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Boarding Kennels

  • 20-07-2008 5:08pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43


    Does anyone know of a really good boarding kennel around the Dublin, Meath, Kildare areas? Been to Best Kennels in Garristown and the owner was extremely rude. Kennels are only open for inspection 6 times a year he said. He was very unhelpful and told us to beware of kennels that allow you in to inspect, which sounds completely daft and against all reasonable advise given on visiting kennels. I would really appreciate any info. Have been to the Active Care kennells in Meath and was shocked at the dreariness of the place and more shocked as it is supposedly run by a consortium of vets. Am looking for a home from home where dogs have their own outside run and at least can see daylight. Any advice would be great for my two moggies!


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Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 25 Spica


    I never used them but I heard they're really good
    http://www.happyhounds.ie/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    Thanks Spica! I'm going to visit them tomorrow. Lady sounded very nice on the phone. Let you know hoe it goes!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 106 ✭✭who's yer one?


    Wenden Kennels, in Rockbrook, Rathfarnham. the owner is an animal behaviour counsellor, and really great with animals. my dog loves people, but has the Worst separation anxiety, we've left him up there the odd time and he's perfectly content up there. loves it. the kennelling service tends to book out fast so i'd plan well in advance if you're going with them, but i think that's a good sign, that they're so in demand :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    Thanks a mill Who's Yer One!! I'll definately check them out too. And they're quite close as I'm in Clontarf.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 239 ✭✭MissyN


    Hi Juliet
    Can you please tell me what happened with the guy in Best Kennels as I was going to book my little girl in with them and believe me I've been talking myself into it for the last few months cos I'm terrified of leaving her somewhere and her not being looked after well and I've searched RELENTLESSLY on the net to find a good kennels. I haven't been outside the country in 3 years cos shes so precious to me and when I saw your thread saying that the guy was rude I was devastated to say the least. Pls spare no detail on what happened. Thanks a mill.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 190 ✭✭SMK


    Have a look at http://www.irps.ie/index.html

    I've left my cats there and was very happy. It was obvious the owner had spent time with the cats cos she had gotten to know them and knew their characteristics and quirks by the time I collected them after two weeks!

    A couple of friends leave their dogs there and are also happy. One dog in particular recognises the place when they turn into it and knows where he's going. He charges out of the car and runs straight to the owner! A good sign!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    Hi MissyN! Yes I was very annoyed and put out myself. I had tried to phone him a few times before I headed down but he always has the answering machine on. So I headed down on Saturday and arrived around 2. When I explained that I wanted to check out the kennels he replied 'Absolutely not!' and asked had I checked out his website which of course I had. Then he asked me 'What do you hear?' I said nothing as it was very quiet and he was delighted with my reply - he said 'Exactly', his point being that the dogs were contented and he didn't want them disturbed. I understood that and asked when I could return. He said he held open days 6 times a year - so I said - no problem - I wanted to find a good place for my dogs first and would work a holiday around that. So I asked when in October and he said he didn't know yet. He asked me when I wanted to board my dogs and I explained that initially if I was happy with the place I wanted to leave them for a night or two to see how they got on. He replied that was not a good idea and it wouldn't make any difference to the dogs as they had no concept of time. I'm not sure I agreed with him but leaving that aside he did not offer to show me the exterior of the kennels nor did he bother to take my number. He told me he was booked out and would be booked out again at Christmas. Reading between the lines he didn't need the business. But what really annoyed me was he then proceeded to smugly say 'Beware of kennels that allow you in to check them' which to me sounded totally daft. I understood the bit about not disturbing the dogs but there was no recognition of the fact that I was a caring owner who was bothering to ensure that I found a good kennels for them. He is certainly no 'person lover' although he might be a dog one. His kennels might be very good but I needed to SEE THEM. I will go to the open day, that's if I can find out when it's on but he is not a nice person.

