An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ARTICLE SEARCH

Base kennel opens before holidays

  • Published
  • By Scott King
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Fairchild is now home to one of just a few animal kennels located on a military installation within the continental United States.

Tanker Tails opened its doors Oct. 18 and is capable of housing 12 large dogs, four small "toy" dogs and up to 12 cats. If there is more than one pet per family, they can be housed in same area. The dog runs are indoor and outdoor. The cat area is indoors.

"It's great that we can take care of so many animals here," said Mary Strickland, manger of Tanker Tails. "The feedback from Fairchild families has been nothing short of positive.
Folks are extremely happy we are here now to ensure the base's pet 'kiddo' members will be taken care of as if they were home."

The animals are very well taken care of and pampered at the facility.

The dogs are walked a minimum of two times per day, lasting at least 15 minutes, and are also offered a large outdoor play yard. In addition, every dog receives one-on-one time with staff multiple times per day.

Cats are housed in "cat condos" and also can play in a cat-only area. They too enjoy one-on-one time with staff. All the pets are fed twice daily and given fresh water as needed. In addition to boarding services, Tanker Tails also offers "do it yourself baths" or the staff can take care of it for people.

The staff strives to make the animals feel at home by bonding with them, and the customers comfortable through frequent contact.

"I was very concerned about my Collie, Michael - he's never been alone before," said recent customer, Rosalie Thompson. "I was extremely impressed with the staff at Tanker
Tails, they seemed to have bonded very fast with him. I would call daily and they said he was doing great - they really did a great job with him."

As with most kennels, all breeds are welcomed as long as they are deemed safe, and all pets must be vaccinated.

All pets must have de-worming and rabies vaccinations. A bordetella booster is required every six months. Dogs require distemper, parvo, adenovirus and parainfluenza vaccinations. Cats require rhinotrachetitism, calici, panleukopenia and chlamydia psittaci vaccinations.

With the holidays just around the corner, the facility couldn't have opened at a better time.
"The timing couldn't be better for our opening," Ms. Strickland said. "We know how hard
Team Fairchild members work and want people to be able to take holiday vacations
while having peace of mind that their pets are well taken care of."

The last date for reservations for pet housing before Christmas is Dec. 23.
For pricing and additional information, Tanker Tails is located at Bldg 109 on 9 Sports Range Road and can be reached at 247-4699.