Recommendations for kennels in Midlands

chokolat2

Hi
I am looking for a nice kennel where I can leave my dog for 5 days when I am away in September.
I have never had to leave him with anyone before, so I am a bit nervous, but unfortunately I have to board him as no one can look after him.

Does anyone have any recommendations for nice kennels within the Midlands/Staffordshire areas - I don't mind paying a bit more as long as I know it is a good place.
Thanks in advance

sheramber

I have no knowledge of kennels in the Midlands but can give advice on checking out kennels before booking it.

Write a list of what you want to check such as

Are kennels licensed and insured? Both certificates should be on show.

What are the dogs fed?

Can they feed the same diet as at home? If not you may have to change the dog's food gradually beforehand or take your own food.

What is the daily routine? How much exercise do the dogs get and how often?

How many stafff are there and how many dogs are catered for? Does the staff number seem reasonable.

Are dogs mixed with others?

What bedding is provided? Can you bring the dog's own bed/toys?

You should be able to inspect the kennels before you book and should not need an appointment to do so. Regardless of excuses of upsetting the dogs etc I would be suspicious that I would be shown the kennels at their best, rather than how they normally look.

I would not leave my dog in a kennel I had not inspected. One in our area did not allow owners into the kennel area. You had to hand your dog over at reception and collect it from there- definitely a NO, NO in my book.

When you visit, do the dogs look happy, do the staff interact with them, are the kennels clean and do not smell?

Do the staff seem friendly and approachable?

You could also consider home boarding, where the dog is looked after in the boarders home or a house sitter who comes to stay in your house while you are away.

Are you happy with the answers to your questions and do you feel comfortable leaving your dog there? If not, don't.

Good luck in your search.

gettingtheresometime

Where are you in the Midlands?

I only ask as a kennels we use here in South Wales has a kennel in Coventry.

If the Coventry one is as good as the South Wales one then I would recommend them. But as Sheramber has said you would need to visit them to reassure yourself

chokolat2

Thank you Sheramber, will definitely make use of your tips

chokolat2

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

Where are you in the Midlands?

I only ask as a kennels we use here in South Wales has a kennel in Coventry.

If the Coventry one is as good as the South Wales one then I would recommend them. But as Sheramber has said you would need to visit them to reassure yourself

Yes Coventry is ok for us. Are you able to let me know what they are called so I can look them up?
Thank you

elsien

If you want home boarding rather than kennels, I can recommend the south Birmingham animals at home . It is more expensive, but the last time I used them they provided a very good service. It is a franchise, so I can't comment on other branches in other parts of the country.

gettingtheresometime

The kennels are called Royvon (https://www.royvon.co.uk) and as I said we put our dog in the south wales kennel.

Every time we've used them we've been happy with the way he's been looked after.

But, as I said before, please check them out to make sure you're happy with them

Wellyboots6

I've been in contact with a kennels by email regarding putting my dog in for a night in December. He is a rescue and hasn't been in kennels since I have had him due to not wanting to set his progress back. They have been really good and suggested I go and visit with him first.
They gave me their opening times and the times they are quietist to take him down to meet them.

To me they sound very genuine and helpful.

I can give you details once I have been to check them out, they are based in Derbyshire IG that is any good to you?