Dog Home Boarding in Hitchin
Fully licensed by North Herts District Council and awarded their highest service level of 5 stars.
Home from home boarding for your dog in Hitchin
You love your dog, but there are times when you need to leave him or her. You know your dog will be happiest in a home environment.
You want to know that your dog will be happy while you’re away. You don’t want them to be stressed or anxious about your absence.
With lots of walks, rest and belly rubs (if required) your dog will be treated as a member of our family at our home in Hitchin while you are away. You will supply their bed, favourite toys, food and we will do the rest.
Preparing your dog for home boarding
Before your dog boards with us in Hitchin or comes to us for day care we need to check that they will get on with our own dog. I arrange to meet you for a short walk to see if they get on with each other and so you can find out a bit more about me and vice versa.
Then if you would like to go ahead, I offer a trial visit, which can be up to 4-hours or a full day, it really depends on your dog and their confidence levels. If all goes well, we then progress to an overnight trial.
Before you drop your dog off for the first time you will complete a questionnaire that tells me all I need to know about looking after your dog. You also need to provide copies of up-to-date vaccination records.
We want to make sure your dog is going to settle with us and come running up the steps wagging its tail before you leave them for a holiday.
Reassurance
I am licensed by North Herts District Council and have been awarded their highest service level of 5 stars. I hold insurance covering me walking, transporting and boarding your dog.
I’m also a qualified canine first aider.
FAQs
Your Questions Answered
My dog has never stayed away from home before, how do you know he/she will settle?
We don’t always know if your dog will settle. But this is why, depending on your dog’s temperament, we go through a habituation process normally of a half day and at least one full day trial before your dog stays overnight.
The main reason dogs will not settle is because they are anxious and we need to alleviate the stress of being in a new environment, so we have a number of ways to make your dog feel more comfortable.
What do I need to bring, along with my dog?
I always ask you to bring their bed or at least (for a trial period) a blanket or rug that smells of home.
You will need to bring their food, any treats if they are on a special diet, bowls and poo bags are always gratefully received! If they are on medication you will need to bring this, along with detailed instructions about what to give and when.
You can bring their favourite toys, but I will move these out of the way if we have dogs who may destroy them.
Will you walk my dog off lead?
That’s up to you. I will walk your dog off lead, providing you give your written consent. One of the questions on the form is select off lead/off lead only in enclosed space/on lead walking. If you are happy for me to walk your dog off lead, I will only ever do this where I consider it is safe to do so.
Will my dog be boarding with other dogs?
Yes. Apart from our own family pets, your dog will be boarding with our other guests. If your dog needs to be the only dog, we are not the right people to look after your dog. There are home boarders or pet sitters who are more suited to your dog’s needs.
What are your service prices?
You can find our competitive pricing here
What happens if my dog needs the vet while I'm away?
If we believe your dog needs to see a vet, we will do our best to contact you in advance. If we cannot reach you, we will make the decision in the interests of the dog’s welfare.
We will do our best to get your dog to his/her normal vet but in the event that this is not possible, we are registered with Hitchin Veterinary Surgery for our boarding clients. We are not trying to run up vet’s bills on your behalf, but we take your pet’s health very seriously.
What are your opening hours for drop off and collection?
We are very flexible and we agree in advance what times work for you. We may ask you to drop off or collect at a slightly different time, if possible, to fit in with our other guests. We do have a couple of ‘rules’ and don’t generally accept drop off before 07:30 (later on Sundays) and do not accept collection after 20:30. We live in a quiet cul-de-sac and are mindful that excited barking dogs are unfair on our neighbours. We also only accept drop off with at least one hour before dusk because we will walk your dog on arrival to help them relax.
How will I know if my dog is having a good time?
You are more than welcome to contact us, at any time, during your dog’s stay with us, to find out how they are enjoying their visit. We also have a Facebook page and providing you give us written consent we will publish photos and videos.
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.
Happy House Guests
Molly stayed with Carol for a week while we had a super half-term break, but I honestly think that Molly had an even better holiday than us! We kept up with her antics through Wagalot’s Facebook page, and it was great to see her having such a great time. She came home looking well fussed, fed and walked!
Thank you Carol, I know Molly’s looking forward to us going away again in the future!
Very impressed with my 5 year old labrador’s “weekend break” with Carol! She was well looked after and made to feel like part of the family, getting on well with Carol’s own lovely and gentle dogs. We met up for a walk before trying dog boarding to make sure the dogs would get on and then I was very happy to leave my dog in the caring hands of such a dog-friendly place. I felt very reassured that she would be well looked after, go on nice long walks and have fun! Thanks Carol
We are new entrants to the Wagalot family and have nothing but good things to say! Our spaniel has a great time with Carol and really enjoys being with the other dogs. It’s reassuring that he’s in a home setting and can settle in his own bed each night.
