How do I go about choosing a kennel or cattery for my pet
The best way to decide this is by inspection. Any boarding facility that is reluctant to allow you to view where your animal is going to stay should be viewed with suspicion ( although there are times of the day where the staff may be busy cleaning so always ring first to arrange a convenient time).
Check that your animal has its own cage, cats need to have somewhere to hide ( like a box or covered part of the cage), as this is a common reaction when they arrive for the first time; and dogs need to have shelter from the sun and rain if their kennels are outdoors. Do the surfaces look easy to clean, and does the kennel or cattery look and smell clean?
Ask about exercise regimes, are all the dogs exercised together or do small dogs get run with other small dogs and big dogs with big? How many times a day are the animals exercised and where?
Check out what food is being fed to your pet- remember a change in routine and a change in diet can cause tummy upsets so if you are not happy with the food ask if you can provide your own.
Kennels and catteries SHOULD ALWAYS- with no exception- ask for proof of vaccination of your cat and dog. This is as much for the protection of your pet as for the protection of other pets in the facility. Contagious disease can spread very easy when there are lots of cats or dogs in one area.
Your gut feeling once visited will tell you whether the place is right or not. Word of mouth is great, but remember, all animals have different requirements so what is great for your friends young outgoing Labrador or Burmese, might not be right for your shy, older Maltese or moggie!
At Cats Cottage, all cattery cages are two levels, there is a communal exercise area for cats to exercise and socialise if they want, and also an outdoor area where they can climb real trees and play in the lavender garden.
Check that your animal has its own cage, cats need to have somewhere to hide ( like a box or covered part of the cage), as this is a common reaction when they arrive for the first time; and dogs need to have shelter from the sun and rain if their kennels are outdoors. Do the surfaces look easy to clean, and does the kennel or cattery look and smell clean?
Ask about exercise regimes, are all the dogs exercised together or do small dogs get run with other small dogs and big dogs with big? How many times a day are the animals exercised and where?
Check out what food is being fed to your pet- remember a change in routine and a change in diet can cause tummy upsets so if you are not happy with the food ask if you can provide your own.
Kennels and catteries SHOULD ALWAYS- with no exception- ask for proof of vaccination of your cat and dog. This is as much for the protection of your pet as for the protection of other pets in the facility. Contagious disease can spread very easy when there are lots of cats or dogs in one area.
Your gut feeling once visited will tell you whether the place is right or not. Word of mouth is great, but remember, all animals have different requirements so what is great for your friends young outgoing Labrador or Burmese, might not be right for your shy, older Maltese or moggie!
At Cats Cottage, all cattery cages are two levels, there is a communal exercise area for cats to exercise and socialise if they want, and also an outdoor area where they can climb real trees and play in the lavender garden.
