1. General Boarding policies.

The licence will be displayed on the hallway where clients enter the house and on the business website.

The premises is of sound construction and only registered tradespeople will be used to complete works. No more than the stated amount on the licence will be accepted at any one time.

All policies will be pointed out to clients and clients may take a hard copy away if desired.

If it is deemed that boarding can no longer continue due to extremes of temperature or any other emergency, the client and or emergency contact will be required to collect their dog. Written consent is obtained prior to boarding.

Dogs will sleep either in the second bedroom or in our bedroom depending on the requests of the owner and have use of the kitchen and living room during the day. Boarding dogs are not permitted upstairs unless supervised. They have access to a sofa, arm chair and footstool in the living room.  Appropriately sized beds are provided, and owners are encouraged to provide a blanket that smells of home to help the dog relax. Dogs can be crated overnight if that is the owner’s routine. Boarded dogs are not permitted to sleep on our bed over night and if dogs need separating we have a spare bedroom where the boarded dog can sleep. Our resident dog sleeps upstairs on our bed or in his own bed. Dogs that show signs of not being toilet trained will be crated overnight to prevent accidents. 

Dogs are not left alone in any 24 hour period for more than 3 hours. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety and prone to barking are not left alone and the other key holder can provide company if the licensee has to be out for a period of time. Dogs can accompany the licensee if appropriate. All dogs thoroughly assessed and allowances made. If dogs are to be left alone, they are separated from resident dogs and any other boarding dog unless client has given consent and the radio left on for company. Barking is monitored and action taken if dogs bark for a period of time. If a dog shows signs that they are not toilet trained when left alone they will be crated to prevent accidents. 

2. Record Keeping

All boarding is subject to a meet and greet, trial night at a cost of £15 and the boarding forms being completed fully.

Specific boarding forms must include name and address of client, name and breed of dog, microchip confirmation, age, vaccination confirmation, flea and worming treatment dates, Insurance and vet details, temperament of dog, consent for dogs to be walked,  housed and fed with other dogs, exercise expectations, medication, allergy details and any other relevant details.

All records are kept printed in a safe and confidential location. All records must be viewed with data protection in mind. The records will be regularly updated.

The records will be available to the licensee and emergency contact.

3. Health and Safety within the home.

Health and safety will be maintained within the home at all times. All dogs to be housed in a suitable environment, which is kept clean and safe at all times.

All electrical equipment including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors are inspected yearly and repaired or replaced as needed. All gas equipment to be inspected and maintained by a qualified engineer yearly.

The house will be inspected daily for any repairs needed. The garden will be inspected daily for any repairs needed. All gates will be checked once a day minimum for wear and tear.

A regular cleaning regime is in place and home maintained. All health and safety will be considered when cooking/cleaning and dogs will be kept from heat sources or being able to ingest anything. All boarders are part of our family and are looked after to the high standard that we look after our own animals.

All bins will be behind a door or gate and all exterior bins are in the alley behind a gate.

4. Cleaning and Disinfection procedure.

General cleaning will be done daily and a good state of cleanliness will be maintained. All sides wiped down before and after use, floors swept/vacuumed daily, food and water bowls washed daily, throws and bedding washed weekly and after every boarded dog has left. A thorough dust, polish, vacuum and disinfect will be done on a weekly basis. Any spillages/accidents will be cleaned up as soon as seen. The garden will have excrement removed a minimum of once daily and food preparation areas will be cleaned prior and after preparation. An antibacterial cleaner and antibacterial wipes, with kitchen roll will be used to maintain areas.

Antibacterial hand-wash will be available by all sinks and wipes. Dogs can be hosed down and washed outside in good weather or the mud daddy can be used with warm water to clean dogs after walks. In cold weather the bathroom with bath and shower can be used.

Patio will be hosed down and disinfected weekly or after each boarded dog/s

All dogs will be removed when cleaning is taking place.

5. Transportation policy.

Dogs can be collected by arrangement and use of the business van for transporting dogs to local walking areas. The car is insured to transport animals and regularly checked and maintained, whilst being serviced annually. The van has 1 front seat with seatbelt and passenger airbag turned off, 1 back seat with hammock, 2 seat belts and a guarded boot with 2 secured crates and a secure area for larger dogs. Any rubbish or bags of excrement are disposed of in the appropriate bins. The car is cleaned and disinfected every other week. Seat covers and towels are laundered regularly at 60 degrees.

All dogs travel strapped in, in crates or in the boot. Dogs that haven’t met before are transported in their own space until they can be thoroughly assessed.

All dogs will be removed when cleaning is taking place.

