Policies
Thank you for choosing Sheyenne River Kennels! The health, safety, and comfort of the pets in our care are our top priorities. Please review the following policies carefully before scheduling or participating in services.
GENERAL POLICIES
Vaccination Requirements
For the health and safety of all pets in our care, all dogs must be current on the following vaccinations before receiving services:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Bordetella
Proof of current vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian must be provided prior to your dog's visit.
Owner-administered vaccinations will NOT be accepted in place of vaccination records from a licensed veterinarian.
Sheyenne River Kennels reserves the right to refuse services if required vaccinations are expired, incomplete, unverifiable, or otherwise do not meet our requirements.
Please note that even vaccinated dogs may contract kennel cough or other contagious illnesses.
Kennel Cough & Contagious Illness
For the health and safety of all pets in our care, we cannot accept any dog showing signs of kennel cough or other contagious illness.
Dogs must be cough-free for at least 72 hours before arriving at Sheyenne River Kennels.
If your dog has been prescribed medication for kennel cough, your dog must complete the full prescribed course of medication before returning to our facility.
Owners must notify Sheyenne River Kennels if their dog develops kennel cough or another contagious illness before, during, or following their stay.
I understand that vaccination against Bordetella does not completely eliminate the possibility of my dog contracting kennel cough or another contagious illness.
Dog-to-Dog Interaction
For the safety and comfort of all dogs in our care, we do NOT allow direct dog-to-dog interaction during boarding or daycare.
Each dog will have their own kennel and designated outside area for potty breaks and exercise.
Dogs may see or be near other dogs through a fence or other barrier; however, dogs from separate households will not have direct physical contact with one another.
Sheyenne River Kennels reserves the right to determine how dogs are housed, exercised, and managed based on the individual dog's safety, behavior, and needs.
Health Conditions & Injuries
Owners must notify Sheyenne River Kennels of any existing medical conditions, injuries, medications, allergies, behavioral concerns, or other relevant health information prior to their dog's stay or at the time of drop-off.
Dogs with fresh stitches, open wounds, or surgical sites are not eligible for any services at Sheyenne River Kennels, including boarding, daycare, pool activities, bathing, training, or other services.
Dogs must be fully healed and cleared by a veterinarian before their stay when applicable.
By utilizing services at Sheyenne River Kennels, I represent that, to the best of my knowledge, my pet is in good health and that I have disclosed all known medical and behavioral concerns.
Females in Heat or Pregnant Dogs
We are unable to accommodate females that are in heat or pregnant for any services, including:
- Boarding
- Daycare
- Bathing
- Training
- Other services provided by Sheyenne River Kennels
Intact Siblings
Sibling dogs of the opposite sex who are over six months of age and are not spayed or neutered will be kenneled separately.
Right to Refuse or Discontinue Services
Sheyenne River Kennels reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services for any dog if staff determines that doing so is necessary for the health, safety, or well-being of the dog, other pets, staff, or customers.
This may include, but is not limited to, illness, injury, aggressive or unsafe behavior, excessive stress, incomplete vaccination records, or other circumstances that may create a safety concern.
BOARDING POLICIES
Boarding Packages
Boarding packages are non-refundable, transferable, and do not expire.
Boarding packages are priced per dog, not per household. Each dog must have their own individual boarding package. Packages cannot be shared between multiple dogs.
A package belonging to one dog cannot be used toward the boarding stay of another dog.
Transferred packages may only be used in accordance with Sheyenne River Kennels' current package policies.
Same-Household Boarding Requirement
Dogs boarding together must originate from the same household.
For purposes of boarding at Sheyenne River Kennels, a “same household” is defined as dogs residing at the same primary residential address, with vaccinations registered under the same owner and veterinary account.
Dogs from separate households are not permitted to board together under any circumstances, including but not limited to:
- Family relationships
- Shared ownership arrangements
- Temporary living situations
- Dogs belonging to friends or relatives
Sheyenne River Kennels reserves the right to separate dogs at any time if staff determines that separation is necessary for their health, safety, or well-being.
