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Help and advice on choosing good boarding kennels - what to look for and what to avoidHelpful Pointers

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Choosing Good Kennels


Help & advice choosing
good boarding kennels

 

We make it QUICK & EASY
for you to find the BEST kennels for YOUR dog

The below pointers are shown for all kennels. Just flip through for advice as you go...

Key to Dog Welfare Icons


Key to Symbols/ Icons

Less than 20 kennels per building Less than 20 kennels per building Less than 20 kennels per building
Less than 20 kennels in any one building
(yes/ no/ unknown)

Fewer kennels/dogs means less noise which means less stress. Caring dog owners will want to leave their pets in quieter kennels.

Also look at the total number of kennels: e.g, an exclusive business with up to 20 kennels will be much quieter than 100 kennels. (But 100 kennels in buildings of 20 kennels each will be quieter than one huge building of 100 kennels.

Comfort items Comfort items Comfort items
Comfort Items from home
(yes/ no/ unknown)

The provision of dog's own bedding, toys and chews from home, and something that smells of you will help your dogs to relax. Being from home, they will be familiar and smell of home, you and themselves, helping the dog to settle more quickly. We recommend you seek caring, well-staffed kennels who DO allow this - as the benefits to your dog's welfare are enormous.

Be aware that larger or busier businesses won't have time to manage this, lose items, or just not give them, and some dogs will chew or destroy items while away.

DAP Therapy for soothing & calmingDAP Therapy for soothing & calmingDAP Therapy for soothing & calming
DAP Therapy: soothing/calming
(yes/ no/ unknown)

Promotes the feeling of safety and reassurance for dogs via a simple spray or plug-in diffuser.
This ground-breaking therapy can be used wherever dog anxiety is caused (a real and debilitating condition for dogs. Check it's really being used - ask to see the plug-in or spray.

What is DAP Therapy?

A caring and knowledgeable kennel owner or dog owner will use DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone). It calms & reassures dogs & puppies in stressful situations such as leaving the owner, being alone at home, travel, going to the vets & kennels. DAP synthetically mimics natural pheromones that female dogs provide for their puppies, giving them a sense of well-being and reassurance.

Dogs are taken out of Kennels Dogs are taken out of KennelsDogs are taken out of Kennels
Dogs are taken out of Kennels
(yes/ no/ unknown)

The most basic, simple and free way of improving the wellbeing of boarded dogs is to simply get dogs out of the kennels. Confining dogs to kennels denies their right to 'be dogs' and express natural behaviours. Think how your dog would react to being confined at home for 2 weeks, never leaving the house - it causes a build up excess energy and pent-up frustration.

Why getting out of the kennels is SO important

It is important that dogs get out of kennels for play, exercise & walks with company whenever possible to reduce depression & stress. Away from the kennels dogs can be themselves, play with friends, have a chance for a run, stretch, sniff and play, and importantly, human company on a one-to-one basis.

Dogs are walkedDogs are walkedDogs are walked
Exercise/play/walks with Staff
(yes/ no/ unknown)

There is a world of difference between staff leaving your dog in a small boring exercise area on their own, and interacting with staff.

Dogs are sociable and love having company. Spending time with a member of staff they know (playing, stroking, grooming, walking) will have a big impact on the wellbeing of your dog.

Crown Award for Excellence in Boarding Kennels Crown Award

A kennels which has this icon listed has been awarded www.BoardingKennels.org's Crown Award for excellence. Highly commended.
Dog hotel or boarding kennel?

Is it really a 'Luxury Boarding Kennels' or a Dog Hotel - or not?

The use of words like ‘hotel’, ‘luxury’, ‘deluxe’ and even ’state-of-the-art’ are used by all kennels, even by appalling ones.

This makes life very confusing for dog owners looking for better kennels on the web. Not only do you have to look through a lot more websites - but just finding something that meets the highest standards can be time-consuming.