    Am visiting a few others tomorrow so I'll post up what I find. Good luck in your hunt!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    Thanks SMK! That's great to know as would you believe I have an appointment to check them out tomorrow!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 239 ✭✭MissyN


    My God Juliet, its a disaster isn't it?? I'm in the exact same position as you and just want a nice place with nice people to look after my dogs. I'm not flush with cash at all but with something like this money just isn't an issue. I wanted to do the exact same thing as you and leave my girl in kennels for one night and see how she was then and build it up to maybe 3 or 4 nights. It could take me a few years to build up to a full week!!

    Sounds like you're doing a tour of the kennels !! What type of dogs do you have? I have a beautiful collie cross. Spoilt rotten of course !!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 335 ✭✭cobweb


    I find Hollygrove Kennels on Lyons Estate road in Newcastle very good, my parents have left their dogs there a few times


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 601 ✭✭✭Rory123


    Maybe there was a "clash of personality" with the man in Best Kennels? I've lived my whole life less than a quarter mile from there and they seem to be very nice people from what dealings my family and myself have had with them since they came to the area a couple of years ago. They are true dog lovers and are always exercising their dogs in their front field.
    I spoke with that man last winter when he came out to help me with a puncture at night in his gateway and he was very nice. My Auntie (not from the area) has also had dealings with best kennels and was very impressed, and she is very particular about her dog! The people at the kennels were not aware that she was related to us so they weren't just "being nice to the neighbours".
    I am not friends with these people and I don't even know their name but myself and my mother have spoken to them and found them lovely.

    I'm very sorry that you had a bad experience Julliet but I wouldn't like to leave this thread one-sided.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 239 ✭✭MissyN


    I'm really glad to have read your thread Rory. I'm extremely particular about my dog and would love to be able to leave my dog with true dog lovers and if you say you've seen these people walking their dogs in the fields many times then that sounds good. I'm hoping that Juliet maybe got the man on a busy day or something like that.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 601 ✭✭✭Rory123


    That's good MissyN!
    I don't mean to take away from Juliet's bad experience, it's never nice to have to deal with rudeness.

    From what I see passing the place, they are always doing some sort of doggy-orientated activities. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 239 ✭✭MissyN


    I do think its a bit silly of him to have been rude to Juliet cos she was a potential customer and bad reviews travel quicker than good ones but its so wonderful to read about them doing lots of doggie activities. That would give me great peace of mind. My girl is so precious to me yenno...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,597 ✭✭✭anniehoo


    Have you thought about having a pet sitter to your home? PM me for info of people who have done so and have been really happy..aswell as their pets!;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 601 ✭✭✭Rory123


    MissyN wrote: »
    I do think its a bit silly of him to have been rude to Juliet cos she was a potential customer and bad reviews travel quicker than good ones ...

    I completely agree!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    Well I've just come back from Irish Rosettes Kennels near Lusk and what a difference! The lady showed me around the kennels and cattery and they were spotless. Some of the dogs were being exercised in the field and all the dogs I saw in enclosed kennels were very happy and waggy tailed! Unfortunately the lady's husband took sick yesterday, is in hospital and she doesn't want to take medium to large sized dogs in the interim, only small ones for the moment until her husband returns to health. There was a lovely homely atmosphere there - but unfortunately I'll have to keep looking. She did recommend All Paws near The Naul to me so I'll visit them when I can get an appointment.

    Also dropped into Lissenhall Kennels, Swords - I had used them a long time ago and had mixed views about them especially as they lost my cat! There was no one in the kennell area but from what I could see the dogs' living quarters are very small - the individual runs are not very large either so I'll give that one a miss.

    MissyN - I have a collie cross and a smaller terrier mix dog - both rescue ones. The collie is deaf but a big softy, hilarious but an absolute rogue. That's gas that you have a collie as well. They're real comapnions aren't they?

