Boarding Frequently Asked Questions
North Harwich, MA | Serving Cape Cod since 1983
We require your dog to be vaccinated against rabies, parvo/distemper, bordetella (kennel cough), and canine influenza. Your dog must receive the bordetella vaccination at least one week prior to boarding, so the vaccine has time to take effect before entering the kennel. If your dog is approaching the expiration date for the bordetella vaccine, we recommend a booster before boarding. Please send us your requested dates, email a copy of required vaccinations and we will call you back to confirm within 24 hours.
We require your cat to be vaccinated for rabies, distemper, and feline leukemia.
Monday through Saturday: 10:00 am- 3:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am–11:00 am onlyYou can pick up your pet during office hours (8:00 am–5:00 pm Monday through Saturday, or 9:00 am –11:00 am Sunday).
Boarding fees begin the day you check in your pet, regardless of the time.
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Check-in hours: 8:00 am–3:00 pm Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am–11:00 am Sunday
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Check-out time: 8:00 am–5:00 pm Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am–11:00 am Sunday
Picking up by 11:00am ensures you are not charged for that day. If your pet receives a bath or groom on pick-up day, clients are not charged for that day, regardless of pick-up time.
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No. We are not able to accommodate these requests.
No. Reservations must be made in person, over the phone or email.
Yes. We generally fill up during holiday weekends, school vacations, and the summer months. We recommend booking your pet’s reservation as early as possible—ideally when you book your own accommodations. Once we are full, we maintain a waiting list for cancellations.
Our day begins at 7:30am, even on days the office is closed.
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Morning: Pets are fed per your instructions, then individual sleeping areas are sanitized. Dogs are rotated through our play yards while we clean.
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Midday: Dogs can go in and out of their sleeping areas and attached runs at will.
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Afternoon: Dogs are exercised again, then fed around 3pm.
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Evening: All dogs are in their sleeping areas by 5pm, with fresh water and a treat (diet permitting).
Dogs usually adjust quickly and are more active here than at home, which makes for a quiet kennel at night!
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Yes. Cats have their own boarding room, making for happier kitties (and dogs, too!).
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Small dogs/puppies: 4’ x 8’ foot runs, indoor and outdoor runs (not attached to sleeping areas).
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Larger dogs: 4’ x 10’ or 4’ x 15’ indoor and outdoor runs (attached to sleeping areas).
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Yes! Puppies receive extra care, more frequent feedings, rest periods, and additional lawn time. Please consult your veterinarian before boarding young puppies.
Cats are housed separately from dogs. Each cat has space to move, shelves/hiding spots, beds, and blankets. Our new kitty condos are spacious with plenty of cozy areas.
Dogs are taken to play yards several times a day with staff members. They also exercise in their runs. Many dogs go home happily tired from all the activity.
No, except for dogs who live together at home. We do, however, offer drop-in play groups (see related page). These are supervised by trained Derbyfield staff, and owners must be present.
Yes. Monday–Saturday, 8am–5pm.
Note: Day boarding is different from doggy daycare. Dogs do not play in groups, but they go out to the play yards multiple times throughout the day for exercise and play.Yes. Visits are allowed Monday–Saturday, 10am–2pm. You may play with your dog in our training yard. If leaving the property with your pet, we will require a credit card number. Some dogs do not adjust well to visits, in which case we may recommend against them.
Dogs have 24/7 access to water at the kennel. Some drink less while boarding and make up for it at home. Please monitor water intake, as drinking too quickly may cause vomiting.
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Food: Welcome, especially for special diets. Bring only what’s needed, preferably in pre-portioned containers. We provide EnTrust® pet food for dogs and cats.
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Toys: You may bring one or two favorite toys. For safety, we do not allow rawhide, rope toys, or greenies.
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Beds: We provide washable beds/blankets from donations. Personal beds are not accepted unless donated.
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Absolutely! Call during business hours (8am–5pm Mon–Sat, 9–11am Sun). Email is also an option, though not as fast.
We are closed on: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
We close at noon on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.Yes. The owners live on-site. In emergencies, pets are taken to their own vet if possible, or to CARE (Cape Animal Referral and Emergency), located within one mile. Your check-in signature authorizes us to make urgent decisions if needed.
Some pets require extra care (multiple medications, mobility assistance, etc.). These board at a slightly higher rate. Please call to see if your pet qualifies.
Yes. We administer oral and topical medications (not injections). Please bring medications in their original containers with dosage details.
Some pets require extra care (multiple medications, mobility assistance, etc.). These board at a slightly higher rate. Please call to see if your pet qualifies.
We board small animals such as birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets. Please call to discuss.
We require at least four days’ notice to change or cancel a reservation. Less notice will result in charges for the reserved dates. A credit card is required during summer and holidays to hold reservations.
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