Boarding and Grooming
At Brookeside, we’re more than just your pet’s doctor; we’re their home away from home. Whether your pet is staying with us for a few hours of pampering or an extended boarding stay, our team ensures they’re safe, comfortable, and cared for like one of our own. With a quiet, calm setting and a focus on personalized service, we make every visit as stress-free as possible.
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Our boarding facility is currently undergoing exciting updates, including larger, redesigned suites and new safety features — all designed to make your pet’s stay even more enjoyable. We appreciate your patience and support as we continue improving their home away from home.
Boarding with Our Team: What to Know & Bring
Whether you’re heading out of town or need a safe place for your pet during the day, our boarding services provide a calm, caring environment with veterinary oversight you can trust. We understand how important it is to know your pet is in good hands, and we’re here to make their stay feel like home.
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We’ve recently enhanced our boarding areas with larger, redesigned suites and improved organization systems, giving every guest more room to relax and a smoother check-in experience. Our team takes time to learn about your pet’s routines, comforts, and preferences, ensuring individualized care from start to finish.
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Please bring your pet’s regular food, any medications in their original containers, and a few favorite items like a bed or toy to help them feel settled during their stay.
Booking Your Pet’s Stay or Spa Visit
We want every visit to be as smooth and stress-free as possible, for both you and your pet. Because boarding and grooming spots fill up quickly, especially around holidays and school breaks, we recommend booking 1–2 weeks (or more) in advance whenever possible.
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Need something sooner?
Same-week appointments may be available depending on our schedule. Just give us a call, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.​​
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To reserve a boarding stay or grooming service, please call our team. Speaking directly with us allows us to understand your pet’s needs, note any special care instructions, and schedule the best time for their visit.
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Tip for first-time visitors:
Ensure your pet is up to date on all required vaccines before arrival. If you’re unsure what’s needed, we’re happy to walk you through it.
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For boarding clients:
If you’d like to get a head start, you can download and complete the Boarding Agreement & Intake Form ahead of time.
Boarding Requirements Overview
To make your pet’s stay as safe, healthy, and comfortable as possible, the following are required before boarding with us:
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​Established care at Brookeside
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​A visit with one of our veterinarians or a Fear Free Certified technician is required before your pet’s first boarding stay. This allows us to evaluate how your pet responds to the environment and ensure they’re placed in the most comfortable and appropriate space.
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Required Vaccinations
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​Dogs: Rabies, DHPP, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Canine Influenza
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Cats: Rabies, FVRCP
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Health Screening & Parasite Prevention
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​Current heartworm and tick screen
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Negative fecal exam within the past 6 months
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On consistent, year-round monthly prevention for fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Please provide the date the last dose was given
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Food and treats​​- To keep your pet’s feeding routine consistent and ensure accurate meal preparation, food baggies must be prepared for each meal your pet will receive during their stay.
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​Each baggie should include:
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Your pet’s name (first name and last initial or full name)
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Meal time (AM, PM, or afternoon)
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The pre-measured contents for that specific meal, sealed in a sandwich- or quart-sized bag
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Please place all food baggies in a labeled, secure container or tub for transport. We appreciate your help in keeping every pet’s mealtime organized and stress-free.
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​Refrigeration space is limited, so please avoid bringing food items that require cold storage unless medically necessary.
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​Medications (if applicable)
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If your pet takes any medication or supplements, please bring them in their original packaging with clear labels and instructions. This ensures our staff can safely and accurately administer doses.
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Personal Items & Comfort
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​You’re welcome to bring a familiar bed, blanket, or toy to help your pet feel at home. All belongings (except bedding) will be stored neatly in labeled bins provided by Brookeside for safety and organization.
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Helpful additional info
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Provide an emergency contact in case we need to reach someone quickly
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Share any behavior notes (e.g., nervous habits, preferences, known stress triggers) to help us personalize your pet’s stay.
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​If your pet has a chronic medical condition, an additional medical boarding fee applies to ensure proper daily oversight by our veterinary team.
