Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'Small Breed' Dog?
While there is no strict definition, small dogs are generally those that weigh less than 10kg and stand less than 16 inches tall at the shoulder.
What if my dog is bigger than the 'Small Breed' definition?
Most breeds will still be considered for a trial if a client thinks that a home board environment specifically for small breeds is appropriate for their dog, but the size and temperament of every dog will have significant bearing on any final decision and the boarding fee.
Why do I need to provide Emergency Contact details?
A separate contact must be nominated by the client who can be called at the termination of a board in the unlikely event that the client remains unavailable. It is the responsibility of the client to inform their nominated Emergency Contact of their responsibility and ensure understanding and acceptance of their commitment to provide onward care for the dog in the absence of the client.
What is a Pooch Passport?
Before we welcome any dog to the Penny's Pooches family it is a requirement that clients submit a Pooch Passport for each dog. A Pooch Passport is a comprehensive form capturing routines and behaviour. It allows us to create an initial bespoke rate for a first booking request but, most importantly, it allows us to provide the best possible care for every dog whilst with us. An accurate Pooch Passport helps to minimise the variance in quoted rate between subsequent bookings. Clients are required to keep us informed of any changes and are invited to submit a new Pooch Passport every 2 years.
What is a Declaration Form?
Each booking requires a separate Declaration Form, but only one form per booking (irrespective of the number of dogs). This is a condition of our licencing arrangements and our insurance policies. The Declaration Form is a client's final opportunity to inform of any changes to a Pooch Passport but it is also the formal mechanism by which clients provide consent for boarding activity, accept liability for any additionally incurred costs and offer formal assurance that all boarding conditions (such as vaccination status and parasite treatment) have been met. Due to the time sensitive nature of the information captured, a Declaration Form will not be accepted if submitted more than 4 weeks before a board start. Without a valid Declaration Form no dog will be accepted for board.
What does FullBoard mean?
At Penny's Pooches, we define 2 categories of boarding type; DayCare and FullBoard. FullBoard is any boarding period which includes an overnight element. Our home offers numerous bedrooms and living spaces which are all available to tailor to individual needs and every effort is made to accommodate sleeping arrangements prescribed by the client. FullBoard attracts a Daily Rate which is charged for each 24 hour period or part thereof.
What does DayCare mean?
At Penny's Pooches, we define 2 categories of boarding type; DayCare and FullBoard. DayCare is only available during the week (Monday to Friday) and is defined as a board which starts and ends between 8AM and 8PM on the same day. DayCare includes play and stimulation in our home and, Manchester weather permitting, in our large safe enclosed garden. Dependent on length of stay and time of day, DayCare may also include feeding and walks in the local area. DayCare attracts an Hourly Rate which is charged for each hour or part thereof. There is also a minimum fee equivalent to 4 hours daycare when applying the Hourly Rate.
What will be the Daily Rate (FullBoard) for my dog?
In determining a suitable boarding fee, Penny's Pooches, sets a maximum Daily Rate of £50 per dog per day (provided the dog is a small breed and over 12 months old) and then applies scalar adjustments wherever possible, to reflect any anticipated ease of effort in care. Information about the dog, determined from our own experience (from trial or any previous boards) and from the latest submitted Pooch Passport, is fed into an algorithm for each new booking - this ensures a consistent approach to pricing across our client base but allows for variance based on differences between dogs and the dates of each board. The algorithm deduced rate for a specific Booking Request is then included in a bespoke quote which is sent to the client for their consideration. Consequently, committing to a Rate that we might offer before a trial, before submission of a Pooch Passport or without details of the required boarding dates is not possible. It is not unusual for rates to vary (up or down) for subsequent bookings but accurate Pooch Passports help to minimise variance between boards.
What will be the Hourly Rate (DayCare) for my dog?
Hourly Rates (where applicable because not all pooches on our books are deemed suitable for DayCare) are calculated to be 10% of the Daily Rate, rounded up to the nearest pound. So long as there are no special needs or behavioural issues this generally results in an Hourly Rate of £4 per hour per dog. However, just as with the Daily Rate calculation, it is not unusual for an Hourly Rate to vary (up or down) for subsequent bookings but accurate Pooch Passports help to minimise variance between boards.
Why am I being charged an additional whole hour DayCare for only 15min extra?
The Hourly Rate (for DayCare) is charged for each hour or part thereof. If your DayCare booking prescribes a start time and an end time that bounds a period which is not a whole number of hours (e.g 5¼ hrs) the booking will be rounded up to the next whole hour (i.e 6 hrs). There is also a minimum fee equivalent to 4 hours daycare when applying the DayCare rate. (i.e. if the booking request is for only 2½ hrs it will still attract the same fee as a booking for 4 hrs.) This is to cover the administrative cost of managing the booking.
Why am I being charged an extra whole day Boarding fee?
