So, you’ve welcomed a new dog into your home, and now the time has come when you need some help looking after them, whether it be for a holiday, while you’re at work, or out for the night. You hear all sorts about Kennels, Boarding, Daycare and Dog Sitters, but what is the difference, and which one is right for you? How do you choose?
Wooflinks is here to explain which one is which so that you can make the right decision as to what your dog needs.
Kennels
Most people have heard of kennels, and they tend to be the place where dogs have always gone when people go on holiday. Usually, kennels are a purpose-built facility where an experienced dog professional will house multiple dogs at once for varying lengths of time, each in their own kennel unit or sleeping area. They seem to have fallen out of favour with a lot of modern dog owners in favour of a home environment for their dogs, however there are plenty of excellent kennels where your dog will be perfectly well cared for and can be a much more pocket friendly choice than the boarding or dog sitter alternatives.
When selecting a suitable kennel for your dog, there are some things that you should look out for.
- Viewing – The kennel owner will be more than happy to show you around the facility, where you should find a good space that is clean, warm and well stocked with water, food and toys.
- Licence and Insurance – an animal boarding licence is required by law for all kennels. Without a licence, the kennel owner is operating outside of the law and with invalid insurance. Do not let your dog board at any kennels where you cannot view an up to date and valid licence.
- Certifications – lots of dog professionals are great at understanding dogs and you don’t necessarily need a certificate to prove that, but you should expect that a professional kennel owner would have a certification in dog first aid.
Dog Boarding
Dog boarding has certainly become a very popular choice for a “doggy holiday” if you are going away somewhere where you can’t take your dog. Dog boarders take dogs into their own homes for varying lengths of time. Boarders typically house far fewer dogs at any one time and are generally in a homely environment with more creature comforts than a kennel, which tend to be better suited to pampered pups! You do pay a bit extra for the privilege, but for most, knowing their dog is going to be treated like a member of the family is worth the extra pennies. Dog boarders should also allow you to view their home and/or facilities and must also have a valid licence and insurance. Again, most good dog boarders will be qualified in dog first aid.
Daycare
Daycare is like the nursery or play-school of the doggy world and can either be from someone’s home or from a business premises. Doggy daycare is used by people who are going to be out of the house for extended periods in the day, for work etc, and who want their dog to be cared for, fed, stimulated and exercised in their absence. Daycare does indicate that your dog will be cared for in the day only, but some doggy daycare businesses may also offer boarding too. As with kennels and dog boarders, daycare business owners must legally have a valid licence, insurance, and should allow you to view their facilities and have a doggy first aid qualification.
Dog sitter
Whereas the other three tend to be professional businesses, dog sitters aren’t always professionals and do not require the same level of paperwork that kennels, boarders and daycare do. Dog sitters come to your house to take care of your dog, (just like a babysitter) and it could either be for the day, evening, overnight or an extended holiday. Dog sitters are a good choice for people with more than one dog, or for anxious or older dogs who don’t do well outside of their home environment. Although dog sitters don’t need licences or insurance etc, it is still a good idea to do your research to find someone you trust to come into your house. The best way to do this is by seeing their reviews, or from being referred by someone you trust.
At Wooflinks, we list all manner of doggy professionals, so we hope this little guide helps you to decide which on you’re looking for. When you know, search for the one you need right here on our doggy directory: www.wooflinks.co.uk
