We ask that you call us directly to make your first reservation. Once you are in our computer system you may make reservations via email.

  Absolutely-we encourage it! We tend to be busy with check ins and outs first thing in the morning and towards the end of the day but you are welcome to come in for a tour anytime during our office hours. Children under 12 may come but due to safety concerns we are unable to allow them into the kennel area beyond the lobby.

  We expect the first time boarding that both dog and owner will be apprehensive.  It’s an important part of our job to make that separation as easy as possible.  Remember that the more often your dog boards, the more adjusted he will be to the kennel environment, and the easier the boarding process becomes for him.  Therefore if time allows, a few short periods of boarding (even when you are home) prior to a lengthy vacation will probably help your dog adjust to boarding more than anything else. 

Your dog will most likely adjust quickly to our boarding facility, our staff and routines. Feeding, cleaning and staff monitoring are all scheduled events that bring order and structure to the boarding experience.

  Plan to arrive anytime after 8am, but please, no later than 45 minutes before closing time.   If you are arriving in the late afternoon, we suggest you feed your pet at home a few hours prior.  Most pets are too excited to eat when they first arrive.  At check-in, please be prepared to provide your contact information in case of emergency or if we have any questions, and the name and number of a designated emergency contact who may make decisions on your behalf.

  If your dog is afraid of storms, water hoses etc. let us know at check in so that we can take the proper precautions.  Also let us know if they have any lumps, bumps, old injuries, hot spots or skin issues. 

When you arrive, if our lobby has other dogs waiting, don’t crowd into a tight space. Please wait outside or take a quick walk; we have a grassy area next to our parking lot.  Sometimes dogs don’t like to be crowded by unfamiliar dogs and people. You don’t want your dog’s (or someone else’s dog’s) first experience to be overly stressful. Also, don’t let your dog rush up to other dogs. Keep your dog on leash or in a carrier. Your dog will either be bouncing around, clinging to your leg, trying to see everything at once, sniff the other dogs or leave the way they just came in. Remember, this is his first visit.

There could be several reasons why your dog could be nervous. First, when you are nervous or sad, your dog knows it and is on alert to be nervous or sad, too.  Remember, pets can’t verbally tell you how they’re feeling, and they rely on you and your emotional state.  It is important to stay upbeat and positive around your dog before boarding and during the check-in process.  Second, dogs, like people, have anxiety when traveling to a new and unknown place. 

We here at the Animal Inn will do everything in our power to make you and your pet feel comfortable about boarding.  We have many regular customers who remark how excited and happy their dog gets when they pull into our neighborhood.  Some dogs enjoy boarding so much that when they get into our lobby they head straight for the door to the kennels without so much of a look back at their loved ones!

When checking in, try not to make your pet feel like he's being left behind.  Try not to have sadness or any guilty feelings because your pet will sense it and will think that something's wrong.  He may become frightened and fearful, and will have a difficult adjustment period for the first day or two.  The more you drag it out, the more the dog thinks something is wrong. Some dogs learn to play their owners.  The best thing to do is to reassure your pet that everything is fine and tell him that you will see him soon.  Give a quick pat or hug then hand the leash over to our staff.  A particularly nervous dog that puts on all 4 brakes will usually go with the staff once the owner is out of sight.  Be assured that your pet will receive loving attention and affection; our staff chooses to work here because they are passionate about spending their days caring for animals! 

Here is a summary of a few important points:

1.       Please arrive after 8 am, but before 45 minutes prior to close.

2.       Bring emergency contact information.

3.       Bring along information about your pet’s anxiety, fears, previous injuries, allergies, personality or behavior issues, or possible problems.

4.       If our waiting room is full when you arrive, please wait outside to decrease your pet’s anxiety.

5.       After checking in, give them a quick pat or hug, then leave them in our capable hands.  The more relaxed you are about leaving, the easier it will be for your pet.

  At the Animal Inn, we take our vaccination requirements very seriously and they are consistent with the boarding industry’s best practices. Some illnesses like Canine Cough and Feline VR are airborne and highly contagious, so we want to make sure that each pet that comes in the door is as protected as possible.  Being vaccinated does not guarantee pets cannot contract the things they are vaccinated against, just as the human flu vaccine does not guarantee you will not get the flu.

It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that Animal Inn has required proof of vaccinations prior to boarding.  Please call us well in advance if you have any questions.  We cannot allow any pet into our boarding facility that is not in compliance with our vaccination requirements.  Vaccinations must not expire during your pet's stay. Even if you are just considering boarding, please call your vet ASAP to check on your pet’s vaccinations.  If your vet sends reminder postcards, you might have accidentally thrown it in the recycle bin!

