The kennel arrangement here at Barkimber is slightly different from most boarding establishments in as much as the kennels are arranged in a horse-shoe shape around the central exercise compound. This means that dogs are not kept in rows or blocks where their views are limited; they can see something going on all day from the time they get up in the morning until the time they go to bed; we believe that this adds to the feeling of well-being, keeping their minds alert – giving them something to see and think about all day long.
Each kennel faces the exercise area, and each dog is allowed out of the kennel FOUR times a day off-lead, individually. Dogs from different families are never mixed, although because of the unique arrangement of the buildings there is a great deal of socialisation between the dogs that enjoy it.
Each brick-built kennel has an individual outdoor covered run; sleeping compartments are at the back. Each kennel is individually heated during the winter months, and a low wattage slumber light is left on during this period as well. There are kennels of different sizes, we can accommodate up to three large or four small dogs from the same family in one kennel. A discount is offered for family dogs sharing a kennel.
All dogs are given a plastic bed suitable for their size and breed; each dog is given a piece of top quality green-back or gold-back “vet-bed” (fluffy white sheepskin style bedding). Clean, fresh bedding is given to every new arrival, and this is changed frequently during your pets stay. This bedding is warm, comfortable, and hypoallergenic and it washes and dries with ease. You are more than welcome to bring in some of your dogs own bedding if you think it will help during the “settling in” period.
The exercise area is shingle based, this is for hygiene purposes. Dogs are encouraged to go the toilet in this area, and everything is pressure-washed before the next dog is allowed out, thus reducing the chance of cross-infection.
Here at Barkimber we are very “hands-on” with the dogs, during the exercise period each dog is played with, cuddled, stroked, and its name used frequently by our dedicated kennel girls. You are more than welcome to bring in some of your dogs favourite toys – most dogs enjoy chasing a ball – it keeps the kennel girls fit as well!
We try never to use a lead so that your dog can “do-his-own-thing”, each dog is given a biscuit as a reward when he comes back to his kennel when told, and all dogs get a biscuit in their bed at night. Dogs learn very quickly that pockets are always full of biscuits, and training by reward gets most of them to return to their kennels willingly without the use of a lead.
Because of the “hands-on” care and attention your pet will receive during its stay with us, please understand that under no circumstances are we prepared to accept aggressive dogs into the kennels. Extra time and pampering is given to dogs that are nervous or bewildered by their new surroundings, experience shows that with very few exceptions, even first-time residents are happy and settled within 24 hours.
All meals for every dog are made up individually, and we stock a full range of all the premium quality foods, dry-complete, tinned and mixer biscuit. If your dog is fed a prescription diet which we are unable to purchase, or in the unlikely event that we do not stock something that will tempt him, you are more than welcome to bring in your pets own diet. No extra charge is made for feeding own diets, as all meals are being made individually anyway and we are more than happy to do this for your dogs wellbeing. All our water bowls and food bowls are made of stainless steel, and all bowls are sterilised after every use.
No dog is accepted in to the kennels without proof of full vaccination status, and from 1 st April to 1 st October all dogs must have current kennel cough vaccine, this should be given by your vet at least two weeks prior to kennelling. Your pet's vaccination certificate should be brought with you; this will be returned to you once the details have been checked and details entered on to our admittance form.
All animals must be fit and healthy when admitted into the kennels. Because of our considerable experience we are able to continue administering any medications prescribed by your vet. No extra charge is made for this. A medical history is taken at the time of arrival, and we are happy to liaise with your own vet, or ask our own veterinary practice, Drove Veterinary Hospital, to do so should any problems arise.
Every animal is fully insured while in residence; a veterinary surgeon will be called should your dog's health give any cause for concern. We always ask you to leave a contact telephone number in case of emergency; if you are not contactable, then an alternative number of someone who can speak for you is acceptable.
The management of Barkimber Kennels reserve the right to refuse admission to any pet whose condition could constitute a health hazard to other pets or staff, or when its own health would appear to be in jeopardy.
We encourage you to come and view our facilities; you will be given a guided tour, everything will be explained in detail and you can see the happy faces and waggy tails of the residents. Also come and see our photo gallery, Kayleigh our head kennel girl has spent her free time photographing many of our regular guests.
We offer a bathing and grooming service, but we are not qualified to undertake clipping or trimming. We also offer a claw-clipping service. Both of these services are also available to fully vaccinated non-residents – by appointment only.
No appointment is needed to view, all we ask is that you let us complete our morning and evening tasks for the comfort of the animals; viewing then – anytime between 10am and 3.30pm Monday to Saturday, and between 10am and 1.30pm on Sunday.
We are open for delivery and collection of pets between the hours of 9am and 3.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 1.30pm on Sunday.
Office hours for enquiries or bookings are from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and from 9am to 2pm on Sundays.