Dog kennelling service in Wokingham, Berkshire

ABOUT OAKWOOD PARK KENNELS

Oakwood Park Kennels has four separate kennel blocks of various sizes. All kennels have the same system of an inside kennel and an attached outside run with a pop hatch in between, simple, old-fashioned but effective.
All guests have a “room with a view” depending on whether they prefer to be by the main activity area or overlooking the woods. During less busy periods all dogs are housed in the Main Block. At peak times smaller dogs are housed in the Small Kennel Block so their owners do not have to worry about their pet having overly large or exuberant neighbours!

We prefer not to take your bedding and toys, as we have plenty. It is easier for us to keep your dog dry and comfortable if we use our own. Some dogs soil or chew when they wouldn’t normally at home and labels just do not stay on bedding when it goes through the washing machine. We have a good collection of dog toys in various shapes and sizes. Our strict hygiene and safety practices occasionally oblige us to dispose of items if they become heavily damaged or soiled.

We realise that some dogs do carry a “special” toy around all the time and that some of the older dogs prefer their own bed so we may accept these items, however we cannot guarantee their safe return. Other chew items, such as Dentastix, Tripe Sticks, Bonios, are of course fine to leave for your dog. All dogs get a bed time treat unless their diet prohibits it. If they arrive with their own treats then they will be given those but if not then they will have one from our supply. We can’t bear the sad eyes when everyone else is getting something! Do please let us know if there are any items to which your dog has had an adverse reaction.

If you have two or more dogs which you would like to share a kennel then it may not be appropriate to give them bones or long-lasting chews unless you can be absolutely certain that they will not argue over them. We will normally either separate or supervise multiple dogs at feeding time in order to prevent argument or have one dog getting two feeds!

We have two fenced exercise areas available. Our half acre grass paddock is used every day although we also have our round pebble area which is especially useful for extremely wet occasions or small dogs who don’t like the wet grass under their tummies. Dogs in boarding will not have the same exercise as they would at home however they will probably be awake for more of the day as there is always something going on, so can be just as tired. They will have access to their run all day – unless the weather is especially inclement – so will be up and down looking to see what is happening. We exercise dogs according to their needs and make sure that if a dog is so highly house-trained that they will not relieve themselves in the tiled run then they get priority for access to the grass. We only exercise dogs from the same family together unless given permission to run similar size, friendly dogs out with another, in which case we may have two dogs out together. We prefer to allow dogs loose in our paddocks, they enjoy the opportunity to stretch their legs and run, however they must be prepared to come back when called or we will use a long line. Dog toys and drinking water, as well as at least one paddling pool in hot weather, are available and staff love to play with the dogs. Any dogs who need restricted exercise will be lead exercised according to the owner’s request.

We try to keep your dog’s feeding routine as close as possible to normal, but it is obviously not practical for us to stock the complete range of branded foods that are available. Our kennels kitchen carries a range of foods from complete dry through to raw so we can normally cater for any diet, but if your pet requires a special food (such as veterinary prescribed feeds) we recommend that you bring it along with you. We will ask what food your pet has at home, and in the unlikely event that a dog is not eating, we will always do our utmost to overcome the problem, including buying the specific brand your pet is used to, so it is helpful for us to know the details. If there are any products to which your dog is allergic it is important that you tell us. If you use a homemade food then please prepare enough to cover your dog’s stay, freeze it in meal-sized portions and we can store it in our freezer.

The majority of dogs love staying at Oakwood Park, but a handful find kennelling difficult for a couple of days, and may display stress related behaviours. Our dedicated staff have a huge amount of experience between them and, because our main concern is the welfare of the dogs in our care, we will do everything in our power to make their stay as comfortable as possible and to look after them until your return.

VACCINATIONS

Please ensure your pet is fully vaccinated for their stay with us. Our licence requires us to see the current vaccination certificate prior to boarding. There is a supplementary vaccination available that offers protection against Kennel Cough that must also have been given. It should be given at least 2 weeks prior to your pet’s stay with us.

A Veterinarian is on call twenty-four hours a day. We are happy to continue any veterinary treatment your dog may be on, so long as thorough details of all treatment are provided, including the name and telephone number of your Vet. Medications must be clearly labelled with the current dosage that you are using. If your dog should have a problem during their stay then we would speak to your Vet in the first instance, rather than our Vet who would not have your dog’s medical history. When leaving medication please ensure there is sufficient to cover your dog’s stay, plus a little extra in case you are delayed returning.

Please note, we require an emergency contact telephone number other than your Vet for all dogs in our care.

Specialising in dog boarding

Our dedicated staff make every effort to cater to each dog’s
individual requirements.

For all your dog kennelling and grooming requirements,
call Oakwood Park Kennels on
0118 979 3399