Boardwalkies

06/04/2023

If you’ve resisted tucking into some Easter treats already, well done! It’s almost Easter weekend, so we are expecting there to be a lot more dangers around for our pets.

Chocolate, a sugar substitute sweetener called Xylitol, raisins, daffodils, tulips, lillies and hyacinths are all toxic if ingested by cats and dogs. Don’t delay if you discover your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t have. Call us for veterinary advice any time of day or night, on 0208 300 8111.

We hope you have a safe and happy Easter!

04/04/2023

Updated

Allegedly, Defra and local authorities are powerless to take on the likes of Rover.

As we understand it councils cannot go after Rover’s customers as they are protected by law.

The issue LAs have with adverts on social media, or on sites such as Rover, is that the ‘advertiser’s’ home address is not visible unless the LA carries out an investigation.

Councils have to comply with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, which restricts obtaining such information ‘covertly’, therefore, they find it difficult to find and engage with unlicensed boarders – if they say to Rover for example, they’re from the Council (overt), they ignore them, but if they engage as a possible customer its covert!

If the relevant local authority are advised of the offender’s address as part of a complaint, they can, in principle, immediately investigate and take appropriate action, but it’s difficult for them to intervene otherwise.

So…

How about if we plaster information like this everywhere we can - blogs, Facebook community groups etc. and even share it with our local authorities?

Blog/post/socialise?

Dog care services such as Rover, Pawshake, and Tailster are controversial, and despised by many pet owners and licensed pet carers for several reasons.

These platforms serve as marketplaces that connect pet owners with pet sitters, dog walkers and boarders, often without enforcing stringent qualifications or licensing requirements.

Lack of regulatory oversight:

One major concern is that these platforms appear to state it is up to pet care advertisers to ensure they comply with state and local laws.

Rover, Pawshake, and Tailster do not appear to make any real effort to police that pet carers offering regulated services such as home boarding or daycare are licensed by their local authority.

This lack of oversight can result in pet care providers operating without licences or qualifications, potentially putting pets' health and safety at risk, and pet owners in danger of emotional distress.

Insurance concerns:

Similarly, these platforms do not guarantee that pet carers have suitable public liability insurance coverage. They often offer a limited cover, considerably less than local authorities will accept. This can leave pet owners potentially exposed to financial risks if an accident or injury occurs during the course of the service. Licensed pet carers, who typically invest in such insurance, may find it unfair that they have to compete with unlicensed and uninsured individuals on these platforms.

The trouble is owners (and the pet carers on these sites) don't read the small print, for example "The Rover Guarantee” does not extend to... Damage, injury or other loss arising from a Service Provider’s care of any Third Party animal(s) alongside a Pet Owner’s pet during a Booking.".

So if the pet carer’s dog or another dog the pet carer is looking after bites your dog and causes thousands of pounds of vet bills, you will likely have zero come back. It won't even cover the excess on your own pet insurance.

Although there is a rumour that Rover will pay out anyway if the aggrieved party signs a non disclosure aggreement so the listings site can avoid bad reviews.

Having said that, when did you last see a bad review mentioning Rover? They do a brilliant job of bouncing negative reviews down the search engine listings! But they’re out there if you look hard enough.

Uneven playing field:

Licensed pet carers often invest significant time, effort, and money into obtaining proper certifications and complying with legal requirements. They may feel frustrated that these platforms enable unqualified individuals to offer services without meeting the same standards. This can lead to an uneven playing field and a race to the bottom in terms of service quality and safety.

Variable service quality:

Without proper screening, training, or background checks, the quality of pet care services offered through these platforms can be highly variable. This inconsistency can erode trust among pet owners and create a negative perception of the entire industry.

Potential for abuse and neglect:

In some cases, unqualified or unscrupulous individuals may take advantage of these platforms to offer subpar services, potentially leading to instances of pet abuse or neglect. Such incidents can further damage the reputation of these platforms and contribute to the controversy surrounding them.

To be fair

There are legitimate, professional pet carers listed on Rover and the such like. Some are licensed, fully insured and they will invariably comply with the legislation. Many listed pet carers are start ups, using the marketing power of these advertising platforms. Sadly, they’re too often in a minority.

In summary, the controversy surrounding organisations like Rover, Pawshake, or Tailster and similar largely stems from their lack of regulatory oversight, and insistence on shifting responsibility for compliance to pet care advertisers.

