Frequently Asked Questions about Home Boarding your dog.
Q: Will my dog be suitable for home boarding?
Q: Will my dog be suitable for home boarding?
A: Home boarding is suitable for most friendly, family dogs.
I am not a kennels. Your dog will live in the house with me and all I ask is that guest dogs are sociable, fully house trained, non-destructive and not excessively noisy. I do not expect dogs to be perfectly behaved at all times, but dogs that have known habits of chewing, food stealing, constant barking or howling, who show aggression to humans or dogs, or those who display possessive behaviours such as guarding food, toys or beds, will not be a good match for my home. |
Q: Will my dog enjoy living with you?
A: I hope so! I do everything I can to ensure that your dog enjoys their stay, and have lots of regular guests who thoroughly enjoy their holidays here and who have very much become part of the family.
Your dog will get a minimum of two walks a day (barring any reduced exercise needs due to age, health, breed or extreme weather) and as many cuddles as they want. Playful dogs will have plenty of opportunity to play both with me and with my other doggy guests. There is enough space for dogs to enjoy that all important quiet time too. There are some dogs that find being away from home or sharing a house with other dogs stressful, even if they are sociable. For this reason, I always recommend that you book your dog in for a minimum one day trial before your holiday so that I can assess your dog’s suitability. |
Q: Do you accept puppies and/or older dogs?
A: In general, puppies tend not to meet the requirements stated above, but I will always judge each dog as an individual, so it is really not about the age of your dog, but their suitability.
Older dogs are welcome and I can accommodate any reduced exercise needs as well as administer any medication necessary. |
Q: Will my dog ever be left alone in your house?
A: Yes. Dogs are left periodically while I walk or visit other clients. Dogs will never be left for more than a maximum of 3 hour in any 24 hour period.
Dogs from different households are separated when I am out as a safety precaution. It is rare that I would need to leave dogs for any longer than this, and in the event of an unforseen emergency that may require me to be out for anything over 3 hours, I would employ someone else to come into the house in my absence. I will never have another person walk your dog without your prior knowledge and consent. |
Q: Does my dog need to be neutered to stay with you?
A: Unfortunately I can only accept male dogs that have been surgically or chemically castrated. This is not necessarily to do with the entire male's behaviour, but because the hormones given off by an entire male have in the past had unpredictable effects on other dogs in our care.
I can not accept bitches who are in season or about to come into season. |
Q: What vaccinations does my dog need to have?
A: It is a condition of my boarding license that dogs must have up to date vaccinations or a current titre test as proof of immunity.
You will need to bring your vaccination card with you when you arrive. Dogs must also have been recently treated for fleas and worms. Please ensure you let me know which medications were used and the date they were given. |
Q: What do I need to bring for my dog’s stay?
A:
If you require your dog to be crated at night or when left, please bring a suitable crate with you. |
Q: Where will my dog sleep while staying with you?
Q: What happens if my dog becomes ill or injured?
A: You will have filled in my boarding form when you booked your dog's stay and this will provide me with your vet's details and your emergency contact details. Unless there is a serious emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention, I will always attempt to contact you before taking any action.
I have many years of experience in dealing with animals which includes injured and/or sick animals and I have attended a canine first aid course. I have a first aid kit in the house and in my vehicle and carry my mobile phone on me at all times. |
Q: How and when will I need to pay?
I require a 50% deposit to secure a booking. The balance will be due on or before the date boarding commences.
Bookings are not confirmed until I have received a deposit. My preferred payment method is bank transfer, details of which will be on your invoice. I can also accept cash but cannot take cheques due to the bank charges they incur. |
Q: What if I need to cancel my booking?
Q: What time can I drop off and collect my dog?
A: A free collection and drop off service is included in the price, but for owners that prefer to drop off and collect themselves, this can be done in the morning between 8 am and 9 am or in the evening between 5 pm and 6 pm. Times must be arranged prior to ensure that I am in.
Boarding is charged per night, and a day care fee will apply on the final day if dogs are staying past 9 am. I recommend first time guests arrive in the morning so that they have plenty of time to settle in before bed time. |
Q: Sounds great! How do I make a booking?
A: Contact me with your potential boarding dates and to arrange a free 'Meet and Greet'.
Meet and Greets take place outside of my home in a neutral environment so that our dogs can give each other a sniff over and get acquainted. All being well, we'll then go to my house where your dog can have a sniff around while us humans have a chat. If we are all happy, we can go ahead and book your dog in for a trial day. |