Got Questions? We have Answers.
Whether you’re planning your dog’s first boarding stay, signing up for training classes, scheduling a grooming appointment, or exploring our canine aquatics program, our frequently asked questions provide the answers you need to make the most of your visit to Meyer’s Tails Up Farm in Belvidere, IL.
Are any vaccinations required?
For their safety and good health, dogs must be inoculated for DHLLP, Rabies, and Bordetella and cats must be up to date on FVRCP and Rabies.
May I bring my pet’s food?
By all means! We feed Canidae® Pure Farm to Bowl, a premium dog food made with high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients. However, if you’d prefer to keep your pet on their regular diet, we’re happy to feed the food you provide.
Simply portion each meal into a zip-top bag labeled with your last name and your pet’s name. Be sure to share your feeding instructions with our staff at check-in. Due to limited storage space, extra food cannot be accepted, and any leftover food will not be returned.
Should I bring my pet’s dishes and bed?
Let us take care of those. We provide stainless steel food and water bowls and we disinfect them daily. In addition, each pet gets fleece bedding, for a wonderful night’s sleep.
How about toys? May I bring my pet’s favorites?
Any toy larger than a tennis ball is welcome. Please label each with permanent identification to ensure that it goes home with your pet.
What if my pet is on medication?
We administer any medications—except insulin—at no extra charge. Please make sure medications are labeled with your last name, your pet’s name and the prescribed dosage. Incidentally, we provide daily health checks on all pets in our care.
Do you prefer a certain type of collar and leash?
We will only need your pet on a leash and collar while they are checking in. Once they are checked in, we will put one of our ID collars on them. You may take yours home so it doesn’t get lost in the crowd.
Can my two dogs stay together in the same lodging space?
Usually, yes! If your dogs get along well, are within about 20 pounds of each other, and don’t show signs of food aggression, they’re often welcome to share a lodging space.
That said, we’ll always recommend what’s best for your dogs—not just what’s most convenient.
Think about it like sharing a hotel room with your favorite person. It sounds great… until one of you wants to sleep, the other wants to pace around, or someone just needs a little personal space! Dogs can feel the same way. At home, they have the freedom to move to another room or take a break from each other. In a lodging space, that option isn’t always available.
Still not sure what’s best for your pups? Give us a call! We’d be happy to talk through your dogs’ personalities and recommend the best lodging option.
Can you groom doodles?
Yes! Doodles are one of our most frequently groomed breeds. Their unique coats require regular maintenance to stay healthy, comfortable, and mat-free. Our experienced groomers understand the different coat types found in Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, Sheepadoodles, and other doodle mixes. We’ll work with you to achieve the look you love while recommending a grooming schedule that keeps your dog’s coat in great condition between visits.
Can you get my dog’s nails as short as possible?
Absolutely! Our groomers trim your dog’s nails as short as they can safely go—just above the quick, which is the sensitive part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. Cutting into the quick is painful and can cause bleeding, so we always prioritize your dog’s comfort and safety.
If your dog’s nails have become very long, don’t worry! With regular nail trims every 3–4 weeks, the quick can gradually recede over time, allowing the nails to become shorter while keeping your dog comfortable.
Do the dog’s go outside?
Yes! Our grooming process is designed with your dog’s comfort in mind. Rather than completing the entire groom in one session, we groom in stages to give dogs both mental and physical breaks throughout their visit.
As part of those breaks, we’ll escort your dog outside for a potty break if needed. We find that giving dogs a chance to stretch their legs and take a break helps create a more relaxed, positive grooming experience.
Are the dogs together or kept separate during grooming?
Your dog’s safety and comfort are our top priorities, so dogs are kept separate during their grooming visit. Since most dogs don’t know each other, keeping them apart helps prevent unnecessary stress and avoids the chance of disagreements or injuries.
Every dog deserves a calm, safe experience, and giving each guest their own space allows our groomers to focus on providing the best possible care.
Do you offer water or treats during my dog’s grooming appointment?
Yes! Fresh water is always available to keep your dog comfortable throughout their visit.
We don’t provide treats because every dog has different dietary needs, allergies, and sensitivities. If you’d like your dog to have a treat during their appointment, you’re welcome to bring one from home, and we’ll be happy to give it to them with your permission.
Do you offer one-day dog care?
Yes! If you need a safe, fun place for your dog to spend the day while you’re at work, running errands, or just want to get them out of the house, we offer a Playday.
Your dog will enjoy a full day with us in our comfortable lodging area, along with multiple one-on-one outings with our caring staff for exercise, fresh air, playtime, and plenty of attention. At the end of the day, they’ll head home happy, tired, and ready to relax.
If you’re looking for Doggy Daycare, that’s a little different. Our daycare program is an ongoing, enrollment-based program where dogs play together in supervised groups. Because dogs interact with one another, every dog must first pass a temperament evaluation and then attend on a regular schedule. This helps create a safe, familiar environment where dogs can build friendships and thrive.
Do you sell Rawhide?
We don’t carry traditional rawhide chews, but we do offer several long-lasting alternatives that many dogs love! Our beef cheek rolls provide a similar chewing experience, and if you’re looking to avoid rawhide altogether, we also carry popular options like bully sticks and pig ears.
If you’re not sure which chew is best for your dog, just ask! Our team is happy to help you choose a safe, satisfying option based on your dog’s size, chewing style, and preferences.
What is in your cookies?
Our gourmet dog cookies are made by Bosco & Roxy’s, a company known for creating delicious, hand-decorated treats made with wholesome ingredients and plenty of love. Their recipes include ingredients like whole wheat flour, applesauce, honey, cinnamon, flaxseed, and other dog-friendly ingredients that make each cookie as tasty as it is adorable.
If your dog has food allergies or dietary sensitivities, just let us know. We’d be happy to provide the complete ingredient list so you can make the best choice for your pup.
I have a question that I didn’t see an answer for.
We would love to answer your question. Just click here to go to our Contact Us page and you can fill out an easy question form.
Have questions? 815.547.5778