Q: Why Does Country Lane choose to charge one all-inclusive rate and not ala carte necessary services like daily exercise, people time, and special diets?

A: At Country Lane, all exercise time, interaction with our staff and preparation of special diets are essential for a successful and enjoyable visit.  We do not charge extra for these services.   Unlike most boarding facilities, we choose not to charge our clients for customary care such as outdoor time, unique diet requirements and special medical administration.

At Country Lane, there is one daily flat fee and no extra nickel and dime charges.  The only optional charges available are our very popular exit bath and drop-off/pick-up services. This approach is in the best interest of your dog.

Why? Imagine the thought of the dog who’s human chooses not to pay for a leash walk.  What feelings does that dog experience when the staff comes into the unit next door to them and walks their neighbor, but not them? Of course they feel confused and feel they have done something wrong because they were not chosen to go outside.  This feeling is especially acute with rescue dogs who have spent extended time in a multi-dog environment.

Our philosophy of care is different.

Charging extra for 5-10-20 minute leash walks, etc. compromises on the quality care of the guest.  The decision to offer an “ala carte” menu of services and to charge separately for each may be appropriate for some businesses but is not in the best interest for quality pet care.  Whether our guests require special diets prepared or medication administered these daily occurrences should not be considered an “extra” effort.  In addition, we do not believe outdoor run time should be optional because extensive outdoor time results in a more relaxed and healthy guest.

Recently, we learned that some facilities have now begun to offer TLC packages.  This came as quite a surprise since human interaction is so important to their health and well-being.  We have yet to learn what happens to the dogs whose people decided not to purchase the TLC package.  Do they not get touched or petted? We believe this decision to maximize profit by charging for every necessary service is unfair to the guests and borders on unethical pet care.  It truly places emphasis on the facilities best interest and not the guests.