Using a kennel or cattery this summer? Ensure your pet has a happy holiday too
A recent MORI survey, commissioned by the insurer, showed that over 500,000 owners 2 had previously left their pet in the care of a kennel or cattery without checking the standards and conditions first.
The findings also revealed that, of those who did visit the kennel or cattery before using it for their pet, less than 3 out of 10 owners (28%) made sure the kennel or cattery had a local authority license, and only 16% ensured the boarding establishment was fully insured.
Previously highlighted in Direct Line's Pet Manifesto 3, which was launched to coincide with the General Election, were concerns expressed by pet owners about the standards of kennels and catteries. In fact 51% of dog owners and 46% of cat owners would rather not board their pet but do not feel they have any alternative. Furthermore, less than half of pet owners - 37% of dog owners and 45% of cat owners - actually feel completely comfortable leaving their pet in a boarding establishment.
Chris Price, Pet Business Manager at Direct Line said:
It is never nice leaving your pet in a boarding kennel or cattery whilst you are away enjoying your well earned break. However using a checklist such as ours will help people make better informed choices about which boarding establishment they use to help them relax in the knowledge that they have done everything to ensure they have left their four legged friend in the right hands.
Direct Line's Checklist for Choosing a Kennel or Cattery
- Do the staff seem interested in your pet and ask questions about your pet's dietary requirements, medication, habits, likes/dislikes etc?
- Are the kennel areas adequate in size and well maintained?
- Does it have indoor or outdoor runs and an exercise plan? (Dogs should be exercised regularly and for an amount of time appropriate for your pet.)
- Is the bedding kept clean? (This can be identified by looking at the kennels on your initial inspection.)
- Will they give necessary medications?
- Do they groom and spend time with pets to ensure they are as content as possible?
- Is the establishment fully insured for third party accidents?
- Has the kennel or cattery been granted a local authority license? (All boarding establishments should be inspected and licensed by the local councils.)
- Is a vet available at short notice to attend the kennels when needed?
- Are you allowed to supply and leave whatever you wish for your pet e.g. bedding, food, toys etc?
- Do they provide a breakdown of costs?
- Will they charge extra to give medications, for a going home bath or grooming etc?
For a free copy of Direct Line's Summer Petcare advice leaflet which includes advice on kennels and catteries, moving house and summer health, please telephone 01473 824447
Notes to Editors:
- Research was carried out by MORI between 31st May and 5th June among 2064 respondents of which 814 were pet owners. Findings revealed that 17% of dog owners and 18% of cat owners place their pet in a boarding establishment when they go on holiday for a week or more. Based on 10.6m cat owners and 9.9. dog owners in the UK a total of 3,585,000 pet owners use a kennel or cattery for their pet when going on holiday.
- According to the MORI survey 16% of pet owners who had used a kennel or cattery did not visit it first before boarding their pet there. 16% of 3,584,660 pet owners who use a kennel or cattery is 573,546 pet owners.
- Direct Line's Pet Manifesto was produced as a result of a survey among 1002 of Direct Line's Pet Insurance customers between Friday 1st and March 7th 2001. The research identified some of the issues currently facing today's pet owners namely the Standards of Kennels and Catteries, the Pets Abroad Scheme, Stray Pets and Identification, Pet Theft and Equal Rights for Cats.
