Boarding kennels and dog daycare

[reds]

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I have never had to use either of these before, but I am thinking of putting Parker in to kennels at the end of the year for a week, But I have just read a story in the paper about a dog daycare that’s sounds awful, and I checked the Instagram they were talking about and it looks terrible. Does anyone one use daycare or boarding kennels on here and what are your thoughts. I was thinking if I need to put Parker in to kennels maybe I should send him to daycare first to get him use to being away from me, as I am not sure he would settle being away from me. He is such a mummy’s boy. My friend uses a dog daycare and her one she says is amazing.

 

[KarenMc]

We have never used kennels as Luna has come away with us and if travelling abroad a family member by chance has been at home with her so I don't have any experience of that to share. I know friends who have used them and been happy to do so. I know some people look after dogs at their own home. Could that be an option to consider if you are not fully happy with a kennel available near you. I think they can send daily updates e.g messages and pictures. Again I haven't used one but thought if I ever needed to it would be an option to consider.

 

[reds]

We have never used kennels as Luna has come away with us and if travelling abroad a family member by chance has been at home with her so I don't have any experience of that to share. I know friends who have used them and been happy to do so. I know some people look after dogs at their own home. Could that be an option to consider if you are not fully happy with a kennel available near you. I think they can send daily updates e.g messages and pictures. Again I haven't used one but thought if I ever needed to it would be an option to consider.

Yes I normally take Parker with me, but I have the chance to go aboard and don’t really have anyone to look after him. So not sure what to do. So I just thought I would ask to see what other people normally do and how they get on. So thank you for your reply.

 

[KarenMc]

Yes I normally take Parker with me, but I have the chance to go aboard and don’t really have anyone to look after him. So not sure what to do. So I just thought I would ask to see what other people normally do and how they get on. So thank you for your reply.

That sounds lovely, it is wonderful to travel abroad. I can understand how you are feeling about leaving Parker and it is great that you are looking into options that will suit you. I am sure other members will be able to share their experiences which will help you. Hope you have a lovely holiday.

 

[reds]

That sounds lovely, it is wonderful to travel abroad. I can understand how you are feeling about leaving Parker and it is great that you are looking into options that will suit you. I am sure other members will be able to share their experiences which will help you. Hope you have a lovely holiday.

Thank you off to Turkey and looking forward t it. Also I am thinking of going back to work 2 days a week and Parker would be on his own for quite a few hours, so would be good to hear from people if they have used dog daycare to hear their thoughts as I think it might be good for him, rather than left on his own.

 

[SuzyJay]

We use a kennels near us and are happy with it. It's family run, they call themselves a Pet Hotel' and the dogs seem to be happy enough there. I would prefer not to have to take them anywahere but due to family circumstances it's necessary.

The dogs have a kennel between them with direct access to an outside run. Bobby loves this, he's outside all day in fine weather.
We take their usual food, although the kennels provide home-cooked meals for them if they're wanted.
They will also groom them if requested at extra ( very reasonable) cost. It's not the cheapest kennels but we do feel that they are well looked after, and they do get excercised.
'

 

[Burrowzig]

I used a boarding kennels for 3 of my dogs for a couple of days when I had a knee replacement - the other dog who I thought wouldn't settle at a kennels (being a rescue from one) went to stay with a friend. It was the same friend who recommended this kennels to me, as her dog used to go there about 4 times a year and was clearly very happy to go in.
Get personal recommendations off local people with dogs, your vet, local reports.
I've never used dog day care, and wouldn't be happy to do so. I've heard horror stories of dogs being bullied - one even killed in my area - by other dogs and the poorly paid staff generally incompetent to deal with dog-on-dog issues. There may be good ones out there but those are probably at the more expensive end of the scale.
If you're going back to work, getting a friend or neighbour to call in, have a play and let the dog out to toilet may work fine - assuming work is too far for you to get back in your lunch break.

 

[reds]

We use a kennels near us and are happy with it. It's family run, they call themselves a Pet Hotel' and the dogs seem to be happy enough there. I would prefer not to have to take them anywahere but due to family circumstances it's necessary.

