period of time?

In the past, we have offered discounts for extended stay clients. These are on a case by case basis and we try our best to make such cases as affordable as possible. Generally, we will require a minimum of a 20 day stay to consider discounted rates. As this can vary from case to case, please contact us for more questions. Just because your pets stay for extended times doesn’t guarantee you a discount. Certain requirements and situations must be met to qualify.

What is so good about laser surgery as opposed to the old-fashioned way?

Laser surgery has been shown to cut back on blood loss during the surgery, minimize infections after surgery, and leave your animal feeling less pain after surgery and recover faster. It improves the quality of care your pet gets. Animal Campus offers both types of surgeries, so you can choose what option is best for you and your pet.

Why is it so important to get my pet’s teeth cleaned?

Most infections and organ diseases an animal gets start from the mouth…just like humans. Rotting teeth and other oral infections spread all over your pet’s body. By spending $200 (on average) a year, you will extend and improve the quality of its life, and save thousands in future medical bills.

If my dog is injured while staying with you, am I going to be stuck with a large bill from your Vet?

If your pet is injured during your stay, you will be charged for the doctor’s time, medications dispensed, and any material cost that is used. We also try to split the bill 50/50 between the two parties that were involved in the altercation. Being that every case is different, it is hard to say an average amount charged. Any major costs will have to be approved by you, unless it is a life threatening situation. In that rare instance, we would do whatever it takes to best care for your dog.

Do dogs ever get into fights? What happens if they do?

There have been a few times where dogs have gotten into quick altercations. We have changed our rules and no longer take toys out in the yards, which has caused fewer incidents. We have also set up a trial day system which gives us a chance to meet your dogs and to make sure that we provide an adequate atmosphere for your pet. If any dog comes into our facility and is having a hard time adjusting to our social environment, we will do the best we can to work with these dogs, however safety is our number one concern. In the rare occurrence of an accident, we have a veterinarian on staff to look over all of the dogs involved. The family of the dog will be contacted and informed on the situation that arose.

How often do my dogs get out to play?

As long as the weather isn’t severe, they will be outside on average 4-5 hours per day. They are let out twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon/evening. In case of severe weather (cold, snow, rain, heat), they will be let out if possible to go to the bathroom and then play inside in groups. Your pet’s safety is our top priority so we will do whatever is necessary to keep them safe.