Policies
Barker’s Cove Kennels – Picayune & Carriere, MS
At Barker’s Cove Kennels, our policies are designed to ensure a safe, clean, and well-managed environment for every dog in our care. Please review the following policies carefully prior to booking.
By reserving services with Barker’s Cove Kennels, clients acknowledge and agree to all policies outlined below.
Vaccinations
To protect the health and safety of all dogs and staff, current vaccinations are required for all boarding, daycare, and grooming services.
Required Vaccinations
All dogs must be current on:
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Rabies
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Distemper / DHPP
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Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Proof of vaccination must be provided prior to arrival. Verbal confirmation is not accepted.
Bordetella Timing
Bordetella must be administered at least 7 days before arrival to allow adequate immunity. Recently administered or same-day Bordetella vaccines do not meet our requirements.
Dogs with expired or missing vaccination records will be refused entry.
Proof of Vaccination
Accepted forms of proof include:
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Veterinary records
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Documentation from a licensed veterinarian or from the PRSPCA
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Records uploaded to your online client profile
Breed and Temperament Policy
For the safety of our guests and staff, acceptance at Barker’s Cove Kennels is based on temperament, handling requirements, behavior history, and facility design.
Restricted Breeds
At this time, Barker’s Cove Kennels does not accept the following breeds or breed mixes:
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Pit Bull–type breeds (including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
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American Bully (all sizes)
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Chow Chow
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Cane Corso
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English Bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogs and American Bulldogs
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Presa Canario
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Dogo Argentino
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Wolf hybrids
Breed determination is made at the discretion of Barker’s Cove Kennels. This policy applies to all services, including boarding, daycare, and grooming.
Health and Illness Policy
All dogs must arrive healthy and free of contagious illness.
Dogs showing signs of illness—including coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or other concerning symptoms—may be refused entry or sent home at any time.
If a dog becomes ill during their stay:
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Owners will be notified as soon as possible
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Emergency veterinary care may be sought if necessary
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All veterinary and related expenses are the responsibility of the owner
Flea and Parasites
Policy
Barker’s Cove Kennels maintains a strict flea-free environment.
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Dogs must arrive free of fleas, ticks, and other external parasites
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Dogs showing signs of infestation at check-in may be refused entry
If fleas or parasites are found at any time during a dog’s stay, Barker’s Cove Kennels will:
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Administer flea treatment (such as Capstar or equivalent)
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Perform additional sanitation as needed
The cost of treatment and related services will be charged to the owner’s account. By booking services, owners authorize treatment if parasites are found.
Medication Policy
Medications will be administered according to written instructions provided by the owner.
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Medications must be clearly labeled
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Original prescription containers are preferred
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Barker’s Cove Kennels cannot guarantee exact dosing times, but medications will be administered within reasonable intervals
We reserve the right to refuse medications that are unclear, improperly labeled, or unsafe to administer.
Feeding Policy
Owners must provide their dog’s regular food.
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Pre-portioned meals are strongly encouraged
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Science Diet Sensitive Skin and Stomach is available for a small fee per cup.
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Special diets and feeding instructions must be clearly labeled
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If food runs out, the owner will be contacted, or a substitute food may be provided at the owner’s expense
Raw diets are not accepted.
Personal Belongings
For sanitation and safety reasons:
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Personal beds and blankets are not permitted
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Barker’s Cove Kennels provides clean, freshly laundered bedding for every guest
Limited personal items may be accepted at our discretion. Barker’s Cove Kennels is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings.
Behavior & Safety Policy
All dogs must be able to be safely handled by staff.
Dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior, excessive stress, or unsafe handling issues may:
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Be removed from group areas
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Be restricted to limited handling
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Be sent home if necessary
Barker’s Cove Kennels reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services if a dog’s behavior poses a safety risk.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Policy
Drop-off and pick-up are available during designated business hours only.
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Appointments must be scheduled within approved time windows
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Late pickups may incur additional fees
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Holiday hours may vary
Please contact us in advance with any scheduling concerns.
Reservations, Cancellations &
No-Shows
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Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak travel periods
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Holiday boarding requires advance booking
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No-shows and late cancellations may result in fees or loss of future booking privileges
Specific cancellation timelines may apply during peak seasons.
Emergency & Veterinary Care Authorization
In the event of an emergency, Barker’s Cove Kennels is authorized to seek veterinary care if the owner or emergency contact cannot be reached.
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All veterinary and related costs are the responsibility of the owner
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Emergency contact information is required prior to check-in
Payment Policy
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Payment is due according to the terms provided at booking.
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Accepted forms of payment are outlined at reservation
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Returned or declined payments may result in additional fees
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Outstanding balances must be resolved prior to future bookings
Acknowledgement
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By booking services with Barker’s Cove Kennels, clients acknowledge that:
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All policies have been read and understood
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Acceptance is not guaranteed
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Barker’s Cove Kennels reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services when necessary for safety, health, or operational reasons