    Thanks for what you posted Rory123 and MissyN. There was no clash of personalities between me and the owner of Best Kennels. The kennels had been recommended to me by my veterinary nurse. I had tried over a week to phone but it always went through to an answering machine so I thought I'd take a trip out. I wasn't pushy - I explained I was in no hurry to make a booking but just wanted to find a place I was happy with for my dogs. There was no problem about me not being able to view the kennels there and then, I just wanted to make an appointment for some time in the future. I think it was the fact that I wasn't initially going to leave them for a particular duration that may have prevented him from making a definate arrangement. He was totally against leaving the dogs in a kennel for a night or two to see how things go. Plus the fact that I'd say he had all the business he needed for the rest of the summer! I just found he could have been nicer and a lot more constructive to myself and my partner, not even because we were prospective clients but because we love our dogs and want to do what's best for them.

    Keep you posted on my travels this week!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    anniehoo wrote: »
    Have you thought about having a pet sitter to your home? PM me for info of people who have done so and have been really happy..aswell as their pets!;)

    Thanks Anniehoo!

    Yes I did consider a pet sitter. I know some of the veterinary nurses in UCD Vet Hospital sometimes petsit while owners are on holidays but to be honest I felt it would be a lot of trouble. |I was afraid the dogs would get out - the terrier has a habit of bolting for the door when it's open and I live near a main road. So I discounted it. Hopefully I'll find some place.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    cobweb wrote: »
    I find Hollygrove Kennels on Lyons Estate road in Newcastle very good, my parents have left their dogs there a few times

    Thanks Cobweb. Going to see them tomorrow. It does sound really good.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 239 ✭✭MissyN


    Hi Juliet, why do you need to keep looking if you thought the kennels in Lusk were great?? I love collie crosses. They are so bright aren't they? I talk to my girl a lot (please excuse me if that sounds nuts) but she knows lots of words cos of this and I can say full sentences to her and its so funny when she understands exactly what I'm saying. How long were you thinking of going away for when you do manage to find somewhere for the doggies?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    MissyN wrote: »
    Hi Juliet, why do you need to keep looking if you thought the kennels in Lusk were great?? I love collie crosses. They are so bright aren't they? I talk to my girl a lot (please excuse me if that sounds nuts) but she knows lots of words cos of this and I can say full sentences to her and its so funny when she understands exactly what I'm saying. How long were you thinking of going away for when you do manage to find somewhere for the doggies?

    Like I said the lady in Lusk is not taking any more dogs as her husband, who ran the place, is in hospital and will be out of action for quite some time. She may take small dogs in the future but that's it unfortunately.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8 tuxa


    Sad to hear the kennel owner was that rude to you Juliet.
    Bit strange as well...he should had invited you back another time when the dogs were not resting. I hope he has nothing to hide...
    Most places I called had no problem about having me dropping off to take a look...
    By the way, i am going on holidays as well and I am looking for a good kennel for my dog. Maybe a kennel that allows him to play with other dogs in the day time...
    If anyone knows any place around north Dublin please le me know...
    My dog is a a good size Lab who loves t play with other dogs.
    Any sugestion will be sooooo welcome...
    tuxa


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1 MacFinn


    Hi - there is a lot of debate on good kennels so can anyone provide a recent recommendation... I spoke with the chap from Best and he appeared thorough and dedicated on the phone but again I was not able to view the place as they have select open days a few times per year. I also tried to discuss arrangements with Deutsche Kennels who appear very formal. Yes my dogs are my mates but his phone manner was very dismissive and pointed out with 50 dogs to look after they would be part of the rota and if expected anything else then their service wasn't for them. I also travelled to a place near Carton House and the girl was lovely but the place very gloomy. I just want a knowledgable, clean, bright place with a bit of personality as the dogs are not robots.... can someone suggest? Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73 ✭✭kazza23


    My two go to the Canine Country Club near Straffan. The kennels themselves are a little dreary, but they have a great big run for the dogs to play in, and I go by my dogs reactions.... When we arrive there and they realise where they are they're chomping at the bit to try to get in the door. They don't give me a backwards glance (charming eh?!!!!) The dogs are groomed daily and always come out looking well and very happy.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,366 ✭✭✭luckat


    I sent my dog to Happy Hound a couple of times and was happy with it; however, they're not good about keeping contact.

