Greymont is probably out of the way for anyone in the Franklin/Brentwood/Nashville area. They offer a paid pick-up and drop-off service, but it's not an, "I want you to pick up Fido at 10am," option, it's a, "We'll be there around 3-4pm to get your dog," service (think cable company and not taxi). They do require a $15 departure bath (more on that later). When I toured the premises, they showed me everything, which is nice. There are no secrets about their facilities if given the tour I got.
Regardless of their inconvenient location and "pick-up service", I've used them twice. I even opted for the pick-up service once, but found the hours vs. fee not worth it. I ended up having to send the dog a day early, which means another day of kennel fees plus the pick-up fee. The drive out to Fairview is about 40-45 minutes for me.
The first time I sent only 1 dog, but forwarded both dog's records (for ease in the future). They did accept vet records by email, but they will confirm with your vet. I buy and administer Bordatella at home ($5 vs. vet+vaccine+trip) and just put the vaccine label on their shot record. The guy who picked up the dog called about 5 minutes out, which was nice. I got day school added a few times for exercise (I prefer one-on-one play, but it's their kennel so it's their options). No apparent problems; happy dog upon return. I even recommended them to a few friends.
The second time, months later, I sent both dogs (separate kennels). About 3 days before the reservation I got a message that the vaccines weren't okay. I called and the manager explained that they do not accept owner-administered vaccines. When I reminded him that 1 dog had already stayed months ago on those records, he said, "We made a mistake." Their kennel-their rules, so I had to get a vet appointment for a vaccines. Not a deal breaker, but it would have been nice to have known that the first time, not 3 days before boarding during a busy time with no other options.
After paying $636 for the week, $30 of which was for the mandatory departure baths, I got the dogs home to find large chunks of dried feces on the tail, around the anus, and on the rear legs of 1 dog. It was matted and appeared to be at least a day old, if not more (I had to soak some of the chunks in water just to get them to come out). Since I was there to pick up shortly after they opened, I checked my receipt to see if they had charged for the bath. Sure enough, there's a $15 bath fee on both dogs. I called and was told that, "Sometimes that happens," but they'd look into it. I got a call back about 4 minutes later assuring me that both dogs received a bath. At this point, I'm sniffing both dogs (I paid $636 and I have to sniff my dogs??). One smells like dog shampoo and 1, the dog with the surprise on the rear, smells like dog. I assure them that 1 dog didn't get a bath. I'm offered a $15 credit. Enter the manager (he of, "We made a mistake," lore).
The manager says he believes me, but wishes I would have brought the dog back for a bath. Remember when I said Greymont Kennel isn't convenient? Honestly, if you were asked to drive 40-45 minutes back out to Fairview to show someone dried/crusted dog feces, would you do it? I'd also decided that maybe I should clean up the dog given that it's an inside pet and there's just something about a dog with feces on it that makes me not want to let it roam about inside the house.
He asks, "What can I do?". I really think it shows great business sense to offer remedies first. If you want to keep business (and not make me type what Yelp is calling a "pretty epic" review), then give what you think are fair remedies, then confirm that the customer is happy. If not, see what the customer wants. If they ask for more than their business is worth, then both sides realize a business relationship is over. I ask for a $15 bath refund since 1 dog didn't get the bath. So, with the admission of 2 mistakes (vaccine and bath), Greymont Kennel gives a $15 refund. Was I happy I got 15 off? No. I really got $0 off since 1 dog didn't get the bath, and I had to call, get called back, explain twice, listen to the I believe you, but wish you would have shown me comments, and negotiate my own remedy.
Will I use Greymont again? Certainly they've damaged my confidence in them to board my dogs. It's not likely I'll recommend them again, and will likely discuss my new experience with those friends I have recommended or who ask. This area has lots of kennels closer, some of which may accept the owner-administered vaccines (or be reasonable on notice that they don't), which don't require a $15 bath and not give it, and which really want my $636.
Why 3 stars, you ask? Because Yelp doesn't allow 2.5 out of 5. read more