TOP TIPS TO ENSURE CARE WHEN YOU ARE NOT THERE
Your dog or cat depends on you for good care – even when you are not there . Friends and neighbours may not have the experience or time to properly look after your pet , particularly if you are away for a long time .
Here are some tips when it comes to boarding your pet .
Jude makes sure her dog guests are a good mix , that they gel together and fit in . Each dog starts with a preliminary visit and run on the beach with Hudson and what ever other guests Jude may have in her care at the time . The preliminary visit is also to ensure that the owners are happy with where their dog will be staying . Jude has 30 regulars that call Hugo ’ s Place their second home , enough to keep her going all year round . They love coming and get super-excited as soon as they hit the metal road . Once inside the gate they are off ! “ The families are like ‘ bye-bye , come back and say good bye ’, but they ’ ve gone , running and playing , happy and relaxed to be back .” With 500 acres there is plenty of space ; plenty of bush tracks , farmland and harbour to tear around in for daily exercise . “ I do end up washing them every day . Most are keen on water and mud and sea and sand . It ’ s quite funny watching them . Hilarious ! Seeing the dogs have such a great time and running on the beach and playing together and making the most of the space . They have such a great time ! And then it is nice seeing them sleep .” Jude has a whole Facebook page dedicated to their daily antics . She must go through no end of couch stuffing and toys , judging by the photos . “ The dogs in general don ’ t tend to pine for their owners . Facebook lets owners know what their dogs are up to , they tend to pine more than the dogs do . “ I get it , especially with Hugo . When I went away I would be stressing , he ’ s such a weirdo , they won ’ t understand his weirdo ways , but when you see them being fine you enjoy your holiday more .”
- Inger Vos
Hudson shows off why dogs love staying with him
• Ask a friend , neighbour , veterinarian , animal shelter or dog trainer for a recommendation . You can also check online . Once you have names , do a little background check to make sure they have a good reputation .
• Start planning early . Kennels and catteries are often full over holiday breaks so you might need to book your pet in early . Or it may take a few weeks to find the right one for your pet .
• Make sure your pet is fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding . Full proof of vaccination SHOULD be required prior to boarding .
• On enquiry , make sure interest is shown in your pet – they should ask for details such as your pet ’ s name , breed , temperament and daily routine , and for their medical history and name of vet clinic .
• Find out about any extra charges ( eg , for diet or exercise ).
• Think about any special feeding , bedding or exercise requirements your pet needs or might enjoy during their stay , and make sure it can be accommodated for .
• Take a visit ! Does the facility look and smell clean ? Is there enough air and light ? Is it comfortable ? Are the people knowledgeable and caring ? Will your pet get regular exercise and attention ? Is there protection from the weather ? Will your pet be comfortable ?
The dogs love playing in the harbour