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Frequently asked questions about boarding kennels for small dogs

Tom Parker • April 19, 2023

As dog owners ourselves, we understand that leaving your furry friend behind can be a daunting experience. We know that you may have questions and concerns about boarding your dog. These concerns are, justifiably, amplified for smaller dogs. Smaller dogs tend to get more attention at home, are generally more nervous and less robust than larger breeds. They also require different handling and care.


 In this blog, we'll be answering some frequently asked questions about boarding kennels for small dogs.


  • What should I look for in a boarding kennel for my small dog?

    When choosing a boarding kennel for your small dog, it's important to consider the size of the facility, the employee to dog ratio, the expertise of the staff in small dog care, and the facilities provided for small dogs. 


    Putting your pampered Chihuahua in a boarding kennel with lots of larger dogs won’t be a pleasant experience for your furry friend.  If all the dogs get exercised at once or in groups then it may not only be stressful for your dog, but it may also be dangerous for them.


    Look for a kennel that specialises in small dogs, so you can be sure that your furry friend will receive the tailored care and attention they need.

  • How can I prepare my small dog for boarding?

    To prepare your small dog for boarding, it's important to familiarise them with the boarding kennel beforehand. Bring them for a visit or stay for a short time to help them adjust to the new environment. This is especially important if this is your dog’s first stay in a kennel so that your beloved pet will know that they aren’t being abandoned when you leave them for a week or two.


    Additionally, bring familiar items from home, such as blankets or toys, to help your furry friend feel more comfortable.  

  • Can I bring my small dog's food and medications to the boarding kennel?

    Yes, you can bring your small dog's food and medications to the boarding kennel. It's important to provide the staff with detailed instructions on your dog's feeding and medication schedule to ensure that they receive the appropriate care and attention.

  • What happens if my small dog becomes ill during their stay at the boarding kennel?

    At Harfields Pet Retreat, we have trained staff that can recognise and respond to any health concerns or issues that may arise during your dog's stay. If your furry friend becomes ill, we will contact you immediately and follow your veterinarian's instructions.

  • Will my small dog receive individual attention and care while boarding?

    Yes, at Harfields Pet Retreat, we have a high employee to dog ratio, ensuring that each dog receives personalised care and attention. Our staff gets to know each dog on a personal level, providing one-on-one care, and attention. Additionally, our small facility allows us to get to know each dog's unique personality, habits, and requirements, ensuring that we can provide the best possible care for them.

  • How secure is your exercise area. My dog is small and can squeeze through very small spaces?

    At Harfields we specialise in caring for small dogs whilst their owners are on holiday.  As such we have significantly invested in ensuring that our facilities provide a safe and secure area for our furry guests.  Additionally there will always be a member of staff with your furry friend when they are in the paddock to play fetch or tug of war with them.  So you can have peace of mind that your little dog will be well looked after.

  • What if my small dog is nervous and won’t let a staff member near them?

    All members of staff at Harfields Pet Retreat are not only dog lovers but also own dogs themselves.  We are the owners of two miniature poodles so have lots of experience of dealing with small dogs.


    If we cannot immediately make friends with your dog, we may just sit with them during their exercise sessions and maybe bribe them with a treat or two!  Rest assured we will treat your furry friend as if he or she were our own pet.

  • How noisy are the kennels. My small dog doesn’t like noise.

    We know that hearing other dogs barking can cause stress for small dogs staying in kennels.  That’s why all our suites are as soundproof as possible with double glazing and thick walls. so, our guests cannot hear other dogs barking.  This reduces stress and enables your dog to relax and get some well-earned sleep that all dogs love.

  • Are your kennels heated. How comfortable will me dog be in your boarding kennels.

    All of our suites are individually heated.  In addition, all the beds are raised to keep your furry friend even warmer.  So, you can rest assured that your dog will enjoy a warm comfortable stay with us.

  • How often do you exercise the dogs at your boarding kennels

    All of our furry guests get three exercise or play sessions per day.  These range from 20 to 40 minutes depending on how your little dog is feeling.  During the rest of the day, they will have the freedom to go out to a private, sheltered run to stretch their legs should they wish.  Additionally, each dog gets further petting each night before lights out.


Here at Harfields Pet Retreat, we understand that your furry friend is an important member of your family, and we're here to provide them with the specialised care, attention and facilities they need.


If you're interested in boarding your small dog with us or have any further questions, don't hesitate to give us a call. We're more than happy to discuss our services and schedule a viewing for you and your furry friend. We can't wait to welcome your dog to Harfields Pet Retreat!




- About Harfields Pet Retreat - 


As owners of two toy poodles ourselves, we were frustrated with not being able to find suitable kennels for our beloved dogs when they went on holiday. We always felt guilty putting our dogs in a boarding kennel that seemed more like a prison. 


So we decided to take matters into our own hands and open a boarding kennel design to provide the care and attention that small dogs need. As our name suggests, Harfields Pet Retreat provides a luxury experience for small dogs so that they are not just safe and secure but actually enjoy their time with us.


If you’re interested in boarding your furry friend with us, please call us to learn more about our services and schedule a viewing. We look forward to welcoming your furry friend to Harfields Pet Retreat!


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