What vaccinations are required?
Dogs require - Canine Parvovirus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Distemper, Canine Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza (kennel cough, optional), if the kennel cough vaccine is chosen it must be administered 4 weeks prior boarding with us.
Cats require - Cat flu (feline herpesvirus and feline calcivirus) and feline enteritis (feline panleukopenia virus).
Can we accommodate Pets with extra needs?
We are experienced in caring for senior pets and those with special medical needs. Our team can administer oral and topical medications, follow specific feeding schedules, and provide extra monitoring to ensure your pet's stay is comfortable and safe.
For senior pets, we try to provide a calm space with extra thick bedding to keep them comfortable throughout their stay. For dogs we offer short but often breaks from the kennels to keep them moving and the opportunity for extra toilet breaks they may need. If your pet has more complex medical needs (such as injectables or mobility support), we’re happy to discuss the details in advance to ensure we can provide the best possible care. Medication with specific times will be at an additional cost this can be discussed at the time of your booking. Although we will always do everything we can and pay close attention to your pet, you leave them at your own risk, we're happy to take them in with us, but please do not point the finger if something happens in our care, we can not be with them 24/7. Please also refer to our policies page
What happens if my pet becomes unwell during their stay?
We require at least 2 contact numbers and an email address for each owner to ensure they are contactable in any emergency situation. We also require an additional 'emergency contact' who will remain local, and require their name, address, contact number & email address.
If your pet has medical conditions, existing or not, whether known to the owner or not and requires emergency veterinary care The Fig Tree Kennels & Cattery will not hesitate in taking pets to the nearest veterinary surgery for medical help. Owners will be notified as soon as possible and will be liable for the entire cost of care.
Prior boarding, pets should be fit and healthy. Elderly or poorly pets are at greater risk as they may have underlying problems. These pets are accepted entirely at owners risk. Every effort will be made to accommodate these pets, however we cannot be held responsible or liable for such pets. We will always notify you if any conditions are found that the owner has not specified. Please also refer to our policies page
How much exercise will my dog get a day?
All Dogs receive at least 3 walks a day on our 3/4 of an acre private field. In between walks they receive toilet breaks/play time/ enrichment activities or a cuddle and fuss in our fenced in courtyard. We are led by your dog and their needs, so we remain flexible to their requirements.
What If my dog is not friendly with other dogs?
That’s okay! Not all dogs enjoy other dogs company. Your dog will still receive plenty of attention, exercise, enrichment, and one-on-one interaction with our staff. All our kennels face away from each other and are of a solid structure so the dogs can't see each other.
We tailor each stay to your dog’s personality and needs to ensure they feel secure, relaxed, and well cared for.
What if my cat doesn't like other cats or human interaction?
All cat pens are of a solid structure on both sides, meaning that all cats have a great sense of privacy and can only see the cats directly opposite them, which is a big enough distance to not cause issues. The individual attached cat runs are also solid on the sides and look our onto our private paddock or garden, so again, they can feel safe. In regards to human interaction, all we ask is that they are eating, drinking and using the litter tray regularly, they do not need to interact with us, we wont be offended ;-) We do need to be able to get in a clean them, so ideally they will retract from staff, rather than challenge us lol
Can I bring my pets, own bedding and food?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your pet’s own food and you may also bring a favourite blanket or small bed that smells like home to provide extra comfort. Don't want their bed getting dirty? no problem, leave yours at home, we can also provide comfortable bedding and high-quality food options upon request if preferred, this is all included in the price.
Is the pets area heated in the cold?
Yes all kennels have a thermostat controlled heat lamp that comes on if the temperature drops below 15 degrees Celsius, and all cat pens have their own radiator in each pen that is on its own timer, ensuring the pens stay nice and snug.
How do we handle anxious pets?
