General Boarding Policy
 The license will be displayed on the wall in the kitchen area. It is also available on request and will be displayed on all advertising as well as social media pages.

The veterinarian practices contact details along with other useful contacts on the "useful contacts” poster, will be located in the front room by the desk.

The premises is of sound construction and only registered trade people will be used if work is carried out on the property.

No more than the stated amount of animals on the licence will be accepted at any one time and will be from same family only. No animals or types of animal other than those specified on the license may be used in the relevant licensable activity. 

If any staff have any concerns over the welfare of any of the boarding dogs then the relevant persons in the local authority, the police or relevant animal welfare organisation will be notified and will be recorded.

All policies are available to clients and can be emailed to them if desired. 

If it is deemed that boarding can no longer continue due to an emergency then contact will be made with the client or emergency contact and they will be required to collect their dog. If not available then arrangements will be made with another home boarder or kennel, for them to board the dog until they can be picked up.

Dogs will sleep in the downstairs areas and have use of the kitchen, living room, study and outside dog run via dog flap in the kitchen. The dog run and dog flap is accessible 24/7 apart from when cleaning is in progress of the dog run.

Boarding dogs are not permitted upstairs. There is a stair gate in use to prevent this. All dogs within the setting have access to their own room. However they can mix with family dogs if permission has been given by the client on the booking form.

Each designated room has a window that can be opened or closed as necessary, but does not allow escape.

All rooms will be sufficiently lighted naturally and artificially. Lights will be turned off at night to provide a period of darkness, unless this causes distress or pre agreed at booking.

All rooms are in a good state of repair. There are no sharp edges, projections, rough edges, or other hazards such as chemicals and loose cables.

All rooms are checked daily.

Boarding dogs are not left routinely alone for more than 3 hours at a time and are separated from family dogs when this happens.
Boarders are not left unattended in any situation or for any period of time that is likely to cause them distress. Dogs will not be left with anyone unsuitable and under the age of 16 years old. Boarding dogs are only permitted in the main back garden if they are on a lead.

Beds will be provided but owners are encouraged to either bring their own bed, blankets etc to help them settle.

Dogs will not be crated unless this is part of their routine, it is already habituated to it and the owner has consented to the use of a crate. A dog will not be confined to a crate for longer than three hours in a 24hr period. If a crate is used then this needs to be provided by their owner and be sufficiently large enough for the dog to sit and stand in it at full height, lie flat and turn around. As well as good condition. Doors to crates will be left open in order for the dog to choose where it sleeps.

The boarding residence is home to several cats. These will remain on the premises only if the boarding dog/dogs are cat friendly and do not cause any issues for the cats. If this does or will cause an issue then the cats will be rehoused for the period of boarding to another premise that they are very happy with and are used to so not causing them any distress.

Staffing
There will always be at least one competent person, over 16, that will help care and supervise dogs if the licence holder needs to be away for any extended period of time.

All persons caring for dogs will be competent in identifying the normal behaviours of the dogs in care, and be able to recognise signs of, and take appropriate measures to mitigate or prevent, pain, suffering, injury, disease or abnormal behaviour.

All persons caring for the dogs will have relevant and sufficient knowledge and experience in animal welfare, animal handling, animal behaviour, cleanliness and hygiene, feeding and food preparation, disease prevention and control, recognising sick or injured animals and giving first aid treatment to animals .

Training will be either given by the licensee or via online courses.

The main adults within the setting will have animal first aid and CPR training, and are DBS checked

A training record is kept and reviewed annually where professional development will be looked at and recognising any gaps in knowledge. All training records will be signed. Any other courses, learning, or research undertaken will also be logged and recorded.

Record keeping
All boarding is subject to a meet and greet and boarding forms being completed fully.

All records are available to the licensee. All policy and procedures are available to the licensee. The records will be retained for 3 years.

When outside of the boarding property, all boarding dogs will wear identity tags which will include name of company and contact details. 

A register/boarding and consent form will be kept of all the dogs at the premise.

A register will be kept of all dogs at the premise which will include: the arrival and departure date of each dog, dogs name, age, sex, neuter status, microchip number, and description of its breed. The number of dogs from the household, the name, address, telephone number and email address of the owner and their emergency contact. In relation to each dog a name, address, telephone number and email address of a local contact in case of an emergency. The name and contact details of the dog's veterinarian and any details of insurance relating to the dog. Details of each of the dogs relevant medical and behavioural details including date of last flea and worming treatment, restrictions to exercise. Details of the dogs diet and feeding requirements and any details of any medical treatment that needs to be given.

Health and Safety within the Home
Health and safety will be maintained within the home at all times. All dogs will be housed in a suitable environment, which is kept clean and safe at all times.

All doors within the boarding area are well maintained and secure. They all open inwards to avoid any dogs getting out and opening onto people.

Electrical sockets and appliances are safe and secure with no visible wires accessible to chew through.

