FAQ
Below are some questions that we are frequently asked. We hope our replies will help put your mind at rest. If you have another specific question, please call us on 01932 568584.
When was Home from Home established?
The company was established in 1996. We were the first in the UK offering a genuine alternative to traditional boarding kennels. We are the leading specialists in providing caring homes throughout London and the Home Counties. Our personal and attentive service has set the standard for others to follow. We have been awarded a 5 star Animal Activities Licence which means we have exceeded the higher standards set out by DEFRA putting animal welfare at the heart of the way we do buisness.
How can I contact the agency?
Please telephone us on 01932 568584. We are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. During these hours, if all our lines are busy, please leave a message and we will return your call immediately. Outside our office hours, please leave a message and we will return your call on the next working day. Alternatively, you may wish to email us if it is more convenient. We constantly monitor our emails during office hours and will respond immediately. Emails received out of hours will be replied to on the next working day.
Are all dogs suitable for home boarding?
No. We have learned though our many years of experience of boarding dogs that our service is only suitable for friendly, family pets. We are happy to accommodate puppies as long as they are house and/or cage trained. We are happy to accept all breeds as long as they are obedient, non-destructive, and non-aggressive and have a calm and gentle nature.
We do not accept incontinent dogs, dogs that chew furniture or other household items. If your dog causes any damage to the dog boarder's home whatsoever, any costs must be reimbursed to the dog boarder. We do not accept dogs that pull hard on the lead, or boisterous strong dogs. We do not accept bitches that are expected to be or are in season during the booking.
If you are unsure about your dog's suitability, please call our office on 01932 568584 and a member of staff will discuss your dog's particular habits with you and tell you if we have anyone suitable.
Does my dog need to be vaccinated?
No. Although your dog will not be in contact with any other dogs, we always recommend your dog to have periodic booster vaccinations to protect it against infections and disease. Your dog should also be wormed and be treated for fleas before being placed in one of our dog boarder's homes. It is your responsibility to ensure your pet is free of fleas. If fleas are present, your dog boarder may treat your pet and you will need to reimburse your dog boarder for any expense incurred.
What will I need to provide for my dog?
Everything that you would supply if a friend or neighbour was caring for your dog. For instance: food, biscuits, chews, clean bedding & towels, bowls, leads, toys, poop bags and anything else to make your pets stay comfortable and familiar. If your dog has special dietary needs or medication this is not a problem. If your dog eats fresh chicken or fish, you will need to cook these and provide the food in freezer bags which can be defrosted each day. We suggest that you provide an extra sheet explaining what food or medication should be given and when.
My dog usually sleeps on my bed - will the dog boarder allow him/her to do this?
Generally this is not acceptable - however some dog boarders do tell us that they have had dogs sleeping on their beds, especially the small breeds. Most dog boarders are happy for the dog to sleep in their bedroom in a basket/bed or on the floor.
I would like my dog to be let off the lead; will the dog boarder do this if I ask?
No, it is company policy that dogs are never allowed off their leads for insurance purposes. Most clients are happy to supply a flexi lead for exercise.
What kind of people become dog carers and how are they vetted?
All kinds of people: retired, families, single people, young and old - they all have one thing in common: they are dedicated to caring for dogs. When we receive an application, they first have to fit our basic criteria: they should not be away from their home for more than 3 hours at any one time, they should have a secure garden, they should not have any dogs or cats of their own, and they should not have any pre-school children. If they fit our criteria then we arrange to interview them for suitability to our service. Only once they have passed an interview and their homes have been checked, do they come onto our register.
Do you have dog boarders in my area?
We have an extensive register of dog boarders throughout London and the Home Counties and we are sure to have a dog boarder in your area. Please telephone the agency on 01932 568584 and advise us of the dates you are going away. We can then tell you who is available and their location.
Can I meet my dog boarder before the booking starts?
Yes. In fact, we insist upon it. Unlike other agencies, we want you and our dog boarders to meet before the booking starts to ensure that all parties are fully informed and happy. If you are unhappy with the dog boarder we have selected, we will be happy to offer an alternative(s). We want you to go away relaxed and confident and to know the person who will be looking after your much loved pet.
When do I receive the dog boarder's details?
Before we can give you any contact details for your dog boarder, you will need to pay the non-refundable deposit*. In doing so, you are confirming your booking. Once the deposit has been paid you will receive a confirmation either in the post or via email and you are then invited to contact your dog boarder to make an arrangement to go and visit them with your dog. We respect and protect both client and dog boarder's confidentiality and will not release any information until a booking is confirmed.
