FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I use Red House over home boarding?
Home boarding cannot offer the same standard of hygiene set out for our licensed kennels. Therefore there is more risk. Flea larvae and pupa can remain in the environment until a suitable host is detected, and parvovirus can stay viable for up to 6 months. Only the most sparse and clinical home environment could be suitable. Great risk of escape through open doors and windows, digging out of gardens and slipping leads. If the dog is taken in the car, will it be left to overheat whilst the ‘carer' goes into shops? Exercise for a home boarder is likely to be in a back garden; impossible to clean to discourage the risk of contagion. More risk of attack from other dogs if exercised in public areas. More chance of dog theft. Also, if the carer was taken ill, what would happen to your pet? Is the Home Boarder Insured and Licensed and inspected by the local authority to conform with Defra’s strict regulations?
When it comes to boarding your pet, we have a wealth of experience and expertise, always having your pets’ welfare at heart which is why we board pets on such a small scale, and on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Pet theft is rife, are the premises safe?
Yes, very safe. All Housings open onto a security passage, and external doors to accommodation are locked. There is also a very good CCTV system in place. Someone is here all the time, and the house is only a few feet from the Catteries and Kennels.
Can we call to view?
Viewings are only taken if your pet is fully booked in, and their holiday payment has been settled in full. Photographs and videos are posted to the Facebook page most days, with over 2,500 videos and photos of pets and their surroundimgs ready to view, and is accessable through the "Welcome Page" on this website.
What are your open hours?
Since Covid, for everyones safety, all bookings are by appointment between 8am to 11.30am Monday to Friday and 9am to 11.30am Saturdays
Do you open on Sundays and Bank Holidays?
We are CLOSED SUNDAYS and BANK HOLIDAYS (plus Christmas Eve and New Years Eve)
I don’t have a car, are you on a bus route?
We are not on a bus route, but we have a bridleway network to the side of us ( see Map) This leads to Stockton Lane, and Appletree Village, and can be a very pleasant dog walk on a sunny day.
Most Taxi companies are happy to travel pets when accompanied by their owners
Do you do a collection and delivery service?
Sorry, no I don’t, but many local taxi firms are happy to bring you with your pet if you ask.
Are you open over Christmas?
Yes, I am open over Christmas, further details on a dedicated page. I close after the New Year break until early February.
What vaccinations does my cat need?
Vaccinations required must be UK licensed to include feline parvovirus (feline infectious enteritis) (FIE)) and against feline respiratory viruses (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus) Vaccination (including boosters) must have been completed, at the very least, 2 weeks before the cat’s arrival in order to ensure maximum protection. feline parvovirus (feline infectiousenteritis) (FIE)) and against feline respiratory viruses (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus) Vaccination (including boosters) must have been completed, at the very least, 2 weeks before the cat’s arrival in order to ensure maximum protection. Homeopathic vaccines are not acceptable.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
Vaccinations required must be UK licensed, to include distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus) and parvo virus and Leptospirosis Vaccination (including boosters) must have been completed, at the very least, 2 weeks before the dog’s arrival in order to ensure maximum protection. Homeopathic vaccines are not acceptable
My pet is not fully vaccinated, can I still board with you?
All Dogs and Cats boarding with us must be fully Vaccinated or have been recently titer tested for immunity with a valid Certificate signed by a Veterinarian or registered testing lab.
Does my dog need the Kennel Cough Vaccine?
Bordetella (commonly known as Kennel Cough) is a very common and highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection affecting dogs (and occasionally cats). It is most prevalent in the summer months and is very easily passed on when large groups of dogs share a mixed air space, and public places.
Symptoms are sore throat and cough which in most dogs is self-limiting and will resolve without treatment. If the coughing is severe then a course of antibiotics may be required.
A vaccine is available against kennel cough which will reduce the chances of your dog catching the disease.
This vaccine is in addition to your dog's regular booster injections. It is not compulsory to have the kennel cough vaccine in order to board with us, but if you wish to consider the kennel cough vaccination please speak to your vet.
IMPORTANT! - 21 days are needed after having the Kennel Cough Vaccine prior to boarding.
UPDATE! A new K.C. vaccine is available with little downtime, please ask your vet for more information.
My pet will be due to have her monthly de flea treatment applied whilst boarding?
That’s not a problem, I can apply the provided product for you at no additional charge.
My cat is a house cat, does she need de flea treatment?
Yes, unfortunately even house pets can pick up fleas. Fleas and their eggs can live in cracks in floor boards, on furniture, in any nook or cranny and can be carried in by other pets and on clothing. Fleas multiply quickly in a warm environment.
Advice- My pet had fleas, and has been treated. but becomes reinfected?
80-90% of the developing flea population live in the home, Remember to treat your house, fabrics and bedding, travel boxes and even your car with household de flea spray such as Indorex, vacuum all carpets and wash pet toys, to prevent re infection.
Do you accept very young pets, and very elderly pets?
As long as your pet is fully vaccinated, we can accept young healthy pets, and elderly pets also.
It is recommended that your very elderly pet is checked over by a Vet within 7 days of boarding with us, to confirm your pet is healthy enough to stay away from home.
