Frequently Asked Pet Boarding Questions
Visiting Canada Farm
We welcome - in fact strongly recommend - coming to see us before you book. You are free to drop in at any time during opening hours (10am - 4pm Mondays to Saturdays and 10am - 12pm Sundays) to have a look round and ask any questions you may have. We hope to reassure you about boarding in general, and there are many fine boarding kennels, whilst you make the decision about whether our model of a small kennel with lots of individual attention is the kennel that will suit your dog or cat best.
First Time Boarder
It's only natural to feel anxious the first time you board your pet. The truth is that it is harder for the owner than the pet, who will find lots of interesting new things to do and new people who want to make his stay as happy as possible.
Making Your Pet Relaxed
When you bring your pet for his stay it is important to be relaxed about it yourself as possible. If you are worried he will sense that and it isn't a good start. For his sake you need to make an effort. Toys from home, his coat, if he wears one will all help him settle.
Isn't Boarding Boring
No! Quite the opposite. The kennel is busy all day with dogs being taken in and out for exercise, lots of individual attention for all boarders and a routine they soon grow accustomed too.
What About Exercise
Our aim is to match, if not better, the amount of exercise your dog is used to. Each dog has four exercise periods a day when he is played with by a member of staff in our large secure grass paddock. Dogs from the same home play together and we give them as much time as suits them.
My Pet's Kennel
We will show you round the kennels when you visit and you will select the kennel block best suited to your pet; smaller dogs frequently prefer the barn kennels, away from the larger breeds. All the kennels are equipped with moulded plastic beds and comfortable bedding which is changed when necessary. Vinyl floors keep them cosier and heating is available all year if necessary.
Food
We will discuss the choices with you, and if none of our stocked high-quality foods suit your pet you are welcome to bring your own.
Medication
Administering medication is no problem. Please remember to bring sufficient quantities for the length of his stay.
Fear of Large Dogs
Smaller or fearful dogs are generally boarded in the Barn Kennel away from the large dogs. No dog ever has physical contact with dogs not from his own home without the express permission of the owners.
Are the Kennels Heated
Yes, all our kennels are individually heated.
What Happens if he Gets Ill
Our vet is on 24 hour call and will be consulted immediately. If the problem is an ongoing one then you will be responsible for the veterinary costs, otherwise it is covered by our insurance.
Can Pets from the Same Family Share
As long as they get on well together they are welcome to share the same kennel. We offer extremely generous discounts to pets sharing accommodation.
Should we Bring his Bed and Bowls
No, that really isn't necessary. We supply everything that is required.
Does he Require Vaccinations
Yes, he should be fully up to date with the triple vaccine for Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus. He should also be covered for Kennel Cough which is now an annual vaccine.
Are Homeopathic Vaccinations Acceptable
Unfortunately no. In a kennel environment - as with any environment like fields and woods where dogs are exercised - he may well be exposed to more challenges to his immunity than homeopathic protection can cover.
Do you offer a collect and return service
Yes. We are happy to collect and return your pet at the end of his stay. We cover a large area and frequently collect pets from London.
Security
Yes, absolutely. The kennels and exercise paddocks are all secure. The owners live on site so there is someone available 24 hours a day, and in addition we have CCTV.
