Have you ever wondered what running a dog hotel looks like? We caught up with Fiona Till, owner and operator of The Dog Hotel Whepstead, to share her story.
With 12 acres of secured land to run around and play in, 5 Star council rated ‘The Dog Hotel Whepstead’ offers exclusivity and security, with a maximum of 8 dogs as guests at any one time.
This luxury dog hotel offers a home away from home with the dogs even having their own bedroom!
Read on for tips on how to find a good dog hotel, as well as a Day in The Life of a dog hotel owner.
What made you want to open a dog hotel?
I had a horse-riding accident which meant I couldn’t work doing my previous job as a landscape gardener. I had two dogs – a springer and a ridge-back - and I couldn’t find a good place to look after them whenever we went away, so one day I decided I would start my own business looking after dogs for a reasonable price and providing lots of love!
What do you wish customers knew or did before they come to you?
I wish they would let us know about health issues or vet visits before hand – we need to protect all the dogs, and a sick dog is a risk for everyone. Any dogs we take must be up to date on vaccinations and have certificates to show us.
Also, be honest about behaviour on the intake forms – we only turn down dogs that will fight.
We do a trial day before we take on new dog guests, and introductions are slow and safe.
We have different style beds for different needs. For example, dogs with arthritis have a special memory foam padded bed, and we’ve installed special canine flooring, which is non-slip, padded and insulated, so even our oldest guests are comfortable.
What’s the best thing about your work?
Being with the dogs is the best thing. Dogs are the most loving creatures! It’s also great when we get returning guests, because they’re always happy to come back!
What’s the worst thing about running a dog hotel?
Scooping poop! And over-anxious owners. I understand wanting your dog in the best possible hands, but calling, texting and emailing every 30 minutes can cause a holdup for everyone.
What’s the funniest thing an animal has done at work?
Watching them play always makes me laugh.
Can you talk us through a day in your life?
07:00am – I am up and out immediately letting the dogs out.
08:00am - breakfast – all dogs bring their own food, because suddenly changing a diet will cause stomach issues, so everything is laid out and organised across a couple of large tables. I have a big whiteboard that lists their names, breeds, feeding times, feeding amount, and the time they get picked up.
09:30-10:30am - we go for a walk. Because the property is securely fenced, they can run off-lead, and they absolutely love it! Once we’re back, I check and replace their water and clean their rooms.
13:00pm - they go out for a potty break.
15:30pm - we have another hour-long walk.
17:00-17:30pm - our trial day ends so we say goodbye and once all the trial dogs are collected, it’s time for the evening feed.
21:30-22:30pm - they have a last potty break and then it’s bedtime for all of us.
Fiona’s top tips on finding the right dog hotel:
- You want any place you’re leaving your dogs to have excellent security – both to keep the dogs in, and to prevent theft.
- They should be council approved and certified – that certificate is legally required to be displayed for any customers to see in the UK.
- 24-hour vet care is a must. Emergencies can happen despite the best care and attention in the world.
- First aid certificates, cleanliness and hygiene are all important. I have a large dog first aid kit just in case, and a small one that clips to my belt for walks.
- Trial days are important. If your dog isn’t happy at the end of it, it’s not the right place.
- Any good place will be happy to give you references and referrals. You can also check them online.
- Is there an isolation room? If a dog isn’t feeling well, an isolation room is important to protect both that dog and the others in residence.
- Food should never be supplied by the kennel. A sudden change in diet causes serious stomach upset in dogs, so a good hotel or kennel will ask you to bring enough food for the length of the stay.
- Anxious dogs do better in home environments, rather than pens or kennels.
- There must be enough space, and the dogs must be taken for regular walks.
- Play is important. We have a range of different toys to provide mental and physical stimulation for the dogs.
Fiona’s top 3 safety tips for dog walks:
- Always take a collapsible water bowl and a bottle of water with you.
- You can get a lightweight emergency pack to clip onto your belt. It includes everything from gloves to tick tweezers. (Get your pack from Amazon.uk here, or from FieldandFireside.co.uk here if you prefer to shop elsewhere.)
- 3. When you’re travelling by car, make sure your dog is secured properly. You can either use a crate whether in the back of the car or the boot, or a harness and clip system that fits onto the seatbelt. If you get stopped by the police and dog is not properly restrained you can be fined £1000, so it’s not just safer, it makes financial sense too.
You can find more information about Fiona and her dog hotel here:
Website: www.thedoghotelwhepstead.com
Instagram: @thedoghotel_whepstead
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/p/The-Dog-Hotel-Whepstead-100063752271662/
If you are looking to set up your own dog hotel or boarding facility, get in touch today to discuss your insurance requirements! Call us on 01284 736 874 or complete our online quotation here.