Just wondering if anyone out there knows of a good dog boarder in the Wiltshire/Somerset area? We have left our two in kennels for a week on 3 occasions and they've been fine but this year we're going away for 2 weeks and we're a bit worried. Also, the kennels have recently increased their prices by 30% and we're wondering if it would be nicer and cheaper to find someone who will care for them in their home.

I agree that kennels aren't perfect but at least they are secure.  I wouldn't trust anyone that I didn't know to look after my dogs in their home - supposing a visitor forgot to shut the door?????

I wouldn't put a price on the fact that my dogs would still be there when I came home!  Just my opinion, of course.

Thanks, yes I'm sure you're right that safety is the most important thing. It's just that £400 is a lot of money, especially when you're paying it for something that looks a bit grim! The kennels are very nice as kennels go, but they're not very homely, are they?

I did safari in Kenya 2 years ago.  Best time ever - enjoy!!

don't you have a friend or family who will look after them while you are away? perhaps even move into your house for a while, then the dogs would not get too upset by you not being around. thats what I do with my two terriers, what kind of terriers have you got?

I have a Cairn and a Westie. I have asked my parents to come and stay here while we're away but they haven't been in the best of health and are quite elderly so I don't like to put pressure on them. All other relatives/friends are either allergic, away themselves, or have cats/rabbits so we're a bit stuck! Think we'll have to bite the bullet and use the kennels again as at least they're safe there and they don't seem to mind going. In fact they always drag the girl into the kennels without a backwards glance! They love all the other dogs there, I think. I just worry about them being bored and sad! And they're used to a lot of exercise, although they do get 2 walks a day at the kennels (not very long ones I would think as they've got too many dogs to do). Guess I'm too soft!

There's sooo much activity going on in kennels that the dogs are fascinated and watch what's going on all the time!  Home is boring after kennels!
Enjoy your holiday and know that your dogs are secure. :)

Thanks, Val, that's made me feel a bit better. We're going on safari to Kenya and I know I'm going to miss my boys while I'm watching all the wildlife but I suppose they'll be having a holiday of their own.