SMALL ANIMALS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Questions
Answers
Q: How do I select a good holiday home for my pets?
A: Start early...the best places will be booked up weeks, or even months in advance - particularly in the peak summer months. Come up with a set of standard questions and phone each company in turn to compare their answers. At the same time, consider whether the responses were given in a friendly and courteous manner. Overall professionalism on the telephone often gives a good indication to their approach and work ethos.
Once you have a shortlist, go and visit the premises. There really is no substitute for confirming facilities face to face with the owners. It's easy to make claims, for example in advertising like this, that have no basis in fact. At Cedar Farm we want you to visit us. We only ask that you visit during our viewing times. You are welcome to call, without appointment between 11am and 3pm 7 days a week.
Finally, having chosen your holiday home, give your pet a trial stay sometime before your main holiday (if they have not boarded before). This will act as a good guide to the care that will be provided and help settle your pet for a longer stay.
Q: What if there is an emergency medical problem?
A: We have developed close links with several excellent veterinarians in very close proximity to Cedar Farm. Should any emergency occur then we will call out our vet straight away. The majority of vet costs are covered by our insurance, so normally no fees will be passed to you for payment (obviously pre-existing conditions will not be covered by our insurance). We assure you that your pet will receive the best attention available. Medication can also be administered.
Q: Why do you charge by the day?
A: Hotels and boarding houses all charge by the night. You can usually check in say after 3pm, stay overnight and leave the accommodation the next day normally before 11am. Your room is then cleaned between 11am and 3pm ready for the next occupant. If you are not out by the allotted time, it is not uncommon to be charged for an additional night. Also, if your plans change and you arrive early, you may not be allowed into your room. At Cedar Farm, we try to keep things really simple by providing the maximum flexibility to our customers and their pets. We charge by the day and the accommodation is yours for the day. It's simple, flexible and straightforward. So, if you were planning to be home for say 3pm after a trip and you arrive at 6pm because the motorway was slow, no problem. If your flight was delayed for a couple of hours or you just need to spend an extra bit of time at the shops, again no problem.
Of course we know of boarding establishments that charge by the night and say that you can check-in anytime between 9am and 5pm….but we don’t believe they are telling you the whole story. Why? because if my pet can leave anytime during the day, and your pet can arrive anytime during the day, then 2 pets are potentially occupying the same hutch. There is of course a way around this and that is to put your pet into a small holding pen until mine leaves! We don’t do that. The accommodation you book for your pet is the accommodation you get. You can check your pet in or out anytime during our opening hours at a time to suit you.
Q: What must I bring with me when checking in my pet?
A: If your pet is a rabbit, then the most important item is information from your vet proving that your rabbit is vaccinated for Myxomatosis and RHD (RHD and RHD2). If we cannot confirm this, we will not allow your rabbit to enter our boarding facilities. Have a phone number or contact should we have a question concerning the care of your pet. Finally, details of your own vet. Other pets such as Hamsters, Guinee Pigs, Rats etc DO NOT require a vaccination certificate.