This can result in unlicensed, uninsured, and potentially unqualified individuals providing pet care services, creating an uneven playing field for licensed pet carers and potentially putting pets' health and safety at risk.

Check and double check

Do your due diligence. If you’re buying a regulated service eg boarding/day care, always ask to see the pet carer’s licence and for dog walking and pet sitting, check that the listed advertiser has public liability and the equivalent of ‘care, custody and control’ related insurances - and that these are adequate.

The pet owning public have a right to be fully informed when they buy pet care services through such online advertising platforms.

02/04/2023

This is why you need to research your trainers.

As dog guardians, we all want our loyal companions to be well-behaved and happy. But when our dogs exhibit undesirable behaviour, we may be tempted to resort to quick fixes like punishment collars or trainers who use forceful techniques. However, these methods come at a high cost to both the dog and...

30/03/2023

The Sublime Quest for the Ultimate Doggy Haven: A UK Dog Owner's Guide to Finding Licensed Home Boarding

Introduction:

Listen up, dog lovers of the United Kingdom! If you're anything like me, your canine companion is more than just a pet - it's family. And as every good dog parent knows, finding the perfect home-away-from-home for our fur babies can be a mind-boggling challenge. But fear not, intrepid pooch protectors, for I have embarked on the tumultuous journey to unearth the crème de la crème of licensed dog home boarding establishments. So, strap in and join me as we embark on this odyssey to find the ultimate doggy haven!

1. The Peculiarities of Licensed Home Boarding in the UK

When it comes to entrusting our beloved fur kids to the care of strangers, we mustn't waver in our diligence. The UK's regulatory landscape can be a labyrinthine enigma, but fret not, for I shall unravel the convoluted tapestry of legislation and ordinances. In the UK, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 and the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 in the other home nations require dog home boarding providers to be licensed. This means that these establishments have been assessed, inspected, and deemed worthy of the coveted seal of approval. Keep your eyes peeled for this prestigious accolade when seeking a canine castle.

2. Embarking on the Quest: Research, Research, Research!

Before diving headfirst into the dog-eat-dog world of home boarding options, one must become a veritable detective, unearthing information from every nook and cranny of the digital realm. A multitude of resources await exploration, such as online forums, local Facebook groups, and the trusty Google search. Cast your digital dragnet far and wide, because when it comes to our furry family members, no stone should be left unturned.

3. Clandestine Reconnaissance: Vet Recommendations and Word of Mouth

Sometimes, the answers we seek lurk in the shadows of our everyday interactions. Harness the power of your social network and seek counsel from fellow canine aficionados.

Veterinarians, groomers, dog trainers, and other pet professionals can be invaluable allies in your mission to find a licensed doggy haven. Be bold, intrepid one, and solicit opinions from those who have walked this path before.

4. The Crucial Inquisition: Questions to Ask Potential Home Boarders

Once you've compiled a list of potential doggy sanctuaries, it's time to separate the contenders from the pretenders. The interrogation begins! Here are a few essential questions to unleash upon prospective home boarders:

* Can I see your licence and proof of insurance?
* How many dogs do you accommodate at a time?
* Are there any breed or size restrictions?
* What are your policies on vaccinations and health checks?
* How do you handle emergencies and what veterinary services are available?
* How many dog walks do you provide each day, how long for and on or off lead?
* May I inspect your boarding facilities and outdoor spaces?

Let these questions be the sword and shield that protect your furry comrade from unsuitable accommodations.

5. A Testament to Trustworthiness: Reviews and Testimonials

In our pursuit of the ultimate doggy haven, the testimony of others can be an invaluable beacon, guiding us through the murky waters of uncertainty.

Scour the digital landscape for reviews and testimonials that offer insights into the experiences of previous clients.

Websites like Facebook, Yell, and Google Reviews can be treasure troves of invaluable information.

Bear in mind, though, that opinions can be as diverse as the stars in the night sky. Trust your instincts and seek a balanced perspective.

6. The Final Frontier: The Meet and Greet

With your shortlist of potential canine castles in hand, it's time to embark on the final phase of your quest: the meet and greet. This face-to-face encounter offers a unique opportunity to assess the chemistry between your dog and the prospective boarder, as well as to scrutinize the environment in which your beloved pooch will reside.

Be ever-vigilant, and let your intuition guide you through the home boarding facilities, outdoor spaces, and interactions with staff.

