Reminder if your boarding your dog

Kennels

Do check out the kennels prior to boarding and look at several in your area first. After all who in their right mind would buy a second hand car without checking it out first. Ask about the cover for pet insurance- exercise regime- how clean are they- look at everything not just what the kennel owners want to show you- always take and collect from the kennels not from the reception- suggest someone will pop in to see how you pet is coping (optional but worth mentioning to see kennel owners reaction) - feeding- kennels being licenced(licence must state the number of animals) some only state the number of kennels and this isn't a legal licence under the Boarding Establishment Act of 1963. Consider what you look for if going on holiday and relate that to boarding your pet.
Get recommendations, a good kennel should be well known as such and ask your own vet about local kennels. The Act is very strict about kennel owners and would not be granted a licence for previous animal cruelty.

Problems we constantly hear year in year out

Too many people are only looking for the cheapest and book over the phone without seeing first, then wonder why their pet is in a poor condition on collection. Again the most expensive may not give the best care as they may be only interested in your wallet/purse.

They have been let down at the last minute by friends/relatives/neighbours who have decided not to look after a pet. So common its unbelievable.

Home boarding

Be well aware that pet sitting services are fraught with hidden problems. Ask if someone is with the dog or on the premises 24/7, after all thats what your paying for - is the place totally secure even if people visit the house- are the pets insured whilst staying there- can they spot an illness or do they leave it until the owner returns- are they licenced - do they know your vets -how secure is the back garden if the dustman/tradesmen call. What official checks are carried as regards accommodation. Remember that those offering a pet sitting service arn't generally checked for any prior case of animal cruelty, only possibly police checked against a criminal act. If they take money for boarding always get a receipt , most important because they may not always declare their takings to the tax man

Just a rough guide to go by and a generalisation only

Tumbleweed

I think this should be made into a sticky!

Great advice tumbleweed.