Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit or inspect the kennel facility?

Inspection is welcome during allocated periods in order that you may familiarize yourself with our facility. It may help to put your mind at ease to see the kennel before you leave your pet. We do suggest that if you plan on inspecting the kennels, that you do so prior to the date of arrival.

We do not conduct any viewings on Sundays or peak boarding periods. For example: Friday through Tuesday of Bank Holiday weekends. We would like to spend as much time with you as possible to answer any questions that you might have. During peak kennel times, it is difficult for us to spend the time with you. It also minimises the excitement & stress levels of our boarders.

Studies have shown that it is much easier for your pet to be escorted to his quarters by the kennel staff. "Tearful goodbyes" from an owner inside the kennel area may be upsetting to your pet as well as disruptive to others. Also, we have experienced certain breeds “guarding” their space after the owner has departed, this is unfair on the dog and dangerous for staff.

How far in advance do I need to reserve kennel space for my pet?

This is dependant to the time of year. At peak holiday times, we suggest that you book as far in advance of your plans as possible. Clients with multiple pets &/or pets with special needs need to allow more lead-in time for kennel booking.

What exercise does my dog get at your kennels?

We exercise your dogs three times a day. This consists of a free run in one of our large grassed (and secure) play areas. Lead walks are also available on top of this, but we do make a small surcharge of £1.00 per dog per walk.

What do I need to bring?

We will need to see your pet’s vaccination certificate. Details of the vaccines we require can be found on the Terms and Conditions pages.

Can I bring my pets favourite toys/bedding?

Yes you can, But please be aware that some dogs can be destructive in kennels and you may not get the items returned in the same condition., if at all

What diet will my pet have whilst in your care?

We feed a very high quality food called Arden Grange. We also carry a selection of other popular foods should your pet not take to this.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes you can - but we must insist that it be in a sealed container as per the conditions of our boarding licence, the container should be labelled with the pets name and full instructions. There will be no alteration to the overall boarding fee.

My dog has to have regular medication - is this a problem?

Not a problem at all, but ALL medicines must be in secure containers, labelled with your name, your pets name, dosages and details of your vet.

What vaccinations do you require?

Please see Terms and Conditions for details

How much will I be charged?

Our pricing system is dependant on the breed of animal. For cross breeds particularly, the final price will be decided when we see your pet.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

We require a non-refundable deposit for ALL bookings.

Do you collect or deliver animals?

Yes we do offer a collection and delivery service for your pet. Prices are currently .50p per running mile. So if you are located 5 miles away, the total journey is 10 miles totalling £5. A valeting charge mat be levied if applicable.

This can only be arranged with at least one weeks notice, and we do not offer this service on Bank Holiday weekends or Sundays.

What happens if I cancel?

All cancellations are subject to our usual terms and conditions

Can I collect/drop off my pet outside of your regular opening hours?

The simple answer to that one is NO. All our boarders have a strict routine and any disruption to that can be quite upsetting for them.

When the gates are closed, we are attending to the animals' needs. please DO NOT call us from the gate and ask us to open up just for you. It is extremely disrespectful to us and unfair to the animals.

What to expect when your friend comes home

Most pets settle quite well into a new environment, even so, some will urinate more frequently in their kennel, than they do at home. Territory marking is very common especially around the hatchway. Long haired dogs in particular will tend to “mop” urine up. Whilst we do try very hard to keep your pet clean and smelling fresh, it can prove very difficult. We can arrange a bath prior to pick up.

Some pets can be overwhelmed by the excitement of returning home and may experience loose stools for a while. You may feel a little quilty for leaving him/her and it is very tempting to feed treats and tit bits at this time, making the situation worse. If this happens to it is best to withhold feed altogether for one meal and then feed a bland diet, i.e. plain dried food, rice, chicken etc. If loose stools persist, contact your vet.

Fresh water is available to your pet in the kennel at all times.  Excessive thirst is often a symptom of excess excitement.

You may also find that your dog is quiet, There is a lot of fun to be had here and your dog can get quite 'vocal' in the kennels, because of this, he may have a slight sore throat.

He may also sleep soundly for the next day or so - this is normal due to the level of activity in the kennels - we like to call this a kennel 'hangover'.

Boarding for the First Time

If you are considering boarding your pet, bring him to the kennels for a day or an overnight stay, preferably mid-week when there will be less coming and going. This is your best test of how your dog will cope.

Don't necessarily blame the kennels for your dog not settling; think about his personality and work out what would suit him best. 

If you have a dog that is liable to bite, accept that though you love him dearly the daily boarding fee won't cover the cost should anyone suffer an injury, the kennel is perfectly entitled to refuse to take him.

When Should I Start Boarding Him?

Try and start boarding when the dog is young, say six months or so. This will make kennels a perfectly natural experience for him, just another new thing in his life. Leave it until he is five or six years and it will be much more difficult, and don't think about boarding an elderly dog for the first time. He won't understand and will be utterly desolate.

Remember the Kennel Staff

Most Boarding Kennels are open all year, weekends, Bank Holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year. Few jobs are more demanding in terms of time, commitment and responsibility. So if you want to be a favoured client who will always be found space, in the busiest week in August or at Christmas and bank Holidays, when everyone else is being turned away, treat the kennel owners with consideration:-

If you do need to cancel give the kennels as much notice as possible so they have an opportunity to re-let the kennel. After all it is their livelihood and late cancellation fees are often applied. Make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions relating to cancellations.

HOME