Are all dogs suitable for Home Boarding?

Unfortunately, not all dogs are suited to home boarding.

Our home boarding service is only suitable for friendly, family pets. We are happy to accept all breeds as long as they are well behaved, non-destructive, non-aggressive and have a calm and gentle nature. Examples of poor behaviour are outbreaks of aggression, chewing, marking in the house, excessive barking, excessive humping, strong pulling on the lead, or jumping up at strangers when out walking. More specifically to our business, your dog needs to be happy in the company of our dogs for the duration of the stay. It is particularly important that all dogs meet up for an introduction period prior to booking confirmation and see how they all get on.

If your dog has not stayed with us before, it is important that your dog has a short trial run with us to check that your dog is suited to our specific environment. Dogs must be crate trained to a basic standard as we use crates to transport dogs in our vehicle. We recommend at least one overnight stay as a trial (2 days, 1 night), so that your dog has a chance to get over their initial excitement and settle into routine. A trial run will help your peace of mind, and will allow you to relax while you are on your trip.

If you are unsure about your dog's suitability, please Contact Us to discuss your dog's particular habits or needs and we will do our very best to help you place your dog.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Yes. Your dog will be in contact with the resident dogs, other family dogs and the dogs that they meet whilst out on walks. For general wellbeing, it is important that your dog should always have its annual vaccinations to protect against infections and disease. It is also a requirement of our Home Boarding licence.

Titer testing results are accepted for Distepmer, Parvovirus and Hepatitis, however there is no test for immunity to Leptospirosis so a vaccination is required. Specifically for our business and our tiny resident pensioner, Parainfluenza (Kennel Cough) is also required annually. You may have to ask your vet for a Kennel Cough vaccination as it is not given automatically. A current vaccination certificate must be shown to us before dropping your dog off for a trial or an overnight stay.

Does my dog need to be wormed and treated for flea prevention?

Yes, for the same reasons that vaccinations are important. Your dog will be in contact with our dogs, other family dogs and the dogs that they meet whilst out on walks with us. It is your responsibility to ensure your pet is free of fleas. If fleas are present, we shall treat your pet and charge you for any expense incurred on your return. In addition to the treatment for your pet, the expenses may also include the process of removing fleas from our home.

Puppies, seniors and unneutered dogs in Home Boarding

Puppies over 16 weeks are more than welcome as long as they are reasonably house trained and are undergoing crate training (we understand that puppies go through forgetful stages during development). Puppies require extra attention during their stay and incur an extra fee to cover this. Bookings will be considered on a case by case basis, as although we love puppies, some of our adult guests are less keen.

Senior dogs are welcome. We understand that senior dogs can have limitations and special needs and we will do our best to help accommodate your dog in any way possible. We have a senior dog ourselves and are happy to offer separate space to youngsters and seniors where it is needed.

Unneutered adults are not always suitable for home boarding, but will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We have several unneutered boys and girls in our client list, however there are some additional considerations. We are not able to accept un-neutered bitches whilst in season, and in the event that they come into season unexpectedly we will need an emergency contact to come and pick them up while you are away. We cannot accept unneutered dogs or bitches that mark in the house.

Dogs on medication

We are happy to board dogs on medication. Please ensure that you provide enough medicine for the duration of your dog’s stay (plus a little extra in case you are delayed). If you use a special technique to administer medicine, please discuss this with us in advance of your dog's stay.

Does my dog need to be insured?

We prefer that dogs are insured, however this is not mandatory. Please note that it is your responsibility to settle or reimburse charges for any treatment or veterinary care on your return.

What will I need to provide for my dog?

It is important that you bring your dog's vaccination card (or letter of vaccination confirmation) with them for the stay and we also need information on your dog's brand of wormer and flea treatment (and when they were last administered). For visits longer than 2 nights, you may also wish to call your vet and let them know that your dog is staying with a licensed boarder. This means that if we need to call the vet, they will be authorised to discuss your dog with us.

Pack all the things that you would supply if you were leaving your dog with a friend or neighbour. Key items are: food, treats, a clean bed and blanket, leads and harnesses, a coat, a drying coat, a toy - and anything else to make your dog’s stay comfortable and familiar. We do not walk dogs on extending / retractable leads, so please make sure that you provide a regular lead. Please note that we often have to do some back to basics training with your dog, as our rules and routines may be a little different to yours at home - so please make sure that you pack training reward treats (small, moist and preferably sugar-free).

Special dietary needs are not a problem. There is a freezer available should you wish to bring frozen food or raw meat for your dog's stay. We suggest that you provide instructions on what food or medication should be given and when, and talk this through with us at the introductory meeting or at drop off. We can provide a holiday checklist for your dog to help you.

We are happy to purchase or provide anything that you might have forgotten, but please remember to reimburse us when you collect your dog.

My dog usually sleeps on my bed - will you allow my dog to do this?

Unfortunately this is not acceptable as there are resident dogs in the house and this is where they sleep, but we can always find an alternative solution that suits your dog. We are happy for a dog to sleep upstairs if it makes them feel more settled - we have a designated room just opposite ours meaning that guests can sleep just a couple of metres away. Remember: Your dog sleeps on your bed because it smells of you. They may not want to sleep in our bedrooms as they smell of our dogs and us!

Does the time that I leave or collect my dog affect the cost?

Basically, no. Home Boarding is charged per day and a day begins at 8:00am.

For example, a booking that starts on the 20th and ends on the 27th is considered 8 days. There is no charge for the last day if you collect your dog between 7:30am and 8:00am. The minimum charge for Home Boarding is the price for 2 days.

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Latest pick up in the evening is 8:00pm. If you are arriving home later than 8:00pm and do not wish to wait until the following day, please make arrangements for a friend or family member to collect your dog on your behalf. Group walks take place during the morning which means that there are limited periods when you can drop your dog off. Preferred drop off times are 8:00am-9:00am or 1:00pm-4:00pm. If you return from your trip early and decide to collect your dog before the due date - there is no refund of payment. Please contact us to agree a new date and / or time of collection.

What happens if my dog is unwell while I am away?

If your dog becomes unwell whilst you are away, we will contact to discuss your dog’s condition. Your dog will be taken to your veterinary practice for treatment - providing it is local to our location. If your dog’s veterinary practice is too far, we will take them to a local practice of our choice. We will keep you updated on your dog’s progress as often as you require.

If we are unable to contact you we will use reasonable judgement about the situation, in the same way as we would for our own dog, but we can only do this if you have told your vet who we are so that they will allow us to step in temporarily. Please note that it is your responsibility to settle or reimburse charges for any treatment or veterinary care when you collect your dog.

What happens there are problems with my dog while I am away?

We understand that dogs can behave differently when they are away from you and your home, and even the best behaved dogs can have a bad day! We will do everything reasonably practicable to manage any situations that arise.

There are some situations however that require extra measures, and in such circumstances we will contact you or your emergency contact to talk about the problem. Worst case scenario we will ask your emergency contact to collect your dog on your behalf. If they cannot take care of our dog we will help them to place your dog in kennels until your return.

Are all dogs suitable for Day Care?

Many, but not all dogs are suited to Day Care. Day Care is only suitable for friendly, family pets. We are happy to accept most breeds as long as they are well behaved, non-destructive, and non-aggressive and have a calm and gentle nature. Dogs that exhibit poor behaviour are not suitable for Day Care. Examples of poor behaviour are marking in the house, excessive barking, excessive humping, strong pulling on the lead, or jumping up at strangers when out walking.

We are not able to accept dogs that chew furniture, household items or items belonging to other dogs that are visiting (items such as bedding, blankets and leads). If your dog causes any damage to our home, costs must be reimbursed when you collect your dog.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Yes. Your dog will be in contact with the resident dogs, other family dogs and the dogs that they meet whilst out on walks. For general wellbeing, it is important that your dog should always have its annual vaccinations to protect against infections and disease. It is also a requirement of our Home Boarding and Day Care licence.

Titer testing results are accepted for Distepmer, Parvovirus and Hepatitis, however there is no test for immunity to Leptospirosis so a vaccination is required. Specifically for our business and our tiny resident pensioner, Parainfluenza (Kennel Cough) is also required annually. You may have to ask your vet for a Kennel Cough vaccination as it is not given automatically.

A current vaccination certificate must be shown to us before dropping your dog off for the day, and regular visitors must send an updated certificate each time boosters have been given.

Does my dog need to be wormed and treated for flea prevention?

Yes, for the same reasons that vaccinations are important. Your dog will be in contact with our dogs, other family dogs and the dogs that they meet whilst out on walks with us.

Regular Day Care customers will need to tell us each month when their dog is given their worm and flea treatments for our records.

It is your responsibility to ensure your pet is free of fleas. If fleas are present, we shall treat your pet and charge you for any expense incurred when you come to collect your dog. In addition to the treatment for your pet, the expenses may also include the process of removing fleas from our home.

Puppies, seniors and unneutered dogs in Day Care

Puppies over 16 weeks are more than welcome as long as they are reasonably house trained and are undergoing crate training (we understand that puppies go through forgetful stages during development). Puppies require extra attention during their stay and incur an extra fee to cover this. Bookings will be considered on a case by case basis, as although we love puppies, some of our adult guests are less keen.

Senior dogs are welcome. We understand that senior dogs can have limitations and special needs and we will do our best to help accommodate your dog in any way possible. We have a senior dog ourselves and are happy to offer separate space to youngsters and seniors where it is needed.

Unneutered adults are not always suitable for day care, but will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We have several unneutered boys and girls in our client list, however there are some additional considerations. We are not able to accept un-neutered bitches whilst in season. We cannot accept unneutered dogs or bitches that mark in the house.

What will I need to provide for my dog?

Pack all the things that you would supply you were leaving your dog with a friend or neighbour for the day. Key items are: food, treats, a clean bed or blanket, leads and harnesses, a coat, a dryng coat, a toy - and anything else to make your dog’s stay comfortable and familiar. We do not walk dogs on extending / retractable leads, so please make sure that you provide a regular lead.

Please note that we often have to do some back to basics training with your dog, as our rules and routines may be a little different to yours at home - so please make sure that you pack training reward treats.

If your dog is staying after 5pm and is having dinner, special dietary needs are not a problem. If your dog eats raw or fresh meat, you will need to prepare this and provide it in individual freezer bags which can be given at the appropriate times. We suggest that you provide instructions on what food or medication should be given and when, and talk this through with us at the introductory meeting.

We are happy to try and provide anything that you might have forgotten, but please remember to reimburse us when you collect your dog.

Can you give my dog their medication?

We are happy to look after dogs on medication. Please ensure that you provide enough medicine for the day. If you use a special technique to administer medicine, please discuss this with us.

What are the Day Care opening hours?

A day is the period 7:30am–6:00pm. You may drop-off and collect your dog at any time within this period, please agree a time for drop-off and collection when you make the booking. Group walks take place during the morning which means that there are limited periods when you can drop your dog off.

Preferred drop off times is between 7:30am-9:00am.

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Dogs may be collected at any time between 12:00pm-6:00pm. We feed between 5:00pm and 5:30pm, and 6:00pm can be quite busy (and we leave to start cat feeds at 6:00pm) so during this time it may be a quick handover at the door.

If you have questions or additional bookings to discuss, please try and come a little earlier, 5:40pm is ideal.

When is the fee paid for my booking?

When accepted as a Day Care client, you will agree to be categorised as 'Regular' or 'Bespoke'.

Regular clients book at least 1 day per week, for at least 8 months of the year. Regular clients set their days for the coming month and pay the full months charges on the first day of service within that month.

Bespoke clients request bookings as they require them (subject to availability) and pay 50% deposit within 3 days of booking - and the rest on the first date of service.

What happens if I cannot pick up my dog as planned?

We understand that delays happen, particularly if you are travelling home from an event. Please be assured that as long as you call and let us know the situation, we will take care of your dog until you are safely home.

There will be an additional charge for the extra time that your dog stays with us. Collection between 6:00pm-8:00pm is charged at an extra £5, 8:00pm-10:00pm is an extra £15.

After 10:00pm your dog will be transferred to Home Boarding and you will be able to collect your dog at an agreed time the next day.

Will I meet my Dog Walker before they come to collect my dog for the first time? Will my dog always have the same Walker?

Yes, in fact we insist upon it. You must arrange a meeting and a trial walk with your Dog Walker to make sure that everyone is 100% happy before any bookings are accepted. This allows your dog and the Dog Walker to get to know each other, and for you to ask any questions that you might have.

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Apart from holidays and unexpected sickness, your dog will always have the same Walker.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Yes. Your dog will be in contact with other dogs that they meet whilst out on walks with us.

For general wellbeing, it is important that your dog should always have annual vaccinations to protect against infections and disease.

Does my dog need to be wormed and treated for flea prevention?

Yes, for the same reasons that vaccinations are necessary. Your dog will be in contact with other dogs that they meet whilst out on walks with us, which means that flea treatment is particularly important.

It is your responsibility to ensure your pet is free of fleas. If fleas are present, your Dog Walker shall return your pet to you immediately. You may also be responsible for the expense of removing fleas from the Dog Walker’s vehicle.

Do you walk dogs with special needs?

We are happy to walk puppies, senior dogs, nervous dogs and those who are not terribly keen on having other dogs around them. It may be that a walk starting at home (see Home Visit) is more suitable than a standard walk. If your dog is not happy in the company of other dogs, please Contact Us to discuss a price for a solo walk.

Does my dog need to be insured?

We prefer that dogs are insured, particularly if they are walked off-lead - but this is not mandatory.

Please note that it is your responsibility to settle or reimburse charges for any treatment or veterinary care when we return your dog.

What will I need to provide for my dog?

A good quality lead, and a coat for wet / cold days (if your dog requires one). For dogs that walk on a harness or a head-collar, we will need that as well. Please note that we do not use extending leads / retractable leads, so please make sure that you have a regular lead available.

If your dog has a preferred recall treat or toy, please leave that out too.

I am going on holiday and am leaving my dog at home. A friend or neighbour is popping regularly through each day to check on them. Can you walk my dog while I am away?

Unfortunately not. You must have suitable arrangements in place for your dog to be cared for while you are away. Please consider our Home Boarding Service, or making arrangements for your dog to stay in the home of a friend or family member.

Do you walk dogs off the lead?

It depends on what you want - but generally yes! If your dog is a little bit rusty on their recall then we can keep them on a long lead and let them run and play in safety!

We will only let your dog off lead once we have written consent and it is safe to do so.

What happens in bad weather?

Based on our initial meeting, we can manage bad weather days in a number of different ways. For those dogs who hate getting wet, we can delay the walk until later in the day if time allows, or possibly switch to a home visit and some indoor playing.

For those that are not bothered by the rain - we get wet! We will clean up and dry off your dog as much as possible on return. We ask that you leave out a towel for a final rub down on arrival back at the house.

Will I meet my Pet Sitter before they come to visit my pets?

Yes, absolutely. You must arrange a meeting with your Pet Sitter to make sure that everyone is 100% happy before any bookings are accepted. This allows your pet and the Pet Sitter to get to know each other, and for you to ask any questions that you might have. We like to try and make sure that you always have the same Pet Sitter so that you pets can build up a relationship with them.

Will you stay overnight in my home?

I am afraid not. We are happy to help with visits and feeding but we have boarding dogs at home and therefore need to be at home for them. Still feel free to drop us a message and we can put you in touch with local Pet Sitters and House Sitters that offer this service.

What type of pets will you visit?

We are happy to visit any domestic pet that you have in your home. Please Contact Us to discuss your needs.

Will you give my pet their medication?

Generally, we can help with this, depending on the type of pet and its needs. Please Contact Us to discuss your specific requirements.

Will I meet my Home Visitor before they come to visit my dog?

Yes, in fact we insist upon it. You must arrange a meeting with your Home Visitor to make sure that everyone is 100% happy before any bookings are accepted. This allows your dog and the Home Visitor to get to know each other, and for you to ask any questions that you might have. We always try to offer the same Home Visitor so that your dog can build up a relationship with the person.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

As the visit is in your home, this is not necessary. Home Visits are great for pre-vaccinated puppies and senior dogs that are not able to have vaccinations for health reasons.

Does my dog need to be wormed and treated for flea prevention?

It is preferable that your dog is treated with worm and flea prevention, as your Home Visitor comes into contact with other dogs during the course of the day - and you may require us to walk your dog for 5-10 minutes as part of the service. Please discuss this with your Home Visitor at the initial meeting.

I am going on holiday and am leaving my dog at home. A friend or neighbour is popping regularly through each day to check on them. Can you visit my dog too while I am away?

Unfortunately not. You must have suitable arrangements in place for your dog to be cared for while you are away. Please consider our Home Boarding Service, or making arrangements for your dog to stay in the home of a friend or family member.

What do you mean by 'smaller breeds'?

Our preference for smaller breeds is based on the size of our resident dogs, who are all under 15kg (33lbs). ​We are completely open to meeting dogs that are a little larger than 15kg, our size preference is a guide rather than a rule, so if you have a larger than average Whippet or Frenchie (for instance) then please give us a call.

Why the limitation to smaller breeds?

Our preference for smaller breeds is based on the size of our own dogs, and the limitation is more for us than for them - as they wouldn't believe that they were small if you told them so!

​We are aware that some dogs are a little overwhelmed by larger dogs, and whilst it is completely possible to house a Weimaraner with a Chihuahua, we feel that there are differences in the style of play that may present a higher risk of 'fun related injuries' when mixing dogs together of significantly different size. We do not isolate our visitors from larger breeds however, we meet larger breeds on our walks and always stop to say hello to encourage socialisation and improve general dog etiquette.

I have a large breed and a small dog?

Then I imagine that your larger breed dog is 100% happy around small breeds and already understands them. At peak periods during the year, such as the school holidays this is not possible as we are full to capacity. Please give us a call to see if we can help with both of your dogs.

I am taking my pet with me on holiday. Can you check on my house while I am gone?

Absolutely.

We can also bring in post, turn lights on and off and open /close curtains and put the bins out to give your home a more lived in appearance. It gives an additional peace of mind to have someone pop in and check that everything is fine. We can message you after each visit to let you know that everything is okay or we can leave you to enjoy your holiday and only let you know if something needs attention.

Home Boarding Bookings

Once you have completed an initial meetand greet with us and you are happy to proceed, Waggy Walks 4 Dogs will agree a date for a boarding trial. The trial will be booked and paid for in the same way as your holiday booking and will give you a chance to get used to the booking process. The home boarding service charge will be broken into two parts: ~ 50% non-refundable deposit ~ 50% service balance Please note that for bookings on (or including) a Public Holiday - the Public Holiday date is charged at time and a half, and bookings made over the Christmas an New Year periods are subject to additional charges. How To Pay: Waggy Walks 4 Dogs accept cash or direct bank transfer. Details on how to pay can be found at the bottom of your service invoice. Cash may be paid on the day, or please allow sufficient time for electronic transfers to clear prior to the service start date. Cheques are accepted but are required 7 days before the booking date to allow time for them to clear. Home Boarding and Bespoke Clients - When To Pay: ~ The 50% non-refundable deposit is required within 3 days of the invoice issue date ~ The 50% service balance for the service is required on or before the date of service ​A copy of our Terms and Conditions is available on request, and is sent out as part of the registrations process. Cancellations: ~ The 50% deposit is non-refundable if Home Boarding services are cancelled. ​