Clients are advised to consider handover times carefully and maximise the boarding length that they are paying for. A Daily Rate (for FullBoard) relates to a board that includes an overnight element. The rate is charged for each 24 hour period or part thereof. If your FullBoard booking prescribes an end time that is later in the day than your prescribed start time (e.g Board start at 0900 and Board end at 1000) this triggers another 24 hr period (in this case even by only 1 hr) and will attract another full Daily Rate being applied to the total fee. Our advice is that if different drop off and collection times cannot be avoided (i.e drop-off can't be delayed or pick-up can't be brought forward) consider taking advantage of the extra 24hr period and delay collection until later that day or even until the following morning… after all, you are being charged for it!
Is DayCare available at the weekend?
DayCare is only available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday.
I have a late flight. Can I collect my dog at 11pm?
Bookings will only be accepted where handovers, at the start and end of a boarding period, are scheduled to fall inside our normal working hours: 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.
Is there any rate reduction for an additional dog?
Provided they are from the same household, Penny's Pooches applies a 20% Daily Rate reduction for additional dogs. However, if there are 3 dogs from the same household further trials may be required before Penny's Pooches agrees to board. 4 or more dogs from the same household will not be considered for boarding. There is no reduced rate for an 'additional dog' applied to the Hourly Rate because DayCare is not available for bookings of 2 or more dogs.
What if my dog is not able to do long walks?
Dog walking arrangements can be adapted, just as all other boarding arrangements can be customised to suit each dog. Shorter walks, field play, on lead, off lead... all options can be considered, but special arrangements will be factored into the boarding fee.
My dog suffers from separation anxiety. Will they be left alone?
Penny's Pooches relies on a number of qualified volunteer staff to ensure dogs are always appropriately supervised. The level of human engagement throughout the day (and night) can be tailored to the needs of each dog, but special arrangements will be factored into the boarding fee.
My bitch is not spayed. Will she be safe from impregnation during her board?
Penny's Pooches cannot guarantee that impregnation will not occur during a board. However, on a first come first served basis, bookings will be managed to avoid intact dogs and unspayed bitches boarding at the same time. Bitches in season will not be walked in public spaces. Clients are responsible for highlighting if a season is expected during the boarding period.
My dog is intact. Is that a problem?
On a first come first served basis, bookings will be managed to avoid intact dogs and unspayed bitches boarding at the same time. The temperament and behaviour of intact dogs will also be specifically assessed at their initial trial and throughout boarding periods. Additional effort required to manage hormonal behaviour will be reflected in the boarding fee.
My dog is an 8 month old puppy. Is that a problem?
Usually, dogs under 1yr of age will not be accepted for boarding by Penny's Pooches. However, under exceptional circumstances, all ages, breeds and demanded levels of care will be considered. The level of care demanded by a puppy is significant and this will be reflected in the boarding fee. With juvenile dogs we need to thoroughly test the level of socialisation, toilet training and stress levels before we agree to board. Consequently, we would demand a number of trials, of increasing duration, starting at 2 hr and increasing to include an overnight stay. Due to the level of effort involved, Penny's Pooches will not be able to offer these trials free of charge and, due to the anxiety it can introduce for a puppy, Penny's Pooches will not consider starting these trials until a puppy is at least 7 months old. Our standard rate cap of £50 does not apply to dogs under 1yr of age.
Will my dog be made to sleep in a crate?
The sleeping arrangements for each dog can be prescribed by a client in their submitted Pooch Passport. No dog will be made to sleep in a crate if that is not its usual arrangement. Where no arrangement is prescribed by a client, Penny's Pooches will determine the most comfortable arrangement for the dog.
What if my dog does not get on with other dogs?
Irrespective of any other fee paying boarders there are usually 2 resident dogs at Penny's Pooches. If it becomes apparent at initial trial that shared space with other dogs is not possible, it is likely that care/boarding will be refused. However, the property does afford opportunity for isolation between boarding dogs and, under exceptional circumstances, all dogs can be considered. The level of management demanded by a dog with behavioural issues is significant and this will be reflected in the boarding fee.
Can my dog eat its meals separate from other dogs?
Penny's Pooches recognises that some dogs, particularly those from single dog households, are uncomfortable eating meals in the same area as other dogs. Penny's Pooches has 2 separate segregated dining areas and all reasonable meal time arrangements specified by a client can be accommodated.
What if my dog has a medical emergency?
Clients are requested to provide detail of their preferred vet. Should an emergency occur, every effort will be made to immediately contact the client and seek instruction. However, Penny's Pooches is registered with a large local vet franchise with access to a vet hospital 15 minutes away. Emergency care for a dog will not be delayed waiting for client consent and all clients are required to sign a declaration accepting this ahead of each boarding period. Vet costs are additional to any agreed boarding fee.
Is there a maximum boarding period?
Maximum boarding periods will inevitably be dictated by availability. No more than 6 dogs will be boarded at any one time (usually including 2 of our own dogs). Inevitably there will be periods in the calendar specified as 'no availability' to reflect that maximum boarding numbers have been reached. 'No availability' is also used to provide a break for our own dogs. It is not possible to request a booking that extends through a period of 'no availability' and so these periods will naturally dictate maximum board length.
