Irish Boarding Kennels & Cattery Association
- Become A Member
- For Kennel & Cattery Owners
- For Pet Owners
- …
- Become A Member
- For Kennel & Cattery Owners
- For Pet Owners
Irish Boarding Kennels & Cattery Association
- Become A Member
- For Kennel & Cattery Owners
- For Pet Owners
- …
- Become A Member
- For Kennel & Cattery Owners
- For Pet Owners
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions for Pet Owners and Boarding Kennel and Cattery Owners
FAQ for Pet Owners
If you have a query which is not answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
How do I find an IBKCA registered Boarding Kennel or Cattery in my area?
You will find a list of Irish Boarding Kennel and Cattery Association (IBKCA) approved Boarding Kennels and Catteries on the home page of the IBKCA website. This list is currently being updated but should be completed soon! We apologies for any inconvenience that this may cause but appreciate your patience.
You may also find that IBKCA members may advertise promoting the fact that their premises is approved by the IBKCA, if you see an advertisement containing the IBKCA's name or logo, you can rest assured that the Boarding Kennel or Cattery meets the strict critrea set out by the IBKCA.
Why should I only leave my pet in an IBKCA approved establishment?
The Irish Boarding Kennel and Cattery Association (IBKCA) is the only body dedicated to improving and maintaining a high quality of Boarding Kennels and Catteries in Ireland. The IBKCA is concerned, not just about the quality of the physical buildings at each establishment, but also the animal care provided, the health and safety procedures in place (in relation to both animals and humans), the staff's qualifications and the transparency and business procedure demonstrated by these establishments. The IBKCA's aim is to set the standard for Boarding Kennels and Catteries in Ireland.
All IBKCA approved Boarding Kennels and Catteries are subject to regular inspections by IBKCA inspectors who ensure that these establishments meet the highest standards. If an establishment does not meet the IBKCA's strict criteria, their membership will not be accepted.
Why shouldn't I just leave my pet in the care of a friend/family member or with a house sitter?
While leaving your pet in the care of a friend/family member or with an unregistered house sitter may seem like an easier and cheaper option than bringing them to an IBKCA approved Boarding Kennels or Cattery, there are a number of reasons why this is not advisable.
IBKCA approved Boarding Kennels and Catteries have professional set ups which have been purposely built and thoughtfully designed to minimise all potential risks to your pet. They have been designed to be safe and secure in order to prevent animals from escaping or becoming injured.
Boarding Kennels and Catteries will also appropriate insurance, should anything go wrong while your pet is in their care. Owners will also have appropriate qualifications and training in relation to animal care. They will have vets on call 24/7 and be fully equipped to deal with any emergencies which may occur while an animal is in their care. They will also be somebody on site 24/7, a service that a friend, family member or house sitter is unlikely to be able to provide.
You may pay a little more to leave your pet in a professional facility, but you will be able to rest assured that your pet is in insured, safe hands.
How much should I expect to pay for boarding for my dog or cat?
Prices vary between establishments depending on a number of factors such as their business' location, size, facilities, staff and the services offered. However, currently in Ireland you should expect to pay upwards of €20 per day/night for dog boarding and upwards of €15 per night for cats. Some business charge by the day, others charge by the night. Some business' will charge a discounted fee for more than one pet from the same home sharing a kennel/cattery unit. You should discuss pricing with you kennel or cattery manager prior to making a booking to be sure that you understand their pricing arrangements and to avoid any confusion when you are dropping off or collecting your pet.
A Boarding Kennel or Cattery is requesting a deposit from me before my pet's arrival, is this normal?
Yes! This is totally normal and becoming more common in recent years. Boarding Kennels and Catteries are businesses which work off pre-booked basis. Especially in busy seasons, last minute cancellations and "no-shows" can have a major impact on a Boarding Kennel or Cattery's income. By requesting deposits, kennel or cattery owners know that you are serious about your booking and are unlikely to let them down last minute, which would leave them out of pocket and may also be the reason that somebody else misses out on being offered a booking
I have booked a holiday, when should I contact a Boarding Kennel or Cattery to make a booking?
If you know that you are going to need to leave your pet in a boarding kennel or cattery, you should book one as soon as you possibly can! You should book a Boarding Kennel / Cattery as soon as you know the dates for which you will need them, especially during busy seasons (Summer, Christmas, Easter, etc,.). If you leave it until last minute to book, don't be surprised if they can not accommodate you because they are fully booked up!
How do I make a complaint about a Boarding Kennel or Cattery that I have used in the past?
If you have had a bad experience with, or wish to make a complaint about an IBKCA approved Boarding Kennel or Cattery, please contact us via email outlining your issues or concerns. We are passionate about ensuring that all IBKCA approved establishments are of the highest standards and will be quick to react to any complaints or concerns expressed by a member of the public. Any complaints which we receive are treated with the strictest confidence.
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