Please note that proof of kennel cough vaccination and annual booster is mandatory for all day-care and boarding reservations.
What should I bring with my dog?
- — meals of dry food, cooked chicken and vegetables, beef bones and occassional treats are provided. But if your dog is on a special diet Ie. raws food, please bring his preferred food for the duration of his/her stay
- — his bed (if he prefers it) and his favourite blanket. Please don't bring any toys.
- — maybe one piece of your clothing (with your smell on) to comfort him.
- — completed booking form with copy of complete vaccination records
- — his collar and lead.
What shouldn't my dog bring?
- — if it's easier for you, you don't need to bring his bed; I can provide clean and comfortable bedding.
Where will my dog sleep?
- — my home is their kingdom, so different sleeping arrangements are available. Some prefer sleeping with other dogs or in a crate. Others are used to sleep with their owner. Whatever arrangement your dog is used to, I always try to accommodate. But for comfort and reassurance, it's important that you bring his own bed.
How much exercise will my dog get?
- — a lot...
- — every morning, we'll walk for 2 hours minimum on foothpaths, through country lanes or forests, depending on the weather (see "where I walk").
- — every evening after dinner, a shorter walk to a nearby field (30 minutes to 1 hour)
- — sometimes, but mostly during weekends, we will do a 3h-4h walk.
However, the schedule depends on the age and ability of your dog. If the only thing he/she prefers is a leisurely stroll, I will adapt to his wishes.
- — I have a good-sized garden which is well-fenced, secured and cleaned every day. During the summer-time, your dog will be able to sleep on the grass under the sun or in a cool, shady spot.
I adapt to your dog's needs and make sure he/she is always satisfied with the amount of activities I provide.
I prefer exercising the dogs off their leads if they have a reliable call. Otherwise, I keep them on lead.
Will my dog get regular grooming?
- — I can provide light grooming but due to the sometimes (often!) muddy walks we will take through the Lancashire countryside, your dog may need to see his "beautician" after his stay with us.
Will my elderly dog get special attention?
- — administering medication is not a problem but unfortunately, and for hygenic reasons, I can't accept dogs with regular incontinence.
Can every dog be home boarded at my house?
Unfortunately, no...
- — An uncontrollable and threatening dog wouldn't be able to stay with us. It wouldn't be fair to the other friendly and well-behaved dogs. It would also be irresponsible towards the well-being of my family. I give all dogs equal amounts of attention and affection, so it would take the fun and safety away from everybody if I had to devote myself to one badly behaved pet.
- — in accordance with the LICENSING CONDITIONS FOR HOME BOARDING DOGS in West Lancashire, I can't accept dogs registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and dog hybrids registered under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act 1976.
Does my dog need to be vaccinated?
As well as the basic, mandatory vaccinations, I can only accept dogs vaccinated yearly against the Kennel Cough virus. This vaccination needs to be administered at least two weeks before your little dog's stay with us (possibility of transmission of the live virus to another dog).
Do I need to give a deposit?
Yes. I require a 50% non-refundable deposit in order to secure a definitive booking. Without it, I cannot guarantee a place for your dog whilst you are away.
Do I Provide Day-Care?
Yes, but unfortunately I'm not able to collect your dog from your home or drop him off.
On the other hand, I'm very flexible and will work around your schedule.
How can I stay in touch with my dog?
I regularly post videos of your dog's adventures on my FaceBook page to put your mind at ease whilst you're on holiday.
If you have any particular concern whilst you're away, you can get in touch with me on WhatsApp or via regular text message.
What if my dog gets ill whilst I'm away?
If your little dog is not doing so well, I will contact his veterinarian (if available and located within a 5 mile radius). Otherwise, and according to the West Lancashire Borough Council Licensing Conditions, I will call my regular registered vetinary practice (details below), which is located 5 minutes away from my house, and will contact you immediately.
Barn Lodge Veterinary Hospital
54a Southport Road
Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 1LX
Phone: 01695 572837
Website: www.barnlodgevets.com
If your dog has a more serious health issue, your dog will need to be housed with yours or my vet until safe return is authorised.
Please note that you are liable for any and all veterinary fees and expenses in respect of your dog whilst he is under my care.
Is a pre-visit mandatory for my dog?
Yes. I can't secure him a place until I see that your dog is comfortable with us and my other regular dogs.
I need to see if your dog show any sign of aggression, barks constantly, does not respond to orders, has a habit of digging too much in the garden, or marks his territory inside the house. If this is the case, home-boarding him will not be possible.
If everybody is happy with the pre-visit, don't forget to bring the fully-filled out booking form, a copy of your dog's vaccination records (especially kennel cough), and your payment.
Please contact me by calling me or sending me a text on 07739-069-566 so we can arrange a date and a time for me to meet your dog.
Because we are on a schedule, I ask you kindly to let me know if you will be late, decide to cancel, or wish to reschedule for another date.
Thank you for your understanding.
Am I registered with the local council?
I am registered with West Lancashire Borough Council and comply with the LICENSING CONDITIONS FOR HOME BOARDING DOGS requirements and am inspected annually.
