Spoiled Rotten Pets

What makes you special?

As dog owners ourselves, we understand how important it is to know that your dog is happy and well cared for when you cannot be there to do it yourself. Our aim is to provide each client with the peace of mind that comes from being confident that their dog is getting the best possible care in their absence. To that end, we offer a very personal service and take great care to select a holiday home environment we believe is just right for each dog. We encourage each client to give us as much information about themselves and their dog as they can, as it helps us in our selection. Once we have chosen a carer we believe is suitable, we involve the owner in the selection process by asking him or her to approve our recommendation at a meeting in the carer’s home at which the dog is present.

We believe that when on holiday dogs thrive - and are safest - in a home where they are cared for on a one-to-one basis. For this reason, we assign a carer exclusively to one client at a time. Naturally, each dog has plenty of opportunities to socialise with other dogs when out on walks!

Why are Spoiled Rotten Pets’ carers so highly thought of?

The reputation for excellence associated with a Spoiled Rotten Pets carer stems from the combination of exceptional qualities our carers offer that goes far beyond having a passion for dogs. Although such individuals are not easy to come by, we are uncompromising in the criteria we look for in anyone seeking to join our team.

What sort of people become carers?

Our carers come from a variety of backgrounds, but all are experienced former dog owners who are at home during the day and who are passionate about caring for dogs. We are meticulous in the enquiries we carry out prior to engaging a new carer which include personal interviews and inspections of each carer’s home and garden. Each carer adheres diligently to our codes of practice and safety protocols which include exercising dogs safely and in accordance with the owner’s instructions.

We get to know each of our carers very well and are in constant contact with them to exchange feedback about each dog in their care - and to offer guidance and support where necessary. Most importantly, we never accept a booking for any of our carers without first checking that they have no private engagements for the dates of the board and so are free to devote themselves to caring for a dog for the period requested.

How do I book?

When you know the dates you are going to be away, you complete a booking form telling us all about your dog. It is very important that the information you provide is as full and accurate as possible (including details of any foibles or quirky habits!), as this enables us to select the most suitable carer for your dog. If you prefer, we can arrange to carry out an initial briefing at your home. You should also notify us of any changes that occur over time.

What happens next?

You send us a completed booking form and deposit. After carefully considering what you have told us about your dog and home routines, we notify you in writing of the carer that we consider to be most suitable. You then have an introductory meeting at the earliest opportunity, so that you, the carer (and your dog!) have peace of mind.

What if I am not satisfied with the carer you recommend?

Our selection of a carer is based on the information you provide in the booking form. It is then at your discretion, and that of the carer, to agree at the introductory meeting that you are happy with the proposed arrangement. If either you or the carer has any reservations, provided that you inform the agency within three days of the introductory meeting, we will refund your booking deposit, less a nominal administration fee for the work already carried out. Alternatively, we may be able to offer an introduction to another carer.

How many dogs are cared for at a time?

We assign a carer to a client on an exclusive basis which enables us to provide the one-to-one care upon which we have built our reputation. This means that each carer is able to devote him or herself to caring exclusively for one client’s dog, or dogs, at a time.

How will my dog be exercised?

We prefer to exercise dogs on flexi-leads (especially during a first board), as every dog can behave differently in new surroundings.

If you would prefer your dog to be exercised off the lead, you should discuss this with your carer at the introductory meeting.

As a precaution, whether or not he is exercised off the lead, your dog will wear one of our name tags throughout his stay showing his carer’s contact details.

What do I need to provide for my dog?

Your dog will settle in best if you provide us with his usual lead, bowl, bed and favourite toys. You should also provide sufficient food (including treats) for the duration of his stay. All dogs should be delivered clean and up to date with their boosters, worming and de-flea treatments.

What if my dog is unwell during my absence?

If a dog seems unwell, has an accident or injures himself, he will be taken to your usual vet, if local to the carer. Otherwise he will be taken to the nearest vet of our choice and you reimburse the fees on your return. We also request that you provide contact details for someone in the UK with whom we can get in touch, if necessary, in the event of an emergency.

Is there a minimum length of stay?

We are unable to accept bookings for less than a week in high season and for fewer than five days out of season.

Do you take in puppies?

We generally do not accept puppies under nine months of age. However, we may at our discretion accept younger dogs, provided that they are fully house trained and manageable.

Will you care for a dog that has special requirements?

We will usually accept a dog that requires a little extra care, such as an older dog or a dog on medication, provided that he is fully continent, but we cannot care for dogs that are seriously unwell or infirm. Nor can we take dogs with a history of aggression or behavioural problems.

Can you provide care for my dog whilst I relocate abroad?

We are frequently asked to provide a carer for a dog whose owners are in the process of relocating overseas from the UK and who need care for their dog until they get settled. In such cases we are able to liaise with the pet transport company, if required, and help to prepare the dog for his journey.

What if I cancel my booking or collect my dog early?

There is a set scale of charges which applies in the event of cancellation or early collection.

All bookings are subject to our terms of use and your continued use of our service will indicate your acceptance of these terms. As these terms may vary from time to time, you should make sure you are aware of the current version, which is available on our website.

May I book direct with a carer?

No, bookings must always be made through Spoiled Rotten Pets, as our carers do not always have the most up-to-date information about bookings provisionally scheduled for them. We will always do our best to provide your usual carer.