We provide the very best dog home boarding near you in Plymouth, Tavistock and the surrounding areas. Dogs deserve a holiday too!
07745 157152 donna.clewer@barkingmad.uk.comMission Statement – It is my aim to provide the best dog boarding service in the Plymouth and Tavistock area so that you can enjoy your holiday knowing that your dog is enjoying theirs. I believe every dog deserves the very best care while their owners are away. So, dog lovers come to Barking Mad for a superior, 5* alternative to kennels.
We know that every dog is unique and so we carry out a detailed registration of your dog so we can understand their routines, likes and dislikes to ensure we find the perfect host to care for your dog while you are away.
Our host families are very special to us and we select each host carefully to best suit the needs of your dog, plus, giving you peace of mind. All our hosts are passionate about dogs and have owned dogs of their own throughout their lives. Our typical host family may have had to say goodbye to their best friend but miss not having a furry friend around the place. Hosting for Barking Mad is the ideal therapy and gives them the opportunity to meet some really lovely dogs. They are retired or work from home, have access to safe, dog-friendly local walks, and have secure gardens.
Once approved by us to host they are required to adhere to the pet schedules that we draw up with you the owner, so you know your dog is having a real home from home experience.
We provide a clear line of communication directly with the host, answering any questions or anxieties you may have while you are away, as well as sending you photos and texts to update you on what your dog is getting up to on holiday.
We always trial your dog before their actual holiday for a night or two to establish your dog’s routine and introduce them to their new best friend, their holiday host. This ensures you can go away on your longer holiday with complete confidence and peace of mind. We don’t register dogs who have not been neutered or spayed, and all our guests should be able to stay alone quietly and safely for up to three hours without being a danger to themselves or to the property.
As a child, I grew up with dogs and then had a gap of 15 years whilst living in London when I had no dog. In 1994 I moved to Tavistock, Devon, on the edge of Dartmoor and the first thing I did was got a dog. Living on Dartmoor there’s nothing better than walking the dogs in the wild, open spaces or alongside rivers and leats.
I currently have 3 border collies – mum and dad who are 13 and their son, aged 7. Between myself and my husband Chris we have 6 grown up children and I think it’s fair to say we have become a big doggy family with 10 dogs in total. We know that every one of our dogs is special and every one is unique – and we know that yours are too. I have worked for the NHS for 40 years and as retirement beckons I am looking forward to spending my time with dogs and with like minded dog owners and dog loving hosts.
Before any of our dogs get packed up ready to go on their holidays, we will set-up a registration meeting. This is really important so we can get to know your dog and understand important details like their daily routine, any requirements they may have and what they love to do.
Once we’ve met your dog, they will be ready for a trial stay with one of our home dog boarding hosts. If their first holiday with us will be more than 7 days we usually set-up a little sleepover with the host family to make sure everyone is happy. From there the fun really begins!
So many of our dogs get excited as soon as they hear or see the Barking Mad car pull up on the driveway. One of the great things about Barking Mad is that we offer a door-to-door service. This means that we come and collect your dog and drop them off for you with their dog home boarding family. At the end of the holiday we will drop them back too, right to your door.
Our hosts are usually at the door waiting to greet their new holiday guest. After saying hello and making sure your dog is settled in, we will leave them to it with their host family. Your dog is now on their very own holiday with a dedicated host family who can’t wait to enjoy their company.
As our hosts know your dog’s routine, they will be able to follow it as closely as possible. Usually a morning or evening walk is on the cards and our hosts are only too happy to take your dog our exploring in the local area. If they have stayed with the host family before they will more than likely know your dog’s favourite spots already.
Although we do provide our hosts with money to pay for expenses while their new guest is staying with them, we always ask that owners pack food, toys and bedding. It’s really important for dogs to have items that are familiar to them while they are staying away from home.
Usually after a walk it’s time for dinner and to settle in for the evening. The great thing about Barking Mad is that our hosts dedicate their time to looking after their new house guests. This is a huge benefit over a kennels where your dog may be left alone for long periods of time. We make sure that our dog home boarding experience is as close to how you dog is at home, so curling up on the sofa is definitely okay with us!
Dog home boarding comes with so many benefits for your dog, for you and for our hosts. To start with the dogs that stay with our hosts are looked after 24/7 and someone is always home to play with them. They get to stick to their routine and have all of their special requirements met.
As an owner you can sit back and enjoy your holiday knowing that your dog is being looked after by a loving family. All of our hosts undergo a strict on boarding procedure to check that their homes are suitable and that they have secure gardens. We also match dogs to the perfect hosts too.
Looking for a bespoke package? Get in touch!
Please note: festive supplements – 50% uplift.
It takes a special kind of person to become a dog sitting host. If you'd be interested to find out more then please click the button below, submit your contact information and one of our team will be in touch to tell you all about the opportunity.
We are delighted to provide this service in the following towns and surrounding areas:
