Your Options In Whitley Bay
Kennels or Home Dog Boarding?
Some dogs can find kennels quite distressing or difficult to get used to. For those dogs, home boarding may be a better option. But how do you know which to choose?
A difficult decision
Boarding your dog is a big decision, particularly if its your first time! You’ll want to be sure you’re leaving them in good hands and you might be unsure about what to do.
If you are fortunate enough to have dog-savvy family or friends willing and able to help, this can be a great option. You will likely trust their competence and your dog may already be familiar with them. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they’re probably happy to help for free!
But what if that option doesn’t exist? You are basically left with two choices. Namely kennels or home dog boarding. So, how do you know which is right for you and your dog?
To help, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons of both. In doing so, we’ve attempted to be as unbias as we can. Having worked in both environments, we know first hand that they can each provide great temporary accomodation for your dog, if well run.
The question then, is not whether one is “better” than the other, but rather, which one is more suitable for you and your dog? So, before you make up your mind, read on.
Whitley Bay
Kennels
Pros
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Cheaper pricing
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Shorter stays
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Very secure
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Allows puppies / untrained dogs
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Lots of trained staff
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Optional extras like training
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Opportunites for socialisation
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Available at short notice
Cons
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More dogs / pack dynamics
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Noisy and disturbing
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Unfamiliar surroundings
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Confined for long periods
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Less human contact
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More stress triggers
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Potential anxiety
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New rigid routine
A good local option to consider is Whitley Bay Kennels & Cattery.
Whitley Bay
Home Boarding
Pros
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Fewer dogs
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Familiar routine
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Homely environment
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Quieter and calmer
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Lots of human contact
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Free to explore in nature
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Opportunites for play
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Can build strong relationships
Cons
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More expensive
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Neutering often required
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No puppies / certain breeds
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May need to be well trained
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Minimum stay policy
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Lack of availability
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Less flexible
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Fewer staff
Good local options include ourselves, Sit Play Stay, Soledog, and Woofus.
Conclusions
So, when it it comes to choosing between your options in Whitley Bay kennels or home dog boarding, what do we conclude?
Kennels provide safe, flexible and often cheaper stays. If your dog is confident with other dogs, relaxed in unfamiliar surrounds and generally comfortable with being left alone, kennels may be ideal. They are particularly well suited to quick overnighters or weekends and these can usually be arranged at short notice.
Home boarding, however, will likely offer your dog a more familiar environment. Your dog will be individually cared for (and almost certainly pampered) in calm and recognisable surrounds. They will usually settle more quickly and as trust builds, they can be given the freedom to live each day as they normally would with you. Perhaps better suited to longer stays. It’s important to check home boarders are fully qualified, licensed and insured.
Ultimately, we believe both options have their place. No one knows your dog better than yourself and everyone’s needs and preferences are different. What is suitable for one person and their dog, might not be suitable for you.
We suggest taking your time to think about your particular needs and weigh up what is right for you and your dog. If you can, we suggest you visit different providers to find a good fit. This can take some time, but if you plan to make multiple bookings over several years, it will be worth it to know your dog is healthy, happy and settled while you are away.
Next steps
If you would like to explore the option of home boarding your dog with us, please get in touch, or click the button below to find out more.
