What animals can board at Epic Blue Acres?
We board dogs and cats of any breed, age and sex. All pets must be altered unless they are under 8 months of age.
Exceptions are made for current show dogs or dogs with a medical reason why they have not yet been altered.

Can we visit the facility before we board?
We encourage people to come see our facility to see how they like our place before they leave there pet on vacation with us. We feel this helps make for more comfortable pets and humans for when they will stay with us.
**Tours are by appointment only,We are not able to give tours during Peak Season or Holidays**
Please call or email for our avail tour dates/times. We offer tours on weekdays & weekends

What is a typical stay like at Epic Blue Acres?
That depends on the pet we are currently boarding - Every owner must fill out a routine form for their pet(s) prior to staying. We will then modify everything we do to follow that routine. Because of this every pets stay with us is different.

What if my dog is scared of other dogs?
That is not a problem as your pet(s) can be the only vacationers with us at that time. If there are other dogs already vacationing with us, we have the facilities to keep them totally separate.

What if my dog likes other dogs?
If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs we can arrange play time with one of our permanent resident dogs that would best suit your dogs play type. If we have other vacationers at they time they could also play together.

How do I know my dog wont get hurt by a aggressive dog staying at the same time?
We temperament test all of the dogs that we allow to play together. We do this with a 15 year background in accessing rescue dogs for adoption. If a dog shows ANY signs of aggression towards another dog they will be kept separate and only allowed to play with people. When dogs (from different homes) are interacting on any level there is ALWAYS someone right there to monitor. If we have any dominate personality dogs staying with us we will not allow toys during playtime, so as not to start a possession issue

What do I need to bring for my pet?
You can bring what ever you want your pet to have while he/she is away from home. This might include toys, dog bed, blanket, leash or anything else you can think of.If you only bring your pet - we supply plenty of beds, blankets, toys, chewer (if they can have) and lots of attention. If you do not bring your pets own food
we feed EarthBorn (Holistic) -OR- sensitive stomach diets to prevent upset tummies.

Who is caring for my pet on Wednesdays when you are closed?
We do not offer pick ups , drop offs or visits on Wednesdays; but we are here caring for your pets. While we love time spent with the dogs 24/7, a break from scheduling and client business is needed once in a while.

Will my dog ever be left alone?
We are family-owned and operated. We integrate our boarding into our family life. Normaly someone will be at the house with your pet 24 hours a day. The exception would be, we may have errands to run such as  to the grocery store, shuttle transport (for another pet in our care or to save a rescue dog) or doctors appt. We do our best to schedule such when we are not caring for dogs, but sometimes it can't be avoided. To assure the safety of pets in our care, we carefully arrange things so they are all separated while we are gone.

Why do we need to have an exact drop off and pick up time?
Because we are not a traditional kennel were the dogs are locked away in cages, but instead living freely in our home all the dogs staying with us are affected when people come and go. When we know what time an owner will be coming to drop off there pet(s) we can move the other vacationers off the main flooor. By doing this we are able to keep the stress level down for our current vacationers and allow the new pet to enter our home calmly with no other pets. Once the new dog(s) have adjusted and feel comfortable we can then safely introduce them to the other vacationers. If your dog does not do well with other dogs this allows us to keep them seperate but comfortable, for their stay.
When picking up we need a time as we don't want to feed a pet to close to the owners arrival as the excitment of an owner coming back could cause upset tummies or poss bloat. We also again only want your pet on the main floor when you arrive to keep as calm an atmosphere as possable. Studies show when dogs come and go from daycares/ playgroups, etc the anxity level rises - we dont want that for our vacationers.
If you have scheduled an appointment for drop off or pickup and need to change it, please give us the courtesy of a phone call. Otherwise, we may not be available if you arrive unexpectedly. If you arrive not on your schedualed time an "Off Time" charge will apply. "Off Time" Charges:  $10 for the first 20 minutes, $5 for each additional 20 minutes, from your scheduled time.
Also remember when you walk in the front door, you are also walking into our home.
Because of this and the fact we do not have employees; Appointment times need to be kept as schedualed.
This way we know how to plan our own daily activities.

