Skecroft Kennels FAQs
Can I visit before I book my dog?
We are open for viewings from 10:00 to 15:00 every day (except bank holidays). You do not need an appointment, although we do ask that you wait if we are checking boarders in or out.
Can I pick up or drop off out of hours, or on a bank holiday?
I’m afraid not.
We suggest that clients who need to board their dog outside our opening hours or on one of our few closed days arrange for a friend or relative to drop them off when we are next open. This can also help to avoid additional charges. If this is not possible, an extra day’s boarding will be added to your invoice.
The same applies to collections unless, again, a friend or relative can collect your dog the day before. In this instance, we would need to be notified if anyone other than you will be collecting your pet; otherwise, we will not release them.
What do I need to bring with me?
We supply everything your pet needs during their stay. However, please feel free to bring any items that may help them settle in. Bedding is welcome, but please consider carefully before bringing certain types of dog bedding. Keeping some soft bedding dry can be impossible during wet weather.
We provide Vetbed and blankets, both of which are easy to keep dry and can be washed regularly. Toys and similar items are also welcome. All personal belongings are left entirely at the owner’s risk. While we will endeavour to return all items, they may be damaged by your pet or misplaced during kennel cleaning.
If I supply my own food, is there a discount?
No. While you are welcome to bring your own dog food, we do not offer a discount for doing so.
Does my dog need the kennel cough vaccine?
In short, we recommend it, but we do not insist on it. The vaccine does not protect against every strain of kennel cough, so even after vaccination, your dog could still contract the disease.
If you do decide to have your dog vaccinated, please ensure this is done at least 14 days before their arrival. As it is a live vaccine, it can cause your dog to shed the kennel cough virus, and we cannot accept them into the kennels if this occurs.
If your dog is coughing before their stay with us, I’m afraid we cannot accept them.
What if my pet becomes ill whilst boarding?
If we have any concerns about your pet’s health during their stay, we will use the emergency contact number you have provided to discuss the appropriate course of action. Should we consider the situation to be an emergency, we will seek immediate veterinary advice. During normal opening hours, we will endeavour to contact your own vet. However, outside of these hours, we use Wilsons Vets in Bishop Auckland.
All veterinary costs will be billed to the owner.
How should I pay for my pet's stay?
We ask for a £25.00 non-refundable deposit/administration fee to be paid at the time of booking, with the balance due no later than the day before drop-off. Payment should be made by bank transfer, quoting your pet’s name and your surname as the reference. If the deposit is not received within five days of the confirmation email being sent, the booking will be be cancelled without further notice. We cannot guarantee that the accommodation will still be available after this point.
How often do you walk the dogs?
We exercise our boarders three times a day.
This may include group play, one-to-one play with a member of staff, or time in one of our secure paddocks to stretch their legs and have a good sniff.
What if my pet is not settling in?
In the very rare event that we are unable to help your dog settle into their new environment and have serious concerns about their wellbeing, we will contact your emergency contact. All animals must be left with at least one emergency contact number.
My dog is very nervous. How do you deal with this?
We are always very grateful if you can let us know at the time of booking if your pet is a little nervous, so that we can have a suitable, quiet kennel ready and waiting for them.
We never force your pet to greet us. Instead, we let them come to us in their own time. Trust is the key, so with nervous animals we focus on building that trust from the moment their holiday begins. You may also find the following suggestions helpful:
Come and visit us with your dog before their holiday is due to start so they can become familiar with the surroundings. You could even arrange a trial overnight stay. This way, they will know where they are, who they are with and, most importantly, that their owner will be coming back. It also gives us the opportunity to see how your dog reacts to the kennel environment and helps us decide which area will be most suitable when they return for their stay. We will tell you exactly how your dog coped and give our honest opinion on whether boarding kennels are the right choice for them, as they are not suitable for every dog.
Another tried-and-tested method is to wear an old T-shirt or jumper for a day or two before your holiday and send it along with your dog. A familiar scent from home can make all the difference.
If your dog suffers from extreme nervousness or separation anxiety, you may wish to consider an over-the-counter calming product. Your vet will be able to advise you on the most suitable option for your dog. Please bear in mind that some treatments can take up to two weeks to become fully effective, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
When can I drop off and pick up my pet?
Our opening hours are:
Monday to Friday 10:00 to 18:00
Saturday 10:00 to 16:00
Sunday 10:00 to 16:00
We are closed to the public for viewings and for pick-up and drop-off on all bank holidays
Can a friend or relative pick up my pet?
Yes, but you must let us know at the time of booking or when you drop your pet off who will be collecting them. For your pet’s safety, we cannot release them to anyone else unless we have been notified in advance.
Do I need to supply my own food?
No. We keep a selection of premium wet and dry foods in stock. If, however, your pet has any special dietary requirements, we recommend that you provide their usual food to avoid any adverse effects caused by a sudden change in diet. If you simply prefer to supply your own food, you are welcome to do so.
Does my pet need to be vaccinated?
Yes – please see our vaccinations page.
What if my pet needs medication during boarding?
We are happy to administer any medication your pet may require for non-contagious or non-infectious conditions (including tablets, ear drops and eye drops) during their stay. Please be aware that the earliest we can administer medication is 7:30am and the latest is 7:30pm.
Please ensure that clear instructions are provided with any medication.
Please provide enough medication for your pet’s stay, plus a little extra in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as delays to your return.
We cannot accept diabetic pets.
All medication should be supplied in its original packaging.
Will my pet mix with other pets?
Your pet will be able to hear, smell and see other dogs during their stay. We offer playdates for sociable dogs in carefully selected groups, ensuring that size and temperament are well matched. On arrival, we will ask you to confirm whether your dog is suitable for a playdate. However, participation is entirely at the discretion of our staff once your dog has been assessed and we are satisfied that there are suitable companions.
Will my dog get dirty?
Possibly. We exercise our boarders three times a day and have a number of paddocks where they are either walked on a lead or allowed to play off lead. During inclement weather, the paddocks can become muddy and, although we towel dogs down when they return to their kennel, some dogs, particularly those with long coats or smaller, fluffier breeds, are likely to get dirtier than larger, short-haired dogs.
Can my friend/relative come and visit my pet whilst I am away?
I’m afraid not. Past experience has shown that, particularly with dogs, visiting during their stay can cause unnecessary upset, which may lead to symptoms such as an upset stomach or a reluctance to eat.
Sometimes saying goodbye to your pet, especially if they have never been left before, can be just as upsetting for them as it is for you. Repeating that experience during their stay can make it more difficult for them to settle, so we find it is kinder to allow them to relax into their routine without additional visits.
Do you have any age restrictions?
No. As long as your puppy is old enough to have completed their full vaccination course, we are happy to welcome them for boarding.
We are equally happy to care for older dogs, provided they are in reasonable health.
How recent should my pet's flea treatment be?
Please ensure your dog has been treated for fleas within one month of arriving at the kennels.