Pet Boarding FAQ Questions and Answers for Waynesville, OH

Dog boarding is a flat $40 per night, regardless of your dog's size or breed. This is a deliberate choice: many corporate kennels charge more for larger dogs, but Old Stage Kennel keeps pricing straightforward for everyone. You can add individual enrichment activities, including brain games and stuffed Kongs, for $15 per day, or daily walks on the five-acre property for $7 per day. These are optional add-ons, not bundled into the base rate, so you choose what fits your pet's needs and your budget.

It is not standard, and that is intentional. Many kennels use group play or communal daycare models, but Old Stage Kennel operates on an individualized care philosophy. When dogs are placed in group settings, pack mentality dynamics can lead to rumbles, scratches, and stress-related issues including digestive upset. By keeping exercise and attention individualized, the kennel eliminates those risks. This approach is grounded in behavioral understanding, not convenience, and it is one of the primary reasons owners with anxious, reactive, or temperament-sensitive dogs choose this facility.

The Dry Run is a complimentary day visit for new clients. It functions as a professional assessment: staff observe your pet's behavior and temperament in the environment before a full boarding stay is scheduled. This benefits both the pet and the owner. Your animal gets to acclimate without the added stress of an overnight stay, and the team can provide specific behavioral feedback based on what they observe. It is designed to confirm that the environment is a good fit, which leads to a calmer, safer experience when the actual boarding stay takes place.

Yes. Staff perform night checks between 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM every night. During these checks, dogs are let out for a final potty break, which mirrors the routine most pets have at home. This is not a passive security sweep; it is an active, hands-on interaction designed to reduce overnight anxiety and maintain a consistent schedule. The indoor facilities are climate-controlled with heat in winter and air conditioning in summer, so pets are comfortable throughout the night regardless of the season.

Cat boarding at Old Stage Kennel is set up specifically to minimize feline stress. Cats are housed in private condos located in conditioned rooms that are kept separate from the dog areas. The facility provides all necessary bowls, litter pans, and litter, so you only need to bring your cat's food. The species-segregated setup means your cat will not hear or smell dogs in close proximity, which is a common source of anxiety in facilities that do not separate their boarding areas. The environment is quiet, controlled, and designed around feline comfort.

Yes, and the facility is specifically designed with this in mind. Small dogs are housed in a dedicated area with 10-foot fencing, which provides protection not only from larger dogs but also from local wildlife. This is a higher security standard than the six-foot chain-link fencing used in the standard yard areas. Small dogs are exercised separately from larger dogs, consistent with the kennel's individualized care model. Owners of small or toy breeds often choose Old Stage Kennel specifically because of this separation and the extra security measures in place.

Training is led by Talerie Brown, the owner, who has more than 40 years of experience working with dogs across a wide range of contexts. Her background includes training dogs for high-security prison programs in London, OH, work with FEMA search-and-rescue teams, and national-level competition experience with working-line German Shepherds and in AKC events. She has trained thousands of dogs through private lessons, group sessions, and board-and-train programs. This depth of experience with high-stakes, high-drive animals means she is well-equipped to work with dogs that other trainers may find challenging.

You should bring your own pet's food in a plastic container. Old Stage Kennel's policy is that owners supply their pet's regular diet to avoid digestive stress caused by a sudden food change. Diet changes during boarding can cause diarrhea and general digestive upset, which adds unnecessary discomfort to an already unfamiliar environment. The kennel does keep food on hand for emergencies, but this is a backup only. Keeping your pet on their normal food throughout their stay is one of the simplest ways to support their comfort and health while they are away from home.