Luxury dog boarding kennels - any experiences?
Discussion
Hi, I am looking for a 'luxury' kennel where I might feel comfortable leaving our Cavalier King Charles spaniel for a few nights in October. She's 21 mths old and has never been away from us before.
Has anyone used these and any recommendations in the South East of England - ideally London and Home Counties?
My wife is more keen on a kennel for safety and security reasons (i.e. our dog not being able to run into a road during a walk, or run out of a front door into traffic, etc. That's why we're not too keen on dog-sitters (at our home) or leaving our dog at other people's home.
Obviously our dog would probably be 'happier' with a highly-regarded and recommended pet sitter, so that's our quandary.
All input appreciated!
Has anyone used these and any recommendations in the South East of England - ideally London and Home Counties?
My wife is more keen on a kennel for safety and security reasons (i.e. our dog not being able to run into a road during a walk, or run out of a front door into traffic, etc. That's why we're not too keen on dog-sitters (at our home) or leaving our dog at other people's home.
Obviously our dog would probably be 'happier' with a highly-regarded and recommended pet sitter, so that's our quandary.
All input appreciated!
In my experience with my first staffie, the kennel option was not good for him. I tried a couple of other options but arrived at 'Home From Home' where you get put in touch with someone who will look after the dog at home. I went through a couple of meets and found that they were all very keen on looking after dogs closely because perhaps they couldn't have one full time or that they love dogs so much it was a great way to earn a bit of cash doing so.
Found a guy in Harrow who, upon meeting 'Boss' for the first time, got on the floor and rolled about with him. It was just what was needed. He almost got upset when he had to hand him back!
Found a guy in Harrow who, upon meeting 'Boss' for the first time, got on the floor and rolled about with him. It was just what was needed. He almost got upset when he had to hand him back!
Mobile Chicane said:
I used to live upwind of a boarding kennels, and all you could hear in the holidays was anxious yelpy dogs barking their guts out.
I would honestly have them boarded in a home environment.
This. Sure they might get out to run around with the other dogs during the daytime but for the most part they'll be cooped up in their little box like prisoners. Plus the added chance of getting a disease or an injury etc.I would honestly have them boarded in a home environment.
We have family and friends who can look after our dog when we go away, and if those options weren't there we would look for a lovely local dog sitter. I'd rather cancel a holiday than put her in kennels.
Can’t help you with location OP, but might be able to give you some thoughts about day care.
Our little chap is part of the family, in that, in most cases, he goes where we do. However, we do, on occasion, have luxury short breaks, where dogs are not allowed. Our first port of call is a place that offers doggy daycare. They have 3 large fields and 3 large rooms equipped with sofas, armchairs and dog beds. When he goes here, he is accommodated with dogs of a similar size, he is allowed to go into his allocated field with his “friends” and when we drop him off, he just runs off and doesn’t even look back to say bye! We get pictures every day and he is often featured on the WhatsApp group. When we collect him, he is always absolutely knackered, having had a great time. In an ideal world, we would use this every time for his “holidays.” However, they are extremely popular and not open at weekends, so for the times when we have been unable to secure a booking or weekends, we book him into a local kennels. I need to stress, that we have carried out our due diligence and found what we consider the best in the area. Here, he is in an enclosure of his own. He gets 3 accompanied walks per day, usually with only one other dog. I would say that he likes going, but doesn’t love it like doggy daycare.
With respect to the doggy daycare establishment, he had to go for an “audition” to ensure that he got on with other dogs and there were no other issues. As far as the kennels were concerned, they will take any dog and when we have been collecting/dropping off, there have been times when some of the dogs have been isolated because they are obviously incapable of socialising in a constructive manner with other dogs.
OP, you know your own dog. You know what he or she would prefer. I hope you manage to find somewhere close to you that is as good as the ones we use.