The dogs have a kennel between them with direct access to an outside run. Bobby loves this, he's outside all day in fine weather.
We take their usual food, although the kennels provide home-cooked meals for them if they're wanted.
They will also groom them if requested at extra ( very reasonable) cost. It's not the cheapest kennels but we do feel that they are well looked after, and they do get excercised.
'

Hi Suzy, that sounds like a a great Pet Hotel, how much exercise do they get and is it lead walks? That’s what worries me that Parker would just be in the kennel/ room all day,with very little exercise, I know where my friend goes the dogs are out most of the day a bit like daycare and only in they kennel/room to be fed and sleep, and a midday rest during the day if necessary if old or a puppy. I wish I lived nearer that one. I think Parker would not be happy if shut in all day in a kennel. Although you say where you use they have an outside run. I think I need to go and have a look at a few and see what’s out there. Also for the dog daycare that I want to find out more about, I am hoping a few more people on here will be able to give me advice and thoughts regarding that too.
Thank you.

 

[reds]

I used a boarding kennels for 3 of my dogs for a couple of days when I had a knee replacement - the other dog who I thought wouldn't settle at a kennels (being a rescue from one) went to stay with a friend. It was the same friend who recommended this kennels to me, as her dog used to go there about 4 times a year and was clearly very happy to go in.
Get personal recommendations off local people with dogs, your vet, local reports.
I've never used dog day care, and wouldn't be happy to do so. I've heard horror stories of dogs being bullied - one even killed in my area - by other dogs and the poorly paid staff generally incompetent to deal with dog-on-dog issues. There may be good ones out there but those are probably at the more expensive end of the scale.
If you're going back to work, getting a friend or neighbour to call in, have a play and let the dog out to toilet may work fine - assuming work is too far for you to get back in your lunch break.

Hi Burrowzig, thank you for your reply, yes I think I need to start asking people with dogs while out walking for recommendations, I did ask my vet but they said they are not allowed to recommend but to always go and look before you book, think they where covering themselves in case something went wrong. I have only just moved into the area so don’t have anyone to let Parker out/walk if I go back to work, that’s why I would be interested if anyone uses daycare on here and what their thoughts are on it. As you say there must be good and bad out there and I don’t mind paying a bit more to get the right one, as Parker loves to play and gets on well with other dogs and think it would be good for him.

 

[SuzyJay]

Hi Suzy, that sounds like a a great Pet Hotel, how much exercise do they get and is it lead walks? That’s what worries me that Parker would just be in the kennel/ room all day,with very little exercise, I know where my friend goes the dogs are out most of the day a bit like daycare and only in they kennel/room to be fed and sleep, and a midday rest during the day if necessary if old or a puppy. I wish I lived nearer that one. I think Parker would not be happy if shut in all day in a kennel. Although you say where you use they have an outside run. I think I need to go and have a look at a few and see what’s out there. Also for the dog daycare that I want to find out more about, I am hoping a few more people on here will be able to give me advice and thoughts regarding that too.
Thank you.

I don't really know how far they walk the dogs. It's not really an issue as mine are not needing lots of excercise, Bobby is ver happy to plod along on a flexi taking the air (13 next month) and for Briea it's sniffer-thon. They are quite low maintenancce dogs.

 

[Mad Murphy]

We have seen daycare walkers unload unrestrained dogs from the back of a van let them run for 5 minutes until they poo ( no pick ups) he photographs them as if to show owners what fun their dogs have then its back in the van and gone.

As for kennels, go early, go unexpected , look at all the buildings. A friend turned up a day early to collect her dog. The owner got really annoyed and told her to come back the next day as arranged. She stayed, phoned a scary male friend and the owner caved in. She found her dog not in one of the nice spacious kennels with its own outdoor space. But in a barn in a bare metal cage with just enough room for it to avoid sitting in its own waste.
This was a registered kennel with good ratings, I suppose no one ever looked on the barn and the owner made sure any dog due for collection was out front in the luxury kennels.
Be nosy check everything and everyone involved...

