FAQs
Read on for everything you need to know about our services and settling your dog. If you still have questions, please get in touch.
How many dogs do you look after at once?
For day care and home boarding we look after a maximum of five dogs. This has been approved by NHDC under the terms of our licence.
Do you take all dogs?
We take dogs that get on with our own dog and other dogs. We test this out as described in the response to ‘How do you know if the dogs will get on with each other’.
We have certain breeds that we do not accept because our own dog, does not get on with them and we would never put him in a position where he’s not comfortable.
If your dog is reactive or needs to be the only dog, we are unable to provide day care or home boarding services.
How do you know if the dogs will get on with each other?
Dogs are generally very sociable and get on with each other, but all dogs are individuals and they don’t always like every other dog they meet. So it is important to us that they do get on in our environment and we will check this out as follows.
For day care and home boarding we ask you in the first instance how your dog responds to other dogs.
Before we accept any bookings, we meet you, and your dog, for a short walk, with our dog. We are also looking to see how your dog responds to other dogs we meet on a walk.
Then we will book your dog in for a half day, full day and overnight trial (depending what service you are looking for). Any bookings we take for day care and home boarding are subject to these trials, which are payable. If your dog is nervous or anxious, we may suggest extra trials to settle them in. We will have different dogs each time your dog comes, so we will soon know how your dog gets on with other dogs.
Do you take unvaccinated dogs?
No. We only take fully vaccinated dogs, although we do not insist on kennel cough. It is up to you to talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s vaccination needs. We do request proof of vaccination and will ask for this on an annual basis, for day care and home boarding clients. We do not accept titre tests.
Do you accept unneutered dogs for day care and home boarding?
We will accept entire male dogs, providing they get on with other dogs and other dogs get on with them.
We will accept unspayed bitches, providing they are not in season, or likely to come into season, while boarding with us.
We will accept puppies, who are not old enough to be neutered, providing they get on with other dogs, other dogs accept them and they are mature enough to benefit from our environment.
What is the minimum age you accept dogs for day care and boarding?
Over 1 Year old. We will occasionally accept younger puppies, but it’s very much on an individual basis. Young dogs should not be walking as much as we do.
Do you have a maximum age for dogs you care for?
No. You simply need to tell us what your dog’s normal routine is and we’ll let you know if we can accommodate it. Age is not usually a limiting factor. However if your dog has been diagnosed with Canine Cognitive Disorder or suffers from severe sensory loss, we may suggest that you make arrangements with a pet sitter, in your own home. Your dog may find it very distressing to be in a strange environment.
Do you look after dogs with complex medical needs?
We may be able to. We would discuss your dog’s medical condition and their needs. If we can help then we will, but if we think your dog is better suited to some other care, then we would refer you on.
Are you qualified to look after dogs?
Yes. In 2022 I completed Ofqual levels 3 and 4 in Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare. I am currently studying level 5. In addition to which I have done various short courses with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers.
I am also a qualified Canine First Aider
What are your prices?
You can find our competitive pricing here
Is there a minimum length of stay?
No. We do offer a half day trial when your dog is being introduced to our environment. Apart from that all charges are based on a full day, up to 24 hours. For boarding our prices are calculated from the time you drop off to the time you collect in 24-hour increments. So if you drop off at 10am on day 1 and collect by 10am on day 2 that’s one day’s boarding.
Do you offer a discount for multiple dogs from the same household?
Yes. We do offer a discount for more than one dog boarding from the same household, please contact me for information.
What is your cancellation policy?
- For stays of 3 days or less – no cancellation charge applies at all except for stays in June-September when the full payment will be required.
- For stays of over 3 days – 14 days’ notice of cancellation is required regardless of the booking dates. 14 days is calculated from date of drop off. Full payment will be required if you have to cancel a booking within 14 days of the drop off date.
Are you insured?
Yes. We hold a specialised insurance that covers us for our activities of walking, boarding and transporting your dog.
Does my dog need to be insured?
No and it’s entirely your choice. However, we will ask you to sign a declaration saying that in the event your dog needs veterinary care you will reimburse us for any expenses incurred.
What happens if my dog gets sick or injured in your care?
We will always do our best to contact you, in the first instance if your dog is not well or has been injured. We will discuss the issue with you and help you decide if your dog needs to visit a vet. However, in the event that we cannot reach you or your emergency contact we will make our best judgment based on experience and knowledge of first aid.
Will you take my dog to his regular vet?
As part of our client information form, we request details of your vet and inform your vet that your dog will be staying with Wagalot from time to time. If a vet’s visit is required, we will endeavour to get your dog to your normal vet, providing it is within a reasonable distance.
In the event that we cannot get to your normal vet, we have an arrangement with Hitchin Veterinary Surgery to be able to take our clients there.
What happens if my dog needs a vet out of hours?
We will follow the advice of your practise or will use the services of the Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, which is part of the Royal Veterinary College, Brookmans Park.
Are you okay to give medicines if my dog needs it?
Absolutely. If your dog has prescription medicines or is on any supplements, you simply need to supply, along with dosage instructions.
Do you take unvaccinated dogs?
No. All dogs who come to us will require an up-to-date vaccination record (ie within a calendar year). If the vaccinations have lapsed, please talk to your vet about what will be required to get your dog fully vaccinated. Should you continue to use our services a copy of your vaccination record is required annually.
What vaccinations do you require?
The vaccinations required are the standard annual jabs for Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, usually given as one injection at the vets, after which your record card should be signed and serial number of the vaccine applied to the record.
You can choose to vaccinate your dog for Kennel Cough, this is entirely up to you.
Do you accept Titre Tests?
No, we do not accept titre tests in lieu of vaccinations.
Fully Licensed
I am licensed by North Herts District Council and have been awarded their highest service level of 5 stars.
Canine First Aider
I am a fully qualified canine first aider and carry an extensive first aid kit on every outing.
Comprehensive insurance
We hold insurance with one of the leading animal business insurers that covers walking, transporting and boarding your dog.