    They send out a circular text every day telling you how happy your dog is; this is just done using a list of the dogs that are there, however. (I got one while I was looking at my dog sitting beside me!!)

    Last time she was there, I was calling all three numbers and texting and emailing and getting *no* answers from any of these requests when she wasn't arriving back. I was about to get into my car and go to Cavan to investigate when the van turned up.

    The driver asked "Which is your dog?" and let her out, and she raced in, peed for a long time and pooed - obviously having been holding it far too long (this was late afternoon and she's a morning poo-er normally), and then ran to her water and drank and drank and drank. She reeked of that 'kennel' smell.

    I tried for several days to get in contact with the owners and find out what had happened, and never succeeded.

    Now, when she was there before it was different; she came back calm and happy and brushed and smelling all right. This was a once-off. But I was worried by the fact that I never got any explanation of why I couldn't contact them.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,378 ✭✭✭ISDW


    luckat wrote: »
    I sent my dog to Happy Hound a couple of times and was happy with it; however, they're not good about keeping contact.

    They send out a circular text every day telling you how happy your dog is; this is just done using a list of the dogs that are there, however. (I got one while I was looking at my dog sitting beside me!!)

    Last time she was there, I was calling all three numbers and texting and emailing and getting *no* answers from any of these requests when she wasn't arriving back. I was about to get into my car and go to Cavan to investigate when the van turned up.

    The driver asked "Which is your dog?" and let her out, and she raced in, peed for a long time and pooed - obviously having been holding it far too long (this was late afternoon and she's a morning poo-er normally), and then ran to her water and drank and drank and drank. She reeked of that 'kennel' smell.

    I tried for several days to get in contact with the owners and find out what had happened, and never succeeded.

    Now, when she was there before it was different; she came back calm and happy and brushed and smelling all right. This was a once-off. But I was worried by the fact that I never got any explanation of why I couldn't contact them.

    There are two Happy Hounds, so its important they don't get confused. You are obviously talking about the one in Cavan, whereas the post early in this thread was on about the one in County Meath, which I've only ever heard very positive things about.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,132 ✭✭✭Sigma Force


    I know this may be too far for some but (I know I sound like a parrot at this stage) the parents had their dog in kennels for the first time ever (they have had her for 5 years since she was a pup and never left her with anyone but me before but we were away at the time too) they parents are so ridiculously fussy now I'm fussy with my pooches but they are ott fussy.
    They had rung around a few places but I heard so many good things about Yuppi Puppie I said why not try them.

    They were very happy with the service, very helpful and friendly over the phone, she had no problem with them viewing the place and the dog was totally fine followed her around all day like she does at home. Small dogs are kept in the house larger dogs have their own area.

    Only thing is I think your dog must get on with other dogs she has a website anyway with all the info.

    All I can say if my parents fussy spoilt pooch had a good time and was perfectly fine there and they were happy with the place then it's worth checking out.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    I've been to lots of kennels. I was very disappointed that the owner of Best Kennels wouldn't even let me set up an appointment to view the place nor would he tell me the dates of the open days. I would not leave my dogs anywhere I hadn't vetted and if he was a real concerned kennel owner he would appreicate and understand that.

    I've also visited the Canine Country club and was horrified at the conditions there. The stench was almost unbearable and there were a huge number of dogs in what I would call dark cells. I think it really depends on what you are looking for and if you want the kennel environment to be as close to what the dogs are used to as possible. Kilmessan Kanine Kennels were very clean and airy. All Paws in the Naul was very nice too. although the pens are in a barn like structure and are a little dated. The location is lovely though and the dogs have a large green area to run in. I've visited Happy Hounds in Tara, Meath and thought the place was ok, clean but a little on the small side.

