The Kennels
Bridge House Kennels ensure your dog has everything they need during their stay. Unlike some kennels, we steer clear of impractical gimmicks like televisions and unhygienic soft furnishings, instead providing a purpose-designed kennel which can be kept immaculately clean.
All the kennels are big enough for 2 medium/large dogs. We also have 2 larger, family kennels available for larger dogs or family groups.
Each individual kennel is complete with its own chew proof bed, bedding and has a connected, covered outdoor exercise area. The whole kennel building is centrally heated for those chillier months, ensuring everyone stays nice and warm. There is a central radio providing calming reassurance during rest times.
Owners are welcome to bring their dogs own blanket and toys to make their kennel feel even more homely during their stay, but Bridge House Kennels do provide everything the dogs could need whilst in their care.
Exercise
Exercise time is especially important. We spend quality time with each dog, getting to know them and make them feel loved and settled whilst away from home.
Each dog has its own individual time outside of the kennel, being walked on a lead in our countryside setting. If there is more than 1 dog from a family, then these dogs will be exercised together.
Fun and play are high on the agenda and toys and treats are used for stimulation and interaction.
On-lead exercise outside the kennel is preferred at Bridge House Kennels, as this means a greater bond can be established with your dog, whilst also ensuring their complete safety. Dogs can be unpredictable in unfamiliar environments and most owners are reassured that their dogs are having fun and exercise in a safe, controlled way. Dogs which enjoy other dogs’ company can be exercised alongside another dog, those that prefer their own space can have it.
Exercise and human interaction outside of the kennel forms part of every dog’s daily routine, which means they are able to maintain their house-trained routine and enables them to settle and rest during other parts of the day and at night.
Food & Medication
Bridge House Kennels feeds a good quality complete dry food to the dogs in our care. We also have a variety of tins, pouches or trays available for your dog if required.
Owners are welcome to bring their dogs normal diet from home if they prefer. This is advisable for dogs with sensitive tummies, or dogs on a special or prescription diet. Raw food diets can be fed, but the owner must provide this, as freezers and fridges are available.
You can rest assured your dog will be well fed, with the staff well trained at providing and monitoring feeding regimes.
If your dog requires medication to be administered during their stay, then this is not a problem. Please provide the medication in its original packaging, preferably with the vets’ label and exact instructions of what needs to be given and when.
All staff are well trained at safely dispensing and monitoring medications, including the injection of insulin.
Veterinary Care
In the unlikely event that your dog needs to see a vet during their stay with us, then your own veterinary practice will be contacted in the first instance. If this is not practical, or they are uncontactable, then the kennels own vet, Minster Vets, who also have their own out-of-hours service, will be used.
Please note you will always be contacted in case of emergency, but priority will be given to the health and wellbeing of your dog.
Any special instructions regarding your dog’s health should be discussed at the time of boarding and will be carried out accordingly.
All veterinary charges incurred whilst the dog is staying with us are the responsibility of the dog’s owner.
Vaccinations
All dogs boarding MUST be fully up-to-date with their annual boosters. (Canine Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis) preferably at least 2 weeks before arrival for boarding.
The Kennel Cough vaccination is NOT compulsory, however if they are having it, it MUST be administered AT LEAST 2 WEEKS BEFORE they arrive at the kennels.
You should bring the vaccination card for inspection EVERY time you bring your dog into kennels. Failure to do so may result in your dog being refused entry for boarding. This is to protect your dog, as well as those already in the kennels.
Viewing the Kennels
Viewing of the kennels is important, so you have peace of mind of where your dog will be staying, can build confidence in the people responsible for your dog whilst you’re away and it gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have.
Viewings are readily accepted; however, they are by appointment only. This is to make sure all the dogs in boarding have been sorted and settled and that there is then someone available to give you the time to look around and talk to. It is also as a security precaution, so we have details of the people we let onto the premises.
Prices
Prices are fully inclusive of everything during your dogs stay (beds, bedding, bowls, food, heating, treats, exercise, medication administering).
You will be charged for the day of arrival, regardless of drop off time.
You will NOT be charged for the day of departure if you collect your dog before 10am. After 10am, you will incur another day’s boarding charge.
Opening hours are 9am-12pm & 3pm-6pm Monday to Sunday.
Arrival and departure outside of these hours are strictly by prior arrangement only.
Settlement of the bill is due at the time of collection.
Payment is by cash or debit/credit card.
Opening hours and prices differ for Christmas. The kennels are closed for arrivals and departures on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day, closing at 12pm Christmas Eve and reopening on 27th December 9am and closing again 12pm New Years Eve and reopening on 2nd January 9am. Prices and availability upon request.