Dogs are like kindergarten children, ‘out of sight out of mind’. It is very rare for a dog to pine and be miserable. It is important when you drop your dog off to keep light and happy, and bid a cheerful farewell. Dogs are a perfect mirror of your emotional state, and if you are upset, they will be upset. So cry on the way home in the car! Once you are out of sight the dog is immediately taken up by exciting new sights, smells and sounds. Lots of comings and goings and stimulation through out the day. If you are worried give us a ring for a progress report or do a trial stay prior to the trip.
Can I bring in bedding and/or toys?
We have plenty of bedding (courtesy of St Vincent de Paul) but feel welcome to bring these if you wish. We ask you to limit this to one piece of bedding and one toy – clearly labeled. No Gucci or Prada please – as things can disappear in the washing machine – never to be seen again!
There are two schools of thought about familiar items from home. One is that it helps the dog settle in and the other is that it perpetuates the memory of home, thus unsettling the animal for longer. Who said that being a pet owner was easy?
When can I drop off/pick up my dog?
Drop off times are Monday to Saturday from 7.30am to 1pm.
We prefer the animals to arrive in the morning so they can be settled into the routine straight away.
Pick up times are 7.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 1pm Saturday.
We are closed on Sundays & Public holidays.
How much does boarding cost?
Pricing varies with the size of dog (small - pick up with one hand; medium, pick up with two hands, large- unable to pick up); whether de-sexed or not and whether it is high or low season. So please give us a ring for details about your specific pet and dates of stay.
Will my dog be too hot or cold?
The kennels are fully insulated and ventilated. Thus they are cool in summer and warm in winter. Outdoor yards have shade and water to ensure that dogs are comfortable all year round.
How long are the dogs outside?
At Woodcroft we believe in lots of fresh air everyday at no extra cost. Dogs are out for approximately five hours per day in a morning and afternoon session. Obviously this will vary in rainy weather or extreme heat. Inspect our yards and you will see the battle scarred landscape of doggie digging and play, not pristine lawn.
When are inspection times?
We are happy to see you between 10.00am and 1.00pm from Monday to Saturday. By 10 am, we have finished the daily cleaning routine and are looking spick and span (for the briefest of times until our guests muck it all up and we start again !!!)
Do you charge extra for giving medication.
Oral/topical medication is dispensed at no extra charge 1 – 4 times daily. We require medication to be clearly labeled with the pets name and dosage regime.
My dog is a fussy eater – what do you feed and how often?
At Woodcroft we cook up fresh chicken mince daily to which we add vegetables and a good quality kibble. This is served warm in the middle of the day and is very well received by all. We can also cater for special dietary requirements as well as puppies and fast metabolisers who require more frequent meals.
What vaccinations are required?
On arrival we need a current C5 or C3 + intra nasal vaccine.
What happens if my dog gets sick during its stay?
We have 24 hour access to a local veterinarian who provides an excellent service. We will also notify you or, if you are unreachable, your contact person, of the ailment. Should you prefer we can contact your own vet and arrange transport to that vet should the illness prove serious.
At home, I find it impossible to resist those pleading velvet eyes!! Could you help with weight loss during my dogs stay?
We have a special weight loss and fitness program. This centres around plenty of exercise and a special diet including a variety of fish, meat, vegetables and kibble. This will provide a good kick-start to a healthy new lifestyle.
My dog is boisterous and busy, I am worried he will go stir crazy during his stay.
For dogs with energy to burn we offer a boot camp package that involves a high level of daily activity. This includes two walks daily as well as playtime. Please line up behind the Border Collies, the Cattle Dogs and the Kelpies …
Also, when the dogs are in the exercise yards , we match them for size ,age and personality. So that our gentile, old ladies are not teamed up with the rowdy crew. Alternatively, those who prefer their own company have a yard to themselves.
My dog tends to be rather timid and anxious – what do you suggest?
We pride ourselves in a high staff to guest ratio and also in the quality of our carers. Thus we do take extra time with those in need of a little TLC.
We also have the option of Playtime, when a member of staff will devote time to your pet one on one. This may involve a cuddle or a meander round the garden for the elderly; or a romp and tussle for the more active and youthful.
Kennels are very busy, especially in the holidays – will my dog get any attention?
At Woodcroft we have a high staff to pet ratio and we have extra regulars who help us during the holidays. We thus manage to maintain our high level of care even during the peak times. At the end of each day each animal is given a thorough health and tick check prior to final bed time. This also doubles as cuddle and lullaby time.
Can I bring my own food?
Certainly, we are happy to feed whatever you care to bring along. We do find however that a dog fed dry food only looks very longingly at our warm, tasty mince and vegetables. So unless there is a medical indication for a special diet, we suggest that you give your dog a holiday treat because they all enjoy our food.
Can I bring my own coat?
Certainly. We also have a supply of coats for our pooches who normally sleep under the parental duvet, which we provide free of charge.
Will my dog forget me? How long is too long?
Dogs have absolutely no sense of time –five days or five weeks, makes no difference. You will get a fantastic welcome on your return.
What can I expect when I take my dog home?
After the initial excitement of greeting all the family, your dog may sleep for some time. Kennels are stimulating places with lots of excitement and your dog may need to recuperate just as you do after an active holiday.
My dog gets diahorrea when he gets home, why?
This is a perfectly natural adaptation to a change in diet. At Woodcroft we cook fresh chicken mince which we drain off the fat and then add vegetables and kibble. Reverting to the normal diet at home such as tinned food, roll or kibble may thus trigger a harmless short term change in bowel habit.
I feel guilty leaving my dog, he is so much part of the family and we are off having a good time.
Dogs are ‘live in the now’ people and enjoy the company and the activity of the kennel. We give ‘drama queen’ awards for the best sad face as the owner leaves!! The owner leaves in tears, and, just like children in kindergarten, as soon as they are out of sight, the dog gets totally absorbed in all the new sights and smells and hey presto you are ‘out of sight, out of mind’ until you return at pick-up time to a rapturous welcome.
Please ring for a progress report if you are concerned. We are here to ensure that your pet has as good a holiday as you do.
My dog is long haired, will you brush him?
We are happy to give a daily brush, but as it is time consuming, we do need to charge a small extra fee for this service.
What is Canine Cough?
Canine, or kennel cough is one of the most common respiratory illnesses in dogs. It is very similar to the common cold in humans and any one of a variety of germs can cause it. It is thus not entirely prevented by vaccination. Dogs can become infected wherever they gather such as parks, obedience classes, dog shows vet clinics or boarding kennels.
