Hi all!
We are based in West London.  Our bitch (who is 13mths) just came on heat for the second time early and we have realised that now her next heat is likely to clash with a holiday we have already booked and paid for in December.  I read online that sometimes you can find kennels with separate areas for sick dogs/on heat bitches which are kept strictly separate from others.  I've now found one such kennel which seems very responsible and legitimate, (as obviously this is very important!!) but it's a fair drive away.  Does anyone know of a kennel in West London with these facilities.  She has never been to a kennel, we have always had friends/family house sit for us or she goes to people's homes she already knows.  However, with her being on heat I think a kennel like this might be our only option?  We are wanting to breed from her once she is old enough and completed her health tests.

Many thanks in advance for any help!

I would have friends come and house-sit again - as long as they are very sensible and trustworthy - as they can keep your bitch entertained at home if you have enough room in the back garden or they are willing to play games/do a bit of mind stimulation to keep her happy. I personally wouldn't want her road walked/exercised in public but others may have other views on this. Guess it also depends how doggy populated your area is?

We are also in West London - but my solution is many miles away I'm afraid.  The same thing happened to us when we were going to Australia.   I don't kennel my dogs so I was a bit at my wits end - but I had had great recommendations for someone in Peterborough.  She specializes in gundogs and nervous dogs and was fine to have a bitch in season.  Because she was involved in the same breed as I am there were lots of people who had nothing but praise & I completely trusted her.  I trusted her to keep my bitch both safe, unmated & happy.   She lives in a remote area & will still walk your bitch.  If you can stand the drive, Vicky at To The Manor Bourne is fantastic.  She's expensive by local standards - but not by West London standards.  It's a long drive if you are going for a week - but I would do it for 2 weeks.

Thanks, would love someone to house sit, but we've recently run short of house sitters (our most regular ones just bought their own place - before they were living with the girlfriend's parents so always happy to  house sit).  Others are away over Christmas, plus we feel we can't impose a bitch in season (and undies!) on friends.......

I looked into To the Manor Bourne - looks amazing, but you're right - over 2hrs each way from our place is unfortunately not going to be do-able this time around.

Any other suggestions would be really appreciated!!

Have you tried asking your vet if they know anyone? Or try ringing a few grooming parlours. There seem to be quite a few franchise pet/house sitting businesses, would you not be able to find somewhere within travelling distance of you?

thanks Marissa!  we did try our Vet but they didn't know of one that took bitches on heat.... same thing with the house sitting agencies - no one wants a bitch on heat so I feel we're fixed with a kennel for her! ;-(