Please keep in mind when making reservations that Amy & I are on vacation from 1/4/12 to 2/4/12.

We are glad you have selected Golden Lake Recreational Pet Camp. To assure that your pet receives the best care possible, please assist us by observing the following recommendations:

Make your reservations early. Most boarding facilities are booked up on weekends, holidays, and during vacation times. If you wait until the last minute to make your reservations, you may be disappointed. As you make your reservations, verify those items that you should bring with you to camp (vaccine records, special foods, medications, 1 or 2 toys). Also confirm items you do not need to bring (bedding, bowls, treats, canned food). Make arrangements for any special services that you wish to have performed while your pet is at camp.

Prepare your pet for boarding. Remember that pets, like people, usually appreciate a vacation in new surroundings with new friends. Dogs, once they become familiar with their new surroundings, have a marvelous, exciting time, almost like kids at summer camp. (If your dog has never been boarded before, you might consider short, overnight stays at our camp prior to an extended boarding stay to help him or her get used to boarding. Every time you return your dog is less likely to be affected by "separation anxiety" and can enjoy boarding more.)

Please observe our Check In and Check Out Hours. (Mon-Sat 8:00am-10:00am & 4:00pm-6:00pm, Sun 4:00pm-6:00pm only). Please do not overfeed or give special treats to your pet (Like greasy beef bones or a fast food stop). This could result in an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Upon arrival at Camp for Checking In your Pet: Finally, because pets sense and reflect our emotions, DO NOT allow any member of the family to stage an emotional 'farewell' scene. Your pet can be made to feel unnecessarily anxious about the camp visit if they are subjected to this kind of dramatic display. Try to refrain from having more than one or two members of the family in the Camp office to check in. While it's hard to do, sometimes the best way is to turn the leash over to the Camp Counselor, and leave. Keep in mind your pet does not have any concept of time. What you might think is a long time, is actually very short to them. Your pet thinks, and knows, you will return for them.

Bring all medications and your pet's food, etc. Make sure that medications are labeled with the pet's name and your last name as well as the proper dose to be given is readable. Allow enough time in the camp office to go over paperwork.

Leave your pet in the car until you have secured all information in the Camp Office. The camp needs to know such things as: verification of food to be fed if not provided, medications to be given during the pet's stay, additional services requested, where you can be reached in case of emergency, or the name of a local contact. If your pet has any special problems which are not covered on the check in form, such as fear of thunderstorms, deaf, semi-blind, arthritic, point them out to the Camp office.

Vaccinations: Please bring your most current vaccination records at time of check in.

Toys: Please bring no more than two (2) or three (3) toys, preferably rawhides or chewable toys. If they are not chewable toys, please mark them well with your pet's name and your last name (I understand that Golden Lake is not responsible for lost items). NOTE: Tennis Balls or toys that will roll are discouraged. We have plenty here for outside play.

My Baggage: All belongings must be brought to camp in a bag well marked with your pet's name and your name so the items will be returned to you in this bag. (Golden Lake has tote bags available for purchase at cost upon request)

Relax and enjoy your vacation: Remember that you are leaving your pet in the hands of capable professionals. Pets in the camp probably receive more care and attention than they would at home.

All of this information helps us take better care of your pet, especially if there is any type of emergency requiring special action. (And this is what professional care is all about. Anyone can feed your pet, as long as nothing goes wrong. But what you want for your pet is supervision by someone who can assess and respond properly to emergencies).

You do not need to bring:

Bedding: Golden Lake provides bedding for all boarded dogs. We use sheepskin rugs, mutt mats and for older dogs, orthopedic beds.

Food Bowl: We provide all food bowls for all boarded pets.

Water Bowl: We provide all water bowls for all boarded pets.

Treats: Golden Lake provides a variety of daily treats for all boarded pets.

DO NOT BRING: Raw beef bones, cooked beef bones, canned food.