Our staff use calm handling techniques and give extra time, attention, and reassurance to help pets adjust comfortably. Every pet is different and not every pet wants lots of fuss and attention and this is okay, we take everything at their own pace. We will never 'force' them out of their comfort zone, or pressure them to interact. As long as we are able to care for them, they begin to eat, and toilet within the first 2 days and aren't shutting down, we will continue to help them feel settled and come around to the staff. Anxious pets will usually have the same carer where possible so that they have the chance to bond and feel safe with at least one member of staff. If we feel your pet is not suited to kennels we will let you know, we're always honest about how their stay goes. We will shortly be able to offer a home boarding option for those that can't cope with a kennel environment.
If you know you pet is anxious or suffers with separation anxiety then they must have a 2 night trial with us before you leave them for a holiday.
What is our deposit and cancellation policy?
We require a deposit of 50% of the full booking fee at the time of booking or by a date stated by 'The Fig Tree Kennels & Cattery to guarantee a space for your pet. If a deposit is not received we are unable to reserve a guaranteed space for your pet.
Deposits are non-refundable, other than in exceptional circumstance, which will be at full discretion of the management.
What are your check in and check out times?
Monday to Friday We are open between 9:30am to 12:30pm and 4:00pm till 6:00pm
On a Saturday, we open at 10am till 12pm and 4:00pm till 6:00pm
On a Sunday, we are only open between 10am and 12pm
Please note, we request all pets that have not boarded with us before to be dropped off within our morning session. This is much kinder your pet, as they will have the full day to settle in with us and have a few interactions and playtime/walks before it is downtime/bedtime. If you bring them later in the afternoon, they will only get a short time with the staff before being left on their own for bedtime, this can be quite daunting for those that have never been with us before.
Can I visit the area that my pet will be staying before bringing in my pet?
whilst we understand the want to visit, we no longer allow visits to the kennels & Cattery as we have noticed in not doing so that it helps keep all of the animals stay calm and comfortable and preventing unnecessary disruptions to their routine and environment. With new scents, and unfamiliar people this can cause unnecessary excitement or anxiety among the pets. Even quick visits can disrupt rest periods, feeding routines, or walking/playtime. By minimizing these disruptions, we’re able to keep the environment peaceful and comfortable, which is especially important for pets who may already be adjusting to being away from home. We have therefore added a video tour onto our gallery page, at the very bottom, on our website for customers to see where their pets will be staying. We also welcome you to pop in to the office at an arranged time to meet the staff and have an in depth chat about any unanswered questions you may have, or just to get familiarised with the area. We welcome you to bring your pet with you to meet us in the office too!
Can I receive updates during my pets stay?
Yes of course, we are happy to provide updates of your pets while they are staying with us. We know how important it is to feel reassured that your pet is okay. We send updates and share photos and videos through email or you can check in on our Facebook page and see if you can spot your pet while they’re staying here :) If you would like updates, we just ask that you email through to us when you'd like one and we will respond in good time.
What interactions will my pet have other than walking and feeding?
In addition to regular walks and scheduled feedings, your pet will enjoy plenty of positive interaction and engagement throughout the day. This can include supervised playtime, enrichment activities, cuddle time, basic reinforcement of good manners, and socialization (when appropriate and based on temperament).
We focus on providing both mental and physical stimulation to keep pets happy and comfortable. Whether that’s one-on-one attention with a member of staff, puzzle toys, light training exercises, or relaxation time with gentle affection, we tailor interactions to your pet’s personality and energy level. Some pets want to snooze all afternoon and some need that extra stimulation.
What if my pet has never boarded before?
This is not an issue if your pet shows no signs of anxiety or if you believe they won’t have any issues whilst staying here, however we require a trial visit for first-time boarders if your pet is very nervous or anxious to see how they will cope in a kennel environment, most pets adapt quickly once they realise they’re safe and cared for. If you have any concerns about your pet’s temperament, anxiety levels, or special needs, just let us know, we’re happy to work with you and to chat about any concerns you may have.
