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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Our Pet Care Services

General Questions

What makes Paws & Applause different from other pet care facilities?

We're woman and veteran-owned with NePoPo® certified trainers. We limit our capacity to provide personalized attention to each pet. Unlike large facilities with 50+ dogs, we maintain small groups ensuring your pet gets individual care, not just warehouse storage.

Where are you located and what areas do you serve?

We're located at 7337 Tomotley Road, Maryville, TN 37801. We serve Maryville, Alcoa, Louisville, Friendsville, Seymour, and surrounding Blount County areas. Our pet taxi service covers up to 10 miles from our facility.

What are your hours of operation?

Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. We offer outside-hours pickup/drop-off for an additional $10 fee. Holiday hours may vary.

What vaccinations are required?

Required: Rabies, DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), and Bordetella. All vaccinations must be current. We recommend but don't require flea/tick prevention.

Boarding Questions

What should I bring for my dog's boarding stay?

Bring your dog's regular food (prevents stomach upset), any medications with clear instructions, favorite toys or blankets for comfort, current vaccination records, and emergency contact information. We provide bowls, bedding, and treats (with your permission).

How much does boarding cost?

Boarding is $55 per night. Second dogs from the same family receive a 10% discount. Holiday rates are 25% higher. Pick up before noon on departure day is no charge; after noon counts as an additional day.

Can I visit my dog during their stay?

We don't recommend visits as they can cause anxiety and disrupt routines. Instead, we send daily photo updates so you can see how much fun your dog is having!

What if my dog needs medication?

We administer medications at no extra charge. Bring medications in original containers with clear instructions. We can handle pills, liquids, injections (like insulin), and topical treatments.

Daycare Questions

What's included in doggy daycare?

Daycare includes supervised playtime, socialization, basic training reinforcement, rest periods, fresh water access, and lots of love and attention. Dogs are grouped by size and temperament for safety.

Is my senior dog too old for daycare?

Never! We love senior dogs and customize activities for them. They get gentle play, extra rest, modified exercise, and special attention. Many older dogs thrive with the mental stimulation and companionship.

How do you handle dogs that don't get along?

Our trained staff carefully monitors all interactions. Dogs are separated by temperament and play style. If a dog needs alone time or doesn't enjoy group play, we provide individual attention and activities.

What's your daycare schedule and pricing?

Daycare is $35 per day. Drop off between 7-9 AM, pick up between 4-7 PM (Mon-Fri). Weekend hours are 9 AM - 5 PM. Half days available for $20 (4 hours or less).

Training Questions

What is NePoPo® training?

NePoPo® (Negative Positive Positive) is a balanced training method that uses minimal pressure followed by double positive reinforcement. It creates clear communication between dogs and handlers, resulting in confident, happy dogs who understand expectations.

What's included in board & train programs?

Our 2-week ($1,800) and 4-week ($3,200) programs include: daily training sessions, basic to advanced obedience, behavior modification, socialization, progress videos, handler training session, and lifetime support.

Can you help with aggressive dogs?

Yes! Our certified trainers specialize in behavior modification. We evaluate each dog individually and create customized training plans. There's an additional fee for aggressive dog handling, but we're committed to helping every dog.

Do you offer private training sessions?

Yes, we offer private lessons at $75/hour. These are perfect for specific issues or owners who want to be actively involved in training. Package deals available.

Grooming Questions

What grooming services do you offer?

Full service grooming includes: bath, blow dry, nail trim, ear cleaning, anal gland expression (if needed), and breed-specific cuts. Prices vary by size and coat type: Small dogs $45+, Medium $65+, Large $85+.

How often should my dog be groomed?

Depends on breed and coat type. Long-haired dogs: every 4-6 weeks. Short-haired dogs: every 8-12 weeks. All dogs benefit from monthly nail trims. We can recommend a schedule based on your dog's needs.

Do you groom cats?

Currently, we only groom dogs. We can recommend trusted cat groomers in the Maryville area if needed.

Pricing & Billing Questions

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. Payment is due at time of service. For boarding, we require a 50% deposit to hold your reservation.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes! Military/veteran discount: 10%, Multiple pet discount: 10% off second pet, Referral rewards program, Package deals for regular daycare attendance.

What's your cancellation policy?

48-hour notice required for cancellations. Last-minute cancellations may forfeit deposit. We understand emergencies happen and handle them case-by-case.

Are there any hidden fees?

No hidden fees! Our prices include everything except: outside-hours service ($10), aggressive dog handling (varies), and holiday rates (25% surcharge). Medication administration is FREE.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help! Contact us for any questions not covered here.