7. The Decision: Choosing the Right Home Boarder

Having navigated the treacherous terrain of research, reconnaissance, inquisition, and meet-and-greets, the moment of truth has arrived. It's time to choose the home boarder that aligns with your dog's unique temperament, preferences, and needs.

Consider factors such as proximity, cost, and availability, but never lose sight of the ultimate goal: ensuring the happiness and well-being of your canine comrade.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, fellow dog lovers - the culmination of our epic odyssey to find the ultimate doggy haven. With perseverance, determination, and a hearty dose of inquisitiveness, the task of finding a licensed home boarder need not be an insurmountable challenge.

The journey may be fraught with peril and uncertainty, but the destination – a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for your beloved canine companion – is worth every Herculean effort.

So, go forth, intrepid dog owner, and embark on your own quest for the perfect home boarding sanctuary, armed with the knowledge and wisdom that you have gleaned from this chronicle.

In the end, the wagging tail and boundless joy of your four-legged friend will be the greatest reward of all.

Happy hunting, and may the odds be ever in your favour!

20/03/2023

Dogs In Yellow day takes place on March 20th and it’s held to raise awareness of anxiety in dogs.
A dog might be wearing yellow for a number of reasons. They could be reactive, fearful, elderly or recovering from an accident, illness or operation. The last thing they need is to be approached or jumped on by other dogs who wants to play.
By being aware of we can make life less stressful for anxious dogs and their humans.

15/03/2023

As dog guardians, we all want our loyal companions to be well-behaved and happy. But when our dogs exhibit undesirable behaviour, we may be tempted to resort to quick fixes like punishment collars or trainers who use forceful techniques. However, these methods come at a high cost to both the dog and...

03/11/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100063466895197/posts/552367413555484/

14/10/2022

25/09/2022

This season, while you're out and about in nature with your best friend, take care and look out for conkers – the hard, dark brown nut from Aesculus hippocastanum, the horse chestnut tree.
Dogs can become very unwell if they eat conkers. They can start vomiting, have diarrhoea, and display abdominal pain. In severe cases, the dog may become dehydrated and go into shock.
Although fatalities are rare, a high dose of aesculin could affect the central nervous system and might even be fatal for your dog.
Signs of illness usually arise after a couple of days but dogs can show signs of being poisoned within one to six hours of consuming the conkers.
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Disorientation
Drooling
Excessive thirst
Loss of appetite
Muscle tremors
Seizures
Vomiting
Tips:
Keep your dog on the lead through areas where conkers lie.
Keep an eye on your pet when it's walking through woodland and parks.
Bring a toy or treats to distract your dog if they become curious about a conker.
Remind your children that conkers are poisonous for dogs

24/09/2022

Another newbie welcome to the family...say hi to Rocky 🥰💙🐾

24/09/2022

I just love this boy 🥰
Welcome to the Boardwalkies family JJ 💙🐾

12/08/2022

Need I say more..

06/08/2022

Today is a very sad day 🥺

Sweet Stanley gained his Angel Wings🕊 to join his many friends over the rainbow bridge 🌈 🐾💙💔

12/07/2022

Newbies 🥰

10/06/2022

An all (older) boy walk..
15.5yrs - Lennox
9/10yrs - Bailey
6.5yrs - Remy (baby of the bunch😄)

05/06/2022

https://m.facebook.com/groups/190323491521599/permalink/1104381796782426/

30/05/2022

Lovely Stanley 💙🐾🥰

27/05/2022

https://win.mypetmatters.co.uk/lp/131879/AnimalRescuePrize

26/03/2022

Ying & Yang ☯️ ♥

26/03/2022

Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee 🤦‍♀️😍😂

13/03/2022

Remy & Coda 🥰

13/03/2022

Firm friends now 🥰😍😂

05/03/2022

Handsome boy 😍🥰

20/02/2022

Today is National Love your Pet day 💜🐶💙🐱💚🐭💛🐴🧡🐐❤🐷🤎🐰🖤🐹🤍🐸💛🐢🧡🐟❤🕷💚🐑💜🦄

14/01/2022

Love these 2 🥰

31/12/2021

Wishing all my lovely clients a very Happy and prosperous New Year.
Thank you all for your continued support throughout this year 😘😘
Enjoy yourselves and see you in 2022
❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍

15/12/2021