Right at home!
When it simply isn’t possible to take your four-legged friend on holiday (cue sad music), the thought of leaving them in kennels while you jet off is pretty horrible. For some people, it will put the kibosh on a taking a vacation at all. But, thanks to a raft of new online networks, communities and ‘matching’ agencies, you can now take a guilt-free break while pets can enjoy a real home away from home – they might not even want to come back!
Sort of like Air Bnb for pets, owners can now easily connect with pet carers in their local area for walking, pet sitting and boarding. Rather than staying in a traditional kennel environment where pets can become anxious and distressed, they get to spend time with genuine pet lovers in their home or yours.
Leaving your pooch or pussy with a stranger might seem daunting at first, but with a few important checks in place, you can have peace of mind before you go on holiday. Most carers come fully vetted, insured and home checked, with access to 24 hour medical attention. Plus all of these services encourage the owner and carer to meet first and and observe how they interact with the pet before you commit to anything.
To help you decide what’s right for you and your pet, we’ve rounded up some of the current pet care and home boarding services.
MYDOGBUDDY
What is it? myDogBuddy is the largest online community for dog owners to connect with dog sitters and find a vetted, insured and reviewed dog carer near them.
Who should use it? Dog owners who need to find a reliable local dog carer for walks, pet sitting, home boarding and even vet visits.
What’s good about it?
Each dog sitter is thoroughly vetted including background checks, personal interview and some are visited at home
Partnership with Medi-Vet ensures all dogs in care will receive medical attention if the need arises
Read other owner’s reviews of carers before placing your dog in their care
Free insurance, emergency support and money-back guarantee
Price: From £15 per day for home boarding
Visit // mydogbuddy.co.uk
DOGGY CHUMS
What is it? A boutique pet care agency offering access to a hand-picked selected of home boarders, sitters and dog walkers, mainly in London and the South East.
Who should use it? Dog owners in London and the South East who want a high level of personal care and attention, with a choice of carefully selected and experiences dog carers.
What’s good about it?
Small agency so you can speak to a real human and really discuss your needs in detail
All carers have been hand-picked, DBS checked and visited at home for peace of mind, plus Doggy Chums are fully insured
Carers have either owned dogs, been dog walkers or trainers, or worked with animals
Read testimonials from other dog owners so you can feel completely safe in your choice
Prices: From £19.00 per day for home boarding
Visit // doggychums.com
BORROWMYDOGGY
What is it? A growing online community that connects dog owners with local dog borrowers who would love to spend time with a dog for walks or longer stays.
Who should use it? Busy dog owners who might not always have time to give their dog as much attention as they’d like.
What’s good about it?
Develop a great local network of dog lovers and carers for when your dog needs extra walks or a longer stay
‘Welcome Woof’ meeting allows owners to meet borrowers face-to-face
New iphone app makes it super-easier to find and connect with local dog borrowers
Access to a 24/7 vet line for medical assistance
Carers look after your dog for free (rather than to earn money) so you know they’re genuine dog lovers
Price: £34.99 annual membership for owners which offers unlimited access to local dog borrowers
Visit // borrowmydoggy.com
WAGGING TAILS
What is it? Wagging Tails are a family-run company that connects owners with local dog carers as an alternative to traditional kennels.
Who should use it? Owners that need trusted local carers where their dog will get undivided attention – a great option for dogs that don’t enjoy the company of other dogs.
What’s good about it?
Only take in one family’s dog/s at a time for a stress-free stay
Option to stay in a house with no other dogs, or with a carer who has a very well socialised dog
Fully insured and carers are licensed in accordance with The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
All carers are hand selected, home checked and rigorously interviewed
Compulsory ‘sniffing out’ meeting where owners and carer meet before the dog stays
Great selection of carers in locations across the UK
No additional fees for weekends and bank holidays – WOOHOO!
Price: From £20.00 per day for home boarding
Visit // waggingtailsuk.co.uk
HOLIDOG
What is it?: An online network of pet owners and pet carers that provides a matching service for boarding, walking and pet visits in your local area.
Who should use it?: Both dog and cat owners. If your pet is sensitive to changes in environment, their carers can look after your pet in your own home to make their stay stress-free.
What’s good about it:
Rigorous interview and recruitment process for all pet carers
24/7 assistance and chat with carers
Option to board in your own home
Easy online booking and matching system based on your needs and preferences
Prices: From £15 per day for home boarding
Visit // uk.holidog.com
Before entrusting anyone else with the care of your pet, always meet them face-to-face, see where your pet will be staying and get as much information about their history with animals as possible.