The limitations and restrictions of dog boarding and kennels

Posted on 13 March, 2017

Many dogs together

Most dog owners have to leave their dog at some time when they go on holiday, and deciding what is in the dogs best interest is a big decision. Busy times, such as the Easter and summer holidays, can make this even trickier as its one of the peak travel times.

Family and friends may not be available, so usually people only have three options – a dog boarding kennel, boarding in someone’s home or having someone come and stay in your home to look after them.

Let’s look first at dog boarding kennels. Whilst some dogs are fine with going to a kennel, most family dogs aren’t. They are used to a home environment and to be suddenly stuck in a kennel, on their own, can cause them distress.

Kennels can also be stressful for dogs because of the noise. Most kennels will have lots of dogs staying and the sound of dogs barking or whining, or having to be exercised with a pack of dogs can be unsettling.

Kennels can also be surprisingly expensive. Usually you have to pay for the boarding, plus an exercise package – ranging from one to three walks a day depending on what your dog requires. Often kennels can’t be booked at the last minute either as they get booked up months in advance, especially during school holidays.

Kennel cough is also a danger with boarding kennels. This highly infectious respiratory disease is spread between dogs and kennels that don’t have strict guidelines for checking kennel cough vaccinations, which put your dog at risk.

Kennel cough vaccinations are generally only given if a dog is going to a kennel, so another added expense of a trip to the vets.

Another option is to board your dog with a dog boarder at their home. Whilst this can be preferable to a kennel, it still means your dog going to an unfamiliar environment. Not being in their own home and away from their owners can make the dog unhappy. They like routine and familiarity, and for some, especially older dogs this may not be the best solution.

Sometimes dog boarders will look after more than one dog at a time, which can make the whole experience even more stressful, especially if the dogs don’t all get on. You also have the inconvenience of having to pack up your dog with all their food and belongings, and travel to the boarder’s home, which may not be that close.

The final option, which many more people are choosing these days, is to have a homesitter stay in your home. This is probably the best all round solution for most dogs, as they don’t have to leave their home environment. A homesitter will stick to your dog’s routine, making sure they are walked in their usual places and fed at their usual times.

A homesitter also provides a one-on-one experience and will be solely looking after your dog, plus any other pets you may have. This ensures your dog gets all the attention it needs and the homesitter’s time isn’t split looking after other dogs.

It can also be a very cost-effective solution, especially if you have more than one dog or other pets. With dog boarding, kennels and catteries you will pay per animal, whilst with a homesitter it’s a daily fee for all your pets.

The added bonus of using a homesitter is they also look after your home and make sure it looks occupied. This helps prevent burglaries, as well as having someone on hand should something happen in the home such as a burst pipe.

Homesitters have an extensive network of professional and reliable homesitters available throughout the UK, each one meticulously vetted. Next time you are looking for someone to look after your dog why not give us a try?

To book a homesitter today, please click here to fill out our online Booking Form.

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