Choosing a local boarding kennels

Essex Dogs - choosing a boarding kennels

While pet passports make it easier than in the past, very few of us take our dogs when we go on holiday, abroad or in the UK. The obvious alternative is to leave our dogs with a local boarding kennels for the duration, and EssexDogs includes details of boarding kennels in Essex to make it easier for you to find one that suits you.

Dogs are very much like people in that they can feel immediately at home in one place and uncomfortable in another, so we would always advise owners to take their dogs to a kennels before making a booking, to look around, see the surroundings and meet the people who will take care of your dog. This is a perfectly normal thing to do and the majority of kennels owners encourage you to do so. Of course, this can take a little time and kennels spaces can be limited during busy periods so we encourage you to book as early as possible, to avoid disappointment.

Browse Essex Boarding Kennels

Personal recommendations

In addition to visiting the kennels, if there are several in your area try asking people you know for recommendations. Dog owners typically use the same kennels time and time again, and a personal recommendation can be very useful.

All boarding kennels should be licensed with the local authority, fully insured and have clean, draught-free, secure and warm facilities, plenty big enough for your dog to move around freely and have a ‘private’ space to retreat to. Many will have facilities for elderly dogs, and if your dog is active, you’ll also want to know where your dog will be exercised, how often and for how long.

Ultimately though, it will often come down to how you and your dog feel about the people working in the kennels, whether they seem friendly, confident, knowledgeable and reassuring, and able to answer all of your questions and concerns.

Big and small kennels

It’s worth noting that not all boarding kennels are large businesses. There are plenty of smaller kennels which only accommodate a small number of dogs, particularly those based in large towns and cities. An expected benefit of a smaller kennels would be that dogs get more attention, but asking about dogs’ routines will give you a better idea of what your dog can expect.

Kennels requirements

Just as you’ll have a shopping list of things you’d like a boarding kennels to provide, there are certain things kennels will require of you before your dog can stay with them. As a matter of course they’ll need to know about your dog’s temperament, likes and dislikes, feeding and medication requirements and more. Beyond that, you’ll be required to provide proof of up to date vaccinations and you absolutely must ensure the kennels are aware of any health issues your dog may have.

Beyond that, relax. The average boarding kennels looks after hundreds or thousands of dogs every year, day in, day out and know what they’re doing. So once you find a boarding kennels that suits you, book early and concentrate on enjoying your holiday!

Browse Essex Boarding Kennels

While pet passports make it easier than in the past, very few of us take our dogs when we go on holiday, abroad or in the UK. The obvious alternative is to leave our dogs with a local boarding kennels for the duration, and EssexDogs includes details of boarding kennels in Essex to make it easier for you to find one that suits you.

Dogs are very much like people in that they can feel immediately at home in one place and uncomfortable in another, so we would always advise owners to take their dogs to a kennels before making a booking, to look around, see the surroundings and meet the people who will take care of your dog. This is a perfectly normal thing to do and the majority of kennels owners encourage you to do so. Of course, this can take a little time and kennels spaces can be limited during busy periods so we encourage you to book as early as possible, to avoid disappointment.

Browse Essex Boarding Kennels

Essex Dogs - choosing a boarding kennels

Personal recommendations

In addition to visiting the kennels, if there are several in your area try asking people you know for recommendations. Dog owners typically use the same kennels time and time again, and a personal recommendation can be very useful.

All boarding kennels should be licensed with the local authority, fully insured and have clean, draught-free, secure and warm facilities, plenty big enough for your dog to move around freely and have a ‘private’ space to retreat to. Many will have facilities for elderly dogs, and if your dog is active, you’ll also want to know where your dog will be exercised, how often and for how long.

Ultimately though, it will often come down to how you and your dog feel about the people working in the kennels, whether they seem friendly, confident, knowledgeable and reassuring, and able to answer all of your questions and concerns.

Big and small kennels

It’s worth noting that not all boarding kennels are large businesses. There are plenty of smaller kennels which only accommodate a small number of dogs, particularly those based in large towns and cities. An expected benefit of a smaller kennels would be that dogs get more attention, but asking about dogs’ routines will give you a better idea of what your dog can expect.

Kennels requirements

Just as you’ll have a shopping list of things you’d like a boarding kennels to provide, there are certain things kennels will require of you before your dog can stay with them. As a matter of course they’ll need to know about your dog’s temperament, likes and dislikes, feeding and medication requirements and more. Beyond that, you’ll be required to provide proof of up to date vaccinations and you absolutely must ensure the kennels are aware of any health issues your dog may have.

Beyond that, relax. The average boarding kennels looks after hundreds or thousands of dogs every year, day in, day out and know what they’re doing. So once you find a boarding kennels that suits you, book early and concentrate on enjoying your holiday!

Browse Essex Boarding Kennels