Our little chap is part of the family, in that, in most cases, he goes where we do. However, we do, on occasion, have luxury short breaks, where dogs are not allowed. Our first port of call is a place that offers doggy daycare. They have 3 large fields and 3 large rooms equipped with sofas, armchairs and dog beds. When he goes here, he is accommodated with dogs of a similar size, he is allowed to go into his allocated field with his “friends” and when we drop him off, he just runs off and doesn’t even look back to say bye! We get pictures every day and he is often featured on the WhatsApp group. When we collect him, he is always absolutely knackered, having had a great time. In an ideal world, we would use this every time for his “holidays.” However, they are extremely popular and not open at weekends, so for the times when we have been unable to secure a booking or weekends, we book him into a local kennels. I need to stress, that we have carried out our due diligence and found what we consider the best in the area. Here, he is in an enclosure of his own. He gets 3 accompanied walks per day, usually with only one other dog. I would say that he likes going, but doesn’t love it like doggy daycare.
With respect to the doggy daycare establishment, he had to go for an “audition” to ensure that he got on with other dogs and there were no other issues. As far as the kennels were concerned, they will take any dog and when we have been collecting/dropping off, there have been times when some of the dogs have been isolated because they are obviously incapable of socialising in a constructive manner with other dogs.
OP, you know your own dog. You know what he or she would prefer. I hope you manage to find somewhere close to you that is as good as the ones we use.
Thanks for all the advice and input. Much appreciated. 
We having trouble finding a luxury kennel, pet sitter, or home boarding situation that we're 100% happy with. The best kennels seem to be in the North of England or the West Country.
We just got back from a week in Bordeaux (taking the dog on Le Shuttle) and that was great - she travels very well. But an overseas holiday is proving a challenge!
We having trouble finding a luxury kennel, pet sitter, or home boarding situation that we're 100% happy with. The best kennels seem to be in the North of England or the West Country.
We just got back from a week in Bordeaux (taking the dog on Le Shuttle) and that was great - she travels very well. But an overseas holiday is proving a challenge!
wax lyrical said:
Thanks for all the advice and input. Much appreciated.
We having trouble finding a luxury kennel, pet sitter, or home boarding situation that we're 100% happy with. The best kennels seem to be in the North of England or the West Country.
We just got back from a week in Bordeaux (taking the dog on Le Shuttle) and that was great - she travels very well. But an overseas holiday is proving a challenge!
No friends or family who can look after her?We having trouble finding a luxury kennel, pet sitter, or home boarding situation that we're 100% happy with. The best kennels seem to be in the North of England or the West Country.
We just got back from a week in Bordeaux (taking the dog on Le Shuttle) and that was great - she travels very well. But an overseas holiday is proving a challenge!
wax lyrical said:
Hi, I am looking for a 'luxury' kennel where I might feel comfortable leaving our Cavalier King Charles spaniel for a few nights in October. She's 21 mths old and has never been away from us before.
Has anyone used these and any recommendations in the South East of England - ideally London and Home Counties?
My wife is more keen on a kennel for safety and security reasons (i.e. our dog not being able to run into a road during a walk, or run out of a front door into traffic, etc. That's why we're not too keen on dog-sitters (at our home) or leaving our dog at other people's home.
Obviously our dog would probably be 'happier' with a highly-regarded and recommended pet sitter, so that's our quandary.
All input appreciated!
No family who could take her? We got a second Cavvy and then they don't mind kennels, in fact our pair both enjoy going - if not then just go and look at the kennels near you and make a decision. Ultimately theres little difference on any near us, all clean, heated, multiple dog walks per day, video linked.Has anyone used these and any recommendations in the South East of England - ideally London and Home Counties?
My wife is more keen on a kennel for safety and security reasons (i.e. our dog not being able to run into a road during a walk, or run out of a front door into traffic, etc. That's why we're not too keen on dog-sitters (at our home) or leaving our dog at other people's home.
Obviously our dog would probably be 'happier' with a highly-regarded and recommended pet sitter, so that's our quandary.
All input appreciated!
One near us does take some dogs in the owners property, but that will depend if she is spayed, most wont take them on this basis if not.
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