THERE’S an increasing demand from the dog owning community for boarding facilities which are not kennels.

Consequently, there are now a number of small businesses which specialise in caring for dogs in the home while owners are away. The advantage is that the dog is walked regularly and treated the same as it would be by its loving owner.

Although this is a growing trend, not all our five recommended businesses are in Oldham, but they are the nearest we could find.

Happy Holiday Homes for Dogs – Emma Croft

Ramsbottom, near Bury

07944 209437, email emmacroft@digsfordogs.uk.com

The Oldham Times:

Emma Croft run her home board business with husband Phil and her two children George and Oliver. She is part of the Digs for Dogs team, which covers the Oldham and Rochdale area, offering a “wonderful and professional alternative” to kennels.

Emma says: “I first became a home boarding family for Digs for Dogs in 2013. As a family of four, we wanted to go out walking at the weekends and school holidays and enjoy the countryside with our two dog loving, energetic boys. We have had lots of wonderful dogs since and have never looked back.”

Alison’s Pet Care Service

Thorpe Cottage, Thorp, Royton,

Tel: 07794 649066

The Oldham Times:

Alison’s offers half an acre of fenced land and “a large happy house” which can accommodate animals of all types in “a warm and loving environment”. The dogs have their own sun room overlooking the garden and free access to the garden and all of the house.

Options are available, if necessary, of using a cage, a bed, or the dogs even have their own settee in the room they can choose to sleep on if they wish. Walks take place over the Tandle Hills, usually just over an hour twice a day for all the guests.

Dog’s Best Friend - Claire's Pet Services

Ashton Under Lyne

Greater Manchester

OL7 9AQ

Tel: 07773 987371

The Oldham Times:

We’ll leave it to Claire to tell you about Dog’s Best Friend: “We are a family of three. My teenage son, myself and Buddy our five-year-old rescue crossbreed.

“There has always been a dog in our family since I was born so we have many years’ experience with them.

“Dogs always bring laughter and happiness into any home as well as companionship and loyalty, we love them! Loving Buddy like we do, we understand your worries when you leave your pet in someone else's care.

“We have looked after dogs for friends and family in the past and are now enjoying having lots of dogs to visit as we are full time dog walkers, dog sitters and boarders. Your dog will be treated as one of our family however long they are in our care.”

Accommodation includes a large, secure back yard and an open-house policy for all canine visitors. However, owners’ wishes and requests will be followed at all times, for examply they may not wish their dog to be invited upstairs or onto the sofa.

Homeboarding & Daycare

Millbrook

Stalybridge

Cheshire

Tel: 07415254459

The Oldham Times:

THIS is a husband-wife and two children team, along with their three-year-old rescue boxer called Oscar. They have been boarding dogs for more than four years.

Online they say: “We understand your apprehension when you leave your fur baby in someone else's care for the first time, we have been there ourselves and this gives us an insight into the things needed to keep your pet happy and settled until you return.

“We have looked after dogs for friends and family in the past and are now enjoying having lots of dogs to visit and Oscar loves having additional play mates but does understand that not all want to play.

“We adapt the routine and structure of your dogs day to be as close as it is in your home. Your dog will be treated as one of our family however long they are in our care.

“While your dogs are in our care, they will be taken for walks, lots of play, attention and especially lots of love, in return we get a lot of waggy tails and sloppy kisses. They sleep inside the house.

“We also offer dogs to come for daycare if they don't want to be alone for long periods of time so they have company.”

Scamps & Champs

14 Hayfield Avenue

Bredbury

Stockport

Cheshire

SK6 1EG

Tel: 0161 612 3811

Email: info@scampsandchamps.co.uk

The Oldham Times:

Lesley runs Scamps & Champs with her colleagues. She holds a pet sitting certificate which she passed studying through the Animal Care College. She has attended an animal first aid course at My Pet Stop and attended a Sheila Harper Canine Communication and Body Language seminar. The businesses is fully insured and police checked, offering “fantastic rates for dog walking, dog home boarding, pet sitting, pet home visits and more.