DEFRA Compliance:

As a licensed and insured home dog boarder, we are governed under strict DEFRA rules and legislations. By law we are asked to provide a Preventative Healthcare Plan in accordance with our business.

Feeding Protocols: 

Dogs are fed separately on their usual food, which the owner provides with instructions, and there are water bowls throughout the house and outside areas. They will be closely observed for any signs of inappetence/disinterest in drinking, and I will seek veterinary advice if it persists beyond 24 hours.

Health Maintenance:

Dogs are required to be treated for parasites i.e. wormed every 3 months as adults and regularly treated for fleas (frequency will depend on the type of treatment used, but generally monthly if using spot on applications). If parasites were found, I would inform the owner and then treat the dog with their permission. 

If their usual treatment had proved ineffective, with the owner's permission I would seek veterinary advice as to an alternative. Medicines are stored in the First Aid cupboard in the dog cupboard in the kitchen, out of reach and administered according to the vet's instructions
A dedicated dog fridge is available if necessary. All dogs staying with me are required to be vaccinated and copies of vaccination records are taken.

Dogs will be watched closely each day for signs of illness or injury with notes made on their individual records and also on the Illness/injury Log detailing what has been seen and what action was taken – e.g., if veterinary treatment was required.
If a dog in my care became unwell/needs isolating, or in the unfortunate event of a death, I would seek Weardale Veterinary services to care for the dog. In the event of the death of a dog, I would ask Weardale Veterinary Clinic to cold store the body until the owners return.
In the event of an infectious disease of a dog, I would ask your practice to provide an isolation area until such disease is brought under control and/or until the return of their owners.

In any of the above events, the owners will have already been contacted and have signed the vet release form, giving me permission to seek care for their dog at my nominated veterinary practice. I would supply their owners' written consent form, their own vet's details and an upto date copy of their dog's vaccination records.

Toys and Enrichment:

Toys are provided for the dogs use (unless the owner specifies otherwise) and owners bring their dogs toys if desired. Consent is given by the owner for dogs to play with toys. Playtime with toys is supervised to avoid competition. Dogs receive grooming as appropriate, socialisation and play throughout the day. Feeding enrichment requirements are detailed on the booking form and licky mats, stuffed Kongs and slow feeders can be used when the dog is in their designated room/crate.



Dog Boarding:


We reserve the right to terminate a dog boarding appointment if they are causing a danger to themsleves or third parties in our home or walking outdoors on a lead. This is also applicable if a dog is being destructive to our home. 

Exercise and Outdoor Spaces:

Dogs are walked according to the owner's specification, and always twice a day for at least 30 minutes each time, longer if there are no restrictions. Owners sign to give their consent for their dog/s to be walked on my nearest field or outside the home environment and with other dogs, on or off lead. Any specific exercise requirements or restrictions as advised by the owner are noted on the dog's individual records. Dogs which cannot be exercised for veterinary reasons will have the opportunity for at least 2 x 30-minute sessions of individual handling, training and enrichment as directed by the owner. Owners give their consent by signing for their dog/s to be in the outside area with other dogs. The outside areas are kept clean and tidy. Faeces are picked up using nappy sacks and disposed of in a sealed, lined dog waste bin. Dogs do not have direct access to bins and all external areas are safe, secure and in good condition.

Food Preparation and Cleaning Procedures:

All food preparation takes place in the kitchen which has a sink, and 2 fridge freezers. Client dogs fed as per client directions which are noted on each dog's records (e.g. once/twice daily, dry food is kept in sealed container in dog cupboard wet food can be kept in the fridge, food is fed in a raised food bowl holder or slow feeder etc dependant on dog(s) needs).
Dogs will be fed separately (with written permission from the clients) as per our policy, in their designated rooms or their own crates. This is to minimise the risk of competitive behaviour or guarding/hoarding issues over food.

Food bowls washed after each meal. All food/water bowls are non-porous and capable of being cleaned and disinfected.
Water bowls washed daily Outside water bowls emptied and brought in at night and sterilised as required.
If a dog is unable to be exercised as normal (e.g. per vet's advice), with client's permission mealtimes can be used to engage and stimulate the dog through use of stuffed kongs, snuffle mats, licky mats, roller balls etc.

