Dogs need enrichment: New rules for kennels and dog daycare businesses

Long awaited legislation for animal businesses comes into force later this year. Dog daycare businesses, boarding kennels and most businesses that service the animal care sector will need to adhere to new legislation and model conditions from 1^st October 2018.

Canine Creche Group Founder and MD, Candace Rose, has consulted at top levels to contribute to the sectors which apply to day care for canines. She explains: “This really has been a long time coming. The new system will have more coordination as all local authorities will have the same set of model conditions to work with, with strict dog to staff ratios, as well as rulings regarding space and how establishments use it. Currently each local authority develops their own.”

Enrichment

Rose continues: “In the future, dog owners will start to hear more about enrichment, establishments will need to separate their areas and spaces. Not all dogs should be together in day care in the same room. They all have different needs, much the same as children in a nursery.”

“At all of our creches we already have separate rooms, areas and zones, where different levels of enrichment occur, such as fast and physical games for more high-energy dogs, puppy introduction areas and socialisation zones, and a special area for our golden oldies.

“Our activity areas all offer something for every dog, brain games, power naps and sleeping areas, we have quiet zones, wet areas (for dogs that want to splash and swim), and we have our famous THEMED WEEKS.”

Canine Creche Group themed weeks normally match up with national or local current events, and are a format that ensures variety and enrichment. Different toys and activities are used to align with these events, such as Royal Ascot, Howl-O-Ween, Super Hero Week, Armed Forces Week and seasonal events such as Easter and Christmas.

So its not just about dressing up dogs then? Rose laughs “Gracious no its not, it really ensures that we keep it varied and fresh, we never play the same old games week in and out, with the same old tired toys. These weeks promote enrichment. The dogs don’t really care whether we come in with a cabbage, they are immediately interested – what’s happening? what are the rules?  what do they need to do?   We pique their interest.”

Occasionally, the owners get a party bag that matches the week, for the recent Royal Wedding, the Canine Creche Group gave out 1,000+ biscuits in party bags that were custom made with union jacks on them.  Rose explains: “It ensures the owners are involved and engaged, it demonstrates the extra lengths we go to as a brand.”

Up coming themed weeks are Armed Forces Week, Wimbledon and Sports Day!

The Canine Creche Group has facilities across Suffolk in Bury St. Edmunds, Ipswich (Farthing Road), Martlesham, Needham Market and a further facility is opening soon in Lowestoft.

For more information get in touch with The Canine Creche Group on 01473 636151 or visit the website.