Why do you require a deposit to hold reservations?
When we hold a reservation it is  exclusively for your pet. When we reach our capacity, we have to refuse reservation requests and turn business away. Since our space is limited and proceeds from our boarding go to help care for our rescues, cancellations affect us greatly

Can I call to check in on my pet?
Absolutely! We provide you with our vacation hotline # just for that reason. You will also be able to text for updates


Please call (716) 791-3367 or email (Epic_blue@juno.com) us for more information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Testimonials from our boarders:
"Best boarding experience I have ever had - thanks for the innovative and humane approach!" 
-Tyco's owner  2007

"It is so very obvious the love and care that go into your work.You think about every little detail of making sure that your boarders are happy and well cared for in their home away from home! Thanks for making our vacation enjoyable"
- Sadie's Parents  2008

"I have never been so calm when leaving Molly anywhere! You guys do a wonderful job "
-Molly's Parents 2009

"The experience for Miko was exceptional. Miko normally does not like to be seperated from us but it was very pleasent for him at EPIC BLUE"
-Miko's Parents 2010

"Oh my goodness it must have been so easy for Bella and Elvis with you! You are wonderful and,oh,so special. We all are so thankful."
-Bella & Elvis's grandma  2008

"I could tell Clancy had a very good time with you and was spoiled just like he is here at home.I especially appreciate you picking up and delivering Clancy to my home."
-Clancy's owner  2007

"I am so impressed by what your family is doing for your rescues! "
-Boo & Jet's mom  2008

"I can finally travel without worrying about Phoebe.I have never worried knowing she is in good hands while she stays with you. My only problem is I wish you were closer, However my peace of mind and your loving attentive care make it worth the trip !!"
-Pheobe & Sophie's mom  2007

"Thank you so much for taking care of Lilly and Layla while we were on vacation. We are so grateful that you have such a unique facility! We will definately be repeat customers and will pass the word on to pet owners we know. "
-The Wittig Family 2010

"..We were able to enjoy our vacation knowing JoJo and Titan were not locked in cages but actually staying in a family setting."
- JoJo & Titans Parents 2009

"When we dropped Holli off we could just tell she would be well taken care of. Shirley was great with her."
- Holli's parents  2007

"Teddy was so happy after we picked him up, it was like he had his own vacation.What a great place for Teddy to go when we are away!"
- Teddy's mom  2008

"He didn't know how to "fetch" before he visited you - he came back playing and this is so fun - thanks! He's been great ever since he got home; you took great care of him - he seemed even more comfortable at home than before he left, so I know he had a great experience."
- Pepper's mom  2008

"Layla obsolutely loved her vacation.Broke my heart, a bit,  when she wanted to stay! I can't believe there is a place that welcomes our dogs with open arms and makes them feel comfortable and part of the family. We have used a kennel 1  time -very upscale- EBAB is beyond that kennel. If anyone is hesitant in using Epic- I guarantee pet happiness and satisfaction !!
- Riley & Layla's Family  2009

"Best boarding experience Mars ever had."
-Mar's Mother 2010

Boarding or a Pet Sitter?
PET SITTERS:
  If your pet can not travel with you, find someone that is familiar with your pet and understands its individual temperment and any special needs.Idealy the fewer changes there are during your absence, the less anxious your pet will likely become.
  Your pet will be less stressed if it can stay at home,rather than go to a pet sitter's home or a kennel. A friend or relative may be an ideal caretaker, if they can move into your home while you are away: however, an experienced and trustworthy pet sitter  that becomes acquainted with your pet before your departure is the next best thing.
  Boarding your pet at a large kennel or Veterinary facility is more stressfull for your pet because it requires the greatest change. However boarding offers its advantages. Some pets develop bonds with kennel staff.The kennel can also be less lonely for pets.They can be entertained by the change in environment better than waiting home alone for a pet sitter to arrive. For aging pets or those with health concerns, the best place may be at a veterinary facility.

BOARDING:
  Wherever you decide to board your pet, it is important to meet the person or persons that will care for your pet in advance of your trip. Contact the boarding facility an request a tour. If you are not satisfied with any aspect of the facility (poor hygiene, apperance of other pets, lack of staff courtesy, bad attitude), you will have time to make other arrangements. When your plans are finalized, explain your pet's preferences of food, play, grooming and any other needs to the boarding attendants.
  When possible it may be helpful initially to board your pet for brief periods (several hours or an overnight) before your first long trip. This will allow it to become familiar with the conditions of the kennel and will teach the pet you will return to claim it. You may wish to leave a favorite toy or a garment that holds your sent. You pet may be happier and avoid bowel problems if you leave a supply of its regular food.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
  Leave a copy of your travel schedule and a list of phone numbers where you, or someone you trust, may be reached incase of emergency. Also, consider calling the pet sitter or boarding facility while you are away, to see if there are any problems or questions.

An Articale in
Canine & Feline Behavior Problems
Written by:
Stefanie Schwartz, DVM, MSc
Veterinarian & Pet Behavior Consultant

View the PCSA guide on How to chose a
pet care facility -
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Epic Blue Acres LLC       2011 Balmer Road       Ransomville, NY   14131       (716) 791-33