First thing is not to leave it too late to book. It will only make you more stressed , chasing around to find a boarding kennels. Of course we hope you would find the process quite easy using our boarding kennels directory but nevertheless all kennels get busy during the easter, summer and winter breaks, so plan and book ahead early!

It’s not just the booking of the boarding kennels you need to be sharp on, it is also your dog’s vaccinations. You must have your dog’s vaccination card stamped with up to date injections. This of course includes kennel cough jab which needs doing ideally a fortnight (14 days) before your dog is due to go into kennels.

It’s a good idea to speak to the kennels first and also to actually speak to the vet and find out exactly what your pet needs in the way of protection and vaccinations as legislation can change from time to time. Also depending on your vets and where you live, you may have a waiting time for the dog vaccination.

Kennels simply will not let your dog stay without the correct paperwork, as they will not put your dog at risk or the dogs in their care. If for some reason you got your dates wrong, either it means cancelling your holiday or getting a friend to dog sit!

When you arrive at the kennels you should feel okay as you will have researched the kennels your dog is staying at via our directory and also via a short visit to the kennels ideally.

When you arrive, be organised, aim for quite a quick drop off or you will upset yourself and the dog. Normally boarding kennels will allow you to leave a few treats, and toys, so that the dog feels the kennels are a home from home. Don’t worry about the other dogs, in most cases dogs will love the atmosphere and soon settle in. It will be a little like a youth club for them! Dogs are very sociable normally.

All things being well, your dog will have had a super little holiday itself and will be over the mooin to see you as always. You will always have left an emergency contact number for the kennels to contact you on should they need, but again this is very rare. Unless your dog has an illness or is infirm at the time of boarding.

So, here’s a reminder:

1. Plan well ahead. Research boarding kennels and book your chosen one in advance, after a quick visit.
2. Plan and book your dog’s vaccinations well in advance with the vet.
3. Check with the kennels what you can and can’t take for your dog.
4. Arrive early with your dog to save rushing around.
5. Act calm in front of your dog and make the handover short and sweet.
6. Try not to worry and enjoy your holiday and your pet will too!
7. Collect your dog when you get home and trteat him to his/her favourit meal!