We make it easy for you to tell the difference for yourself - Dog Hotel or Boarding Kennels - how to tell the Difference.. FAST!.

Fees

Kennel Fees

Cheap fees come at a cost to your dog's wellbeing.

Cheap fees are always low for a reason.

It could be down to old buildings, no heating/ ventilation (causing extremes of hot and cold), not insulated (dripping with condensation, too hot or cold) cheap dog food, and most likely high numbers of dogs and not enough staff or time to care for them or walk them.

There will probably be a lack of interest by the kennel owner in the appearance of their business... after all, if they charge low fees they won't earn enough to pay for improvements and may 'bodge' kennel maintenance and safety issues. They may well be running the business into the ground until they come to sell.

Find out why you shouldn't just choose the cheapest or nearest kennels...

What to Look For

The Importance of Good Staff

Staff should be welcoming, interested in, and like animals! Dogs are social animals and fare best when kind, empathetic & professional staff care for them. Find kennels where staff are friendly, polite and interact easily with dogs & customers, and where there is sufficient staff to give individual care.

Good staff are expensive, especially if they are well trained, so expect to pay more for a better service - the cost won't be much more than the price of a cappuccino or two - but will make a HUGE difference to your dog's wellbeing. If you only see very young, inexperienced staff this indicates employment as cheaply as possible.

Kennel quality

Don't make the mistake of thinking all kennels are the same... we promise you they're not - no two kennels are ever the same!!

GOOD = Relaxed & Calm:
  • New & maintained
  • Light & bright
  • Hygienic (no smell)
  • Ventilation/heating
  • BIG sizes - Fewer kennels

BAD = Stressful & Noisy:

  • Old and unmaintained
  • Dark and dingy
  • Unhygienic (smelly)
  • No windows/ small windows
  • No heating in the kennel
  • Small sizes
  • Lots of kennels

Walks & Exercise

If the kennels claim to walk all able dogs, look at how long, and then do the sums to see if there are enough staff to make this possible. When you visit are dogs being walked/ exercised?

'Ambles' might be more suitable for elderly or special needs dogs - remember to tell them.

For quality walks and time playing with your dog - you really want to find a higher quality service with fewer kennels (20 or less) - and for a little more expense know your dog's wellbeing is important to the kennels. At such caring places, your dog will be out in the fresh air enjoying walks, just as they do at home. Learn more about how to tell the difference in kennel quality

Why comfort items are important

Providing your dog's own bedding, toys and chews, plus something you have worn & smells familiar, can help your dog to relax & settle in much faster.

Good kennels who care deeply about dog welfare will ALWAYS use the comfort items you provide - and will prompt you to bring them!

Kennels that are very busy and have high numbers will not usually allow your dog to bring comfort items. They do not have the staff numbers or time to manage, clean around or remember your dogs items.

Unknowledgeable or just plain uncaring kennels will leave your items unopened and unused - so there is nothing that will give dogs the comfort of their home or owners smell, so they take much longer to settle in, or don't settle well at all.

We all know what an amazing sense of smell dogs have - don't deprive them of such a simple, free comfort factor.

Special Needs & Care

Special care is needed for vulnerable dogs, such as puppies, elderly dogs, disabled dogs, dogs on medication, nervous/fearful dogs, or dogs with a high activity level. These dogs will need special care and will require extra time to ensure that all their needs are met.

You may be surprised to discover that different kennels specialise in different types of dogs.

Larger or very busy kennels may have a policy not to take on dogs with certain characteristics or requirements. This may be because their kennels are too stressful for dogs with special needs, it takes too much time, does not fit in with their core clientelle or policies etc.

It is particularly important to search carefully for the best kennels for your dog if they have special needs.

Why room types matter

Solid walls help provide a quieter, calmer atmosphere which will be more enjoyable to stay in. They make it easier for staff to attend to dogs one-on-one, giving them full attention. The walls should be at least 4ft/1.2m high - but full height walls provide the most privacy and reassurance.