Is the garden fully secure?
Safety is our top priority. Our property is fully secured with double-gated entry, and we maintain constant supervision during all activities. We have a large, securely fenced back garden where dogs can run, play, and explore safely with access to drinking water. The space includes different areas for active play and quiet relaxation, ensuring every dog finds their perfect spot.
What if my holiday is cut short?
When a quote is offered and accepted, a contract is effectively entered for a defined period. The daily rate during this period is influenced by the length of the board. If the length of board changes significantly, Penny's Pooches will, of course, consider an adjusted total fee that fairly reflects any lost opportunity to board other dogs.
What if I am not back in time to make handover at the end of the boarding period?
Clients are advised to consider potential travel delays when making bookings because handovers will only be conducted inside our normal working hours: 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. If a client is unable to collect as planned, Penny's Pooches will, wherever possible, continue to board at the same agreed rate. Where no availability exists, the emergency contact (provided on the Declaration Form) will be contacted to collect the dog. If alternative boarding arrangements in the local area need to be secured, Penny's Pooches makes no guarantee about the cost of additional boarding by other providers. All additional expense (additional boarding fee, food, etc) will need to be covered by the client.
Why do I need to declare my dog's vaccinations?
Vaccinations and booster vaccinations play an important role in protecting your dog from dangerous and potentially fatal diseases like parvovirus, canine hepatitis and distemper. Because dogs at Penny's Pooches share the same space it is vital, for the protection of all dogs that board with us, that each and every dog that comes to stay is in date for their vaccinations.
What vaccinations do dogs need to have before they can board at Penny's Pooches?
It is a requirement of our licencing arrangements and our approved care plan that all dogs at Penny's Pooches are in date for vaccination against: Canine parvovirus (a.k.a. parvo) Canine infectious hepatitis Distemper Leptospirosis Kennel cough
My dog was vaccinated as a puppy. Why do they need a booster vaccination?
Many owners believe that once their dog has had their initial round of vaccinations, they're protected for life. Unfortunately, this is not true. Booster vaccinations are needed throughout a dog's life to maintain their protection from harmful disease. It is a requirement of our licencing arrangements and our approved care plan that all dogs at Penny's Pooches can evidence a booster vaccination has been taken: Less than 3 years ago for distemper, parvovirus and canine hepatitis Less than 1 year ago for leptospirosis and kennel cough
What is Leptospirosis ('Lepto')?
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a type of bacterium which likes to live in wet environments and spread via mammals, such as rats. It often causes sickness in animals that is not immediately obvious as Lepto, but which makes them poorly with symptoms such as vomiting. However, it also causes severe and life-threatening disease often including liver and kidney failure. Once diagnosed, it is often very expensive to treat with no guarantees of survival.
What is the difference between Lepto 2 and Lepto 4 vaccines?
Until recently there were only 2 known families of Leptospira bacteria causing the majority of disease in dogs. However, we are now aware of 4 families of Leptospira bacteria which are common in the UK. The 'Lepto 2' vaccines used up until recently provide cover for your dog against only the 2 former families of bacteria. The new 'Lepto 4' vaccines provide protection against all 4 families that are now known. To understand how to move to the new Lepto 4 vaccine please seek advice from your vet. Penny's Pooches requires evidence to show that your dog is vaccinated against all 4 common families of Leptospira.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a common, contagious condition seen in dogs, which causes inflammation of the windpipe and deep airways. It does not have a specific cause and a variety of viruses and bacteria can cause it. Outbreaks are particularly common where there are several dogs in a small airspace, such as boarding kennels or training classes, and where there is direct contact between dogs, such as on walks and sharing toys and water bowls.
What is Canine Parvovirus?
Parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs, attacking cells in their intestines and bone marrow. This damage causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dangerous fluid loss and potential infections due to a weakened gut. Additionally, the virus destroys white blood cells, making it hard for the dog's body to fight off the infection, which can lead to septic shock and multiple organ damage. Without treatment, these complications can be fatal.
What is Infectious hepatitis?
Infectious hepatitis is a virus that attacks the liver, blood vessels, immune system, kidneys, eyes, lungs, and heart. Symptoms vary depending on which organs are affected. Infectious hepatitis spreads in bodily fluids such as urine, stools and saliva. Most dogs catch infectious hepatitis from an infected dog, or from going somewhere an infected dog has been.
What Is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous system, and other organs of dogs. This disease primarily spreads from one dog to another through respiratory secretions (coughing and sneezing) but other bodily fluids like urine, vomit, and stool can also contain the virus. Distemper in dogs can become serious very quickly, and, if left untreated, is often fatal, especially in puppies.
Will a Titer Testing certificate be accepted in lieu of vaccination certificates?
It is a requirement of our licencing arrangements and our approved care plan that all dogs at Penny's Pooches are in date for all vaccinations. However, a valid Titer Testing certificate, less than 12 months old and issued by a recognised UK veterinary practice, will be accepted in lieu to demonstrate the presence of adequate antibodies to protect against each disease.