All areas, equipment and appliances that the dogs can access will present minimal risk of injury, illness and escape.

All electrical equipment including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will be inspected yearly and repaired or replaced as needed. This will be recorded.

Fire extinguisher and dog first aid kit is located in the kitchen area.

The house will be inspected daily for any repairs needed or hazards. The garden will be inspected daily for any repairs needed or hazards. Making sure the back gate is locked.

A regular cleaning regime is in place within the home and cleaning products used are safe for animals. These will be used as directed by manufacturers on bottle. The use of cleaning record is in place and current sheet is located on wall in plastic wallet in kitchen above dog flap.

All health and safety will be considered when cooking/cleaning to keep dogs safe.

All bins are inaccessible.

All borders are part of the family and are looked after to a high standard.

Cleaning and Disinfection Procedure
General cleaning will be carried out daily and a good state of cleanliness will be maintained using pet safe disinfectants as directed by the manufacturer.

The floor areas are hoovered and mopped at least once a day, but any spills, or toilet accidents are cleaned up straight away.

The use of cleaning record is in place and current sheet is located on wall in plastic wallet in kitchen above dog flap.

The garden and dog run will have excrement removed a minimum of twice a day, the dog run being washed down and scrubbed using hose and pet friendly disinfectant.

Antibacterial hand wash and gel is available.

Dogs will be removed from the area when cleaning is in process.

All toys, beds, bedding etc will be washed after each boarding stay and when needed throughout their stay.

Feeding Procedure
Clients will be asked if their dogs have any allergies on their booking form.

All dogs are watched during feeding times.

Dogs will eat separately and at different times if required by the client.

All dog food is provided by the client. Information on the amount and timings will be given by the client.

All bowls will be washed in the dishwasher daily.

Food will be stored as per guidance.

Clients will need to provide permission to allow their dog to have treats provided by us. This will be on the booking form.

Any unusual occurrences will be recorded in daily diary, eg a dog refusing to eat and veterinarian advice sought if needed. The client will also be informed.

Adult dogs must be fed at least once a day according to the individual dogs needs. Their diet requirements will be discussed and agreed with clients and recorded on the booking in form.

Dogs will have constant access to fresh, clean water at all times, in various locations around the house.

Disease control and Prevention
All dogs must be in good health 7 days prior to boarding. Dogs that have stomach upsets or anything considered infectious will not be permitted and their boarding will be cancelled.

If any dog shows signs of infection during their stay, then they will be limited to the front room only, until they have been collected by their emergency contact or client or taken directly to a veterinarian practice for isolation. All other animals within the household will be kept away from that room. Deep clean will happen after the dog has left.

Good hand hygiene will be required.

All boarders will need to be fully vaccinated

All resident dogs will have up to date vaccinations.

All equipment used by dogs such as bedding, toys etc are cleaned and disinfected between each stay and when needed during their stay.

Death and Escape of an animal
Clients will be asked on their boarding forms if they wish to be notified straight away or wait until their return, if a boarding dog becomes unwell or dies during their stay.

Deceased dogs will be taken to the clients vets to wait for their return.

If a dog escapes from home or on a walk, then every effort will be made to find them. Such as using social media, door to door, posters, physically searching. 

The client/emergency contact will be contacted.

Waste disposal
All dog faeces will be removed from the garden and dog run at least twice a day and disposed of in the black bin which is secure and located on the other side of the fence in the garden.

Bin collection happen every week on a Wednesday morning. However alternate bins are collected, one week is just black bins, following week is the blue and green bin. Wheelie bins are located outside of the back gate, which is where they are also collected. We
currently have 2 black, and 1 green and 1 blue wheelie bin.

Recycle and general waste bins are also located in the kitchen and to be emptied at least once a day, at the end of the day , or when needed.

Vaccinations, worming, flea, tic, kennel cough
All boarding dogs need to have up to date vaccinations and flea and worming treatments 2 weeks before boarding and bring their vaccination record.

Vaccinations need to be against, canine parvovirus, canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus), leptospirosis and kennel cough.

Resident dogs also have up to date vaccinations and worming treatments.

A protective titre test is also accepted but a valid certificate must be seen.

Vaccines used must be uk licensed and homeopathic vaccination will not be acceptable. Boarding will be refused if vaccinations are not up to date.

If the dog shows evidence of a flea, tick, infestation the appropriate treatment will be given after having been given permission from the client on the booking form and what product is currently used.

Medication policy
Clients must provide all medications for their dogs in a sealed container. This is to be labelled with the dog's name , dosage, frequency.

Medication will be returned when the dog leaves boarding.

All courses of treatment will be completed following vets instructions.

All information recorded in record book

Medication will only be given if have consent from client.

Transport
All dogs will be transported in the company vehicle. This has business insurance. They will be restrained by either a seatbelt clip to their collar or harness, or in a crate .

The vehicle has a choice of two crates to use, one large, one medium sized. The dog must use a suitable crate which is large enough for them to stand, lie down and turn around.

