Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at thehoundhouseltd@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
A: We can take intact dogs on leaded walks provided they show no aggression. We can take unspayed females who aren’t in season for day care and boarding, but sadly not if your girl is in season. We do not take unneutered males for either day care or boarding as our experience has shown they tend to scent-mark as many things in our home as they can find to cock their leg on! As it’s our home, we need to ensure continued cleanliness and hygiene standards throughout. Unneutered males can also display dominating behaviour to the others, which is not tolerated here as we wish to nurture a safe and calm environment for all.
A: No, we never leave any dogs unsupervised, there is always one of us in the house with them.
A: To maintain a positive and safe environment we cannot accommodate dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs or humans. This is a unique environment and not appropriate for all dogs. Instead we recommend daily dog walking, employing an insured pet sitter who can come to your home or kennels for boarding.
A: Not at all. This is to be expected whilst they get used us, the other dogs and the environment. We let the new dogs explore the environment and slowly introduce them to the others over time. To introduce them gently we suggest trying a half-day at first, then increase to a full day. It all depends upon the individual and we have many success stories where shy/anxious dogs found their confidence at day care.
A: There are inherent risks associated with the dogs being allowed to roam free in our house and garden, but we employ a thorough vetting procedure and implement strict rules for play and interaction, excluding any dogs we cannot control and who show signs of potential trouble. Of course the dogs can be boisterous from time to time. Don’t worry! Occasional growling and posturing is natural behaviour in a pack of dogs.
A: Please only bring their food, walking gear and medication if they require it. We have lots of comfy dog beds, blankets, toys, treats, dog bowls, etc so there is no need to bring extras of those. If your dog sleeps in a crate because it helps them settle then do please bring that along to as we don’t have crates/kennels here.
A: If you dog is on a raw food diet then please do let us know prior to their arrival as we will need to make sure we have capacity to store it correctly. This isn’t guaranteed and depends on the length of their stay and if there are others with the same request. You may need to bring along alternative food that can be stored outside of the fridge/freezer.
A: We employ the highest Health & Safety standards but should your dog become unwell or sustain an injury at day care or whilst their boarding with us, you will be notified immediately. In an emergency we will take your dog to your own vet but all medical costs must be assumed by the owner.
A: We offer 2 options for day care: ½ day care session is up to 4 hours, a full day care session is 4-8 hours. If you need longer than 8 hours then that can be arranged, we can be flexible if we have a heads up! Please always supply your preferred drop off and collection times so we can do our best to accommodate.
A: Yes. Sian holds an OFQUAL Level 3 qualification in Canine Emergency First Aid & CPR.
A: WhatsApp is the best way to get hold of us.
A: Unfortunately not. We can take in a female dog that hasn’t yet been spayed but isn’t in season as they don’t scent mark, and we don’t take in any unneutered males. However she will be walked on a lead during her time with us as we don’t want any amorous encounters with any dogs we’re not familiar with when out and about. Plus the scent/pheromones of a dog in season can excite the other dogs in the house making it much harder for them to settle down. Ultimately our priority is to ensure your dog is safe during their visit. If your dog comes in season and you're booked in, let us know so we can rearrange the day care/boarding session.
A: Yes! It is important that you continue using the medication given by your vet for your dogs ongoing health. Just bring them along with you and include clear written instructions.
A: Unfortunately, we would not be able to accept your dog into day care, boarding or on walks if they have fleas. Fleas can spread like wildfire and the health and safety of our resident and clients dogs is our highest priority.
You must get your pet treated with a spot-on/oral medication. Although there are many over the counter medicines available, we would recommend speaking to your vet who will advise the best treatment for your dog. We would definitely advise treating your home, car and anywhere your dog has been to prevent reinfection.
If your dog comes into our home with fleas, we will charge a disinfection charge as we will have to deep clean our home and cars.
A: No. A titre test may show antibodies for certain illnesses it may not be useful in determining true immunity. There are two types of immunity - antibody immunity (measured by titre testing) and cell immunity (not measured by titre testing). The two types of immunity are believed to normally correlate but it is not clear how much. Also titre tests are not 100% reliable, there are many different ones on the market. and false positives are a risk.
A: We require a minimum of 48hrs notice for any service to avoid being charged the full cost. Cancellations made with more than 48hrs notice will not be charged but please do give us as much notice as you can so we can offer that service to another client who might need it.
A: We have plenty of toys here we can offer as chewable items they are allowed. However, if your dog manages to find and chew up any of our property then the cost of the damage would need to be covered by the owner. The owner would be informed and pictures provided of any damage. We do expect a general level of wear and tear to our home whilst looking after dogs, however excess chewing of belongings is not allowed and future bookings would be discussed with the owner.
A: Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm
We are a family so we do try and keep weekends, evenings and bank holidays free from work administration. We will get back to your enquiry as soon as possible within standard business hours.
If your dog is staying with us over these periods then you will be contacted with updates daily as usual.
A: As we're a home environment, we can, with notice, be flexible to accommodate our clients needs. 8am would be the earliest drop off time to be organised in advance, as drop offs are usually between 9-9.30am. Collection times are usually between 4-6.30pm.
The Hound House
London Road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8AR
07775333032 / 07834693823
@TheHoundHouseLtd
Copyright © 2019 The Hound House - All Rights Reserved.
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