*please see our Terms & Conditions.
Is there a minimum stay for first-time customers?
Yes. For first-time customers who have never used our service before there is a minimum stay of three days. This is to give your dog and our dog boarder the best opportunity to get to know one another and settle into a happy routine. We don't believe an overnight stay is long enough to be fair on both the dog boarder and your dog. Once a customer has used us, we are then able to book as little as day care to offer you a fully flexible service.
Does the time that I leave or collect my dog affect the cost?
No. We charge by the calendar date and not by the 24 hours. This means that you have your dog boarder available all day on the day that you wish to leave your dog and on the day you wish to collect your dog (particularly early and late times by prior arrangement with the dog boarder). As a courtesy to your dog boarder and to avoid unnecessary stress on your dog, we suggest after 8am and before 8pm, especially in the darker months.This gives you complete flexibility.
Can I make a provisional booking?
No. We don't make provisional bookings. Please call our office and we will let you know who is the most suitable dog boarder available for the dates you need, but we will not hold this dog boarder until we have a confirmed booking.
When is the fee paid for my booking?
The fee is made up of two parts. You pay a non-refundable deposit* over the telephone by debit or credit card to confirm your booking and guarantee the dog boarder we have selected. The deposit is part of the daily rate and not in addition to it. The balance is due when you deliver your dog to your dog boarder and is paid directly to the dog boarder by cash or bank transfer; please ask your dog boarder which method they prefer.
*please see our Terms & Conditions.
What happens if the selected dog boarder is not suitable for my dog?
If, after meeting the selected dog boarder you are unhappy and you notify us within three days of the meeting, we will either introduce you to another dog boarder, or if you prefer, you will be given a refund of your deposit*. Any feedback about our dog boarders you may wish to gives us is always appreciated and helps us select the right dog boarder in the future.
*please see our Terms & Conditions.
When I want to book with you again can I contact the dog boarder myself?
Yes. If you wish to check with your regular dog boarder to see if they are free on the particular dates you require before contacting the agency, please do so. You will always need to make your booking through the agency. Your records are kept on file, so you need only phone through your dates and we will make a booking and confirm it through to the dog boarder.
Are there any extra charges?
No. Unlike other agencies, we do not charge a registration fee nor do we insist that we transport your dog to and from our dog boarder's home at a cost. We can arrange a collection and delivery service should it be more convenient for you but there will be a charge for this.
What happens if my dog is ill while I am on holiday?
Unlike other agencies, our dog boarders have an emergency number to contact the agency 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. If your dog becomes ill whilst you are away, your dog boarder will call the agency and we will discuss its condition. If we think it is necessary, your dog will be taken to your vets by your dog boarder providing it is local to them. If not it will be taken to a local vet of our choice. The cost of treatment will be reclaimed on your return. Any costs incurred by the dog boarder will need to be reimbursed to the dog boarder. We will contact you on your emergency number at the first opportunity to discuss what has happened and keep you updated of your pet's progress.
What happens if I do not show up for my booking?
If you do not turn up for your booking or cancel giving less than 1 calendar day's notice, the total fee is due.
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
If you have met with your dog boarder and feel that the dog boarder we have selected for you is unsuitable, we can introduce you to another dog boarder or, if you prefer, you will receive a refund of your deposit*. You must inform us of your dissatisfaction within three days of meeting your dog boarder.
Should you need to cancel your booking due to the unfortunate loss of your dog, we will refund 50% of any deposit, including any future confirmed bookings.
If you need to cancel for any other reason, your deposit is non-refundable*.
*please see our Terms & Conditions.
What happens if I leave my dog later than agreed?
If you drop off your dog later than the agreed time but on the same day, there is no change to the cost: your dog boarder has been reserved for the day. If you anticipate arriving later, then we ask that you make your dog boarder aware of your later drop off time in order to avoid them waiting longer than necessary, and to ensure they are ready to receive your dog. Please call the agency if you have mislaid your dog boarder's number. If you drop your dog off on a later day than agreed there is no refund. Your dog boarder has been reserved for you from the confirmed date and it is unfair to them if you decide to arrive later than expected.
What happens if I collect my dog later than agreed?
If you collect your dog or dogs on a date later than agreed in the original booking, there will be an additional charge for every calendar day. Please contact the office as soon as you can if this is going to happen, so that we can liaise with the dog boarder and ensure the booking details are all updated to ensure your booking is still covered by our insurance.
What happens if I collect my dog early?
If you return from your holiday early and decide to collect your dog before the due date - there is no refund of payment.