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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dog boarding - money saving tips

12 replies

EarPhones · 14/10/2019 22:14

Can I please get your suggestions to my dog boarding costs problem. I used to wfh and have a 7yrs old dog but company acquisition means I'm doing long hours and commuting into London 4-5 days a week (1.5hrs each way).

I'm paying £30/night for dog boarding so about £450/month on dog boarding. Grooming, toys and food etc, its an expense of around £600/month. I've been paying this for about 2 years so it is hurting the pocket a bit although love him so will continue paying. However, thinking of other ways, I have a spare room with it's own bathroom that I could rent out to someone who could take care of my dog, do housekeeping and lawn mowing in return? I'll save on cleaner and gardener (£200/month) AIBU? Pros and cons?

I can't trust random strangers with my dog on borrowmydoggy type services. Don't want to give up my dog as people in RL have suggested. He is very happy at boarding, with a nice family and 2-3 dogs to play with. Its not like I have abandoned him, I'm giving the best care I can. I have no family or friends around to help. Although feel guilty but he gets interaction with other dogs so that's a bonus.

OP posts:
Butchyrestingface · 14/10/2019 22:43

How many days per week does doggo spend boarding?

Figmentofmyimagination · 14/10/2019 22:50

Be careful not to get hit with a huge national minimum wage claim if you engage someone to look after your dog in return for lodgings. There is an exemption for people who effectively share your home as a family member. Think of him or her as a doggy au pair. The employment rights issues will probably be similar.

Original poster
EarPhones · 14/10/2019 22:51

4 days mostly but can be 5 days on some weeks

OP posts:
Lovely27 · 14/10/2019 22:57

I'm sure you've considered this, but is there a way you could make a case to your work to work from home again for a couple more days a week?

Or... Unless you really love your job/company, could you leave and find another job that's more convenient?! Big life change for a dog I know but it's costing you so much that it might be worth it financially?

Original poster
EarPhones · 14/10/2019 23:25

I was wondering if doggy au pair could be a thing but then thought some might find it offensive. I meant only light housekeeping (30mins a day) and once a week mowing. That also I included to match the rent someone would be paying in this area anyways so it's a win-win. I'm not looking to exploit someone. Otherwise I'll suck up £450 on boarding.

I need to stick to this job for another 1.5 yrs as my old skillset is now outdated and I'm retraining. It is a consultancy company so need to attend in person at clients office, no exception. I don't enjoy going onsite 5 days a week to London myself so will be looking to switch as soon as possible. But now is not the right time. Thanks for suggestions though.

He is used to going to boarding since 4 months of age but for 2 days a week that I could afford easily instead of getting a second dog for company. So its not a shock to him but still considerably more now. He loves it I'm sure and I wouldn't knowingly put him through any stress.

OP posts:
HerkyBaby · 14/10/2019 23:25

An AuPair might be the solution

Elieza · 14/10/2019 23:31

If it was a cat it could go to an au purr Grin
Couldn’t resist. Sorry that in no way helps you OP.

By the way, what you pay on dog costs is half my net salary! It’s a LOT.

Original poster
EarPhones · 14/10/2019 23:40

That was funny but trust me I'm spending more on him than I'm spending on myself lol

OP posts:
Original poster
EarPhones · 15/10/2019 00:01

My previous dog boarding lady @ £20/day was complaining that what I pay is less than an hours worth of my pay and she is keeping him for 24hours. Complained about how she could never have a car or holidays like I do, while she was at it.
I mean I pay higher taxes from it, mortgage, bills etc from my 8hours a day and irrespective of my personal finances, for her, a confirmed booking of 4 days a week permanently was a pretty sweet deal but no, she thought she was getting ripped off.

I should have just handed her half of my salary. No consideration that this might be a big expense for me too.

Anyways, will get some sleep, enough ranting Grin

OP posts:
Elieza · 15/10/2019 00:10

There’s gotta be a cheaper way! It’s just such a lot of money. Obv your fur baby is worth it but omg it’s a lot. An au pair would be ideal if they could be trusted. How would you know they were more trustworthy than a walk my doggie person who may for example not have any medical common sense knowledge or let the dog play with too small balls or something dangerous through inexperience? Can you get references from somewhere? That would be good.

Original poster
EarPhones · 15/10/2019 08:07

Doggy au pair didn't sound worth it as someone said earlier about NMW claim and employee rights etc. Having a house share at this age isn't ideal but the outgoings are too high so was wondering if there was another way. It's too much hassle I suppose.

OP posts:
Branleuse · 15/10/2019 08:25

i read an advert recently for a place with massively reduced rent on the basis that the person would be available to help with dog. So I guess someone who worked part time. The advert was specifically for a dog lover. They said they didnt want it to be someone who JUST wanted the lower rent, they wanted a dog lover

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