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Kennel supports pets through self- sufficiency

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Open since late 2010, Tanker Tails is the only Air Force non-appropriated funded kennel ran strictly by profit in the continental United States.

"We are funded strictly by profit because we do not get Air Force money," said Heather Krell, 92nd Force Support Squadron Tanker Tails manager. "The base decided to give the kennel a go and people seem to like the idea of having a kennel on base."

Tanker Tails provides overnight pet boarding services, daycare stays and bathing services in order to support traveling Airmen.

"We support the Airmen who deploy, go TDY or just need to take a vacation," said Krell. "We recently had two cats stay with us for four months due to a deployment."

As important as it is to support the Airmen, "The priority of the kennel is the animals," Krell said.

The kennel has 12 indoor and outdoor dog kennels, two indoor dog condos and six cat condos.

Three people work at the kennels ensuring the dogs receive a minimum of two walks per day and two play sessions in the play area. Cats are allowed out of their condos on a rotational basis to play with cat toys or stretch their legs.

"The kennel also provides a bathing area for do-it-yourself baths or full-service baths where kennel workers bath and dry your dog and trim their nails," said Krell. "Reservations must be made in advance and weekends and holidays are our busiest times."

Tanker Tails is looking to expand their services for members of Fairchild by having better hours for those who want to do weekly day care for their pet. They also plan to start obedience classes.

The kennel does accept donations. Lodging donates unusable linens, but most donations come from the customers. The donations the kennel receives are dog treats, food and dog toys. People have also made cat toys and cat beds, which are used frequently.

"We are beneficial to the base because people feel secure that someone on base is taking care of their pets while they are away," said Krell. "We provide top-notch service I have not seen or experienced at other kennels while traveling the world with my two Labradors."

For more information on the kennels, call Tanker Tails at 509-247-4699.