Why kennel height is Important

Full height (6ft/2m) kennels are best because they make dogs feel more secure, more like a room at home AND it's easier for staff to clean the kennels thorougly if they don't have to bend.

Why runs should be attached

Attached exercise runs allow dogs freedom to move between sleep & toiletting/outside areas. Choices and views are much better for dog welfare and stress levels. Being able to look at a garden or wildlife is ideal. Avoid kennels where dogs can see into another run (e.g facing another row of runs in a building opposite). Facing lots of other dogs, or seeing dogs come and go, or get out is frustrating, stressful and therefore very noisy.

NEVER use kennels that force your dog to stay in one area for sleeping, eating and toileting (i.e the sleeping area only if there is no attached run). Being confined to just one area gives dogs no choice about where to be, what to look at, or to hide away if they want to.

Why runs should be covered

Covered runs protect exercise runs & dogs from bad weather (you don't want your dog to be in a constantly open or damp environment)

What to Avoid

The Golden Rule:
Go for no-smell!

Easy-to-clean modern materials that are also well maintained mean hygienic kennels with no smell at all. Go for lovely, easy to clean and well cared for kennels with no smell.

Avoid if it smells!

That's because any absorbent material (eg timber or unsealed concrete) soaks in all the dog wee. Don't subject your dog to the smell or lack of hygiene! If it smells... it's unhygienic!

Exercise/ walks/ time with staff

Many 'old style' kennels sadly don't walk or exercise the dogs with company, but just let them out into a concrete or paddock exercise area and leave them.

This isn't the same as having one-to-one time with humans, is less fun for your dog - but means cheaper kennel fees & not enough staff.

Getting out of the kennel

Avoid kennels who don't get dogs out of their kennel at all - they will lead to depression, stress and illness (and most probably a vet's bill, and enormous distress & guilt on your part!

Nose-to-nose contact

If dogs have nose-to-nose contact it puts them at greater risk of stress, damage and disease. You should avoid kennels where dogs can touch each other through open areas (e.g mesh between kennels instead of a solid wall) as this can result in injury & disease.

made your choice?

Trial Visit

We strongly recommend you visit prospective kennels to see if they really do match your expectations. Once you're happy you should try 1 or 2 days boarding before leaving your dog for longer periods. Please explore all the tips and advice we have to offer on this website and LEARN what to look at for yourself. Find out more about how to choose the BEST kennels for YOUR dog

Licensing

Sadly, having a kennels licence is no guarantee of quality. Do not think "it must be OK if it's licensed". We've seen kennels no better than derelict sheds licensed. Some counties may not have agreed to abide by the basic requirements, and some countries (such as Ireland) don't even license kennels.
Not found what you want?

More quality kennels to come

We help people start up new boarding kennels worldwide every day.

Dog owners who have a free account with us will get early notification of new, high standard kennels and dog hotels opening.

But until there are at least 3 good kennels in every county, we will make it easy for you to find the best kennels, even if they are further afield than you had originally planned.

Consider travelling further

Many dog owners are now travelling much greater distances to find the high standard of kennels they want. If you haven't found what you want locally, try looking in surrounding regions for good kennels.

We find this happens mostly with dog hotels and luxury kennels because they are so rare - their customers want the best for their dogs and are prepared to travel a few hundred miles.

Working pet parents

Daycare or dog creches will be suitable for owners who work long hours and don't have suitable pet sitters.