Non-Contact Kennels
Sheyenne River Kennels offers non-contact kennels for dogs that require additional handling precautions due to fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, or other behaviors that may make routine staff handling unsafe.
A $10 additional fee per dog will apply for dogs utilizing a non-contact kennel.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Times
Our regular hours of operation remain the same. However, for dogs requiring non-contact accommodations, we ask that you provide a specific drop-off and pick-up time when making your reservation.
This helps us provide a smoother, less stressful transition for your dog and allows our staff to properly prepare for their arrival and departure.
If our staff determines that a dog cannot be safely handled through our standard kennel procedures, we may require the dog to utilize a non-contact kennel for the duration of their stay or as needed.
In situations where staff is unable to safely handle the dog, the owner may be asked to assist with or perform the dog's drop-off and/or pick-up. Staff will provide instructions for safely accessing and using the non-contact kennel.
Non-contact kennel accommodations are designed to reduce unnecessary handling and stress while allowing our staff to provide the necessary care for the dog. Dogs utilizing a non-contact kennel will continue to receive their scheduled feeding, potty breaks, medications, and other services included with their stay, as applicable.
Owners are responsible for providing accurate information regarding their dog's behavior, including any history of biting, snapping, lunging, fear, aggression, or other behavior that may affect safe handling.
If a dog's behavior prevents staff from safely providing necessary care, Sheyenne River Kennels reserves the right to discontinue services and require the owner to make alternative arrangements for the dog's care.
Late Pick-Up & Extended Stays
Late Fee — $25 Per Pet
A $25 fee per pet will apply for any uncommunicated extension of your pet's scheduled stay.
We understand that plans can change. If you need to extend your dog's stay, please contact us in advance so we can confirm availability.
Additional boarding charges will also apply for extended stays.
Outside Business Hours Fee — $25
A $25 fee will apply to any approved drop-off or pick-up occurring outside of our regular business hours.
Outside-hours arrangements must be approved in advance.
If no staff member is available after hours, your pet's pick-up will be scheduled for the following business day during normal business hours.
Unclaimed & Abandoned Pets
Pets are expected to be picked up on the scheduled pickup date unless alternative arrangements have been made with Sheyenne River Kennels.
If an owner fails to retrieve their pet at the end of the scheduled stay and cannot be reached, Sheyenne River Kennels will make reasonable attempts to contact the owner and/or emergency contact.
Additional boarding and other applicable fees may continue to accrue while a pet remains in our care.
Any pet that is not retrieved may be considered abandoned and handled in accordance with applicable North Dakota law.
Medications
All medications must be provided by the pet owner with complete and accurate administration instructions.
Prescription Packaging
All prescription medications must arrive in their original, properly labeled containers.
Pre-packed medications mixed into food will not be accepted unless specifically approved by Sheyenne River Kennels.
Medication Administration Fee
A $5 per day fee will be charged for pets requiring the administration of three or more prescription medications.
Sheyenne River Kennels reserves the right to determine whether medication administration can be safely accommodated.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, Sheyenne River Kennels will seek care from the nearest or most appropriate veterinary facility.
We will make every reasonable effort to contact the owner and/or emergency contact as soon as possible.
I authorize Sheyenne River Kennels to transport my pet to a veterinary clinic or emergency veterinary facility if staff determines that veterinary attention is necessary.
I understand and agree that all veterinary costs, treatment costs, transportation costs, medication costs, and other expenses related to veterinary care are the responsibility of the pet owner.
I authorize Sheyenne River Kennels to make reasonable decisions regarding the health and well-being of my pet when I cannot be reached.
Personal Belongings
While we take every precaution to provide a safe environment, Sheyenne River Kennels is not responsible for lost or damaged personal belongings brought with your pet.
DAYCARE POLICIES
Non-Contact Daycare
Sheyenne River Kennels provides a traditional daycare program where dogs are cared for individually rather than participating in group dog-to-dog play.
