We are doing the kennel/dog sitter thing for the first time later this year, leaving our year old labrador to go on holiday. I know all the arguments for and against kennels, having read many of them on here  but had determined not to be too sentimental about this. Now another option has come up which is the Barking Mad pet 'foster home' type of scheme. It sounds like a good idea altho a little odd as you never actually get to meet or see the people who have your dog, you have to trust the go between.
I'd like to know if anyone has used similar schemes and what they thought of it, also if anyone knows about the legality/insurance aspect of such schemes.

I would worry about security Mrs Boot.  As a groomer I know of many dogs "going to stay with friends" or "being looked after by someone who takes a few into their home".  I've heard many stories, ending in tears because doors have been left open, or the usually obedient dog has been let off the lead in the park etc!  Boarding kennels may not be perfect, but at least you stand a better chance of having a dog to come home to!!
I wouldn't trust my dogs with anyone I didn't know, whatever their references!

In my job I set up a boarding scheme, slightly different as these are working dogs, but if it is anything like the one I deal with all the people are trained and are real dog lovers - why else would they do it. :)  They have all signed an agreement, which covers you and them in terms of insurance.  This would obviously be something you would have to look in to.  But this is the only problem I could forsee.  In my experience the foster homes are extra vigilant as they are so worried about something happening while the dog is in their care.  At least your dog is still in a nice warm family environment than in a kennel on its own.
Saying that my own dogs have never boarded on such a scheme, I only talk from what I know from work.

Hi

I would personally try and find someone that you trust to look after them, or do you have a relative that will look after him for you?  We can't put our dogs in kennels as they have not been vaccinated since they were puppies.  We don't go away without our dogs anyway - other than for a wedding anniversary last year for 3 days, then we left them with a fabulous couple round the corner who have a dog of their own who is very well behaved and we knew that they would be the best people to leave them with.

I know of people who'd dogs have been injured in fights or even died of bloat and other things in kennels and I wouldn't ever leave mind in them, even if they were vaccinated.

Whereabouts are you?  Maybe there is someone on the list here that could help or give you the name of  someone who can be trusted near to you?

Good luck

Jen

In order to balance this post I think it would be fair to say that the same things have happened when dogs have been left with relatives, friends, pet sitters etc.  Added to which is the risk of the dogs getting run over etc etc.

There is no perfect choice for everyone and we must all do what we think is best for our dogs after examining all the available options and weighing up the risks involved in each.

I agree, if I'm away for just a day then I have a friend who knows my dog and will take him.  If I'm away for more than a day then Copper goes to the kennels, no question.  No, he doesn't like it but they are professional people, they care for the dog, feed him, walk him, keep him safe and if he was ill they would call the vet.  He is susceptible to kennel cough which is the only thing but I've had him vaccinated and I just keep them all up to date.  Does him no harm at all, just makes him appreciate his lovely home and owner all the more when I pick him up :D   (plus if there was an incident then kennels are more likely to have insurance than a friend/family member).

CG

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this. I think I am veering towards the kennel at the moment, rather than the unknown pet sitter. The one friend i would happily leave him with has a cat who has vetoed the idea and it seems a bit much to ask her to kick her own pet out to look after ours!

If anyone knows of any good kennels in the Kent/Surrey area I would be grateful for any suggestions for places to check out. Thanks.