Holidaying pet parents

A new trend is for owners who want to go on holiday and have their dog near them, and to be able to take days together at dog-friendly places, allowing 'pet parents' evenings out and visits to non-doggy places too.
Look at kennels in your favourite {Kennel.Country} holiday hotspots

You searched Boarding Kennels in Norfolk for:

Dogotel Boarding Kennels

Dogotel Boarding Kennels Logo

Dogotel Boarding Kennels
Peddars Lodge, Hillington, King's Lynn,
Norfolk PE31 6DS

Contact Julie & Darren Nicholls
phone01485 520346

 www.dogotel.org
visit our website
Crown Award for Excellence in Boarding Kennels Less than 20 kennels per building Comfort items to help your dog settle inDAP Therapy for soothing & calmingDogs are taken out of KennelsDogs are exercised/walked with staff
see 'Key to Dog Welfare Icons (left) or hover over icons		 average of 4 reviews:
BoardingKennels.org has an OBJECTIVE customer rating system based on fundamental requirements for good kennels. Click to learn more
  • Welcome
  • Kennels
  • Services
  • 4 Reviews
  • 0 Videos
  • 0 Guests
  • 9 News
  • Fees
  • Map
  • Contact

Introduction


Dogotel Boarding Kennels has 36 Kennels

We are located on the A148 between Kings Lynn and Fakenham. We pride ourselves in our open and caring policy and will always recommend that you look before you book. We want you to be able to relax and know that your pet is going to be well cared for and receive lots of care and attention. We have three kennel blocks which are block built with covered external runs, each kennel block has 12 kennels. We have a large exercise padock where the dogs are taken three times a day to stretch their legs, although you find they are always eager to get back to their kennel to see their other doggy friends. We never mix dogs unless they are from the same family and they may then if you request share a kennel and take their walks together. We have some double sized kennels for larger breeds. The kennels are heated and light and we pride ourselves on the cleanliness of our kennels and follow a strict cleaning routine. The dogs love the interaction with staff on their walks and some will play ball for ages or some are just happy to explore their suroundings. We are also able to offer grooming to our boarding guests which you can choose from a Full Groom or a Doggy MOT.

Boarding Kennels Location

Opening Hours & Visiting

Monday to Sunday 8.00am to 4.00pm Closed Christmas and Boxing Day and New Years Day You are welcome to come and look around between 10.00 am and 3.00pm, no need to book an appointment.

Boarding Kennels Building

Staff & Knowledge

We have 5 full-time staff working in our kennels. Our staff ratio is 1 Staff : 7 Kennels

About our staff, knowledge and experience:

The kennels are run by owners Darren and Julie and they have a full time Kennels manager who has worked at the kennels for 8 years and is a very experienced member of staff. There are also two further full time staff who hold NVQ level 2 in Animal Care and who have been with the kennels for 3 years and 1 year. There is also a part time member of staff who has been with the kennels for 8 years.

Boarding Kennels Staff/Owners
Dogotel Boarding Kennels in Norfolk

Kennels


We have 36 Kennels and we are licensed for anything up to 60 dogs (maximum).

Built in 1990, they are of a Solid Construction and are Full Height


Kennels sizes available

Less than 20 kennels per buildingWe're proud to say we have a maximum of 12 kennels in any one building.
(The ideal is a maximum of 20 kennels in a building, as the less dogs, the calmer & quieter it is)


About our Kennels

Boarding Kennels Sleep Accommodation

Kennels Runs

Our Kennels have

Attached runs:

Covered runs:

Boarding Kennels Exercise Run

Dog Exercise Play:

Dogs get out of their Kennels for exercise:

Dogs are taken out of KennelsWe're proud to say dogs DO get out of their kennels here.
We know how important it is (mentally and physically) for dogs to play, sniff, run around and stretch their legs - in other words, for dogs to be dogs!

About dog exercise with our Boarding Kennels:

The dogs are taken to a large enclosed secure exercise paddock three times a day. They are walked off the lead unless the owner requires the dog to be lead walked. The dogs are not mixed with any other dogs unless they are from the same family. There is a range of toys for the dogs to play with and the staff will play and make a fuss of the dogs during this special time.

Exercise & Play in Boarding Kennels

Dog Walks/Exercise/Playtime with Staff:

 

Dogs exercised with staff:

15 minutes of walks/exercise with staff provided daily

Less than 20 kennels per buildingWe're proud to say we offer walks/ exercise/ playtime WITH staff.
We know how important it is for dogs to have our company one-to-one. It's much more fun!

