Fuzzy Friends Inn

Most days only 1 -3 dogs are here and kennels are open all day.
Many dogs that stay longer and are dog friendly, integrate in my home and spend most of the day around me.

During peak vacation times and some weekends, they take turns.

 

Fuzzy Friends Inn vs Standard Boarding Facility/Vet boarding.
Why pick Fuzzy friends Inn?

Boarding is not like being home, no matter what.
But it doesn't have to cost a fortune to offer a calm space and have your dog loved on and cared for and kept safe.

In a large boarding facility, you have options. Pay extra, to have your dog get one on one attention and play time, and the finest luxury "suite", or have your dog locked  in a sterile kennel (most vet boarding is very lonely and VERY stressful as many dogs are screaming and barking throughout the day),

or only seeing people at feeding time and possibly a little play time shared with 2 dozen other dogs once a day, but only IF your dog is good with other dogs.

A guest had a medical situation and had her XXL dogs boarded in Harker Heights for many months. Only later did she find out they were NEVER allowed to interact with other dogs, because of their size! At the time of pick up, one of the dogs had lost 30lbs weight, had severely overgrown toe nails and was in overall unhealthy shape. The excuse was " His nails were to big for our clippers". That same facility lost 2 dogs in 2023, on separate occasions and both were later found dead.

In a large facility, pets will have private spaces and depending, their own little yard.
They may not see any dogs, but they will hear them plenty as it takes only one "barker" to drive an entire kennel nuts for hours and bring out those anxiety attacks. When that lightning storm or fireworks hit, let's hope it is during the day and someone is willing and able to sit with your frightened pet.

There is usually very little human interaction, unless you pay for "15 minutes cuddle time or 10 minute walks" separately. But the environment will be
disinfected, sterile and if they have a sprinkler system, mostly safe. 

Most of these facilities are NOT staffed at night and the dogs are in the building alone.

(Including most vets)
Near Austin, the Ponderosa Pet Resort burned down at night some years ago, killing 75 dogs left alone. A non profit animal shelter burned down over night in Killeen some years back and many cats and small dogs were lost. No matter where you end up taking your pets, make sure they are staffed around the clock, or at least have a good fire prevention and alarm system.

These facilities are very organized, the doors open at the exact same time every day and close at the exact same time every night. Everything has a schedule. Some dogs may need it that way.

You will need to pay extra for just about anything, including medication being given.

They usually are closed on Holidays and Sundays. Pets usually must be picked up early in the morning

If your pick-up is delayed, you will likely have higher than nightly rate additional charges, because your flight was canceled due to weather or you fell ill.


At Fuzzy Friends,
for most reservations they have access to the yard all day, or share with just one other kennel and trade off every 2-3 hours, as only on holidays all kennels are booked, however, during prime holiday time (Christmas/Thanksgiving...) they have to share and will only be able to go in the yard a few hours a day, spread out over 4-5 turns. Much like at home, for most dogs.
Each yard is big enough to run around and play in. Everyone will get as much exercise as they need. In 3 years I have only had one dog (a frequent guest) that cannot be with other dogs at all.

They may see other dogs, if any are here, but I do not just let dogs bark all day. It gets quite loud when visitors come or go, but when I am alone with them, it is very calm and quiet here. If a dog needs more attention then others, because say he/she has separation anxiety, I wont just ignore it, because I can't see or hear it.

I visit with every pet multiple times a day and everyone gets attention and cuddles. There is no fee for that.
I also don't charge to give them their medication.

Nothing here is "sterile", this is a lived in, pet friendly place, but it gets cleaned every day. There is an old tom cat living inside/outside and if the wind blows wrong, you might smell him a bit, as he refuses to be trained, not to pee near the house. One of my work at home jobs frequently leaves some pieces of furniture, tubs or bags around my house.

I live here, the dogs are not alone at night. Other than the occasional short shopping trip, I am most always here with them. Unless it is a sudden emergency, I do not leave, unless my house mate is home.

As the days are longer for them at boarding, than at home (more excitement, less daytime sleep), I let their nights be longer so they get good rest. Getting enough sleep is important for their stress level to stay low and their overall well being.

I try to be fair with pricing. You shouldn't get punished for giving a home to multiple pets.
I have pet parents frequently, that have 3 or more pets and enjoy the discounts and ability to enjoy their vacation, knowing their pets are truly cared for, not just fed and multiple dogs can stay together..

There are discounts for stays, additional pets are much less and there are long stay and off season discounts. See the options and pricing page for standard fees.

I offer limited drop off and pick up on Weekends and most holidays (See reservation page)

If you have a legit reason for a delayed return
(flight was canceled by airline, sickness, accident..) you only pay the standard rate for the additional time.
If additional food or treats are required for the extra time, I cover that for up to 3 days.

 

Loss prevention honesty: Though I don't have a concreted floor and 6 foot fences, in the last 3 years only one dog managed to (or even wanted to!) escape digging a large hole under the fence in a short time. (The fence has since been reinforced). I spent the next 6 hours posting fliers and social media posts and drove through the neighborhood and to the owners home, until I recovered the dog. It was a very fearful, shy dog that went into sudden panic. The owners were informed within 30 minutes of the dog being missing. Apparently it wasn't the first time. If your dog is an escape artist, I need to know this at the time of booking and drop off.

 
For the last 40+ years, I have cared for at least a dozen pets at any given time. There have always been multiple dogs and cats, but also Birds, a wide array of Lizards, Mice, Hamsters, and Gerbils. Turtles, Goats, Sheep and Horses. Chickens, Geese and Ducks. I shared my life with all of them.
For 10 years I was running a Shelter Dog rescue , the facebook page is still there if you want to look it up. During that time I cared for as many as 30 dogs at once. Several remaining sanctuary dogs are seniors that mostly sleep (Unless there is a visitor in the driveway).
I am experienced to care for dogs with a wide range of ailments and misbehavior, with the exclusion of human aggression from dogs over 30lb (considered case by case) and pets that need shots (such as insulin).

​