    Don't touch Lissenhall. I spoke to one of the women there and she admitted that the dogs never get out to a run and their units are tiny. it's a nightmare and I haven't really found the right place yet but am still looking. Grateful for any pointers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 239 ✭✭MissyN


    I finally took a holiday after having my dog for 3 and a half years and I used All Paws. They were good but your dog has to be a perfectly behaved as they are unable to cope with anything else. My dog was barking a bit when we got there and the owner of the All Paws looked paniced but the kennels were very clean.

    Juliet I know you had a very bad conversation with the guy from Best Kennels but I have heard great things about the place and he's actually right to not let people willy nilly pop in and out to view the place cos I went to the Canine Country Club and it was HAYHEM. Total chaos. And it made me think that the Best Kennels guy is right to keep things peaceful and relaxed in his place. I'm definitely gonna use them next year.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    Good to hear you got a break. I agree with your assessment of All Paws but it and Kilmessan Kennels were the only two I saw that I would use and only if I really needed to. I definitely wouldn't use Best Kennels unless I viewed the kennels first and there is no notification on the website of the open day the owner was supposed to have. I suspect that he'll only have one when he needs the business but I'm not leaving my dogs in a place I haven't vetted (if you pardon the pun). I'm just not going away at the moment but I'm going to check out Wenden kennels in Rathfarnham this week. Have you heard anything about them? It's difficult, isn't it, getting the right place.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 239 ✭✭MissyN


    Juliet wrote: »
    Good to hear you got a break. I agree with your assessment of All Paws but it and Kilmessan Kennels were the only two I saw that I would use and only if I really needed to. I definitely wouldn't use Best Kennels unless I viewed the kennels first and there is no notification on the website of the open day the owner was supposed to have. I suspect that he'll only have one when he needs the business but I'm not leaving my dogs in a place I haven't vetted (if you pardon the pun). I'm just not going away at the moment but I'm going to check out Wenden kennels in Rathfarnham this week. Have you heard anything about them? It's difficult, isn't it, getting the right place.

    Where is Kilmessan Kennels? I haven't heard anything about Wenden at all so can't help you there. It's EXTREMELY difficult to find a good kennels and i was in bits the weeks before I went away hoping that my dog would be ok. I honestly was thinking that I mite cancel the holiday as I was so distressed and I only went away for 4 nites !! I rang All Paws everyday and in fairness to them they always were available but I think they got so sick of my calls and my needing reassurance that my little girl was ok.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    I'd be the very same. I visited Kilmessan Kanine Kennels about 2 months ago. They're in Kilmessan, Co. Meath - I think it's along the Trim rd. Anyway, the lady was extremely nice. She's a founder member of the Irish Dog Grooming Assoc. and there were lots of beautiful pedigree dogs there. I got a good feeling about the place. It was really well landscaped and extremely clean, spacious too. But like you, I've been putting off leaving them. I'll have to do it for an overnight first and see how they get on. I've a wedding coming up the end of November so I've no choice. This one was probably top of my list and she has lots of experience with dogs.

    I'll keep you posted on my visit to Wenden Kennels.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 89 ✭✭4red


    I've been using Wenden Kennels in Rathfarnham for years and never had any problems. The staff are very thorough and caring. The kennels themselves though are exposed to the outside air (stable-block type) and as my dog gets older I might worry about him being cold in the winter. It's expensive at 20 euro a night and is always full up which I suppose is a good sign.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭mohenley


    hi

    does anyone have any experience o fP&E boarding kennels in crumlin at all. looking for somewhere for my blind terrirer for 2 weeks in nov.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68 ✭✭sral1


