Everything you need to know about home boarding your dog
Why choose home boarding for your dog?
Home boarding is a relatively new option for the care of your dog whilst you are away on your holiday. It was introduced as an alternative to large kennel facilities that can often be very stressful environments, for the simple reason that they are so vastly different from what your dog is used to at home with you.
A company who runs a home boarding service has to have a licence which is issued by their local council, they also need to be DBS checked, qualified, experienced, first aid trained, be fully insured, offer a secure and well maintained home environment and most importantly love dogs! The local council will do unannounced visits to the home boarding business to check that everything is up to regulation standards.
There are many benefits to home boarding but there are things you will need to think about which relate to your dogs personality. You need to work out if your dog is going to be OK with a home boarding environment. Some dogs are very nervous or shy around other dogs so it might take a bit more time to find the right home boarding business, maybe one that only takes 1 dog at a time for instance. Whoever your dog home boards with there should always be a trial night to see how your dog fits into a new environment then you can make a decision from there.
Please note that if you know your dog is aggressive with other dogs then home boarding probably isn’t the right environment for them if the owner of the business has their own dogs and looks after multiple dogs at once. Also, very important, your dog has to be neutered to be able to stay in a home boarding environment!
If you have chosen home boarding for your dog where do you start looking for a reputable business and what questions should you be asking?
It’s incredibly easy to find a doggie home boarding service just by doing a simple Google search for “dog home boarding near me.” One of the most important things to initially look out for is if they are licensed, this should say on their website but it’s also important to check your local councils website to see that they are actually licensed. Here’s an example of where our local council lists license holders: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/environment/owning-animal-and-animal-licences/animal-activity-licence-holders
It’s preferable to go with someone local more than anything because it will be convenient for you for drop off and pick up. Also, if there are any issues with your dogs first trial night ie; they are very anxious and can’t settle and seem overly stressed then you will be nearby to pick them up or go and try to settle them - it’s important to acknowledge that this rarely happens!
Questions you should be asking the home boarding service:
Can you see a copy of their license?
This is a crucial step in the process as above.
What experience do they have with dogs?
It’s probably safe to say that if someone is running a home boarding business they will have prior experience of handling dogs but you do need to check this. Also, make sure they are qualified, yes there are qualifications needed to home board dogs. The bare minimum should be an Ofqual regulated Level 2: Professional day care and boarding qualification. They should also be trained in first aid for animals.
Will other dogs be present?
Most home boarding businesses will be looking after other dogs whilst they are looking after yours, it would be rare to find someone that does one on one dog boarding. Also, anyone who has a dog home boarding business is likely to have a dog or dogs themselves. That’s why it’s so important to do a trial night to see how your dog fits in with the owners dogs so everyone is happy.
What exercise options are available?
Home boarding companies have to have an outside space for dogs but it’s also good to know what their typical exercise routine would be and where, park, countryside, beach etc. You should also discuss whether your dog will be allowed off the lead during walks. Dog walkers and dog carers should use long line leads to work out what your dogs recall is like before letting your dog off the lead. The dog home boarding business should have specific insurance to walk your dog off lead too, so make sure you check that.
Will you get updates on your dog?
It’s perfectly acceptable that you will miss your dog and want a few updates depending on how long you are away for from the home boarding service. Try to ask for photos to check how your dog is fitting in.
What are the night time arrangements?
It’s always good to discuss how your dog sleeps at night with the home boarding service. Do they sleep on your bed or in their own bed in a room by themselves? It’s important for your dog to have as much of a continuation of their normal routine as possible but please be aware it might not always be possible for your dog to sleep on the owners bed, it’s a conversation to make your dog as comfortable as possible.
There are things you can do to prepare your dog for home boarding:
Probably one of the most important things you should do before packing your dog off is to take them to your vets for a full check up so you are happy. Also, make sure they are up to date with all vaccinations especially kennel cough and flea and worm treatments.
As mentioned above it’s important to do a trial night with your chosen company to see how your dog copes with a new environment.
It’s worth remembering that as we have all been in lockdown for quite sometime now your dog has been around you every single day, all day so it’s quite possible that they will be displaying signs of anxiety being away from you. One way to ease them into home boarding and away from suffering from separation anxiety is to use the home boarding company for daycare. Some companies offer half day day care which is a more affordable option and really beneficial for both you and your dog.
If you’ve had a discussion with your home boarder about sleeping arrangements and they differ from what you currently have at home then you need to spend a bit of time changing your dogs sleeping habits to be more aligned with where they will be staying.
When you pack a bag for your dogs stay always remember to pack his or hers favourite toy and blanket. Familiar smells from home are very soothing to a dog in a new environment. Also, make sure you pack enough food for your dogs stay and medicine if required. It’s important your dog remains on the diet they are used to as I’m sure you are aware of the consequences of not sticking to it. Also, include their own treats!
Try to drop off your dog in the morning or arrange for your dog to be picked up in the morning as this will then give them the rest of the day to settle in before bedtime.
Remember: As home boarding providers only care for a very limited number of dogs at a time, they can be quickly booked up, particularly for popular holiday periods, so start planning early to ensure you your preferred boarder can accommodate your dog for the dates you need.
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