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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Leaving a dog in Kennels.

12 replies

Crawling · 24/04/2011 08:50

I want to go away for 3 nights later in the year but I have no one to look after my dog we normally go to dog friendly places and take him but there is a place I always wanted to go to and it doesn't allow dogs.

I am very nervous about taking him to kennels, can someone tell me what happens there? and if you left a dog was it ok? thirdly will he be stressed and think I have abandoned him? How do I check if the kennel is a good one? Sorry I just feel upset at the thought of leaving him I know you are all probably going to laugh at me.

OP posts:

chickchickchicken · 24/04/2011 10:12

no, not laughing i am the same.

i would recommend asking other dog walkers which kennel/daycare/boarding they use. what happens at kennels varies so much. my neighbour's daughter works in a local well respected kennels. she says dogs are let out of kennels once a day and walked on a lead. this wouldnt suit mine so i have never used it. she does say though that some owners prefer that as it gives them peace of mind that their dog wont be able to run off or get bitten by other dogs there. the kennels are heated and its the most expensive locally. so if luxury accommodation is what you prefer, and lots do as it is very busy, then go for somewhere like that.

when i have had to leave mine they stay with a woman near me who does daycare and overnight in her own home. there are always at least a dozen dogs wandering freely around the house and garden. i signed to agree that he could be exercised off lead. this suits mine as they would hate to be locked in a kennel. the woman is also an independent rescuer so i like to feel i am indirectly helping her to continue to rescue. it is not a problem for me that there will be unknown dogs mixing as i trust her judgement implicitly. if it was a choice that she had to be rude to an owner or put dogs first the dog would come first every time. my dog likes it so much he goes once a month for a play. when we are a few streets from her house he starts crying with excitement (after our initial visit i drove near the house with dog in the car to gauge his reaction)

it is personal choice. whereabout are you? someone may be able to recommend somewhere

chickchickchicken · 24/04/2011 10:14

should have said "half a dozen". though there is often lots more

Meow75 · 24/04/2011 10:20

I have cats, but the principal is the same. If you trust your vet, ask them for a few recommendations. Book early as the last thing you want is having to plump for the 5th choice kennels because 1-4 are full.

Also talk to your dog-owning friends, and the people you see near you walking their dogs - a good way to strike up a conversation.

Also if you use the same pet shop regularly, ask them.

I can't stress highly enough how important it was for me to have a cattery that was recommended by someone I trust. As it was, about 7 or 8 people all said the same place, about 3 miles from my house.

A visit will always be welcomed by any prospective customer, and don't forget to take the dog to see what s/he thinks. If a kennel owner is nervous about you wandering around their property - except perhaps near where there's a particularly nervous or stroppy dog, then don't leave your dog there.

Original poster

Crawling · 24/04/2011 15:54

Thank you there is one near by that alot of people recommend and it also offers training classes and various activity packages, They welcome visits and have all positive feedback also update daily so I might give them a visit and see if I like the look of them .

OP posts:

squeakytoy · 24/04/2011 20:20

If you are in Surrey I can recommend the one that we use, as it is brilliant, and Charlie loves staying there.

Original poster

Crawling · 24/04/2011 20:27

I am not in Surrey I am in South Wales the one I was looking at was called Royvan if anyone has heard anything good or bad about this company that would be really helpful.

OP posts:

squeakytoy · 24/04/2011 20:44

We use Royvon in Surrey, it is their other branch but owned by the same people, wow what a coincidence!!!

They are absolutely fantastic, and we have left our staffie there quite a few times.

squeakytoy · 24/04/2011 20:46

Alternatively, why not look up kennels near to where you are staying, and ask if he can board there just at night, and you can have him with you in the daytime maybe?

Original poster

Crawling · 24/04/2011 20:55

That is a coincidence but makes me feel much happier to use them thank you. There sadly wont be space in the car for him so I will use the Royvan one and that way if I want to go abroad or on a longer holiday both me and him will know the boarding kennels .

Thank you all I feel much happier now .

OP posts:

DooinMeCleanin · 24/04/2011 21:00

I left my dog in a boarding kennel (it actually advertises itself as a pet hotel, only the best for my mutt, natch ) last year when I went abroad.

I learnt about it by reccomendation. He loved it there. He is going back this year. They remember him and are looking forward to seeing him again, although I have been told the kennel hand is not too excited about being dragged into all the muddy bogs he likes to romp in while he is there again

Ask local dog owners you meet which places they use. You'll probably find they all rave about the same one.

squeakytoy · 26/04/2011 22:24

Royvon even emailed me photos every other day while we were on holiday, which was lovely!

Scuttlebutter · 26/04/2011 23:28

For those recommending Royvon, please note this from last year

OP, for any kennel you are considering don't forget they MUST be licensed by the local authority, and you can check with the Council that their licence is up to date. You also can do FOI request to see their inspection reports and any correspondence. Other options include getting a dog sitter in to your own house, or for your dog to stay overnight with a dogwalker/home boarder - some people prefer to leave their dog in a domestic environment. YOu might also have a trusted friend or relation that might like to dog sit - we used to dog sit a much loved collie X when we were temporarily dogless ourselves for friends. She and we used to benefit hugely from the arrangement - we got a doggy fix and she got a weekend of being thoroughly spoiled (in a nice way!)

My inlaws have now graduated to coming over for dog sitting duties - much to our surprise, as they've never had dogs, they have totally fallen for our three, and actually volunteered. This has been a real lifesaver on a couple of occasions and has let us go off and enjoy our Wagner in peace, knowing the woofs are being well looked after at home while ILs relax with a cold glass of ale.

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