6. Feeding Procedure.

Clients are asked to give written permission for their dogs to be fed in the presence of other dogs. All dogs are thoroughly assessed and watched during feeding time to make sure they are eating, not gollping their food (A slow feeder can be recommended to client) or struggling to chew their food. Dogs will be separated by a dog gate while they eat to assure safety and pace. Dogs will eat separately and at differing times to resident dogs. Unless stated all dog food is to be provided by the client. Clients will be asked to give written details on timings, and amounts. All bowls and feeders will be provided by the client and must be dishwasher safe. All bowls will be washed in the dishwasher daily or with warm soapy water. The food will be stored in the fridge and freezer in the kitchen or in the secure clean plastic containers in the dog cupboard under the prep area or under the stairs.

Dogs food intake will be monitored per meal and advice sought from a vet if the dog continues to refuse food after 48 hours.

Multiple water bowls will be provided and water changed a minimum of twice daily. All bowls will be washed daily.

No food to be left down and will be removed and disposed of after each meal. All bowls will be lifted and placed in the sink area for manual washing.

Food prep area to be washed before and after food prep.

All basic hygiene rules will be adhered to by anyone preparing food.

7. Enrichment activities

All boarders will have access to enrichment activities within the home and garden. Kong wobblers, enrichment games, toys, lickimats, snuffle mats, paddling pool, and hose.

Dogs that are on restricted exercise or other reasons will interact with mind game type toys. These toys are a great way to bond and interact so will be used with licensee to get the most from. Lickimats and snuffle mats are a great way to expel energy while using minimum physical exercise and mentally tire a dog out by using natural instincts. All toys will be supervised and agreed with usage with the client prior to boarding. All dogs will be checked over physically and all equipment checked for suitability prior to use. A paddling pool will be provided with shallow water for dogs to cool off in warmer months. Paddling pool will be shallow and supervised at all times. The equipment will all be inspected prior to use and cleaned or disguarded as necessary.

Grooming and interaction will take place multiple times per day. All dogs will live as part of the family and will interact with all members throughout the day and evening.

8. Exercise Policy.

All individual needs will be addressed with older dogs having a different type and duration of exercise. Dogs under a year old will with advice from our vets get 5 mins of exercise for every month of their life twice daily. Adult dogs in good health will get two walks minimum per day. One long walk 60 min +, which with the owners written permission can include off lead exercise and ball games and another lead/off lead walk for a minimum of 20 mins. Every care will be taken to insure dogs individual exercise needs are met with agreement with the client. The 60 min+ walk can include wooded areas, swimming and beach visits, coastal walks and visits to the local fields. Use of secure exercise fields can be hired if a dog has recall issues or needs privacy. The shorter walk can be around the football field located a short walk from our house house or up to the enclosed park 2 minutes away. All walking equipment must be provided by the client. We encourage our clients to use secure harnesses and soft leads. Extendable leads are only used to exercise dogs in areas away from the road if they can’t be off lead. All equipment provided must be in a clean and safe state. We hold a stock of strong leads and harnesses that can be used. All equipment will be inspected prior to use. All walks and equipment use is agreed with clients upon drop off.

All dogs must have a collar/harness with the clients name, address and number on. No more than five dogs per person will be walked at any one time. All dogs will be assessed and make sure they are a compatible group. All dogs will be in a safe controlled manner and will not cause any disruption to other people or animals. We have public liability with Simply Business. Every precaution is taken to maintain a safe walk and all walks are familiar and considered safe.

When the boarding dogs aren’t being walked they have access to the garden. The garden has one secure locked and tall outer gate. The walls are six foot high with no access over the top unless a ladder is used. The garden is sectioned off and a safe area is provided for the dogs, Lighting is provided if its dark outside and all gates are lockable from the inside. Dogs are fully supervised at all times in the garden and any noise is stopped immediately by distraction techniques.

In the case of extreme weather the type and level of exercise will be modified. In cases of extreme heat the boarders will have short walks early morning or late evening, shaded and around water if possible. Dogs will be walked on lead and encouraged to be calm and take regular water and shade breaks. Enrichment will be provided at home and a supervised paddling pool will be available. Cooling coats and mats are provided in summer months. Breeds with shorter noses will have limited exercise and be watched very carefully and access to a fan at all times.