Crates are secure and fresh drinking water and blankets are available in the vehicle.

The vehicle is regularly cleaned and disinfected at least once a week unless needed otherwise, and cleaning is recorded.

Dogs do not use the vehicle  if temperatures pose a health risk to them, unless it’s an emergency situation.

Dogs are not left unattended in the vehicle or for unreasonable amounts of time.

Journeys include sufficient breaks if needed for food and toileting.

Dogs are kept on lead when being transported too and from the vehicle.

Puppies
Puppies are welcome to board but must have completed their primary vaccinations.

They are treated as part of the family, and given lots of 1:1 attention. 

Puppies are fed separately in a safe area.

Puppies will continue their socialisation training and any other training that is requested by the client.

Pre Stay Assessment Policy
All boarding is subject to a meet and greet.

These will take place initially at the clients home. From there this will then move to a meet and greet with resident dogs at a location such as a dog play park. If this goes well then one further meet and greet will take place at the boarding home.

If it is seemed necessary by either ourselves or client, then further meet and greets can take place before boarding.

Boarding will be refused if any of the dogs show signs that they are not happy.

Grooming Policy
Clients will need to give permission on their boarding form that they wish for general, basic grooming to take place, such as brushing.

General daily observations will be made on dogs and any concerns such as matting with be reported back to the client. All grooming equipment will be kept clean and in good condition.

Neutering policy
Female dogs can board if they have not been neutered. However should they come into season then the client or emergency contact will be contacted and they will need to come and pick her up immediately.

If the female comes into season as she is about to start boarding then she will not be allowed to board.

Currently we are not boarding entire males. This is due to the fact that one of the resident dogs is too young to be neutered. Once this is done, then we will be accepting these males.

Extreme Weather Policy
If it is deemed that boarding can no longer continue due to extremes of temperature then the client or emergency contact will be contacted to come and collect the dog. If this is not possible then boarding will be arranged elsewhere until they are collected.

Thermometers are located in all rooms where go dogs are boarding and conditions kept to remain between 10C and 26C. If in cold conditions, central heating will automatically click on at 17C

There is also use of extra blankets and heaters if needed.

If there is snow and icy conditions then there will be no outside walks , but other activities will be arranged indoors to help exercise and stimulate boarders.

Snow and ice will be cleared from the dog run to make safe.

In hot weather conditions the use of fans can be used in rooms, windows open, curtains drawn.

Plenty of fresh drinking water is always available and the use of cooldown snacks too such as dog friendly ice lollies.

Walks will either be done at the cooler times of day but if not they will have access to the outside area when they can have a paddling pool etc.

Exercise Policy
Each dog will be exercised at least twice a day ideally for minimum of 20 mins each time but is dependent on what is appropriate for its age and health.

Written consent from the client on the boarding form will be obtained to be able to walk the dog outside of the home/garden, let off lead, or walk with others such as the residents dogs.

When not being able to walk other activities will be provided such as forms of toy and food enrichments.

Leads will be removed within the home.

Toys will be checked and cleaned regularly to make sure they are safe and suitable for the dogs.

All dogs have 24/7 access to the dog run via dog flap. This is a safe and secure area, with concrete and fake grass flooring for ease of washing. The area contains many toys as well as water available and two different sized dog kennels if a dog chooses to use them.

Behaviour Policy
The behaviour of individual dogs will be monitored daily.

Any changes in behaviour and/or behaviour indicative of suffering, stress, fear, aggression, and anxiety will be recorded and acted upon.

Dogs likely to , or showing signs of being nervous or stressed will be in a suitable part of the house, bearing in mind their individual disposition, steps will be taken to address this behaviour. 

We will not accept any dangerous or aggressive dogs.

Euthanasia Policy
Unless imperative for the welfare of the dog, euthanasia will not take place until consent is given by the client.

A dog will only be euthanised by a veterinarian and will be humane and effective.

The client or emergency contact will be contacted to give consent.

License holder will keep a record of all euthanasia and the identity of the qualified veterinarian who carried it out.

Emergency procedures
If a boarding dog is injured or becomes unwell either on a walk or at home then we would gain vets advice and administer first aid if necessary. The client or emergency contact would be contacted. Consent is given by the client for necessary vet treatment via clients own expense.

If the boarding license is revoked then clients or emergency contact will be informed and asked
to remove the dog. If this is not possible then arrangements will be made for the to board at another location until they can be collected.

If there are any health and safety issues that mean the closure of the establishment such as fire, flood, extreme weather etc then the client or emergency contact will be contacted to collect the dog straight away. Again if this is not possible then arrangements for alternative boarding shall be made.

All members of the household carry keys for the premise, this includes an older son who currently lives in Norwich. The license holders parents, who live in Lowestoft also hold a key.

All external doors and gates are locked

Dog first aid kit and fire extinguisher are kept on the side in the kitchen

All entrances and exits are clear from obstruction