    Have a look at www.ibkca.com
    mohenley wrote: »
    hi
    Have a look at www.ibkca.com all good kennels/catteries in the one site :):):)
    does anyone have any experience o fP&E boarding kennels in crumlin at all. looking for somewhere for my blind terrirer for 2 weeks in nov.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,062 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    Our guy stayed at Best Kennels in May and they were brilliant with him. They were recommended by the girls at Dog Training Ireland and that was all I needed - they take brilliant care of him when he's there for daycare so I knew he'd be taken care of if they were recommending the kennels. He'd just gotten lame in the weeks coming up to his stay and I was really worried that it'd be a problem cos he needed medication but it was fine. Also the fact that he was 10 months old had me feeling really guilty for leaving my little baba but Declan assured me on the phone that they'd give him loads of attention and he'd be on their vip puppy program! A text the following evening to say he had settled in without any problems put my mind at ease. They gave him loads of attention when he was there and even groomed him - he was in brilliant form when we collected him and was really chilled out. He was in the vets the next morning for xrays and the vet even commented on how happy and relaxed he was and he even let her pet him - before that he was really nervous in the vets.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43 Juliet


    Yes I had indeed heard good things of Best Kennels and paid a visit to check them out. I spoke to the owner outside the house and he said we couldn't look around the kennels as it would disturb the dogs. This was perfectly understandable and being a total animal lover and a concerned dog owner I said that was no problem and asked if I could make an appointment to see the kennels at any time that suited him. He said he wasn't showing them and said there would be an open day at some stage in the future.

    I asked when that was and he said he wasn't sure but to look on the website. Now in my book, if he was more of an animal lover than a business man he would have welcomed dog owners who checked out kennels first before leaving their pets in an unknown environment. He didn't even take my name so I deduced he didn't need the business. and simply wasn't interested in me.

    I certainly would not leave my dogs with someone of such attitude no matter how good the kennels are supposed to be, which I might add, is only hearsay and will remain only hearsay as I never got to see them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭mohenley


    hi does anyone have any experience of either ballymore boarding kennels or Blackberry Kennels? They are both quite close to me in Newbridge and would be handy for dropping him off and picking him up.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ainemoran


    Hi,

    This is the first time i have used this online boards but i just felt i had to let people know how disgusted i was with Declan, the owner of Best Kennels recently.

    I like most people am quite particular about where I board my Dog Wiggles and was delighted when she seemed to love Best kennels where she has been boarding for the last year. Even though it is a little bit more expensive (€20 per day) then some other kennels, the drop off times (9am or 5pm) are very restricting and I am still waiting for the ever promised open day, I felt the fact that Wiggles doesn't even look back when I drop her off and is always seems happy and well looked after when I return to pick her up, that this was the right place for her.

    About two weeks ago I rang to book her in for a weekend (from Friday 5pm to Sunday 5pm). I wanted to pay in advance so just ask to confirm the price would be for two days as it was just 48hours. The Owner Declan said no it was three days. I didn't understand and asked quite nicely if she wasn't getting the services of three days then why should i pay for them. He said that was the way they did things and if money was my concern I could look around for cheaper kennels. As i knew that Wiggles loved the place I said i would go ahead with it anyway and he just repeated what he said about other cheaper kennels. I asked was there some problem with taking the booking and he said he would have to give it some thought. I pressured him for an answer as I was going on holidays later that day and could not wait. I said that i know Wiggles loved the place and they took good care of her and i was more then willing to pay the price as i knew it was the right place for her. He said given my concerns he would not accept my dog and rung up the phone before i had a chance to reply.

    Needless to say, i was taken aback and quite upset really. Firstly, i didnt think in this day and age that there would be any problem with quiering a price and secondly to have the phonecall ended in such a manner.

    I immediately rang back the kennel to say how upset i was and how unprofessional he had been to hang up the phone on me but he would not answer the phone. I left a message but as you can guess i have not heard anything to date.

    I am just disgusted to think that people can be treated like this without any recourse. I really think he should re-address his customer services as said before bad reviews travel faster then good ones. Also he has lost a good customer and a dog that they were always raving about how easy she was to take care of.

    Was delighted to hear i'm not the only one who feels they have recieved rude treatment from Declan. Seemed to me like he had enough business that he didn't care about whether i remained a customer or not. I hope it stays that way for him or this could come back to bite him in the a**.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭mohenley


    wow, that is terrible service! I certainly won't be going there.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68 ✭✭sral1


    The kennels I use would consider this a 3 day stay as well, friday,saturday and sunday. however if you check out before lunch sunday it would be 2 days. But their system allows the 3 day weekend to go to monday morning pick up. Some kennels don't open on Sundays at all. :(
    ainemoran wrote: »
    Hi,

    This is the first time i have used this online boards but i just felt i had to let people know how disgusted i was with Declan, the owner of Best Kennels recently.

