BOARDING KENNELS AND CATTERIES
HOLIDAY? WEEKEND BREAK? WORKING AWAY?
Leicester & Leicestershire Animal Aid Association offers some helpful advice on what to look for.
Many people resist the idea of putting their much loved dog or cat into a boarding kennels or cattery, preferring instead to leave their pet with family or friends. Of course, this can work out well, and it does save money. But it is a big responsibility and it may be worth considering how the pets carers would deal with an unexpected emergency such as if the pet went missing or became ill.
There are lots of boarding kennels and catteries – some of them are very good and some are not. Many of the concerns will be yours rather than your pet’s— “he’ll pine, he won’t eat, he’ll be miserable without me, it’s like locking him up.” Sound familiar?.
Looking around for a kennel or cattery
Don’t just choose the nearest or the cheapest. Recommendations from others may be your best bet. Never rely on just a phone call: any reputable boarding kennel or cattery should allow you to look round.
For dogs:
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How big are the kennels. Are they dry/out of the wind? Are they clean? Are they securely locked? Does the dog have access to indoor and outdoor accommodation throughout the day? Is you dog secure in an inside kennel overnight and is it heated during cold weather?
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Will your dog have a kennel on its own (unless you have more than one that need to be kept together)?
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Are you able to take your own dogs bed/bedding and toys?
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How often are the dogs walked and for how long? Are they kept on a lead or allowed to run free? If they are allowed a run, is the area securely enclosed?
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Are the staff qualified and/or experienced in animal care?
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How much time each day will my dog spend with staff?
For cats:
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Do they have a sleeping area and a secure run? Are they able to access their outdoor run via a cat flap?
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Are they clean and of sufficient size?
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Will your cat have it's own, exclusive accommodation (unless you have more that one that need to be kept together)?
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Are you able to take your own cat's bed, scratch post and toys or are they provided?
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Are the staff qualified and/or experienced in animal care?
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How much time each day with my cat spend with staff?
General (for dogs and cats):
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How long have they been in business?
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How many animals do they take, and how many staff?
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Are there regular staff your dog/cat will get to know?
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Do they insist on up to date vaccination records?
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If food is provided, what about special diets?
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Is it a problem if your animal is on medication?
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Will they contact your own vet if your pet becomes ill or do they use their own vet and if so which vet is it?
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What are the delivery and collection arrangements?
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Is insurance provided? (This may cost extra).
Once you are satisfied about all the above, ask about the cost. Instinct is important – do you like the people? Does the place feel right? Does it smell? Do the animals look happy and well cared for? If you’re not happy, then look elsewhere. There are plenty to choose from.
Your choice is made. Taking your dog or cat in to the kennels/cattery
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It is often a good idea to take your dog or cat for a short stay for the first time—just for a day, or for one night. If nothing else it will help to reassure you!
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Avoid making a great scene and showing distress – your animal will pick this up. Much better to treat the trip as an adventure, which starts before you leave home. After all, you’re going away to enjoy yourself on holiday, why shouldn’t your dog or cat have a good time too?
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Send your dog or cat with a favourite toy, though they will probably be too busy watching all the other animals to take much notice of it.
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Some kennels immediately take the dog for walk before putting it in the kennel. This is great. Your last sight of your dog is of it rushing off to pick up all the messages and smells left by the other dogs. The dog immediately associates kennels with nice walks.
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Ensure they have your contact details or a friend/relative in case you cannot be contacted.
While your dog or cat is in the kennels/cattery
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Your dog or cat may be a bit unsettled and go off their food for a bit, but any animal will eat when it gets hungry.
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If your pet is fed titbits at home they may come home a bit leaner than when they went in.
- Regular grooming may have to go by the board, but some kennels do actually offer a grooming service.
Collecting your dog or cat
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Check collection times: hours are often limited on a Sunday. Some may offer to deliver your pet to your home.
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Your dog or cat should be looking well and be pleased to see you. If you have any worries at that point, raise them before you leave.
Bringing your dog or cat home
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Just let your animal take things in their own time. Some may take a bit longer than others to settle.
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Relax, knowing you’ve both survived the experience, and both look well!
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