We have booked our two Shih-Tzus into a kennel but what worries me is they have written the booking into their diary but they do not require any deposit. All they ask is that if you decide not to take them to cancel the booking. This is the second kennel we have looked at with this practise. All they have is the names of our two dogs and the dates we require. They did not want a contact phone number from us at the time of booking. We have only put them in once before at a different kennel and these required a non refundable deposit . This was in a different area . What experiences have other readers found with kennels. It seems a funny way to run a buisness as they don't have any sort of contract with the owners and therefore I can't see how they know how many dogs are actually going to turn up.
Does anyone have any thoughts about this.

I wouldn't walk, I would RUN!! Look elsewhere - did they are for proof of vaccinations - I'll bet they didn't.....

I have never put my dogs into a kennels which required payment up front. Its perfectly normal practice for me to just phone and book in. Vaccinations are checked when the dogs arrive.
I can't see what the problem with that is!
Lara x

Our kennels, which are excellent, don't take a deposit. The only details that they required at time of booking was name of dog and contact telephone number. They did give a card giving details of the booking tho'. They took other details on arrival (kept and checked on future bookings). Vaccinations are only checked when dog is booked in, to ensure that they are current.

Daisy

Sounds fine to me !
Our kennels just ask for the dogs name and the dates and thats it -some people are just more laid back than others
liz

Well here, we ask for a deposit for the first booking only, after that no. We would want to know EVERYTHING about your dog and you.
Name
Address
Tel no
Contact no
Vets details
Dogs name, sex, age, breed.
Food
Temperament
Any medication
Dates in and out.
Vaccination card MUST be presented.

I wouldn't accept anything else, but then thats me.
Dawn.

Lulu, I would be worried. I booked my cat into a Kennel from Germany here in the UK for quarantine. They only took my name and name of my cat. She said they didn't need anything else from me. Oh, and the dates of course. I phoned a few weeks ahead just to make sure everything was still a go. They acted like they didn't know me, WHO, WHEN, WHAT CAT!!!!!!! I was furious!!!!!!!! We were moving here and didn't have a lot of time. So..... I would NEVER trust kennels that don't take anymore into than that. Just my humble opinion. Shirl :D

Thanks for your replies. They do insist on vacinations which I would expect anyway. Kennel Cough is not compulsory. We have been given a form to fill out with vets contact no, vacinations . special diet or medication our dogs might have. I have checked with the local council all the kennels in the area which are registered with them and although they can't make recommendations they did say that this particular kennel had been registered with them for many years. I think I may be getting a bit paranoid as I don't feel anyone can look after them like I do. ( which I'm sure isn't true) I still have a few weeks to think about it but once again thank you for your replies. It does seem from some of the replies that I am worrying about things which are normal practice in the kennels. If they do go in, I know for a fact it will be the last time as I think I have aged somewhat worrying about it.

Hi,

I work for a local Kennels. We are one of the most trusted and respected in the area and we often get people travelling from all over the country to leave their dog/cat with us.

We do not take any payment upfront. Most kennels have free spaces (apart from high season - summer holidays) so if you book and cancel last min it does not matter as the kennel would have been empty anyway.

Besides if you do decide to book in to a kennels it is gererally presumed that you ARE going away and that your vacation/trip will not be cancelled.

Be wary if they do not ask for proof of vaccinations - ours will not accept any animal without physical proof, some people try the "Oh i left it at home - ill send it on" thats no good. If they do not insist DONT leave your pet there.

I would have thought that what you have experienced is the norm amongst most kennels. I would always advise going to the kennel without giving them notice and i would also suggest going in the morning. most kennels will ask you to view in the afternoon, this is after all the cleaning and walks have been done..You want to see what the kennels are like when they are busy, dogs, cleaning, handlers etc... The kennel owner may not be too impressed at you turning up at this busy time but you are going to leave your dog with them, you want to be happy with the place!

Hope this helps. Also if you are going to leave your dog in kennels for the first time i would suggest an 'over night stay' a few weeks before you plan to leave your dog there. This gets your pet used to the place and lets your pet know YOU ARE coming back for them. This seems to work best for some dogs we have in, helps to stop the anxiety. Oh also you should check that your pet is insured with them while he/she is in. Ours charges 1 pound a day i think and over a 2 week stay thats only 14 pounds for peace of mind! You should check anyway and if not arrange cover, Things DO happen!

If you have anymore questions about kennels mail me and i will hopefully be able to help.

Roxanne