Dog food is labelled with the owner/dog's name and stored in a cool, dry place (kitchen cupboard in the dog cupboard). There is a dog fridge for the storage of wet food. The kitchen door is kept closed when not in use.
At least 2 hours will generally be given between feeding and exercise, to minimise the risk of bloat.
Dogs will be taken outside to toilet immediately after mealtimes and frequently throughout the day (at least 6 further times). Consistency/frequency of defaecation will be monitored; any concerns will be noted on the dog's record and the Illness/injury log, and the owner/my vet consulted as necessary.

If a dog shows disinterest in food at feeding time, the food will be offered at various intervals throughout the day. Any inappetence or reluctance to drink will be noted and the owner contacted. If inappetence continues for longer than 24 hrs and there are concerns, dog will be seen by a vet and treated as necessary. This will be documented on the dog’s records and on the Illness/injury log and discussed with owner during the stay and on collection of the dog.
The general condition of all long stay dogs will be monitored and dogs displaying significant weight loss or gain will be seen by a vet and treated as necessary.

Debilitated, underweight, ill dogs or dogs with specific dietary requirements will be fed according to veterinary advice.
Any unusual behaviour during feeding — e.g., guarding, hoarding, aggression etc will be noted on the dog's records and on the Behaviour Log and discussed with owner during the stay and on collection. Extreme aggression will result in the stay being cancelled and the dog required to be collected by the owner or their emergency contact

Raw food — due to the increased risk of bacteria/E Coli, dogs who are usually fed a raw diet will only be accepted for boarding Willington Pet Services if the owner agrees to provide a suitable alternative food during the dog's stay (e.g. Nature Diet, Forthglade, Natures Menu etc).

Cooked meats - Use clean utensils and bowls. Hands are washed thoroughly after handling food and dried with a clean tea towel or kitchen roll.

Dry food - Appropriate measuring cups/scales used in accordance with feeding/owners guidelines. Use clean utensils and bowls. Hands are washed thoroughly after handling food and dried with a clean tea towel or kitchen roll.
Food storage

Cooked meats/tinned or packet dog meat - This is kept in a sealed container, lidded tin or press seal bag and stored in the fridge.

Dry food - This is stored in either a sealed container or manufacturer's bag in the designated cupboard, labelled with owner/dog’s name.
Cleaning Procedure

- Food bowls are washed after each meal.

- Water bowls washed daily and sterilised weekly. 

- Outside water bowls emptied and brought in at night and sterilised.

- Food preparation areas are cleaned after each meal with Dettol or Zoflora Fresh Home Odour Remover and Disinfectant.

- Client dog items (e.g. collar/lead, bedding, grooming equipment and toys) are inspected daily and cleaned as often as necessary, Soiled bedding will be disposed of in a hygienic manner (placed in a thick black bin liner and removed with household waste or taken to the local refuse centre).

- Resident dog items (e.g. collar/lead, training items, grooming equipment) are inspected daily and cleaned as often as necessary. Throws, floor mats, cushion covers, bedding and toys are washed each week on a boil wash. Soiled bedding will be disposed of in a hygienic manner, as above.

- All rooms inspected daily, mopped swept and hoovered and kept in a clean condition.

- Hard floors and surfaces are kept clean at all times and cleaned using either Dettol or Zoflora Fresh Home Odour Remover and Disinfectant; floors are steam cleaned weekly. Spot cleaning is carried out throughout the day.

- Dogs are removed from areas before cleaning and kept away until wet floor areas are completely dry.

The outside/garden areas

All areas are inspected daily for any hazards or foreign items.

Dog waste is removed throughout the day as it appears, using doggie waste sacks, and placed in a lined sealed bin in front of the side gate. 

The bin is emptied daily or when full (whichever occurs first). The contents are either placed with normal household waste or taken to the local refuse tip.

The dog playing area are cleaned and disinfected weekly or as required if sooner during the summer to aid in keeping the environment clean and tidy.

Other outside areas are swept and washed down with Dettol or Zoflora Fresh Home Odour Remover and Disinfectant, then pressure washed weekly. Favourite pee spots such as corners, plant pots etc are sprayed with disinfectant as required.

Dogs are removed during this process and kept away until the area is completely dry.
Cleaning procedure frequencies listed above are done as a minimum and immediate action is taken when required, including spot cleaning. All cleaning materials are Virucidal and pet friendly.


PREVENTION OF ESCAPE

- Dogs have tags with Willington Pet services and telephone number on them details and an id tag with my details is also secured to the collar or harness.
- Dogs wear house collars unless there is a specific request or health requirement advised by the client.
- I ensure dogs wear the correct collar/harness and double check leads are fully secured before opening exit door.
- I ensure dogs are placed in a room with the door closed in the event of an exit door having to be opened e.g. receiving deliveries, the arrival/departure of other dogs. Dogs are secured inside the house before either of the external areas are opened.

