Dog home boarding a kinder alternative to boarding kennels

Home boarding is the preferable way to have your dog cared for whilst you are away as it entails a one to one type of care in a home from home environment. Your dog will stay in a carer’s home getting individual care and being treated like one of the family.

Placing your dog in someone’s home is regarded as a kind and affordable alternative to kennels and should mean that your dog has a holiday too. Knowing that your dog is being well cared for whilst you are away means that you will truly be able to relax. You need to feel confident with the arrangements with your Home Boarder - what should you look for when considering making a booking for your dog?

The advantages of Home Boarding for your dog as opposed to using Boarding Kennels are obvious- not least that your dog won't have to be confined, nor will he suffer from kennel stress. A home environment is cleaner and healthier than a kennel and there is far less chance of your dog contracting kennel cough or other dog to dog transmissible diseases.

Choosing the right Home boarder means asking questions; this is the only way for you to feel confident that your animal will be well cared for. Your dog should be able to have a similar routine with the Home Boarder as in your home, make sure you discuss your dog's routine and any specific requirements with the Boarder.

A minimum of three walks - a total of two hours walking per day is recommended by most dog welfare organisations. You should enquire as to where your dog will be walked, how long for and how frequently. It is a good idea to meet up with the Home Boarder before you use their services. Ask to join them for a walk with your dog as this will give you a chance to see where the dogs are walked and to discuss your dog's specific requirements - i.e., you might want to request that your dog has off-lead walks.

Ask questions about where your dog will be sleeping, how long he will be left for (if at all), what the maximum number of dogs will be, etc. Many Home Boarders have their own dogs; your dog should ideally fit in with the rest of the pack as this will provide extra stimulation and playtime for him. You should feel confident that the Home Boarder is interested in and experienced with dogs, understands their needs and is genuinely interested in their welfare. Be sure to book your dog in good time before your holiday, as good Home Boarders are quickly booked up.

Many Home Boarders rely on word of mouth recommendations or local advertising; others have registered with an organisation called the National Association of Registered Pet sitters (NARP) which is the largest Pet Care Organisation in the UK. NARP have members throughout the country who offer a range of pet sitting services which include home boarding – NARP is the largest Pet Care organisation in the UK, setting the standards for the Pet and House sitting industries.

NARP represent their members at Local and National Government level, with particular interest in all legislation which affects the Pet care Industry and Animal Welfare in general. As the Trade Association for the Industry, they are involved primarily with the proper care of Pets and Property and their aim is to set and maintain standards accordingly. 8,000 pet sitters throughout the country, have registered with NARP. All members are registered and insured and are required to abide by a Code of Practice.

Find a Pet boarder/House Sitter/Dog Boarder/Walker, by subscribing to The National Register of Pet sitters (£9.95). You pay for a Boarder or agency direct, at a rate agreed between you, which depend upon your requests and your dog's individual requirements. The cost of boarding a dog with a NARP member depends on many factors including which area of the country you live in, the number of pets that you have, special food/dietary/exercise and other care requirements etc. In any event, it is extremely good value considering that your dog will receive individual private care. National average prices start from around £10 per 24 hour period.

Here is a list of companies that specialise in Home Boarding in the UK; these links will take you directly to their sites. Please help promote our site by mentioning ANIMALRESOURCES if you use these companies. Please contact us to advertise your business here.

Papillon Pet Care
Barking Mad
Chiltern Dog Boarding
K9 Friends
Dog Haven
Pals4pets
Angels
Local pet people
Tender care pets
Dog boarding UK
Hound dog days
Spoiled Rotten Pets
Home boarding for dogs
Canine carers

The National Home Boarding Register is provided free of charge to anyone searching for an alternative to boarding kennels, this is a directory type site where you can search for services in your area. There are currently 398 entries in 78 areas / counties.