Frequently Asked Questions
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How do you choose Muttlins Carers?
All our carers are experienced in looking after dogs and all are passionate about caring for dogs. During the process of applying to be a Muttlins carer, our carers have completed a detailed application form and have been personally interviewed by Stephanie in their homes, and their gardens have been inspected to ensure the safe-keeping of your dog. Each carer has committed to following our code of practice in safely caring for your dog and will follow your dog's daily routine so that they will settle quickly into their new home-from-home.



Does Muttlins have insurance?
Muttlins Dog Home Boarding Service holds insurance for dog/small domestic pet minding and boarding as well as dog walking with Cliverton insurance with public liability insurance for the loss and/or damage to third party property and/or bodily injury to their party/persons



How many dogs are cared for by a carer at one time?
Some of our carers have a dog of their own that is easy-going and happy to have doggy visitors stay in their home. However, if you would prefer your dog to board in a home that does not have a resident dog we have plenty of carers to meet your needs. Our carers only ever board one family's dog or dogs at a time and the maximum number of dogs we can board from one family is three.



How will my dog be exercised?
From a safety perspective we prefer dogs to be exercised on lead (we recommend that you supply a retractable lead). However, if you would prefer your dog to be exercised off-lead please let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavour to place your dog with a carer who would be happy to take this responsibility. You will be asked to sign a disclaimer indicating that you take responsibility for our carer to exercise your dog off-lead. Whilst boarding with us your dog will wear a Muttlins name tag displaying the carer's details.



What do I need to bring when I drop my dog off?
Please bring your dogs' food for the duration of the stay as well as bowls, bedding, leads, toys, treats any medication that they are taking and anything else that you think will help your dog feel at home.



What if my dog is unwell whilst I am away?
If your dog is ill whilst you are away we will try and contact you or your emergency contact in the UK (as supplied on the booking form) to discuss the best course of action. Where possible we will endeavour to take your dog to their usual veterinary practice. In an emergency we may need to take your dog to another vet. In either case owners are responsible for any veterinary bills incurred during your dogs stay



Does my dog need to be vaccinated?
Your dog must have up-to-date vaccinations and proof of vaccinations will be required at the introductory meeting. Your dog must also have been treated for fleas and have been wormed.



Are there any dogs considered unsuitable for home boarding?
We are unable to accept boisterous, out of control or aggressive dogs or dogs that are incontinent or seriously unwell. We will accept puppies if they are house trained and over 6 months of age. We are also happy to board elderly dogs and dogs on medication.
We accept bookings for unspayed bitches provided they are not in season at the time of the board. We accept bookings for uncastrated males, provided they are not aggressive towards any other dogs and are generally manageable.



What happens if the carer has problems coping with my dog?
We ask that you are very honest with us when completing the booking form so that we can avoid problems of dogs having unexpected behavioural issues that might result in a carer feeling unable to cope with a dog. In the unusual circumstance where a dog exhibits unexpected unsociable, aggressive or destructive behaviour we may be required to place the dog in kennels for the remainder of the booking. There is a £20 transfer fee for this service.



May I book direct with the carer for future bookings?
All bookings must be made directly with Muttlins as our insurance only covers bookings made through Muttlins rather than each individual carer. We will always do our best to provide carers who have looked after your dog before. Please call or e-mail us as soon as you know that you need to make another booking - the more notice we receive the more likely we are to secure the same carer for you.