What do you like in boarding kennels?

[GinaB]

I *hope* to eventually open my own boarding kennels, but would be interested to hear what you like to see at boarding kennels where you would keep your dog.
I'm not entirely sure if I will be opening a cattery part as TBH I don't know much about them but I may also provide a small animal boarding, for the likes of rabbits, guinea pigs etc

 

[Onyxia]

Clean,safe,friendly staff and atmosphere-the normal stuff

Place my GSD bitch went to year before she died had a box outside each kennel,some washable toys,brushes ect. Nice touch I thought

 

[Acolyte]

Cleanliness most of all

Decent sized kennels which 2 dogs can share, heated kennels, lots of clean drinking water (have seen kennels which only have small bowls for big dogs!), proper enclosed exercise area, option to bring your own bedding or have it provided, proper H&S measures (fire fighting equipment etc)

So the usual stuff really

Last time I put my two in kennels it was wonderful as they came back smelling pleasant! I hate it when the dogs come back smelling of kennels, not sure how they did it but my two came back smelling fresh and clean - a really nice surprise

 

[CAYLA]

I don't board mine as my mams always takes them...she is the only one I would ever leave them with, but if I did, firstly a clean non p1sh smelling environment, and very importantly an escape proof environment...I would be more than distraught if my dog escaped, friendly knowledgable staff, with good sizes exercise area or evidence of a well used walk route, with a warm, clean area to sleep with hygenic bedding and some flexibility with bringing your own food and bedding as kennels can be murder for not allowing this.
I home board and I think it's because people like their dogs in an environment as close to their own as possible with out the overly commercial touch.

 

[GinaB]

I have a few ideas at present, but as I said, it's just an idea at the minute! So here's a few things (opinions would be great!)

- Underfloor heating
- Pens large enough for 'families' or larger breeds
- Elevated bowls for large dogs. Don't like to see them bending down!
- Bring your own bedding, or bedding provided.
- All diets catered for (I know how many people have worked years to find a diet which works for their dog) those that feed raw/cooked diets will be catered for.
- Exercise area for dogs that are happy to socialise togeher.
- Walked two/three times per day
- Pick up collection available.
- Short day stays ie dog just comes during the day whilst you're at work
- Perhaps a grooming palour?
- Discount for multiple dogs
- Playtime
- Webcams in kennels so you can watch them while you're away!
- Around 20 kennels, not a huge big business gonig on!

 

[DaisyDuke]

When can mine come to stay?!!