We have had 23 year old cats, and 19 year old dogs have happy and contented holidays here!
Do you accept pets on Medication?
I do accept pets on Medication just let me know at the time of booking so we can discuss the administration of any medication in depth. I no longer take pets requiring insulin injections.
My pet is recovering from an operation, can you take her?
With advance warning, I can accept pets post op. Just let me know at the time of booking so we can discuss the administration of any medication in depth, and discuss exercise requirements and restrictions. We have had many pets in recovering from broken limbs, and pride ourselves with the care given.
What happens if my pet needs the vet?
If your vet is local, we will take your pet to your own vet, or have your vet call.
Otherwise we will use our local pet vet, Birchwood Vets, just a few minutes away at Gate Helmsley.
My cat doesn’t like dogs, would my cat be able to see the dogs?
Purrfect Paradise is not in sight of Pooches Paradise
The specialist Family Catios although closer, are not in sight of other cats or dogs
I am Moving House, how long should I leave my cat?
Cats hate change and disturbance. It is wise to bring your cat for her holiday before the removal people arrive, therefore alleviating additional stress, and the possibility of your cat going walkabout prior to the move.
Make sure your new home is in order, and secure for your pet before taking her home, this may take longer than you imagine.
It is recommended to keep your pet in for at least 14 days to aclimatise to the new environment and establish where their new home is, some pets may need to be confined for a longer period.
Generally speaking, I would recommend a minimum of a 7 night stay.
When should I bring my cat to board?
Pets have sixth sense. When they notice household change cats have been known to go off and hide for hours or even days, therefore it is advisable to bring your cat to the cattery before you start packing!
We suggest you don’t feed your cat before coming to the cattery, it will be less likely to go walkabout. Your pet is always fed on arrival anyway, and there will also be less chance of travel sickness.
Consider bringing your pet into the cattery the day before departure, there is nothing more stressful than a missing cat when you are about to set off on a much awaited holiday
Why do I only have to transport only one cat in a travel case?
All cats are weighed on admission so individual weight can be monitored while they stay. Excessively large cases will not fit on the scale. If a pet has travel issues, or messes in the case it is distressing for the the other cat, it is also a nightmare to clean the pets and the case. The combined weight of 2 cats plus the case is usually above the health and safety lifting guidelines (15kg). Excess weight in a case can make it vulnerable to failure ( Yes, a common occurrence)
My cat hates the transport box! What can I do?
Cats often associate cat boxes with the vets/ injections/discomfort, and dislike the motion of cars.
Prior to the travel date, I would allow several days for your pet to become accustomed to going in the travel case
Keep the box out, and feed your pet special ( favourite) yummy treats in it.
You could also put cat nip inside the box, or use the relaxing cat sprays, there are many brands, or your vet can supply you with one.
Put ithe carrier under the radiator, or next to somewhere warm, so she sees it as a comfortable place, and a refuge.
Cover the box with a blanket or towel, cats like dark places to hide.
When she is happy with this arangement, and when truely settled, close the door for a short while, repeat.
If you feel you need to take this a step further, When she is relaxed with this arrangement, lift it, and replace. Then another time, pick the box up and walk around the room, return it into position, leave a while, then quietly remove the front/open the door. repeat, increasing the movement. Do not rush this! it could also set your pet back
Once she is settled, you could drive around the block, and repeat on different occasions. Continue to give treats in the box.
A lot of cats prefer / travel better in the fabric zip type carriers..
Can I borrow a transportation case?
Yes, you are welcome to borrow a transportation case, though please return it within 48 hours.( I only have the plastic type)
What is the best type of transportation case?
There are many different types of cases to be had. the easiest to store are the new canvas type with lots of zips, though they can be awkward to clean. Plastic cases are easy to clean, though not all cats like them, if you do chose this type, do ensure they have a metal wire door. NOT plastic, as I have known several occasions where the cat has pushed the front out, this type are only suitable for ferrets, guinea pigs etc. Plastic crates with the additional top access make for easy loading, though unsuitable for heavy cats, as they can fail with weight, if you have this type, secure with a belt or similar, and carry holding the bottom. Plastic coated all wire crates are usually good for a bad traveller, though can be pricey.
It is wise to line the transport case with a puppy pad, incontinance liner, or newspaper which is easily disposed of in case of accidents, NOT fabric such as a towel or blanket for obvious reasons.
My Dog doesn’t like other dogs, is this a problem?
Dogs cannot see other dogs (or Cats) from their bedroom or patio. As long as your dog is not aggressive towards people this is not a problem, we can exercise your pet on it’s own.
All bedrooms and patios are quite private, though still spacious, light and airy.
My dog can be noisy, can he still stay with you?
I am unable to accept dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, are howlers or barkers. I am now predominantly a boarding cattery, so can only accept “Mary Poppins” type dogs, who are practically perfect in every way.
Where are you?
Please see the link to Directions at the top of the page
Can I see pictures of my pet while I am away?
Pictures of your pet can be posted on our Face Book page. I understand it’s difficult to spend any period of time away from your pets, my social media service is proving increasingly popular with our customers! For easy viewing access to the Facebook page see the Welcome Page in this website.