 

[reds]

I don't really know how far they walk the dogs. It's not really an issue as mine are not needing lots of excercise, Bobby is ver happy to plod along on a flexi taking the air (13 next month) and for Briea it's sniffer-thon. They are quite low maintenancce dogs.

Wow 13yrs an amazing age. Parker is only 5yrs and doesn’t know when to stop being a collie x I think he could run all day.

 

[reds]

We have seen daycare walkers unload unrestrained dogs from the back of a van let them run for 5 minutes until they poo ( no pick ups) he photographs them as if to show owners what fun their dogs have then its back in the van and gone.

As for kennels, go early, go unexpected , look at all the buildings. A friend turned up a day early to collect her dog. The owner got really annoyed and told her to come back the next day as arranged. She stayed, phoned a scary male friend and the owner caved in. She found her dog not in one of the nice spacious kennels with its own outdoor space. But in a barn in a bare metal cage with just enough room for it to avoid sitting in its own waste.
This was a registered kennel with good ratings, I suppose no one ever looked on the barn and the owner made sure any dog due for collection was out front in the luxury kennels.
Be nosy check everything and everyone involved...

Wow that is terrible I read in the paper yesterday about a company that does dog daycare and what I read was terrible and when I looked at the whistleblower Instagram the pictures on there were horrendous all put on by x staff.
I’m sure there must be some genuine caring ones that know what they’re doing. As it seems lots of people use them. A bit worrying though.

 

[Laco]

I loath even the thought of leaving our girl at a kennel, but there are times where it has to be done. There is a doggie care facility nearby, that we have used a couple of times, only for day care, though they do provide overnight care too. I know many neighbors and friends that use them, and so far it has been an OK experience. I just don't like leaving her.

 

[SuzyJay]

I know what you mean, my seperation anxiety is much worse than the dogs!

 

[JudyN]

Mod note: I've edited posts above to remove the name of a dog daycare business that allegedly provides very poor 'care'. The company in question claim that this is the work of one disgruntled individual who is known to them and is seeking legal advice. We can't tell from what is online whether this is true or whether the welfare of the dogs in their care really is awful, but any negative publicity can affect a company disproportionately, and forum owners do bear some responsibility for the content of a forum, so we have to play safe. Obviously if the allegations are correct, I hope that the truth comes out and no more dogs will suffer.

I hope that makes sense - if you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

 

[reds]

Mod note: I've edited posts above to remove the name of a dog daycare business that allegedly provides very poor 'care'. The company in question claim that this is the work of one disgruntled individual who is known to them and is seeking legal advice. We can't tell from what is online whether this is true or whether the welfare of the dogs in their care really is awful, but any negative publicity can affect a company disproportionately, and forum owners do bear some responsibility for the content of a forum, so we have to play safe. Obviously if the allegations are correct, I hope that the truth comes out and no more dogs will suffer.

I hope that makes sense - if you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

Sorry about that I totally understand. But as you say if correct, let’s hope the truth comes out

 

[Flobo]

Having worked in a boarding kennel and been a home boarder I would just reiterate what has been said. Do thorough research, visit the places, ask to see insurance documents and licences. If you find somewhere you think is ok, book your dog in for a day stay and see how they are, then progress to an overnight. Give yourself plenty of time to do trials and most importantly if the kennels or home boarder don't ask you lots of questions about your dog and their needs, walk away...(also don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you want too, write them down if necessary). As a dog carer, the more information I have the better and I've always insisted on trials, which benefit all of us!

 

[reds]

Hi Flobo

That is really good advice, and I have noted it all down what you have said, I called a dog boarding place today, but I have to make an appointment to go and look around. Also they didn’t ask about vaccinations which I thought they would have done?and can only look around in the afternoon because they are busy cleaning in the morning. So I have made and appointment to go and look, and I will take my list of questions. Thank you

 

[ThreeFloofyButts]

I live very close to a Kennels and it has very good reviews and seems to be a good one, they tend to recommend the dog does a weekend stay to see how they settle, they have a large enclosed paddock to exercise the dogs, but some of the dogs sound so unhappy and bark and bark, if they go in on a Friday they are hoarse and pretty much lose their bark by Monday, I don't leave mine as far too much of a control freak.