    I like most people am quite particular about where I board my Dog Wiggles and was delighted when she seemed to love Best kennels where she has been boarding for the last year. Even though it is a little bit more expensive (€20 per day) then some other kennels, the drop off times (9am or 5pm) are very restricting and I am still waiting for the ever promised open day, I felt the fact that Wiggles doesn't even look back when I drop her off and is always seems happy and well looked after when I return to pick her up, that this was the right place for her.

    About two weeks ago I rang to book her in for a weekend (from Friday 5pm to Sunday 5pm). I wanted to pay in advance so just ask to confirm the price would be for two days as it was just 48hours. The Owner Declan said no it was three days. I didn't understand and asked quite nicely if she wasn't getting the services of three days then why should i pay for them. He said that was the way they did things and if money was my concern I could look around for cheaper kennels. As i knew that Wiggles loved the place I said i would go ahead with it anyway and he just repeated what he said about other cheaper kennels. I asked was there some problem with taking the booking and he said he would have to give it some thought. I pressured him for an answer as I was going on holidays later that day and could not wait. I said that i know Wiggles loved the place and they took good care of her and i was more then willing to pay the price as i knew it was the right place for her. He said given my concerns he would not accept my dog and rung up the phone before i had a chance to reply.

    Needless to say, i was taken aback and quite upset really. Firstly, i didnt think in this day and age that there would be any problem with quiering a price and secondly to have the phonecall ended in such a manner.

    I immediately rang back the kennel to say how upset i was and how unprofessional he had been to hang up the phone on me but he would not answer the phone. I left a message but as you can guess i have not heard anything to date.

    I am just disgusted to think that people can be treated like this without any recourse. I really think he should re-address his customer services as said before bad reviews travel faster then good ones. Also he has lost a good customer and a dog that they were always raving about how easy she was to take care of.

    Was delighted to hear i'm not the only one who feels they have recieved rude treatment from Declan. Seemed to me like he had enough business that he didn't care about whether i remained a customer or not. I hope it stays that way for him or this could come back to bite him in the a**.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭boxerly


    I know a lady who minds dogs at her house.A large fully insulated shed with tiled floor.Armchair and bed with lots of blankets,radio,lights,dim lights for bedtime,run with gate so they can see through.2 walks daily,lots of cuddles and tlc,lots of toys.Shed and run is swept out and disinfected twice daily (and in between if needed).Lady home all day has doggies of her own,lots of experience,has fostered lots of dogs from the pound.Only takes one at a time or 2 if from the same family.Dogs have come back to her 2 and 3 times.Daily texts.12 euro per day.Drop off and collection at any time within reason of course :)pm for more details or any questions xxx


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 Verudandi


    If someone is looking for alternative to puting cat into cattery or kennels, I could provide info about good cat sitter. PM me for more information.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3 justacheck


    I have heard great things from people with challenging dogs about Bests, I have also heard that the guy is better with dogs than humans! - which might be true but we cant be all happy chatty folk. I have been in contact a few times with regard to my pet, and have found him very helpful but a bit abrupt - but he has beeen extremely helpful in respect of a few things i was very stressed about and they do have a disclaimer on their website that says if your not happy when your pet gets "out" that your petstay is free - not a bad term and condition considering. I agree, I would also like to see inside. I am reassured about the posings from people in their neighbourhood who sees them at work. Also they are one of the rarer places that actually does multiple walks per day, and doggy play areas... I've been scouting out places for literally ages & must have been in contact and visited 20 or more... It is very hard to get good place for a high energy active pet :pac:


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 21,903 Mod ✭✭✭✭Brian?


