Cheap, but good alternative to Kennels?

missbargain

I think that part of the problem is that there are 3 dogs in question, not only 1 or 2.

I myself approached a lady I have only just met at the party to look after my cat while I was on holiday, for 10 pounds a day. This included cleaning the litter box, playing with him, feeding him, watering the flowers, opening/closing the shutters.

Also, becaue she only lives a street away, she was more than happy to visit him twice a day for this money, without being asked. She would visit him on her way to the shops once a day, and purposely once a day, too. She even visited 3 times a day on some days, for the same money. My next door neighbour/friend confirmed this, and Zebs was so happy when we returned, it was great.

This lady was a friend of a friend, so I knew I could trust her. She was as happy as Larry to do this as she loves animals (used to have a cat herself) and was happy to earn 100 quid for 10 days for relatively little work (but highly valuable to me and my Zebs). We even became good friends and she agreed to look after my Zebs every time I go away.

I would have thought that in these times there must be young (or older) people out there who you can trust, who would be willing to make 10-12 pounds a day to look after a dog (or 2 dogs) a couple of times a day. This means that they would have to live very close to you. But perhaps 3 dogs are harder to look after, as not everyone could handle that...Is it possible to give one dog to a family member, so you only need to pay for 2 dogs to be looked after?

Could you ask your friends or family if they know someone trustworthy and reliable who would be happy to do this for you for certain amount of money, say 10-12 pounds a day? Or perhaps a good neigbour who is out of work/retired might be willing to do this for you?

Doogiesmum

missbargain wrote: »

I would have thought that in these times there must be young (or older) people out there who you can trust, who would be willing to make 10-12 pounds a day to look after a dog (or 2 dogs) a couple of times a day. This means that they would have to live very close to you

You can't leave dogs to be looked in on a couple of times a day, it is cruel.

Can you haggle with the Kennels?

missbargain

Sorry, it is obvious that I am not a dog owner, only cat's.

Please disregard my post (but I won't delete it as it might be helpful for people who need cat sitting )

UKTigerlily

The OP has two not three dogs to be looked after, the third goes to her nephew. What about forums for the breed? My next holiday is in March & I use a Fancy Rats forum alot & a girl there from the next village will look after them for me next time as the Pet Sitter Swap lady is on holiday herself the same week. I know I can trust her from reading her posts & meeting her own Rats etc plus of course you have ID etc so know where they live x

missbargain

Hehe, Fancy Rats I need Fancy Cats

OP, do let us know if you managed to work something out.

Kerriebaby

I dont know where you live? be very carefull with some of the "cheaper" home boarding people, many do not have insurance, so if anything happened to your dogs ( bit someone, got lost, injured/sick ) then you wont have a leg to stand on.

where abouts in the country are you? I have friends who run similar businesses to myself, who may be able to do discounts for you

Milford_Cubicle

UKTigerlily wrote: »

What about forums for the breed?

For your Lab, try www.labradorforums.co.uk
A really excellent source of advice and information and someone may be able to help you out.

Steph998

Thanks all for the helpful replies. I am sort of new to this forum (ish) and haven't quite worked out how to keep on top of all the posts I make...so I confess, I forgot about this one until today. (I did have a nagging feeling I was missing something..lol..glad I found it.)

Our dilemma is sorted....for this holiday at least. Nephew is taking the Golden, and friends of ours who lost their Cav a few months ago have offered to take the paps. We didn't want to ask them, thought it was bit insensitive....but the subject came up the last time OH bumped into them and they seem quite keen. They will be spoilt rotten.

Its is a dilemma though isn't it? And it is the three dogs that are the problem...although of course, I wouldn't be without them. I think we will have to stick to our caravan holidays, and hope for miracle friends for our occasional forays abroad.

Will definitely be having a look at the useful websites posted in the thread. Thanks.

For the poster who asked where I am....North East Scotland!

Errata

Good to hear you've got it sorted. If the problem is finding somewhere for the papillons after this holiday why not get them pet passports and take them abroad with you ? I think the passports take 6 months to be completed.

toniq

My puppy ( 9 months ) went to kennels hen he was 6 months for 5 nights whilst we had a break to the coast, he was absolutley fine, and they even offered to put him in with another dog to keep him company, on that occassion we said no as he was still quite nervy, i rang three times a day, they didnt mind, he was pleased to see us when we returned but coped ok.
Our kennels near gatwick cost 11 per night food included.
My pup topsy, is a thoroughly spoilt pampered lil boy , but we knew as we take a holiday every year he would have to get used to the kennels.
good luck. xxxx