We will need a printout from your vet showing expiration dates of the following vaccinations.  If your pet was immunized very recently,(between 3-10 days of boarding), we may also require past records.  Your veterinarian knows what’s best for your pet. We defer to them for any vaccination expiration.  We request records be given or faxed (702-736-4168) to us prior to your arrival to ensure your pet has everything required and to speed up your check in.  If you prefer and your veterinarian is local, (in Las Vegas and surrounding areas) we can contact them directly for a verbal verification. 

DOGS (must have received full series plus adult boosters)                                                     

Rabies: If vaccination is currently expired, it needs to be given at least 3 days prior to check-in.

Distemper:  If vaccination is currently expired, it needs to be given at least 3 days prior to check-in.

Parvovirus:  If vaccination is currently expired, it needs to be given at least 3 days prior to check-in.

Bordetella: If vaccination has currently just expired, it needs to be given at least 3 days prior to check-in.  EXCEPTION:  If this is the dog’s first Bordetella vaccination, or an annual (some vets give it every 6 months) Bordetella vaccination is expired by over 1 month, it must be given 10 days prior to boarding.  BE AWARE that some veterinarians give Bordetella only when you specifically request it. We recommend consulting your veterinarian about the Canine Influenza vaccination but we do not require it at this time.

CATS (must have received full series plus adult boosters)

Rabies: If vaccination is currently expired, it needs to be given at least 3 days prior to check-in.

FVRCP: (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia)  If vaccination is currently expired, it needs to be given at least 3 days prior to check-in.

We recommend consulting your veterinarian about Feline Bordetella and Leukemia vaccinations but we do not require these 2 vaccinations at this time.

  If your dog or cat requires a special diet, we encourage you to bring their food along with anything ‘special’ that you give to get them to eat.  Please prepare and portion food into plastic zip-close bags or sealable containers labeled with your pet’s first and last name.  Pre-bagging each meal will ensure freshness and help us to feed your pet the exact amount of food that you feed them at home.  Due to the added time involved with feeding special food, most boarding facilities charge extra for special feedings and/or medications.  We do not charge extra, but we ask that you please make it a simple as possible for us!  Be prepared to give us all the information regarding medications, and anything you may use to entice them to take it if needed.  Bring enough food and medication for your pet’s stay and a bit more in case the stay is unexpectedly extended.  If we do run out of food, we can use ours or we will be happy to purchase some for you from a local store for a nominal fee.  Advise us if it is okay to feed our food if yours runs out.  Please do not bring an excessive amount of food; we do not have an extra storage space.  Please also do not bring bowls/dishes.  Water and food bowls are sanitized daily and we don’t want to lose track of (or break!) your pet’s bowl. 

For birds, small pets or exotics, you must bring your own food.  If we do run out of food, or if fresh produce is needed, we will be happy to purchase some for your pet from a local store for a nominal fee. 

  Bedding is provided free of charge but please feel free to bring any items that will help your pet enjoy their stay with us.  All personal items need to be marked with your last name.  Please keep in mind that even well behaved pets occasionally become destructive in any kennel environment.  We worry about your pet possibly ingesting pieces from a plastic toy or stuffing from a bed or toy.  Also, we want to keep your pet’s run clean.  We are constantly cleaning the runs and things can get misplaced during that process.  We do not want you or your pet upset!  Please do not bring bedding that can’t go through the washing machine.  Sometimes leaving an expensive bed or favorite toy at home is a treat for your dog or cat to look forward to after their stay.  The best toys to bring are Nylabones, Kongs and the best bedding to bring is a blanket, towel, or small rug.  Please understand The Animal Inn is not liable for any lost or destroyed items brought from home to the kennel facility.

    This depends on several factors.  Our regular clients are usually in and out fairly quickly.  A new client can take longer because we like to be very thorough with instructions and answering any questions you may have.  Our lobby can get quite busy during holidays and summertime.  If you are going to be in a hurry, please call us in advance so we can get all your instructions and information entered in the computer before you get here.  We also ask first time customers to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to closing time.

  You are welcome to drop by at any time during our normal business hours to visit with your pet in our yard, or take your pet for a walk or a drive off-premises.  We ask that your visit is completed at least 30 minutes prior to our closing time.  We also require that up-to-date payment for services be made before you take your pet off-premises.  We are conveniently located near the south end of the strip.