    justacheck wrote: »
    I have heard great things from people with challenging dogs about Bests, I have also heard that the guy is better with dogs than humans! - which might be true but we cant be all happy chatty folk. I have been in contact a few times with regard to my pet, and have found him very helpful but a bit abrupt - but he has beeen extremely helpful in respect of a few things i was very stressed about and they do have a disclaimer on their website that says if your not happy when your pet gets "out" that your petstay is free - not a bad term and condition considering. I agree, I would also like to see inside. I am reassured about the posings from people in their neighbourhood who sees them at work. Also they are one of the rarer places that actually does multiple walks per day, and doggy play areas... I've been scouting out places for literally ages & must have been in contact and visited 20 or more... It is very hard to get good place for a high energy active pet :pac:

    I was a bit surprised to see people giving out about best kennels. I have had my dog, a wheaten terrier, in with them 6-7 times now and they have never been anything but curteous and helpful.

    Before I found them I had a few bad experiences with kennels, if he was left for longer than a weekend in any kennel he visibly lost weight.

    No matter how long he's with best kennels, up to 2 weeks on one occasion, he comes out in great form. I usually get him groomed while he's there and they do a great job with him.

    Given that he's high energy, very very high in fact, the 2 walks a day make a huge difference.

    He also has sensitive skin so he needs gluten free food and salmon oil to keep him in good condition, no problem at all with best kennels.

    they/them/theirs


    And so on, and so on …. - Slavoj Žižek




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3 justacheck


    I had my dog booked in for Best Kennels - I drove out and made the booking in person with the owner on site, I watched him write the booking down on his sheet and put it into his diary. I rang twice - once the following day to confirm and another time a week later in respect of dogfood. I rang the day before I was due to leave my dog in and asked how many dogs would be in at the time, and what the dog/minder ratio woud be. Normal questions, particularly given his locked doors policy. I was then told that he had no record of my booking and that he would not be able to take my dog. Hardly the best. Extremely unimpressed. He knows the consequences of his action on people about to go abroad. suffice to say, I am interested in letting people know. Had this been Christmas or Halloween, it would be a total catastrophe. Lucklily, i have good friends. :eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 312 ✭✭irishjig69b


    justacheck wrote: »
    I had my dog booked in for Best Kennels - I drove out and made the booking in person with the owner on site, I watched him write the booking down on his sheet and put it into his diary. I rang twice - once the following day to confirm and another time a week later in respect of dogfood. I rang the day before I was due to leave my dog in and asked how many dogs would be in at the time, and what the dog/minder ratio woud be. Normal questions, particularly given his locked doors policy. I was then told that he had no record of my booking and that he would not be able to take my dog. Hardly the best. Extremely unimpressed. He knows the consequences of his action on people about to go abroad. suffice to say, I am interested in letting people know. Had this been Christmas or Halloween, it would be a total catastrophe. Lucklily, i have good friends. :eek:
    another kennel in meath is happy hounds in skyrne.....very very clean.....and av ad my pouch in there many times checkout the website for more info....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9 twigsahern


    I cant recommend Best kennels highly enough. Declan and Mary are genuine animal lovers and set up their kennels because they could never find a kennels good enough for their own dogs. I left my three dogs in Best kennels this year and they all came out happy and well. They get out numerous times a day and get walked around the land at least once a day. I personally think its the best kennels around.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6 rosy10


    Snip-No advertising your own business.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 113 ✭✭suraheg


    I'm a Vet Nurse, and have worked in both Meath and Dublin and have always only ever heard good things about happyhounds! They seem to really love their clients! I used to always recommend them. Just make sure that they all ask you to produce your vaccination cert, and that your dog has both the yearly vaccinations and kennel cough vaccine. Otherwise i would steer well clear! Make sure u worm and flea your dog before and after kenneling, just to be sure! :) And I'd always just pop into them unannounced, before booking your dog in. Just to be sure! I wouldnt leave my dog into any kennel that wouldnt let me just pop in and see the place beforehand.


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