In the case of snow exercise will be limited, clients will provide coats for their dogs. Boarders will be dried off and heating used to keep them comfortable. In blizzard conditions dogs will have enrichment at home and be walked at calmer times. All paws will be rinsed after walking on pavements due to gritting. Dogs will be monitored closely and if they appear to be in distress or not enjoying the weather the walk will be halted and return home. In very wet conditions walks will continue unless the dog appears to be unhappy or in distress. Dogs will not be walked in thunder and lightning storms and will receive enrichment at home and distraction techniques used. The radio and low lighting will be used if dogs become upset by the storms.

If dogs are boarding at a time when fireworks are in use the walks will be during daylight hours and dogs will be supervised in the garden at those times.

9. Monitoring Health and Welfare.

Dogs will be physically checked over every day for lumps and bumps, ears, eyes and mouth checked, coat checked and paws inspected after every walk. Paws will be rinsed off after walks and in summer months surfaces will be checked for heat.

Dogs food intake and general demeanour will be assessed at least once a day but continuously. Dogs that are showing signs of stress will be given their own space and time in the garden, low lighting and the use of the radio. They can also have time in their own den using the blankets or beds from their own home. All clients will fill in the boarding form and will be asked to give details of dogs disposition. All dogs will come for a meet and greet and trial night and a decision will be made after discussion on their suitability. Techniques will be discussed to maintain a calm atmosphere with client. All observations about dogs health and welfare will be recorded.

All dogs will be handled gently and reward based training techniques will be used. All clients will be advised that any equipment provided by them must be maintained and not be an aversive training tool. The use of choke chains, shock collars, prong collars, anti bark collars, half choke collars is strictly prohibited and all clients will understand that we will not use them. No aversive methods will be used.

If dogs are boarding during the periods that fireworks are in we use a den for them to escape to and the radio and tv will be used to distract them. Dogs will only be let in the garden during quiet periods and will be supervised throughout. Dogs will be given the choice of company or to hide away at this time.

10. Other Animals.

All boarding dogs will have a meet and greet and overnight trial with the resident dog and cats in their home. Dogs will initially meet through a dog/gate and be allowed to sniff and get used to each other until we feel that they can safely interact.

Resident cats will be separated completely from all boarding dogs by a gate at the bottom of the stairs. They have use of the hall and bedrooms upstairs. They have their own space, food and water sources upstairs and their own beds. 

11. Disease control and prevention.

All clients will provide medical details prior to the stay and appropriate treatment will be agreed. All dogs must be in good health for a minimum of 7 days prior to boarding. Dogs that have stomach upsets or anything considered infectious will not be permitted and their boarding will be cancelled.

If any dog shows signs of infection, their space will be limited to the spare room until the dogs can be collected by the emergency contact or the client. The client will be asked to come and collect their dog and if they cannot their emergency contact will come to collect. This will be agreed prior to boarding. Resident dogs will be housed away from the spare room and can use the front entrance and garden at differing times and in between disinfecting. 

All necessary steps including clothing will be disposed of or washed in the washing machine at 60 degrees. All soiled bedding will be washed at 60 degrees or disposed of at the waste disposal site.

All water and food bowls will be separated and washed in the dishwasher separately. All advice will be taken from our vets with the handling of the boarder. All other boarding dogs will be asked to be collected too.

All toys will be disinfected and washed between boarding dogs. 

12. Death or escape of an animal procedure.

If any boarding dog becomes unwell or dies during boarding the client will be informed immediately and asked to come to the boarding establishment. All actions will be taken under advice from our vet. Deceased dogs will be taken to the clients vets to await the return of their owner promptly.

If our vet feels that a dog must be euthanised consent from the client will be obtained prior to or the interests of the dog considered. Every effort will be made to contact the owner or emergency contact, but the welfare of the dog comes first. Any euthanasia must be performed by a qualified vet.

In the case that a dog escapes from the home or on a walk every effort will be made to find the dog and both the emergency contact and client will be contacted immediately. All local vets will be contacted. The use of social media may be used if the client consents. The business insurance company will be contacted as soon as possible.

13. Emergency care for boarding dogs.

If the boarding establishment becomes uninhabitable due to lack of heating owners will be contacted and asked to collect their dogs or emergency contact will be asked to collect their dogs. All clients will be informed of this prior to boarding.

If establishment is out of use for any reason owners will be contacted and asked to collect their dogs or emergency contacts will be asked to collect their dogs. All clients will give written consent prior to boarding.

If the temperature is extreme either hot or cold every measure will be taken to ensure the establishment becomes habitable. Fans are used on the summer, but if dogs continue to struggle boarding will be halted and the client or emergency contact will be asked to collect their dogs.

Extreme weather including flood, snow and drought, every precaution will be taken to make dogs comfortable.

