If the boarding establishment isn't happy to answer your questions or you're not satisfied they'll be able to care for your pet properly, keep looking for a reputable boarder until you find one you feel happy with.
Going Away? What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know When Considering a Home Boarder or Day Care Service.
We all want our furry friends to be in the safest hands possible, especially when we can't be with them. Dog home boarding provides a homely and loving environment for your dog while you're away, but finding the right service can be challenging. At Happy Hound Haven, we understand your concerns and pride ourselves in offering a safe, licenced, trustworthy and compliant home boarding service. No matter where you are, we ensure peace of mind for you and a safe, happy experience for your dog.
Red Flags When Choosing a Dog Home Boarding or Day Care Service
When choosing a dog home boarding service, it's essential to be aware of potential pitfalls:
Lack of Licensing: Not all services operate with the necessary license, which are crucial for meeting Animal Welfare standards, no licence also means invalid insurance if anything were to happen.
Inadequate Facilities: Some home boarders may lack the appropriate, safe environment your dog needs.
Poor Health and Safety Measures: Without strict health and safety protocols, your dog may be at risk of illness or injury.
Overcrowding: Having too many dogs in one place can lead to stress and health issues.
Insufficient Attention: Dogs require adequate attention and care, and a lack of personalized care is a significant drawback of some boarding services.
To navigate these issues, we have provided a list of crucial questions to ask your prospective dog home boarder. These questions will help ensure they’re not only licensed and compliant but also a perfect fit for your beloved pet.
Essential Questions For Your Prospective Dog Home Boarder
ARE YOU LICENCED, FULLY INSURED AND DBS CHECKED?
All those offering dog home boarding in the UK need a licence, and the licensing documents should be available for you to view when you visit.
Insurance is a necessity to protect everybody – the dog boarder and any family members, your dog and the general public. Don’t forget they will be in possession of your dog for a prolonged period, and it is entirely reasonable to ask to see copies of their licence, insurance documents and DBS certificate.
WHAT TYPE OF ANIMAL CARE EDUCATION AND TRAINING DO YOU HAVE?
It’s always a good question to ask because it will give you peace of mind to know your Dog Boarder has some level of qualification in animal care. Having a recognised qualification covers every aspect of the licensing requirement and more. It’s worth highlighting that the higher standard licence (4 or 5 star) for Dog Boarding asks for a qualified person to be on the premises during the day.
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU BOARD AT ANY ONE TIME?
This will help you gauge whether they might be overcrowded and if your dog will receive the attention they deserve.
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY ROUTINE FOR THE DOGS?
Understanding their daily routine can help you assess if your dog will adapt well to their new environment and receive the attention they deserve.
5. HOW DO YOU TAILOR YOUR CARE FOR INDIVIDUAL DOGS' NEEDS AND ARE YOU PET FIRST AID TRAINED?
Every dog is unique. A good home boarder will want to know about your dog’s habits, dietary requirements, and any medical needs to provide personalised care. A Pet First Aid Certificate is a must have in my opinion.
WHAT ARE YOUR EMERGENCY PROCEDURES?
Confirm they have clear protocols for emergencies, ensuring your dog’s safety and well-being at all times. This should have been looked at and agreed with the relevant Council Licence Issuer. Happy Hound Haven have a laminated Emergency Procedure document on display in our reception area.
7. CAN I CHECK OUT WHERE MY DOG WILL BE STAYING?
Home boarding is an excellent alternative to kennels for many dogs, especially those that prefer home comforts and require a lot of human interaction. The number of dogs in a home environment is typically quite low like here at Happy Hound Haven. This setup is ideal for dogs that do not enjoy the company of other dogs.
To find the right home boarder for your dog, start by shortlisting a few providers. It's essential to book an appointment to visit their premises and meet them in person. A Licenced and reputable dog boarder will have their licence on display with their Pet Business insurance, be happy to answer any questions, go through the necessary paperwork, and make the required arrangements. Most will offer a free, no-obligation consultation, providing an opportunity to ensure they are a good fit and to observe how they interact with your dog.
8. DO YOU HAVE REPEAT CUSTOMER REFERENCES?
Positive feedback from other pet owners is reassuring.
