our routine

The kennel day starts at 7.30am when our dedicated team arrive, collect their walkie talkies, and head to the kennel blocks. They go in and say hi to and check on our canine guests, making sure that the dogs are happy and well, before opening the shutters and letting them through to their own outdoor enclosure.

Breakfast is prepared and distributed to the dogs in their covered outdoor runs and whilst the dogs eat, our team clean and disinfect the indoor kennel space, freshen up the water bowls, and fluff up the blankets and bedding so that the dogs have a lovely, cosy space in which to snuggle throughout the day.

Once the dogs have finished their breakfast and the bedrooms are clean, the staff call them back indoors and close the hatches so that the outdoor runs can be cleaned and disinfected safely. After cleaning, the shutters are opened and remain open for the rest of the day allowing every dog access to both the fresh air and natural light that our runs provide or the shady, warm (or cool in the summer) security of their bedroom. They are allowed time to digest their breakfast while the team wash up breakfast bowls and weigh up the feeds for the afternoon and following morning as specified by the dog’s owner using either Arden Grange or the dog’s own food.

Then comes everyone’s favourite part of the day (staff and dogs alike) which also happens to be the bulk of the day... It’s play and exercise time! Interspersed with enrichment time within their individual kennels, and bath time for those dogs whose owners have requested one, and whose stay ends the following day. Dogs get out one household at a time into one of our securely fenced paddocks allowing them off lead time with our staff and the pleasure of enjoying all the toys and equipment exclusively, although some prefer cuddles and love… something our team are always more than happy to give!

After play and exercise, at around 4pm it is feeding time again. Meals are prepared as required. For some this means soaking their kibble, or adding a little meat and for others it may mean administering medication.

Late afternoon means it’s time for the kennels and runs to be cleaned again, for washing to be done, belongings to be readied for those going home tomorrow, and kennels prepared for those checking in the next day. Just before 7pm our team go around and say good night to all our doggy guests. They give them a treat, check they’re okay, close the hatch to their outdoor space, fill up their water bowls and tuck them in for the night.

For a visual insight into a typical day, check out our brilliant video 'A Day In The Life at Leander Kennels' below!