minimum acceptable standards in boarding kennels?

viktory

elsien wrote: »

Dogsbody, I've never seen a kennel with webcams, certainly none of them around here do. How common is it, to your knowledge?

This place advertises kennels equipped with web cams. If ever I have to leave my two in kennels, this is the place they are going.

zaksmum

viktory wrote: »

This place advertises kennels equipped with web cams. If ever I have to leave my two in kennels, this is the place they are going.

OOOH, that place looks fabulous, viktory. Wish it was near to me because I'd definitely give it a go.

To be honest I can't imagine why owners didn't take one look at the kennels I saw and refuse to leave their dogs there. I suppose some people think as long as the dog's in one piece when they are collected, that's all that matters.

meritaten

tbh, the place I left Meg looked a bit tatty at first sight. typical Welsh Longhouse farm. the dogs were housed in old cattlesheds.........inside was a different story! they had nice big pens and runs outside. It didnt smell bad - ok there was the odd puddle but its unfair to judge on that alone. I couldnt help noticing the shelves of different dog food (one I had been to I couldnt see ANY food) and different treats. there was a huge bin full of toys and some dogs seemed to have blankies with them! Also, the staff seemed to 'connect' with the dogs! I would always advise a personal visit - and use your common sense!

DogsBody

zaksmum wrote: »

Thanks dogsbody and meritaten. I know there must be good kennels out there and I will do whatever it takes to find the right one for my dogs...I LOVE those Country club ones where the dog has a comfy bed!!

I don't know if you've ever been to a Dogs Trust Centre, but the pens there are fine. Bright, spacious, with the dogs lying on donated old sofas or armchairs - and all with views of the outdoor parkland, with a quieter sleeping area for night time.

I love those new Dogs Trust kennels, I'd love glazed fronts 'when I rule the world' etc Have to employ a window cleaner though, hehehe;)

Sadly, 'squashy' furniture generally won't get past the license conditions (different rules apply to boarding vs rescue)- has to be indestructible, easily disinfected, machine washable or disposable - plastic or metal chairs with washable cushions might be nice though

zaksmum wrote: »

I've found a dog home boarder near me tonight. I contacted her and I'm taking the dogs to meet her tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me that she's nice enough to leave my dogs with!!

Ooooo, how did it go?

zaksmum

DogsBody wrote: »

I love those new Dogs Trust kennels, I'd love glazed fronts 'when I rule the world' etc Have to employ a window cleaner though, hehehe;)

Sadly, 'squashy' furniture generally won't get past the license conditions (different rules apply to boarding vs rescue)- has to be indestructible, easily disinfected, machine washable or disposable - plastic or metal chairs with washable cushions might be nice though



Ooooo, how did it go?

The home boarder seemed really nice. Younger than I'd expected but her house wasn't one where you'd be worried about mess...I don't mean that in a rude way, just that if you are dog boarding you can't expect your house to be a palace. She connected well with my dogs who seemed to take to her. She said she would only be taking dogs from any one family at any one time, so no worries about fights breaking out with strange dogs. My two would be the only dogs in the house for the time they would be there.

A million miles better than kennels. You have to go with your gut instinct, to just hand your dogs over to a complete stranger for a week, and this lady did seem fine.

I'm meeting her again next week at my house, and meanwhile there's another home boarder I'm seeing on tuesday.

I just want the best I can find for my dogs.

elliebobs

Just in case your dog sitter doesn't work out you can try these kennels;
http://www.paws-n-claws.co.uk/home

The in laws use them for their three, very boisterous, border terriers and loves them. The dogs (two girls, one boy) are always ok when they pick them up which is a good sign.

My neighbour also uses them for his Rotty.

It's also not a million miles away from you too.

Beckyy

I wouldn't touch them with a bargepole, and I don't blame you for being put off!

Have you tried Animal Angels? They are a nationwide pet sitting company which employ people who are experienced with dogs. You pay them a set rate to look after your dog(s) in your own home. All the details are on their website, and they seem to be very professional. I've never used them before, but I've heard of them many times.

Their website: http://www.professionalpetsitting.co.uk/

lorietta

I haven't read the whole thread, but I used to work in a dog kennels as a Saturday job, and that sounds horrible =[. I don't know everything about the lisences, but I do believe they are more into things like vaccination than the conditions of the kennels. I think it may vary to some extend depending on local authorities? I might be totally wrong though.

I find it very sad no-one was playing with the dogs when they were out. It is true some dogs don't want to play, but we would always try to interact with them, give them cuddles, play with toys with them and things like that.

However, I do think there is no way kennels can give your dog the same level of attention someone looking after them in their home can, so I think you made the right decision.

zaksmum

Beckyy wrote: »

I wouldn't touch them with a bargepole, and I don't blame you for being put off!

Have you tried Animal Angels? They are a nationwide pet sitting company which employ people who are experienced with dogs. You pay them a set rate to look after your dog(s) in your own home. All the details are on their website, and they seem to be very professional. I've never used them before, but I've heard of them many times.

Their website: http://www.professionalpetsitting.co.uk/

Thanks Becky. But I wouldn't want to leave my dogs at my own home with sitters - many of them just say they will come round each day to see to the dogs but that would mean they were alone in the house overnight. Anything could happen - like a fire - and I couldn't take the chance. I'd want the dogs to be somewhere they had supervision at all times. Even the companies that send someone to live in your house wouldn't be right for me - I don't like the idea of a stranger living at my house while I'm away.

zaksmum

Just looked at Animal Angels website...FROM £46.50 a day????

That will be around £350 a week...to get ONE dog minded...I think you'd need a mortgage for my two!!! THEN they charge a mileage allowance on top...sorry but I think that's well over the top to get your dog minded for a week!!!