About dog walks/playtime with staff with our Kennels:

Dog Walks at the Boarding Kennels

Dog Welfare & Settling In:

 

Comfort items from home allowed:

Comfort items We're proud to say we DO allow and encourage comfort items for your dog.
We understand how important it is to help your dog relax and feel settled quickly, more at home with us. This is such an easy way to comfort your dog - we all love our home comforts don't we?!

Our policy on comfort items:

It is nice for the dog to have a familiar scent from home so we always recommend that you bring an item of clothing or blanket that has a familiar scent on. We do provide a bed and blanket and we are quite happy for you to bring your own, but please be aware that we can not be held responsible for any damage done to these items and that it must be suitable for us to clean and dry quickly should it get dirty. Toys are allowed but please no toys that can be chewed to bits and cause a danger to your pet. Treats can be brought in and we will ensure we follow your instructions when they may be given. We always give every dog a treat when we say goodnight.

DAP Therapy used:

DAP Therapy for soothing & calming We're proud to say we DO offer D.A.P therapy here to calm and reassure dogs.

We believe in doing as much as possible to help your dogs have a happy stay with us, especially when such great, positive benefits to dog welfare can be provided so easily and simply.

Dog Welfare in Boarding Kennels

Boarding Kennels Services:


Collect and return service Collect & Return, or Dog Chauffeur Service

Professional grooming service Grooming Service professional option, full bath & cut)

Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy

Webcam service Webcam Service

Care of Easy-going & Steady Dogs

We place a dog in a kennel that best suits its needs for example we have cared for many blind dogs and we try to accomadate them on the paddock side as it is a short walk to the paddock and quieter. We will always follow the owners insructions in their care.

Care of Active Dogs

We have boarded many active dogs and trained police dogs and we find that our system suits them very well and have never encountered any problems. The 3 runs a day on the paddock allow them to spend some energy and they also have the large attached outside runs to their kennels.

Care of Daycare/creche Dogs

We are able to board dogs on a daycare basis but this is only when our kennels are not full.

Other Services Available


Pet Supplies

Cattery (Cat Boarding)

Small Animals Boarding

Stables

About our other services:

We have a small cattery with plans to build a new luxury cattery in the future. We offer either full grooming or Doggy MOTs which includes a brush, bath and dry, nails and ears, if your pet is boarding with us they receive a 10% discount. We sell Technical Dog Food and plan to open a small shop in the future. We offer a microchipping service.

Dogs with Special Needs


Care of Special Needs Dogs:

Separate, quiet section available:

Tip: a separate section is ideal for dogs with special needs

About our care of special needs dogs:

We are able to look after dogs with special needs and they are positioned where possible in block one which is next to the reception and therefore regular checks can be made. We are able to give medication and we will follow the owners instructions, we do ask that the medication is clearly labelled with your pets name and dosage details. If you are bringing a pet who is very nervous and you are not sure how they will react in kennels we would strongly recommend that we take time to introduce them to the kennels for example coming with you, then leaving for a hour and build this up to a day, then overnight. The last thing we would want is for your pet to be stressed and unhappy and it may be that kennels are not the best place for them and alternative care should be arranged, but sooner this than an unhappy pet.