It is extremely unlikely that natural flooding will occur as we are on a hill, but all dogs will be evacuated following emergency services advice. In the case of extreme snow advice will be taken from emergency services and forecasts. Fans and extra refreshment will be provided in the case of drought.

14. Waste disposal

All dog faeces will be removed from the garden at least once per day and disposed of in the secured waste bin located outside behind the gate and away from the dogs. Heavily soiled bedding will be disposed of in the bin.

15. Fire policy and escape plan.

The establishment has a fire extinguisher housed in the boiler cupboard and a fire blanket. A monitored fire alarm is located in the hallway and in the event of a fire automatically contacts the fire brigade. A carbon monoxide detector is located in the living room. All are inspected and tested weekly and the alarms are monitored by simplisafe and changed as necessary.

The two exits are kept free of obstructions and can be locked from the outside and inside. In case of a kitchen fire the front exit can be used. In case of a living room fire the front or back exit can be used and exit through the back gate.

All gas equipment is inspected yearly and serviced by qualified gas safe engineers. All electrical and gas equipment is visually inspected and tested when used. The designated key holder lives on the premises too, but another key holder lives 20 min drive away and can be contacted at all times in case of emergency.

16. Vaccination, flea and worming treatment policies.

All clients must bring with them and show up to date vaccination records. All boarding dogs must have had their primary vaccinations two weeks prior to boarding. All vaccinations must have been given by a qualified vet and be licensed in the UK.

All boarding dogs must have been treated with appropriate flea, worming and tick prevention medication prior to boarding. If any dog appears infected, they will be treated using medication from their vets and at the owners expense. All clients will be aware of the policy prior to boarding. If an infestation is discovered all bedding, throws, soft furnishing will be washed and treated with a treatment recommended by our vet. Any areas the dog has been will be treated appropriately.

17. Medication policy.

Customers must provide all medication for their dogs in a plastic labelled box. Labelled with dogs name, frequency and dosage. The fridge can be used to store medicines if needed. All medicines must be returned to the client when boarding ceases.

18. Puppies under 1 year old procedure.

Toilet trained puppies are welcomed and all puppies must have completed their primary vaccinations. Puppies are treated like one of the family and experience as much of everyday life as possible. Puppies spend lots of one on one time with the licensee and are given the opportunity to socialise with people and other friendly assessed dogs. Regular toilet breaks are given to encourage toilet training, this will be discussed and agreed with the owner prior to their stay. All puppies are fed separately in a safe area and supervised throughout their stay. Puppies will require more sleep so a safe, quiet area from other dogs will be provided. 

Note is taken of the recommended exercise regimes and puppies are encouraged to walk off lead in safe areas with the owner’s consent. The use of a training line is permitted to ensure a safe walk. Owners are encouraged to provide harnesses for puppies on training lines, but a stock of harnesses are kept for such occasions and discussed with the owner before use. Increased feeds are adhered to and toileting habits are closely monitored.

Puppies are examined and handled regularly to acclimatise them to regular contact in case of a vet visit.

The right kind of socialisation is encouraged and any play between dogs is closely monitored and an intervention if play becomes too raucous. Basic force free training techniques are used to help puppies continue to develop during their stay.

19. Neutering policy.

All clients are advised that we do not board male dogs which have not been neutered. We will walk dogs for 1 hour group walks with but with carefully selected dogs that are neutered or spayed, they will however be kept on a short lead during walks to prevent any aggression towards other intact males not in the pack, from wondering off when picking up the scent of a female in heat and to prevent any humping behaviours. If a bitch comes into season during her stay advice from our vet will be taken. No intact males will be permitted on the premises if an unneutered bitch is on the premises. Bitches in season will be walked for 1 hour solo walks on pavements and away from parks and potential areas for off lead males for 4 weeks from first sign of bleeding. Clients must make us aware of the season at the first sign of blood. 

20. Emergency procedures.

If any boarding dog is injured or becomes unwell immediate treatment will be sought with either our vet or if local the clients vet. Consent will be obtained from the client to make decisions based on the vets advice. Clients will be contacted and their emergency contact wherever possible before any treatment is given. Consent to make decisions based on the vets advice will be given.

If a dog is injured on a walk the dog will be taken to the nearest vet and emergency treatment will be given. Clients will give consent for emergency treatment to be carried out. The client or emergency contact will be contacted at the earliest opportunity. A first aid kit is kept in the car and an emergency first aid course has been attended.

If the boarding licence is revoked while boarding dogs are staying the client or emergency contact will be asked to remove the dogs immediately. All clients will be informed of this prior to boarding.

In case of any emergency the named contact will take over the care of the animals.