Why are your home dog boarding and daycare prices slightly more than competitors?

Emphasis on slightly more… for the simple reason that we take less dogs for dog boarding and daycare (max 4 dogs per day) so we can treat your dog like the VIP it is! We believe in giving a more tailored approach to our services so your dog gets the attention they deserve. Our licence is for a higher standard of care which means dogs get more exercise, there is a designated other person who can cover absence so the dogs are never left alone, we have achieved the higher standard Level 3 OFQUAL qualification in professional daycare and boarding, walks are a minimum of 20mins and each dog gets 3 walks per day. Every dog in our care gets their own separate room to get some time out if they want. It’s really important to strike the right balance between mental stimulation, exercise and rest. A change of environment and socialisation is crucial for their mental wellbeing. There’s also plenty of toys, food and scent puzzles for them to play with which are cleaned everyday and there’s always plenty of cuddles. We think carefully about which dogs go well together so there aren’t any issues and they can enjoy each others company and, most importantly, have fun!

What are your qualifications and experience?

We have all passed our first aid courses. Our founder has an Ofqual level 3 qualification in home boarding and daycare, which means we can offer the highest standard of care. We are regulated and licenced with Brighton and Hove City Council for boarding and daycare services. We are DBS checked and fully insured. We have a collective experience with dogs of 18 years between us and are all dog owners/mums and dads!!

The qualifications and experience of any company that looks after your pet are just as crucial as being licensed. When you visit us we will show you our license and qualifications as part of the process.

Why does a company that offers home dog boarding services have to have a licence?

It’s quite simple, in order to look after dogs for home boarding it is a legal requirement. This is to protect the welfare of your dog. Just as you would expect a childminder to be licenced and inspected on a regular basis it is the same for dogs as they too are considered a family member. It’s crucial that the person looking after your dog is fully insured, experienced and has a property that is fit for purpose which is safe and secure indoors and outdoors. It is an essential requirement that records are kept of each dog that boards in a licenced property to record information such as the dogs veterinarian, microchip number, vaccinations, any health issues that need treatment, daily routine, diet, amount of exercise per day etc. In extreme situations where a dog has an infectious disease there is a requirement for your property to have a separate room that can be used for isolation purposes, that no one else can gain access to apart from the carers of the dog. There is a full isolation procedure to be followed as well.

For many years the provision of boarding for dogs was either via a kennel or leaving your dogs with friends or family with nothing in-between. The Animal Boarding Establishment Act was passed in 1963 to regulate the way in which kennels are managed and to ensure that they are not overcrowded. With home boarding becoming more and more popular in recent years the licensing has been adapted in order to regulate this service now require home boarders to obtain a licence to provide this service. 

How can I tell if someone is registered for dog daycare and home boarding?

It’s easy just go to your local councils website, in our case, Brighton and Hove City Council where you will find the list of licenced dog daycare and home boarding companies.

Why should a dog walker be registered with Brighton and Hove City Council?

There are so many companies offering dog walking services around the UK but we would always recommend using a company that is registered with the local council to protect the welfare of your dog. A registered dog walker must adhere to the professional dog walkers code of conduct.

It may surprise you to know that people can say that they are registered with their local council but aren’t so please check before using just anyone. Here is a link to Brighton and Hove’s registered dog walkers

What charities do you donate to and why?

We feel it’s important to support unwanted or mistreated animals that’s why we give a portion of our income to the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Cats Protection. We’re always open to new suggestions for making donations to animal welfare but we are targeting these 3 initially.

As the repercussions to the economy during the pandemic take hold there will, unfortunately, be more abandoned animals as families and individuals suffer loss of income. We hope with our help and yours we can save these animals and get them to a home they deserve!

Do you work with other companies to provide services? If so why and how?

Yes we do work with other dog walkers and sometimes other home boarders which are all registered with Brighton and Hove City or Lewes Council. This is just incase we are too busy to help, we don’t want to leave you in the lurch. We try to help where we can but obviously in busy periods such as school holidays it can sometimes become impossible. To prevent any stressful situations always try to book us way in advance. For longer dog walking services we use Waggles & Whiskers as you will see in our services section.

Obviously if it is your dogs first time being with any other home daycare or boarding company they will need to go through the same 3 stage process your dog goes through with us for approval. If we do need to arrange alternative care for your dog you will of course be told immediately so you have enough time for the introduction period before your holiday or weekend break. We must stress that this is a rare occurrence as we would love to help look after your dog wherever possible.

Do the other companies you work with have the same standards as you?

Yes, quite simply we don’t work with anyone who isn’t registered or licenced with Brighton and Hove City or Lewes Council. The owners are people we know well and have left our own dogs with them when we have been on holiday or when on occasion we have been too busy to walk them. They are genuinely caring people, who are experienced and licenced what more could you ask for.