With travel abroad being less available to many of us this year, lots of us are choosing to holiday in the UK. And why not? The UK has some amazing things to offer! Or maybe you’ve managed to take the plunge and set off on a lovely trip to chase the sunshine abroad this summer? 

Whether you are jetting off to the sun or holidaying in the UK, sometimes it’s just not possible to take your dog with you. Not all holiday accommodation in the UK accepts dogs. And travelling abroad with a pet can be fraught with complications and paperwork.

So, what happens if you need to put your dog into a kennels or boarding facility? How do you pick one that’s going to take care of your family pet as if it were their own? How do you ensure your dog will be safe and happy there whilst you are on holiday?

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Well, we’re here to help you! Here’s our handy guide to picking a boarding or kenneling facility to ensure your dog’s holiday is as good as yours! 

Home boarding Vs Kennels 

Home boarding is where a carer takes your dog into their own home and takes care of them whilst you are away. This might be an independent person or someone who is part of a franchise. It offers a different experience to a boarding kennels, as often there may only be one dog at a time boarding with the carer (although sometimes there are more). It offers a much more informal setting. 

A kennels is usually a larger organization. They often house lots of dogs at the same time all in their own self-contained accommodation. Sometimes it can be busier than home boarding. But for some dogs this is great as they like to feel part of the action. Both a kennels and home boarding setting will offer exercise for your dog. But this may be more personalized in a boarding setting. 

Licensing 

Both home boarders and kennels (including ones that are part of a franchise) need to be licensed by the local council in order to operate. This means that they are required to meet specific standards relating to health, hygiene, record keeping, welfare, and management of the dogs in their care. There are elements that relate to things such as providing enrichment for dogs, and ensuring they have company. They are also required to keep comprehensive records, train their staff correctly, and ensure the safety of the dogs in their care. They will be required to display a copy of their license details on their premises; so you can ask to see this. 

What should the kennels or boarding establishment be asking me? 

It’s important to visit the boarding establishment or kennels before you decide to send your dog there. Some establishments will require that you visit with your dog prior to their stay. This is so they can assess their suitability for that particular set-up. This is a great sign! It means your dog can visit with you, get to know the person that will be looking after them, and build some familiarity with the environment. It will also allow you to see if your dog isn’t happy there for any reason. And will allow you to check how the staff interact with your dog. It’s also good if the staff ask lots of questions about what your dog likes, and what type of environment suits them, as it will help them tailor their care. 

They should also ask you for a copy of your dog’s vaccination records, and take information relating to their vet, medical history and behaviour, including behaviour with other dogs or off-lead. Alongside this, it’s important for staff to know if your dog is crate trained or used to being in a kennel or not. 

What should I be asking the kennels or boarder? 

Here are some of the things that you should be considering when you are visiting a kennel or home boarder: 

  1. What are your qualifications? Often, council licensing will stipulate the level of qualification that staff need. So check this then check that the staff do indeed have that level of qualification. 
  2. Can I see your insurance and license documents? 
  3. Which vets are you registered with in case of an emergency? Can you take my dog to its own vet if needed?
  4. Will my dog have adequate time in their own space to sleep? Dogs should not be allowed to run amok in a pack all day. This can mentally tire them out and lead to them making bad decisions. All dogs need rest, so it’s important that this is provided; even if they are in view of other dogs (if they prefer that – or away from other dogs if they prefer to be alone)
  5. If the dog is being kenneled (or crated for some of the time) is there space for them to be able to stretch out, stand up, sit down, wag their tail and turn around?
  6. Will the dog get sufficient exercise outside of the kennel or crate? Would this be tailored to the individual dog’s requirements in terms of intensity, length of walks, interaction with other dogs, off lead time etc.? 
  7. Will my dog be on it’s own in their kennel? If you give permission for your dog to share with a friend, another dog, or another family dog, that’s fine. But there must be the option for your dog to have their own space if needed. 
  8. Will my dog be fed a suitable diet? You may want to provide your own (the establishment should be happy with this) or the kennels may provide the food. Check that you are happy with the feeding arrangements. 

Finally, what do the other dogs that are staying there look like? Are they happy and waggy, or do they look stressed? Are the kennels clean and comfortable? This will give you a good idea of whether that particular boarder or kennel is right for you. 

Don’t forget, your dog is a much loved member of your family, and you can never ask too many questions! 

All reputable boarders and kennels should be happy with you asking lots of questions and paying them a visit. Being sure your dog is happy will help you relax and enjoy your break knowing that they are in good hands. Happy holidaying!

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