Prestige Pets
09 October, 2024
Concerns about who will care for your four-legged friend while you are away can put a dampener on holiday plans.
However, pet owners across Surrey need not worry anymore, thanks to an array of ‘hotels’ that will keep your cat, dog, or even your rabbit in the care they have become accustomed to.
In recent years, pet ownership has skyrocketed, with many households considering their pets as integral family members. This shift in perspective has given rise to a burgeoning ‘pet hotel’ industry dedicated to pet care and hospitality. These facilities provide a range of services that ensure pets are comfortable, entertained, and well-cared for, transforming the concept of pet boarding into a luxury experience.
Pet hotels are not merely kennels or pet boarding facilities; they often comprise accommodation that offers a variety of services tailored to the well-being of pets. These services often include spacious suites, gourmet meals, grooming, play areas, and even spa treatments. The goal is to create an environment where pets feel at home and receive the same level of care and attention they would get from their owners.
“What you aim to give is total reassurance,” says Charlotte Sachdera, owner of Cobham-based Pet Nanny, who offers a ‘pop-in’ service for dogs, cats and smaller animals, as well as hotel accommodation for rabbits and guinea pigs.
“Animals are usually much happier at home, so the more they can be cared for within that setting the better,” she says.
“But if you would prefer to take them to stay somewhere else, then you have be sure it is the right setting for your animal. Every owner and every pet is different - and it has to be the best option for you both.”
According to Dawn Stanford, founder of Surrey Hills Luxury Dog Boarding, finding the right person to care for your pet is vital.
“For me it is a vocation, caring for the dogs is my passion,” says Dawn. “We look at our offer very much as a hotel with entertainment. We have check-in and check-out just like any other hotel and our ethos is ‘Happy Dog, Happy Customer’ which gives me a happy life as well. It is all about making sure the dog is calm and content.”
Dawn says numbers are kept low so she can get to know both the pet and the human client.
“We like to know what all their requirements are. We are very blessed to have a large open-plan property. The dogs are in our own home with us but they have plenty of space to do what they need to do.” Dawn says the dogs sleep and eat separately but they are always in sight and with 54 hectares of woodland at their disposal, there is no lack of outdoor opportunities. “They have a lot of enrichment,” explains Dawn. “Physical exercise, licky mats and treat toys - we make our own toys and doggy ice lollies and ice cream and they are also welcomed by our own two dogs - one of whom acts like a nanny.” And for extra peace of mind, both Dawn and Charlotte offer clients a daily update which includes photos.
“We snap as the dogs are active which shows they are having a good time - it is more reassuring and once the clients come to pick the dogs up, they can see they are happy,” says Dawn “Between the health and safety and paperwork it is quite a hard job, but we love we what we do which is why we do everything properly.” Charlotte adds: “It is a big responsibility taking care of something that is so loved by someone else but it is so worthwhile.”
Pet hotels offer numerous benefits for both pets and their owners:
Peace of Mind: Owners can travel without worrying about their pets’ well-being, knowing they are in a safe and caring environment.
Socialisation: Pets, especially dogs, get the opportunity to socialise with other animals, which can be beneficial for their mental health and behaviour.
Professional Care: Pets receive professional care, including regular feeding, exercise, and medical attention if needed. This ensures their routine is maintained, and their health is monitored.
Convenience: Pet hotels provide a convenient solution for pet owners who need to travel frequently or have demanding schedules.
When selecting a pet hotel, owners should consider several factors to ensure their pet receives the best possible care:
Reputation: Researching reviews and testimonials from other pet owners can provide insight into the quality of care provided by the hotel.
Staff Qualifications: Ensuring the staff is trained and experienced in animal care is crucial for the safety and well-being of the pet.
Facilities and Amenities: Touring the facility to check the cleanliness, safety measures, and available amenities can help in making an informed decision.
Emergency Procedures: Understanding the hotel’s procedures for handling medical emergencies and ensuring they have access to veterinary care is essential.
Cost: Evaluating the cost of services in relation to the offered amenities can help in choosing a pet hotel that fits the budget while still meeting the pet’s needs.
You can find out more about Charlotte and Dawn here: luxdogboarding.co.uk and thepetnannyvip.com