Regular Day Care and Walking Bookings

Once you have completed an initial meeting and trial day with us and you are happy to proceed, Waggy Walks 4 Dogs will agree the dates for the coming month and will send a service invoice. Dates are agreed on the 20th of the prior month. The service charge will be broken into two parts: ~ 50% non-refundable deposit - payable within 3 days of confirming the bookings ~ 50% service balance - payable on the first day of service in the month Regular Clients - When To Pay: A deposit may not always be requested, however the cancellation policy remains in force for the full month of service. The amount in total for the coming months services is due on the first day of service within that month. How To Pay: Waggy Walks 4 Dogs accept cash or direct bank transfer. Details on how to pay can be found at the bottom of your service invoice. A copy of our Terms and Conditions is available on request, and is sent out as part of the registrations process. Cancellations: ~ The 50% deposit is non-refundable when services are cancelled ​ Please note that in some circumstances regular customers are not asked to pay a deposit, however in the event of cancellation the 50% charge for cancelled dates still applies, as does the cancellation policy apply to those paying in cash.

Bespoke Day Care and Walking Bookings

Once you have completed an initial meeting and a trial visit with us and you are happy to proceed, Waggy Walks 4 Dogs will send you a service invoice. The service charge will be broken into two parts: ~ 50% non-refundable deposit ~ 50% service balance Bespoke Day Care Clients - When To Pay: ~ The 50% non-refundable deposit is required within 3 days of the invoice issue date ~ The 50% service balance for the service is required on or before the date of service Cash may be paid on the day, or please allow sufficient time for electronic transfers to clear prior to the service start date. Please note that in some circumstances regular customers are not asked to pay a deposit, however in the event of cancellation the 50% charge for cancelled dates still applies, as does the cancellation policy apply to those paying in cash. How To Pay: Waggy Walks 4 Dogs accept cash or direct bank transfer. Details on how to pay can be found at the bottom of your service invoice. A copy of our Terms and Conditions is available on request, and is sent out as part of the registrations process. Cancellations: ~ The 50% deposit is non-refundable when services are cancelled ​ Please note that in some circumstances regular customers are not asked to pay a deposit, however in the event of cancellation the 50% charge for cancelled dates still applies, as does the cancellation policy apply to those paying in cash.

Holding Your Keys

If you are not home during the day and are booking a regular service with us, then please consider our complimentary key-holding service. We can retain a set of keys (please ensure they work) which enables us to have access to your pets whenever a service is requested. The benefit to the key-holding service is that if you are running late or have an emergency, you can call us and we can visit your pets to check on them for you. If you misplace or lose your own keys, just call and we will be there as soon as possible* (or you can pick your keys up from us). We are DBS checked and store keys in a locked key safe so that they remain secure. We are fully insured and include key holding insurance in our business policy so any loss of keys or replacement locks are covered. Keys are labelled with a unique identifier which does not connect them to your personal information. If you have an alarm, we will keep the access code seperately from both the keys and your personal details to ensure the highest level of security. If you prefer not to take advantage of our key holding service, key collection is complimentary on your first booking. We will collect a set of keys from you at the time of your consultation, and return them to you after the service. Future collections are charged at £6.00, and keys will be left with you at the end of the service period (we will agree a method for leaving keys at the time of booking). You are also welcome to deliver keys to us before each service period if this is your preference. ​

Can you collect and drop off my dog?

Our pet taxi service is limited as we also need to be at our property for other owners to collect and drop off, but by special arrangement we can often collect and drop off your dog. We require a key or for someone to be home for this service. Rates: £5.00 per 15 minutes plus 50p per mile