Dogs will NOT participate in direct interaction with dogs from other households.
No temperament evaluation is required prior to a dog's first daycare visit.
All daycare dogs must meet Sheyenne River Kennels' vaccination and health requirements.
BATHING & ADDITIONAL SERVICES
We do not provide haircuts, hair trimming, clipping, shaving, or other grooming services that involve cutting the coat.
Dogs receiving bathing or additional services must meet applicable Sheyenne River Kennels vaccination and health requirements.
We are unable to accommodate females that are in heat or pregnant for bathing or other services.
Owners must disclose any medical conditions, injuries, allergies, skin conditions, medications, or other health concerns that may affect the safe performance of a service.
POOL & DOCK DIVING POLICIES
Pool Activities & Assumption of Risk
I understand that swimming, dock diving, diving dogs, and related activities carry inherent risks of bodily injury, illness, death, and property damage to dogs, owners, handlers, guardians, spectators, and other participants.
Risks may include, but are not limited to:
- Slips and falls
- Jumping injuries
- Strains or sprains
- Cuts
- Drowning
- Fatigue
- Water-related illness
- Equipment-related injuries
- Other unforeseen accidents
I voluntarily assume all risks associated with participating in or observing pool and dock diving activities at Sheyenne River Kennels.
I understand that my dog's participation in pool or dock diving activities is voluntary and that I am responsible for determining whether my dog is physically and behaviorally appropriate for the activity.
Right to Refuse Pool Participation
Sheyenne River Kennels, its employees, agents, and representatives reserve the right to refuse or discontinue participation by me or my dog in any pool, dock diving, or related activity if staff determines that participation may present a safety concern or is otherwise inappropriate.
This determination may be made at the discretion of Sheyenne River Kennels staff.
Pool & Dock Diving Liability Release
In consideration of being permitted to enter the premises and participate in pool, dock diving, or related activities, I agree, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to release and hold harmless Sheyenne River Kennels, its owners, employees, agents, volunteers, and representatives from claims arising from my participation or my dog's participation in these activities.
This includes claims involving personal injury, illness, death, property damage, or loss associated with participation in or presence at the activity.
I understand that this release does not apply to conduct that cannot legally be released under applicable North Dakota law.
GENERAL LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK
I understand that animal care, boarding, daycare, bathing, exercising, training, swimming, and other activities involving animals carry inherent risks of illness, injury, property damage, or death.
I voluntarily assume these risks on behalf of myself and my pet.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, I agree to release and hold harmless Sheyenne River Kennels, its owners, employees, agents, volunteers, and representatives from claims arising from my pet's participation in services provided by Sheyenne River Kennels, including claims involving illness, injury, property damage, or death.
I understand that Sheyenne River Kennels cannot guarantee that my pet will not experience illness, injury, stress, behavioral changes, or other health-related issues while receiving services.
This release does not apply to conduct that cannot legally be released under applicable North Dakota law.
PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE
I grant Sheyenne River Kennels permission, without compensation, to photograph or record me and/or my pet during activities, services, or events at Sheyenne River Kennels.
I authorize Sheyenne River Kennels to use photographs, video, digital images, my name, my pet's name, and/or my likeness for lawful business, promotional, advertising, website, social media, educational, or marketing purposes.
I understand that I will not receive compensation for the use of such photographs, videos, or other media.
CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGMENT & AGREEMENT
I certify that I am at least 18 years of age and that I am authorized to make decisions regarding the pet(s) listed on my account.
I certify that I have provided Sheyenne River Kennels with accurate and complete information regarding my pet(s), including known illnesses, injuries, medical conditions, behavioral concerns, medications, allergies, and vaccination records.
I agree to notify Sheyenne River Kennels of any changes to my pet's health, behavior, medications, or vaccination status.
I understand that by signing this agreement and/or utilizing services at Sheyenne River Kennels, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to these policies.
I understand that Sheyenne River Kennels may update its policies from time to time. Updated policies may apply to future services and reservations as permitted by applicable law.
- If any provision of this agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.
