Question 1

How do I choose the 'right' facility for my dog?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right dog boarding facility for your pup involves several important considerations. One of the most critical is making sure the facility is prepared to handle emergencies, such as illness or injury, with appropriate protocols in place. That’s why we have a dedicated negative pressure room designed to safely isolate any sick or injured animals visiting or staying with Country Pup Kennel. A reputable boarding facility will require all dogs to be up to date on their core vaccinations at a minimum. Vaccinations significantly reduce the risk of spreading illness and disease. In addition to health standards, cleanliness is key. When you walk into a quality kennel, it should be clean, odor-free, and well-maintained. At Country Pup Kennel, we use air exchangers and UV filtration throughout the building to maintain fresh, clean air, and all of our cleaning products are organic and free from harsh chemicals. Another important factor is staffing. A well-run facility should never leave dogs alone overnight. At Country Pup Kennel, we have staff on-site 24/7, using kennel cameras to continuously monitor all dogs when they have rest time in their kennels—even while they sleep. We also offer 24/7 live kennel camera access, so you can check in on your dog anytime they’re resting or relaxing, giving you peace of mind while you’re away. The kennel setup is a crucial—yet often overlooked—aspect of choosing a boarding facility. It’s important that dogs cannot see each other through the kennel walls, as visual contact can sometimes lead to stress, anxiety, or even kennel fights. Safety and comfort are our top priorities. At Country Pup Kennel, we use high-quality, secure enclosures designed to prevent escapes—even from the most determined escape artists. To promote a calm and relaxing atmosphere, we also play soothing music throughout the kennel areas, helping dogs feel more at ease during their stay. The way a facility interacts with animals speaks volumes. During a meet and greet, you’ll have the opportunity to see how the staff engages with your dog and other pets, giving you insight into the level of care and compassion they provide.

Question 2

What if my dog gets sick or injured during their boarding stay?

Accepted Answer

Daily wellness checks are part of our routine, and if we notice any signs of illness or concern, we’ll contact you or your emergency contact immediately. For the safety of all pets in our care, we have a dedicated negative pressure room specifically for sick dogs, along with a separate, fenced outdoor area just for them. This setup helps prevent the spread of illness while giving your dog a quiet, comfortable space, until someone comes to pick them up.

Question 3

Can my dog do a trial boarding stay before my trip?

Accepted Answer

Of course! A trial boarding stay can ease a lot of the stress and uncertainty for both you and your dog as you prepare for a longer visit. During this overnight stay, your dog will have the chance to get familiar with our daily routine, meet our staff, and adjust to the environment at their own pace. We understand that it takes time for most dogs to feel fully at ease in a new setting, and this gradual introduction helps build that comfort and confidence. Our goal is to ensure both you and your dog feel secure and relaxed about future overnight stays—so you can enjoy your time away knowing your pup is in good hands.

Question 4

Can I meet the staff who will be caring for my dog?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We require a meet and greet before your dog’s boarding stay. This visit gives both you and your pup the opportunity to explore our facility, meet our staff, and get a feel for where they’ll be staying. During the meet and greet, we also take time to learn about your dog’s unique needs—whether it’s their favorite toys, preferred food, or any special care instructions. This helps us tailor their experience and ensure they receive the best possible care while they’re with us.

Question 5

How far in advance can I book dog boarding?

Accepted Answer

Dog boarding reservations can be made up to a year in advance, and we recommend booking as early as possible once you know your travel dates. Availability can fill up quickly—especially around holidays, which are our busiest times. Please note that a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation, with the remaining balance due at check-in. Reservations without a deposit will be canceled. You can reserve your dog’s stay through our booking link or by reaching out to us directly via email or phone. Cancellation Fees: No fee if cancelled at least 72 hours prior to reservation. 25% applies if within 72 hours of reservations. Full deposit if cancelled within 48 hours. Holidays are a 2 night minimum boarding stay. During holidays, summer & busy seasons, deposit is non-refundable, including a potential 2 night minimum.

Question 6

Can you accommodate pets with special needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! We understand that some dogs require a little extra care and attention, and we’re fully equipped to provide the support they need. Whether your dog has mobility challenges, medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or behavioral sensitivities, we’re here to help. Our team has experience working with pets of all kinds and is committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for every dog in our care. We encourage you to schedule your meet and greet with us so we can get to know your dog and go over any special care instructions in detail. This also gives us the opportunity to tailor our services to meet your dog’s unique needs and ensure they feel right at home with us.

Question 7

How are play groups structured for boarding dogs?

Accepted Answer

At Country Pup Kennel, we don’t believe in putting every dog together to play. We understand that each dog is unique—some thrive with canine companionship, while others do better on their own. That’s why we take a thoughtful, individualized approach to grouping dogs. We carefully review any behavioral or health related notes you provide and use that information to guide our decisions. Dogs are introduced gradually, beginning with slow, supervised interactions through the fence to ensure comfort and compatibility. Intact dogs are always kept separate for safety. Our staff has been trained to read canine body language and cues effectively.  We also consider factors such as size, age, and activity level when grouping dogs to create a safe, balanced environment for everyone.

Question 8

Can I check in on my dog during their boarding stay?

Accepted Answer

You’re more than welcome to check in on your dog during their boarding stay. Every dog in our care follows a structured daily routine designed to keep them active, comfortable, and content. We provide photo updates on our Facebook page. For more peace of mind, you can also opt to add live kennel camera access. This allows you to watch your dog when they are in their kennel during mealtimes, rest periods, and overnight, so you can see how they’re settling in at any time.

Question 9

Who will be caring for my pet?

Accepted Answer

Our team is made up of former and current veterinary technicians, veterinary school students, and passionate animal lovers. You can trust that your pet will be cared for with expertise and compassion at our facility. We invite you to schedule a visit and meet the dedicated staff who will be caring for your pet.

Question 10

What makes Country Pup Kennel different from other boarding facilities?

Accepted Answer

Country Pup Kennel was founded after experiencing a series of disappointing boarding situations with our own dogs. We set out to create a place where pet parents could leave their dogs with complete peace of mind. When you choose Country Pup Kennel, you can trust that your pet’s comfort, safety, and happiness come first. Here’s what sets us apart: Outdoor cooling pads to keep pups comfortable during warm play days A variety of services conveniently offered under one roof Compassionate, hands-on owners and staff who truly love animals A modern, state-of-the-art facility designed for pets Cleanliness is a top priority—our spaces are maintained to the highest standards

Dog boarding near Big Lake, MN. On your way up north.

Big Lake is on 169. So is CPK.

About 25 minutes north on Hwy 169.

Don’t take our word for it.

Everything your dog needs. One facility.

Dog Boarding

Dog Daycare

Dog Training

Dog Grooming

Board & Train

Self-Serve Dog Wash

Straightforward pricing. No surprises.

Every new dog starts here.

We’d rather you ask than wonder.

How far is CPK from Big Lake?

Do I need a Meet & Greet first?

Is daycare included with boarding?

Are you open on weekends and holidays?

Can I watch my dog on camera?

What are the requirements before boarding?

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