Q & A - Answers to questions that we get asked the most.

  How much does it cost to board my dog at Almost Home Pet Farm and what is included in the cost?

 Kennel Free dog boarding is $30 per night, $55 for two dogs & $25 for each additional dog. If you have
 more than two dogs in need of boarding please email us for pricing. Our price at our pet resort is all
 inclusive. OUR CUT OFF TIME FOR A HALF DAY CHARGE IS 2:30 PM. We don't charge extra for any of our boarding services like attention, play, medication, and our in house organic, grain-free treats. Dogs get as much attention, exercise and rest as they want. We have a puppy program where we work on potty training and manners. Our definition of a puppy is "not potty trained". We accept cash, checks & all major credit cards.

 Why do I have to make an appointment for an initial visit...why can't I just drop by?

  Because we are a kennel free pet resort, many of our dogs are playing outside during daytime hours.
  We need to know when people are stopping by to get all the dogs safely inside so that the gate can be
  opened. Our front gate remains locked unless we know that you are coming for a visit.

  How far in advance do I have to make a reservation?

  Reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis. We recommend that you make a visit soon and fill
  out ther reservation fomr when you know your final plans. Thanksgiving (November 20-26) &
  Christmas (December 20-28) are for current clients only.

 What vaccinations will my dog need?

  We accept titers and vaccinations for rabies, parvo and distemper. We do not require Bordatella. a.k.a.
  Kennel Cough If your dog is over 2 years of age we just need proof that your dog has been vaccinated
  for Parvo, Distemper between the ages of 4 months and 2 years. Rabies needs to updated every 3 years
  by law. We do accept written reasons or titers for the Rabies vaccination requirement. We understand
  that dogs can't be vaccinated due to health problems.

  Can you give my dog medication while they are in your care?

  Yes. We can administer all medications except injections. We do not charge extra for administering
  medication.

  Where are you located & why can't I find your address?

  We are located in Smith County Tennessee, 60 minutes East of Nashville. 98% of our customers are from
  the Nashville area. Visits to our farm are by appointment only and we provide detailed directions to our
  farm AFTER you schedule your initial visit. After you visit our farm once, we offer pick up and drop off
  in Nashville and surrounding areas. We have a training office on Leland lane.

  Is your farm fenced?

  Yes, we have approximately 5-6 acres fenced. Our fence is 6 feet high with a 4 foot metal barrier around
  the base of the fence. Please see our disclaimer for Escape Artists on our requirement page. YOU ARE
  BOARDING YOUR DOG AT YOUR OWN RISK... Almost Home Pet Farm is for people who want their
  dogs to be dogs and accept all the risks that come with.

  How often does my dog get to go out?

  Medium to large dogs have unlimited playtime outside with lights out between 8-9 P.M. Any dog is
  welcome to be inside as long as they want. Small dogs (under 20 pounds) get unlimited playtime inside
  with trips outside for sun, potty breaks, and frolics 4-6 times per day. We let most dogs choose if they
  want to be inside or outside.

  I have a small dog. Are they around the larger dogs?

  Small dogs spend most of their time in the house. They are not outside unsupervised unless they are on
  our enclosed porch. During your initial visit you can observe how small dogs spend their day and what it
  is like. We own 4 small dogs: Seamus, Finnbar the Irish Pug, Francis, and Hogan. It is important that
  you be comfortable with our set up and be ok with your small dog being "kennel free". If you feel you
  need a more confined arrangement and your dog is under 25 pounds please call Peg Harrington at The
  Happy Hound. She is a positive dog behaviorist that boards 3-4 dogs at a time. (615) 584-2940.

  Where do the dogs sleep?

  All dogs sleep where they sleep at home...each dog has a spot that they love and they usually find it right
  away. Some sleep on the couch, in the chair, on the bed or on the floor. We do not allow any dogs to
  sleep outside. We provide all bedding.

  Do I bring my dog's food?

  Yes. We do not provide dog food. If you forget your food, you will be charged $1.50 per day. We feed
  premium holistic foods only. We supply treats so you do not need to provide them. Your dog gets two
  to three treats per day. Our treat choices are either Buddy's Biscuits or Farm Dog Organics.

  Do you accept dogs on raw diets?

  Yes. We recommend the frozen raw patties or nuggets when boarding. Homemade food is hard to
  store but we will accommodate you either way.

  How do you feed them?

  We feed them one at a time according to your instructions. This takes place in our feeding room where
  your dog can be alone and take their time. Dogs that come in pairs can eat together if they are allowed
  to at home.

  What if my dog won't eat?
  We have never had a dog that wouldn't eat for more than a day...which is normal. When we do
  encounter a nervous or anxious eater, we just pour a little organic beef or chicken broth on their food and
  they eat it right away! (we check for allergies first) If a dog is extremely anxious, we will give them a
  massage to calm them down and then try to feed them.

  What if my dog needs to go to the vet?
  The closest vet is 6 miles away. They are open Monday thru Friday. We go to a different vet on
  Saturdays and for nights and Sundays, we must go to the emergency vet like everyone else. We are pet
  emergency certified and can deal with most emergencies that come up except bloat, large rips or tears, c
  cluster seizures, and poisoning.

  I have a barrel chested dog. What do you do to prevent bloat?
  We hand feed our barrel chested dogs and don't allow them to exercise for at least 60 minutes afterwards.
  We also feed them frequent small meals. Bloat is not something that can be avoided completely but we
  do our best to help ensure it doesn't happen on our watch.

  Do you have a pool?
  No we do not. Due to the kennel free nature of our facility and allowing the dogs free access to our
  home, a pool proved a disaster. Chlorine is toxic to dogs. Some dogs that are regulars and proven trust
  worthy can be taken to the lake for some ball fetching.