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For a complete list of boarding requirements and preparation details, please visit our Full Boarding Requirements Page.
Check-In & Check-Out Information
We schedule all boarding arrivals and departures to ensure a calm, organized environment for every guest. Please allow 10–30 minutes for your check-in appointment so we can review your pet’s needs and belongings.
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Check-in hours: Mon 1–7 p.m. | Tue, Wed, Fri 1–5 p.m. | Thu 4-7 p.m. | Sat 11-1 p.m.
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Check-out hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Thu 12:30–3 p.m. | Sat 8:30-10 a.m.
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No check-ins or check-outs on Sundays.
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Thank you for helping us maintain a peaceful routine that keeps every pet relaxed and happy during their stay.
Boarding Options & Pricing
We’re continuing to invest in upgrades that make your pet’s stay even safer and more comfortable. Recent improvements include larger, redesigned suites and better movement flow for a calmer, fear-free experience, with more enhancements still to come.
Our goal is to provide an environment that feels like home, supported by caring staff and veterinarian oversight.
Rates:
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Dog Suites: $45 per night for the first pet, $35 for each additional dog (up to 3 total)
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Dog Rooms (over 25 lbs): $40 for the first dog, $35 for a second (up to 2 total)
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Small Dog Kennels (under 25 lbs): $35 (one pet per kennel)
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Cat Suites: $45 for the first cat, $20 for each additional cat (up to 4 total)
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Cat Kennels: $20 (one cat per kennel; rate will adjust once new cat condos are added)
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Medical Boarding Supplement: $15 per day for pets with chronic medical needs requiring daily medical staff check-ins
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Pricing helps us continue improving our facility and providing the attentive, individualized care every pet deserves.
Grooming Services
A clean pet is a happy pet—and regular grooming can support their comfort and health. Whether it’s a fresh trim or a seasonal bath, our grooming services are designed to help your dog or cat feel and look their best.
Grooming services include:
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Bath and brush-outs
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Nail trims
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De-shedding treatments
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Sanitary trims
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Breed-specific or custom cuts
Our gentle, experienced grooming team works at your pet’s pace and communicates clearly with you about any special needs or coat concerns.
Frequent Asked Questions
We know surgery and dental procedures can feel overwhelming. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from pet parents before and after their pet’s visit.
Do I have to be a client to board or make a grooming appointment?
No, you do not need to be an existing medical client to schedule grooming or boarding services. We welcome new guests and are happy to walk you through what’s needed.
Can I bring my pet’s own food and bedding?
Yes! We encourage bringing their regular food and a favorite blanket or toy. Familiar items help your pet feel more comfortable during their stay.
What vaccinations are required for boarding and grooming?
Boarding dogs must be current on Rabies, Distemper, Lepto, Flu, and Bordetella. Boarding cats must be up to date on Rabies and FVRCP.
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Grooming dogs must be current on Rabies, Distemper, Lepto, and Bordetella.
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We recommend sending records ahead of your pet’s visit to help with a smooth check-in.
What if my pet has anxiety or medical needs?
Our trained staff and on-site medical team are prepared to care for pets with special needs. Just let us know in advance so we can provide extra support and comfort.
Is there a required time I need to drop off and pick up for my boarding or grooming appointment?
Drop-off and pick-up times are scheduled when you book your appointment, based on our availability and your needs. Our team will walk you through the details when confirming your visit.
How long will grooming take?
Timing depends on your pet’s size, coat condition, and the services requested. Most grooming visits take between 2–4 hours. We’ll give you a time estimate when you drop off.
Let’s Get Your Pet Scheduled
Whether your pet needs a cozy place to stay or a refreshing groom, our team at Brookeside Veterinary Hospital is here to help. We provide boarding and grooming services with the same trusted care we give every patient.
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Call us today to schedule your visit. Our team will help you find the best time and make sure your pet has everything they need.
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Serving pets in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and the surrounding communities.