Boarding Policies

Welcome to Boarding at Jordan Creek Animal Hospital

At Jordan Creek Animal Hospital, we know your pets are more than just animals – they’re family. That’s why our boarding facility is designed with your pet’s comfort, health, and happiness in mind. Whether your pet is here for daycare while you’re at work or here for an extended visit, you can trust that they’ll receive attentive, compassionate care from our experienced team.

Unlike modern boarding kennels, we focus on individualized care in a structured setting. Every dog or cat has their own private space (or with a sibling by request), and dogs enjoy 3 to 5 daily walks around our property with one of our dedicated kennel attendants. For our more social canine guests, optional group playtime offers safe, supervised fun with fellow dogs of similar temperaments.

As a veterinary hospital, we also have a doctor on-call after hours, ensuring that your pet has access to medical care if needed – even outside regular business hours. This added level of support gives you peace of mind knowing your pet is in expert hands around the clock.

Our boarding and daycare services are exclusively available to established patients of Jordan Creek Animal Hospital. This ensures every pet in our care is up to date on vaccinations, in good health, and well known to our kennel and veterinary team – providing the safest possible environment for all guests.

With 41 spacious dog kennels and runs and 12 comfortable cat kennels, we offer a more personalized and reliable boarding experience than many larger facilities. Because we serve only our own clients, you’re more likely to find availability when you need it most.

Whether you’re planning a vacation or need care during the workweek, you can rest easy knowing that your pet will be cared for by a veterinary team you already trust – with medical support available 24/7.

Daycare Services

Instead of staying home alone, your pet can spend the day in a safe, fun, and stimulating environment filled with personalized attention and hands-on interaction. Daycare is a great option for working pet parents, busy households, or dogs who enjoy companionship throughout the day.

Daycare is especially helpful for new puppies, as we can support potty training efforts with additional outdoor breaks. Dogs receive up to four walks per day, depending on their arrival and departure times. Breakfast and lunch can be provided upon request.

You’re welcome to bring a labeled bed, toy, or special treats so your pet feels more at home during their visit. And if a medical concern arises while your pet is in our care, one of our qualified veterinarians is available to examine and treat them as needed.

Daycare is also a great solution for:

• Single-day travel or day trips
• Home renovations or repairs that may be loud or stressful
• Moving day, when a quieter, calm environment benefits both you and your pet

Bathing Services

We know your pup loves to play — but might need a little freshening up before heading home! That’s why we offer baths and blowouts at the end of a boarding stay, during daycare visits, or even as a standalone bath appointment.

With two bathtubs and professional-grade blow dryers on-site, we’re equipped to keep your pet clean and comfortable. Best of all, nail trims are included at no extra charge with every bath.

Our team is happy to help your pet look and feel their best.

Kennel Hours

Our boarding reception desk is staffed:

• Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• Sunday: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM pick-ups only (excluding holiday weekends)

Vaccination Requirements

To ensure the health and safety of all pets in our care, boarding services are only available to patients of Jordan Creek Animal Hospital. All pets must be current on the following:

Dogs:

• Annual Exam, Rabies, Distemper (DA2PP), Bordetella, Canine Influenza, and Fecal

Cats:

• Annual Exam, Rabies, Distemper (FVRCP)

If your pet is not up to date, we’re happy to provide a cost estimate to update any necessary vaccines. Puppies and kittens under 16 weeks may board with a vaccination schedule in place with our doctors.

Food

We recommend bringing your pet’s usual food to help prevent upset stomachs or decreased appetite. Per state law, food must be brought in a labeled, sealable container or bag with your pet’s first and last name and the brand of the food.

If you choose not to bring food, we offer:

• Royal Canin Gastrointestinal for dogs
• Royal Canin Sensitive Digestion for cats

Medications

All medications must be in their original containers with your pet’s first and last name, medication name, and dosage instructions. Please do not bring medications in unmarked containers.

Personal Items

You’re welcome to bring 1–2 labeled personal items (e.g., toys, beds, blankets) to help your pet feel more at home. Please label everything clearly with your pet’s full name.
To help us keep items safe and organized, we ask that you do not bring towels, bowls, or litter and litter boxes for cats – these items are provided for all pets.

Whether you’re planning a vacation or just need weekday care, you can rest easy knowing your pet is being cared for by the veterinary team you already trust — with medical support available around the clock.

VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR BOARDING AT JORDAN CREEK KENNELS FOR DOGS

RABIES – This incurable disease affects the nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. It is spread through contact with the saliva of infected animals (which can include skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bats) through bites or any break in the skin. There is no cure once infection occurs. Federal and state laws require all dogs to maintain a current rabies vaccination status, and it is a state law that all dogs boarding at a commercial facility are current on their rabies vaccination.

DHPP – Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvo are all viruses that can cause illness in dogs. Parainfluenza is an upper respiratory disease of dogs that can cause a chronic cough. As the name implies, Hepatitis can cause chronic liver disease. Distemper and Parvo are highly contagious and can be deadly. Fortunately, all of these diseases are very preventable through vaccination. The state of Iowa requires all dogs boarding at a commercial kennel be current on their Distemper and Parvo vaccinations.

BORDETELLA – This respiratory infection is easily transmitted from one dog to another just like the human common cold, so vaccination is important when dogs are boarded or groomed. Almost all boarding kennels require Bordetella vaccination.

INFLUENZA – This flu virus is relatively new to dogs and has the ability to cause respiratory disease similar to Bordetella, however the symptoms are generally more severe. A small percentage of dogs will develop life-threatening pneumonia. Just like the human flu, this virus is highly contagious and very easily transmitted from dog to dog. When exposed, almost all dogs develop illness. For the safety of all dogs boarding at Jordan Creek Kennels, we require vaccination for influenza.

FOR CATS

RABIES – Although some owners may think vaccination is unnecessary for indoor cats, it is important to remember that bats are the most common carrier of rabies in Iowa and many residences become unintentional homes for bats each year. Because there is no cure for rabies and humans can be exposed to rabies through unvaccinated pets, the state of Iowa requires that all cats boarding at a commercial kennel be vaccinated and current on their rabies vaccination.

FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calici viruses invade the upper respiratory systems of cats and cause cold-like symptoms. In young and debilitated cats the infection can be severe and life threatening. Just like the human cold, these viruses are readily transmitted from cat to cat. Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is transmitted through the secretions of cats and is highly lethal to young kittens and unvaccinated cats. The state of Iowa requires all cats boarding at a commercial kennel be current on their Distemper vaccination.