  Yes we can accommodate your wishes and board your pets together in the same dog run or kitty condo, as space allows.  However, they must be compatible at all times and live in the same household together on a regular basis.  We do reserve the right to make exceptions and require separate boarding in some instances. 

  We do not leave collars or bandanas on our guests because we do not want your dog getting hooked up on the chain link fencing in their run.  However for every one’s safety, we do require you to have a lead on your dog (or your pet in a carrier) when bringing them into and from our kennel.  Breakaway type collars or harnesses are okay.  We also have paper collars for identification if needed.

  We have indoor and indoor/outdoor runs.  The inside portion of our runs are concrete block to the top.  The outside portion is concrete block about 3 feet up with chainlink fence the rest of the way up.  Both sides are fully enclosed across the top with chain link.  The block wall separation, concrete flooring and proper drainage system adds to the safe and sanitary conditions of dog boarding here at the Animal Inn.  The block wall also gives your dog some privacy from his next door neighbor.  The inside portion is heated/air conditioned and the outside portion is covered and equipped with a mist system.  We also have veterinarian style kennels for small dogs in an area away from the large dog runs. 

Dogs are socialized with staff members, not other dogs from different families so we do not require your dog to like other dogs.  They will see, and of course, hear other dogs but we do not have dogs from different families loose in any area together at the same time.  Sometimes a dog will like to lunge, jump, and bark excessively at their neighbor housed in the adjacent run.  They may also grab the fencing with their paws or teeth, or try to stick their noses through the chain link.  Sometimes this behavior is playful, but sometimes it is aggressive.  When we encounter interaction between neighboring dogs that is upsetting or extra stressful, we will relocate one of them. 

Yes at times there is a lot of barking going on as to be expected in a large facility like ours.  Our staff is constantly going up and down the kennel area cleaning, feeding, getting in the runs to give love and attention, bringing dogs back and forth etc.  They bark to say ‘Hi’, ‘Bye’, ‘Me first’, ‘My turn’…and sometimes they just bark to bark.  They get to know the staff so well that if you are wearing an Animal Inn t-shirt they don’t bark at all,or nearly as much when someone in other clothes goes back for a tour.  Dogs are amazing aren’t they?!?  We understand it can sound overwhelming, but we promise, they really do settle down quickly. 

We charge as a hotel would; check-in is anytime during office hours and check-out time is 12 noon.  A half-day charge applies if you check out after noon.  This half-day charge is waived if you schedule a bath for your pet the day of your pickup.  A full day is charged after closing time.

Yes. You just need to give us their name and phone number.

We all wish it would never happen but your pet can be exposed to illnesses when kenneled with other animals. The risk is quite low since all pets coming into the kennel must be vaccinated, and not be exhibiting symptoms of contagious illness.  Keep in mind that a pet may not appear ill, yet may be contagious.  Some pets carry viruses in their systems for months and begin to show symptoms only after being subjected to a stressful situation (such as traveling or being separated from their loved ones).Dogs are socialized with staff members, not other dogs from different families so we do not require your dog to like other dogs.  They will see, and of course, hear other dogs but we do not have dogs from different families loose in any area together at the same time.  Sometimes a dog will like to lunge, jump, and bark excessively at their neighbor housed in the adjacent run.  They may also grab the fencing with their paws or teeth, or try to stick their noses through the chain link.  Sometimes this behavior is playful, but sometimes it is aggressive.  When we encounter interaction that is upsetting or extra stressful, we will relocate one of them. 

Owners are required to sign our contract that states their pet is in good health and has not been exposed to any contagious disease within the past 30 days.  Additionally, our high sanitation standards are vitally important to ensure an absence of disease.  Our block wall separation, proper ventilation and drainage system along with thorough sanitation practices and proper cleaning products help keep viruses and bacteria at bay.

Unfortunately, all of our care and sincere concern cannot guarantee your pet won’t get sick.  Just as you may catch the flu by flying on an airplane or a child may catch a cold by being in daycare, we can only do our best to avoid any type of virus or bacteria. 

  We have a mix of indoor/outdoor and indoor only runs and kennels. Dogs in the indoor/outdoor runs will naturally choose to eliminate in the outside portion of their run. The indoor only dogs are taken to an outside area where they can do their business.  Our staff continuously monitors all elimination and consumption behavior.

