FAQ – Pet Care & Resources

S.N.I.P. Clinic

Does the clinic give shots, declaw or provide other veterinary care?
Do I need to make an appointment? When are you open?
How do appointments work? What time do I have to drop off and pick up my pet?
Do you have any financial assistance? Can I get my neighbor’s pets fixed?
How old does my cat or dog have to be for spaying/neutering? Do you alter other animals?
I have a senior pet. Is he too old for surgery?
What is the difference between spaying and neutering?

Behavior Training

How old does my puppy have to be to enroll in a class?
Is it safe for my puppy to come to class before vaccinations are completed?
I saw the "Dog Whisperer "do something on TV that I’d like to try with my dog; will it work?
My dog goes to the bathroom or destroys things while I’m away; is he just trying to get back at me?
How long will it take me to train my dog?

Pet Resorts

Where are the Eastpoint Pet Resort and Fern Creek Pet Resort located? What time do they open and close?
What vaccines are required for boarding and Doggie Daycare?
What do I need to bring?
Can I bring my pet’s bed or toys while they’re being boarded?
What’s included in your boarding rates?
How much does grooming cost and what does it include?
What time is check-in and checkout?

S.N.I.P. Clinic 

Does the clinic give shots, declaw or provide other veterinary care?

The S.N.I.P. Clinic can provide vaccinations but only at the time of your pet’s spay/neuter surgery. The S.N.I.P. Clinic is not a wellness clinic or a veterinary office, so we do not offer any services other than spay/neuter surgeries.

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Do I need to make an appointment? When are you open?

Yes, appointments are required and can be made by calling (502) 636-3491. We are open four days a week, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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How do appointments work? What time do I have to drop off and pick up my pet?

We cover all instructions when you call to make your appointment. All patients must stay overnight.

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Do you have any financial assistance? Can I get my neighbor’s pets fixed?

Yes, the S.N.I.P. Clinic does have financial assistance available. Please contact the clinic by calling (502) 636-FIX1 to find out how you or a friend can complete a “Financial Fix” application.

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How old does my cat or dog have to be for spaying/neutering? Do you alter other animals?

Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 2 lbs. We only perform alteration surgeries on canines and felines.

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I have a senior pet. Is he too old for surgery?

We require all pets 8 years and older to have pre-anesthetic blood work performed prior to making an appointment.  Please contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. Fax results to the S.N.I.P. Clinic at (502) 636-3248.

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What is the difference between spaying and neutering?

Males are neutered and females are spayed.  In a neuter surgery the testicles are removed.  A spay surgery is an ovariohysterectomy, where the ovaries and uterus are completely removed.

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Behavior Training

How old does my puppy have to be to enroll in a class?

We accept puppies as young as 8 weeks into our Positively Puppies class. From birth to six months, puppies go through a critical socialization period, during which they learn what is safe and what is unsafe. This is an important time for your puppy to be exposed to as many new things as possible in a rewarding manner, so that they don’t become fearful later in life. By enrolling in a puppy class, your pup will get valuable experience with other people and other dogs, helping to prevent fearful behaviors from developing.

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Is it safe for my puppy to come to class before vaccinations are completed?

While puppies that haven’t completed vaccinations are at a slightly greater risk of contracting an infectious disease, most trainers feel that it is worth the risk to socialize your puppy as early as possible. Your dog is much more likely to develop behavior problems later in life due to a lack of socialization then they are to contract an illness from attending a puppy class with other healthy, vaccinated puppies.

We require all owners of puppies who attend our classes to show proof that their puppy has begun a standard course of vaccinations.

If you're still concerned about exposing your pup to other dogs at a young age, please read this statement from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Or, read this statement from Dr. R.K. Anderson, Veterinarian and Animal Behaviorist.

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I saw the "Dog Whisperer "do something on TV that I’d like to try with my dog; will it work?

While it can be interesting and entertaining to watch trainers on TV help "problem" dogs, we recommend that you never try to modify serious behavior problems (such as aggression, separation anxiety, or other potentially harmful behaviors) without the help of a behavior specialist. Someone who specializes in working with severe behavior problems will be able to safely apply training and behavior modification, and guide you through a program to help your dog. Always ask a professional!

Learn more about our training opportunities here. Plus, all behavior training fees benefit the KHS mission!

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My dog goes to the bathroom or destroys things while I’m away; is he just trying to get back at me?

Absolutely not! Dogs don’t “premeditate” revenge. If your dog is eliminating in the house or destroying your belongings while you’re gone, it is most likely a sign of extreme stress, boredom, or a lack of proper training. Blaming the dog for being vengeful obscures the real problem, which could be serious. Rather than being angry at your dog, get help from a professional trainer to determine the true cause of the behavior.

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How long will it take me to train my dog?

Dog training is influenced by many factors – the dog’s age, maturity level, and behavior history, how much time an owner can devote to training, and how consistent the training is. There’s no way to tell how long it will take to teach a dog a new behavior, or train them not to practice an old behavior, but we can say this with certainty: the more time you devote to training, the faster your dog will learn, and the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results!

Consistency, repetition, and ongoing training are important for any dog. Think of a kindergarten student – they don’t stop learning or attending school after one year of class, and we certainly wouldn’t expect them to know much at that point. And yet, the majority of dogs get one six- or eight-week training class during their entire lives and are expected to know and perform all the behaviors we want. It doesn’t seem like a realistic expectation, does it?

The good news is, there is training available for anything you want or need to do with your dog, and all you have to do is take advantage of it and commit to following through. Whether it’s group classes or private lessons, we’re here to help you and your dog reach your goals! Learn more about behavior training.

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Pet Resorts

Where are the Eastpoint Pet Resort and Fern Creek Pet Resort located? What time do they open and close?

View Pet Resort locations and directions.  
The Eastpoint Pet Resort is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Fern Creek Pet Resort is open Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

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What vaccines are required for boarding and Doggie Daycare?

All pets are required to have their annual DHPP and Rabies shots prior to being boarded or allowed into Doggie Daycare. Bordetella is required as well. You can fax or mail your pet’s shot records prior to arrival. This will ensure a speedy check-in and assurance that all vaccination requirements have been met.

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What do I need to bring?

We have everything your pet needs with a couple of exceptions. If your pet is on a special diet or needs medication administered to them, please let us know prior to your arrival. We serve Hill’s Science DietTM food to all pets; however, some pets may react to a sudden diet change so feel free to bring his/her food in individual servings in a bag or container (ZiplocTM bags work great!).  Unfortunately, we cannot store large bags of your pet’s food.

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Can I bring my pet’s bed or toys while they’re being boarded?

For your convenience, we provide bedding for your pet so they are comfortable during their stay.
You can bring your pet’s toys, but choose mind-stimulating toys. We do not allow rawhides, as they can be dangerous. We also recommend that you leave anything of high value at home and only bring a small number of personal toys. You can purchase mind-stimulating items at the KHS Pet Resort to keep your pet content during their stay.

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What’s included in your boarding rates? 

Our boarding rates include a living area for your pet during their stay, as well as a stainless steel bowls, bedding, walks (at the Eastpoint Resort) and unlimited TLC. 

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How much does grooming cost and what does it include?

Grooming costs depend upon your pet’s size, coat condition and behavior, as well as grooming needs. Each grooming session includes a bath, brush, nail trim and ear cleaning. For shorthaired dogs that don't require professional grooming expertise, exit baths can be purchased for a minimal fee.

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What time is check-in and checkout?

For your convenience, you can check in your pet(s) any time during business hours, but please provide us with a time estimate to ensure a quick, easy check-in. If their room isn’t ready at the time of arrival, your pet may be placed in a holding area or in a play session temporarily. 
 
We like to have a time estimate of departure, but you may check out at any time during business hours. But, please know that new charges are incurred daily at 10 a.m. You are charged for every day that your pet is remains at the Pet Resort, except for the last day but only if you are checking out before 10 a.m., or if your pets is moved to the grooming area for full-service grooming (before being picked up that day).

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