IN THE EVENT OF A DOG ESCAPING. THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES WILL APPLY:
- Contact Microchip database
- Contact local authority/dog warden
- Contact local kennels, vets and animal hospitals Check online 'lost and found' websites including DOGLOST Post and check on local area Facebook pages
- If there is any suspicion of the dog being stolen, contact Police
- Put up notices in the local areas with a photo of the dog and contact details
- Visit places where dog walkers go and hand out leaflets

DEATH

If a dog becomes unwell so that a vet recommends euthanasia, In extreme circumstances a dog may be euthanised by the Vet should the owners/emergency contact not be reachable, and the condition is so severe that it would be inhumane for the dog to be allowed to continue to suffer (covered under WPS Terms and Conditions). In the case of sudden death on the premises, the owner or emergency contact will be informed immediately.

STORAGE OF DEAD BODIES

Should the owner/emergency contact be available for immediate collection, the dog will be laid out in the conservatory and placed on a blanket and covered with a blanket. If not, the dog will be held at my vets at Weardale veterinary Crook for storage until collection can be arranged.
I will inform my licensing team of any death on the premises.

Evacuation Plan

I live with my partner and the dogs to evacuate. My designated key holders are aware of the plan too. Floor plan showing fire escape routes (primary and secondary) is located by the front and back doors of the property.

The property is a house. All rooms have windows and there are 3 separate entry doors to the property, so multiple escape routes available. All windows and doors open easily and have 24hr open access (not blocked in any way). A Key Minder containing 2 keys have access to both front and rear of property to all 3 entries.
fire exits locations front and 2 at rear of property via kitchen and conservatory of the fire extinguisher and fire Blankets are in kitchen and conservatory 3. Locations of the smoke alarms 1 in kitchen, 1 in living room 1 downstairs hall 1 upstairs outside bathroom and carbon monoxide detectors in the kitchen

The meeting point is at the top of the road, and at safe house Lincoln drive Willington (address can be given upon request by owners)
There are 4 smoke alarms and 1 carbon monoxide detectors which were all replaced January 2024. They are tested weekly. The carbon monoxide detector is positioned in the kitchen. The smoke alarms are positioned in the kitchen ,lounge dining room downstairs hallway upstairs hallway outside bathroom.

I have a large house number can be seen quickly from the street by emergency responders.

I will evacuate the house with the dogs (wearing collars/id tags and leads) immediately and go to the meeting point from where the emergency services will be contacted or go to the safe house.

EXAMPLE EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS POLICY

The house will be monitored to ensure the dog’s comfort. The house will generally be kept at an ambient temperature of 18.5 degrees Centigrade. The central heating gauge shows this in lounge.
HEAT

Powerful oscillating fans are used to cool areas, placing frozen water bottles in front of the fans if required to cool the air further. Ventilation provides adequate air flow and doors/windows can be left open if required. If dogs are looking hot, they are cooled down using water (not freezing water) and kept inside near to fans to aid evaporation. Water bowls are regularly checked and replenished; ice cubes can be added if necessary.

Water bowls are available throughout the house and garden (at a ratio of more than one per dog, to prevent guarding). They are frequently changed to ensure a constant supply of clean fresh water. The dog field padding pools are filled with clean fresh water each day and emptied after each session. In warm weather the patio areas can be hosed down to cool the floors and I keep dogs from sunbathing, especially during the hotter part of the day. Exercise is restricted to early morning/late evening. If in doubt, I keep dogs indoors with curtains and blinds drawn, and utilise other enrichment activities which are low energy/impact. I also have large sun umbrellas and a large gazebo for the garden
COLD

The house is double glazed and centrally heated. The boiler is serviced annually. There is one electric fire in the lounge portable heaters available if required. Dog coats and the provision of extra throws, doggy duvets and vet bed are also employed when appropriate.
I also check for snow between toes and/or ice balls, clean feet after walks and don't allow dogs to drink from puddles because of the risk of anti-freeze. Dogs are dried when coming in and provided with warm bedding. In extreme weather, dogs can be occupied inside using appropriate enrichment (e.g. brain games, trick training, scent games, mini Agility course etc).

SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENCE

If my licence was suspended or revoked, I would inform the owners immediately and arrange for alternative care with the local emergency contact or another home boarder or kennel and contact emergency contact and or owners of the dog.