Boarding can be indefinite.  A long term boarder is required to pre-pay for each 28 nights.  We offer weekly and monthly (28 nights) discounts, but these visits must be prepaid.  If you are not going to be in town we must have a credit card on file so that we can charge the boarding expense every 7 or 28 days.  You will only pay for the nights your pet actually stays so if you end up checking out early, you will receive a refund. 

PUPPIES and KITTENS?  Of course we would love to take care of and snuggle with your puppy or kitten!  But our primary concern is the welfare of your pet and our other guests. For this reason, our minimum boarding age is 4 months. It is generally recommended that after their initial shots,puppies and kittens get their first round of ‘adult’ shots at 12 weeks and the second round at 16 weeks.   Additionally, in any kennel environment, a young pup or kitten could possibly be exposed to air-borne viruses it was not immune to.  Our recommendation is to board puppies and kittens at your veterinarian’s office until they have reached our minimum age requirement and have received their full series and ‘adult’ vaccinations.

SENIOR PET?  Did you know that a 25 pound dog that is 11 years old is the equivalent to 76 human years?  And that is if the dog is ‘supposed’ to weigh 25 pounds.  If the dog weighs 25 pounds but should weigh 20 pounds, it adds even more years.  This is why your veterinarian gives you ‘that look’ if your dog is overweight.  We do not have a maximum age for boarding.  If you are boarding a senior pet, please download this brochure:  Boarding Geriatric Pets.  Then call us if your senior pet has any special needs; we will be more than happy to talk to you about it!  We will let you know if we think it would be better if you boarded with your veterinarian.  Click on Pet/Human Equivalent Age for a chart to calculate your dog’s human age. 

Not all of our clients request playtime.  Some older dogs or dogs that have a medical condition (bad back, knees, hips etc.) prefer to stay in their spacious run where we interact with them, give love and attention.  We also have the ability to board dogs that aren’t always friendly since we have indoor/outdoor runs that enable us to feed and keep the run clean without physically handling the dog.  Therefore we found it best to keep our boarding rates rock bottom low and offer playtimes as an option.  Playtimes are a small $2.50 charge for your dog or your family of dogs who like to play together.  You can request playtimes for every day, every other day or every few days throughout your dog’s stay. 

Each time you check-in, we confirm your contact information.  We also ask that you provide us with a secondary contact whom you trust to make decisions on your behalf.  You will be required to sign our contract that allows us to seek urgent care for your pet if you and your emergency contact are unreachable, should an emergency situation occur.  There are several excellent veterinarians close by and we have a van for transportation.  If possible, and if time allows, we will transport to your pet’s own vet.  If a problem arises, we will always try to reach you or your emergency contact before taking any action.  Rest assured, we will see that your pet gets to a veterinarian or emergency clinic, but if your pet becomes ill you (or your emergency contact) need to be involved in the course of treatment, so it is imperative that we have your contact information.

Pets will frequently act very thirsty from the excitement of seeing their family and loved ones again when they’re picked up. They are probably not really thirsty, and you can be assured they have had access to fresh water at all times while boarding.  Be sure to not let them drink too much.  Limit the food and water you provide until they have settled back into home life.  Please be aware that excessive drinking and eating may lead to digestive upsets.

We are meticulous when sanitizing our runs with disinfectants and we continually poop scoop throughout the day!  In the close quarters of a boarding kennel amongst other pet guests, pets may pick up odors or your dog’s natural odor may become more noticeable.  During boarding, it is possible that dogs sometimes step in their stools or urine immediately after eliminating.  This can happen in the cleanest of kennels.

You may also be more sensitive to pet odors after having not been with your pet for a while.  We recommend scheduling a bath for your pet on check out day.  Our bath prices are very reasonable and they include fluff drying, ear cleaning and nail trimming.  We use Nature’s Specialty Shampoos such as Aloe, Oatmeal, Medicated (anti-itch) and Berry Gentle (tearless) for those special faces!  We also have superior coat conditioners and offer teeth brushing.  If you do not want a full bath for your pet, we can do a brush-out with conditioning spray.  For extended boarding with long haired dogs we suggest scheduling brush-outs or a bath during the stay. 

And as a bonus, if your pet gets a bath on the day of check out, there will be no boarding charge for that day; we waive the half-day charge if you pick up in the afternoon.

Yes.  Of course your pet will be happy to see you, but they may need a transition period back to home life. 

Walk your dog upon arrival or allow access to an outdoor area. The exhilaration of being re-united with you may cause some pets to show signs of mild intestinal disturbances and/or a change in habits.   If you are traveling with your dog, be prepared to stop more often for bathroom breaks.