We care for dogs with:

Allergies/Allergenic
Arthritis/Arthritic
Blindness
Convulsions
Deafness
Diabetes/Diabetic
DigestiveProblems
Disabilities
Elderly/ Senior
Heart Disease
Kidney Disease
Nervous, shy, separation anxiety
Skin Problems

Dog Welfare in Boarding Kennels

Boarding Kennels Reviews & Ratings

4 Customer Reviews
5th Sep 2009

by Louise Bennett, Norfolk

Evaluation Rating: BoardingKennels.org has an OBJECTIVE customer rating system based on fundamental requirements for good kennels. Click to learn more  
Would use again/recommend:


Snoopy`s Experience

“ Snoopy has been visiting Dogotel since he was a puppy, first for odd days and building to longer breaks. He is our first dog so we were inexperienced and needed a lot of support. Although no dog likes to be separated from their owners I have nothing but praise for all the staff at Dogotel. Everyone we have met have offered time, support, advice and care to us and to Snoopy. They operate an efficient and professional booking and checking system and security is tight. Snoopy cant wait to get in there on every visit and is clean and happy when he returns, frequently being pampered by a bath, hair and nail cut. Every member of staff obviously loves the dogs and fusses them, they are walked 3 times a day and the kennels are always clean and fresh with both indoor and outdoor sections. If I am working and unable to collect at the normal times, they will accomodate me by being there late. I would find it hard to criticise this establishment in any way. ”
14th May 2009

by Chrissie Farley, Norfolk

Evaluation Rating: BoardingKennels.org has an OBJECTIVE customer rating system based on fundamental requirements for good kennels. Click to learn more  
Would use again/recommend:


Happy Hounds!

“ Our 2 Miniature Schnauzers are very happy with their smart quarters at the Dogotel. The minute we turn into the approach road, they bark with excitement. Tails wagging they greet Julie and Darren and the staff team like their family. They rush happily into their shared kennel to find who is next door, with hardly a backward glance. Equally when we collect them, they are delighted to see us. Over the years, we have seen the Dogotel go from strenth to strength. We now collect 2 beautifully groomed dogs as well. Where necessary, medication is given responsibly and loving care lavished on Dogotel guests. Our pups think it is hardto beat.  ”
14th May 2009

by Jinny Detnon, Unknown

Evaluation Rating: BoardingKennels.org has an OBJECTIVE customer rating system based on fundamental requirements for good kennels. Click to learn more  
Would use again/recommend:


Excellent Norfolk Kennels

“ We are looking after my daughter's dog whilst she is abroad. He is a soppy black 12 year old labrador who has never been used to kennels. Unfortunately because our children are abroad he has to go there often. Everyone is very friendly and Harvey always seems happy to go back there, jumping from the car and eager to see all the staff. We are comforted by the fact that it is all very professional yet caring, and have the feeling that the dogs come first rather than it being run purely as a business. The staff are always happy to fit round the dog rather than the other way round. Finally, our local vet also uses it, which speaks volumes! We have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone (and have done so on many occasions!). ”

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Latest News

Articles and latest updates on what is happening with our Boarding Kennels

9 news articles

18th Jan 2010

Kennel & Cattery Management Profile Page 4 Of 4

Profile from the very popular magazine for Jan/Feb 2010
18th Jan 2010

Kennel & Cattery Management Profile Page 3 Of 4

Profile from the very popular magazine for Jan/Feb 2010
18th Jan 2010

Kennel & Cattery Management Profile Page 2 Of 4

Profile from the very popular magazine for Jan/Feb 2010

Boarding Kennels Fees

Fees are per dog, per day (including any tax)

11.00 for a Small Dog
11.50 for a Medium Dog
12.00 for a Large Dog
12.50 for a Giant Dog

Further Information:

Three weeks or longer, 10% Disount. Two dogs or more from the same family sharing, 12.5% disount. All prices include Food, Bedding and heating. We provide Technical dry food which is a very good quality food.

Boarding Kennels Fees

Map & Directions

Julie & Darren Nicholls
Dogotel Boarding Kennels
Peddars Lodge, Hillington, King's Lynn
Norfolk PE31 6DS
Phone: 01485 520346

Directions

No Map & Satellite Picture


Bookings, Queries & Appointments

Julie & Darren will be happy to discuss your queries about Dogotel Boarding Kennels including bookings, availability, and making an appointment to visit.

Julie & Darren Nicholls
phone 01485 520346

www.dogotel.org

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