Over-excitement may also make a dog pant a lot and act thirsty.  He is probably not really thirsty, and has had access to fresh water at all times while at the Animal Inn.  You can give him a few ice cubes until he settles down.

Do not feed your pet for a few hours after coming home from the kennel, and then limit the food and water you provide until he has settled back into home life.  Please be aware that excessive drinking and eating may lead to worse digestive upsets and possible bloating. 

Kennel life can be very stimulating to all of your pet’s senses.  Most dogs charge around barking at other dogs and having a wonderful time while at the kennel.  They leave the kennel a bit over-stimulated; exhausted but happy, and sleep a lot the first couple days they are home. Re-establish home patterns by following a normal schedule.  Pets love following a schedule - it makes them feel safe and secure. 

It is important to remember that cats do not usually travel well.  They normally do not enjoy it, nor do they adapt well to travel.  Many people who try to take kitty along with them on their vacation end up spending most of their trying to keep him from being stressed or searching for their escaped pet.

Leaving your cat with friends can be just as unsatisfactory.  Cats must go through an adjustment period in a new environment; this means they will not think of your friend's house as "home" for quite a while. You also must consider the problems that may be created because of other pets in the new home. Therefore, your cat may react by hiding or trying to escape at every opportunity.  Most cat owners realize that it is not fair to impose this kind of responsibility on their friends, nor is it a safe or comfortable arrangement for their cat.

Be assured, cats enjoy the "protected" feeling they get from being in a condo unit while being boarded.  Your cat will probably want to sit in the corner of the unit until he has assessed the surroundings and feels comfortable in the new environment.  It has to happen at the cat's own speed.  A common reaction of cat owners to the idea of boarding is "but kitty loves to run around." This is true at home, but while he is in unfamiliar surroundings, the condo gives your kitty a feeling of security.  Have you ever moved with your cat?  You may remember that most likely your cat found a secure confined area or closet to hang out for a while.  Instead of running around, cats will use isometric exercise when in these situations.  This means that when a cat has enough room to stretch, he can exercise every muscle in his body.  When your cat is in strange surroundings, he will prefer safety to space.

First, when you are nervous or sad, your cat senses your feelings and is on alert to be nervous or sad too.  Try to stay upbeat and positive around your kitty before boarding and during the check in process. Remember, cats can’t verbally tell you how they are feeling, and rely on your emotional state. Second, cats, like people, have anxiety when traveling to a new and unknown place. 

We here at the Animal Inn will do everything in our power to make you and your pet feel comfortable about boarding.  Also, please feel free to bring toys, towels, bed or whatever might make your cat feel a connection with you and your home.  Please just be sure to mark all items with your cat’s first and last name.

Remember that the more often your cat boards, the more adjusted he will be to the kennel environment, and the easier the boarding process becomes for him.  Therefore if time allows, a few short periods of boarding (even when you are home) prior to a lengthy vacation will probably help your cat adjust to boarding and give him the confidence that this is a temporary, familiar and safe change of venue.  Your kitty will receive loving attention and affection at Animal Inn; our staff chooses to work here because they are passionate about spending their days caring for animals! 

  Your pet will most likely adjust quickly to our boarding facility, our staff and routines.  Feeding, cleaning and staff monitoring are all scheduled events that bring order and structure to the boarding experience.  Our cat area is up front and the cats get a lot of human interaction throughout the day.  If your cat initially doesn’t want human interaction, we will give him an enclosed hide-away type bed and/or place a towel over the front of the condo for extra privacy until he or she gets familiar to their surroundings and the activity.  We find that after a very short period of time, cats’ natural curiosity and the realization that they are in a safe environment makes these extra steps unnecessary.

The day of boarding, please plan to arrive any time after 8am, but no later than 45 minutes before closing time.  If you are arriving in the late afternoon, we suggest you feed your pet at home a few hours prior.  Most pets are too excited to eat when they first arrive.  If your cat free feeds at night, we will be happy to put food down for him or her.  Fresh water is down at all times.  At check-in, please be prepared to provide your contact information in case of emergency or if we have any questions, and the name and number of a designated emergency contact who may make decisions on your behalf.  Let us know if your cat has any lumps, bumps, old injuries or skin issues. 

If you have an outdoor kitty, be sure to keep him in the house for a few days after boarding. Just as your pet had to adjust to boarding, he should be given a little time to connect with being home before roaming the neighborhood.  Allow your wandering kitty to find that “at home” again feeling!

  We have a lot more pictures on our Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/animalinnlv.  And we add new ones often.