Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a licenced by the local authority?

We are fully licensed under Darlington Borough Council, and under the new DEFRA regulations that came into force on the 1st October 2018.

When Rachael became director and the new licence holder in July 2023 (she had ran the kennels for 5 years prior to this as manager) the overall rating was awarded as 3*.

Simply because we still have 4 kennels onsite with sleeping areas that are less than 2.85m2. These have been booked out all summer but will close in November 2023 for renovation so a review of the * rating can be done.

We undergo regular checks to ensure we meet the highest standards of accommodation and care by the local authority. There has been a lot of renovation work completed since the kennels and cattery opened in 1982, with a large amount of work done in the last two years to ensure kennel sleeping areas are all at a 5* size and many also have runs attached too.

Older cattery blocks have been closed down and reopened with double sized accommodation units to ensure the highest DEFRA licencing regulations are met. All other aspects of both the kennels and cattery were in the higher rating categories.

We, as a team, go above and beyond on a daily basis to ensure you pets are cared for like one of our own. We have a team of dedicated staff who have level 3 or above in animal management or animal care along with a wealth industry experience.

We have 5 acres to walk your dogs, but we also have three grassed, off – lead fully secure exercise areas for lots of daily enrichments and activity opportunities. We regularly post pictures and updates on our social media platforms (Facebook/Instagram) so you can keep up to date with your pets’ holiday while enjoying your own. If a more private method of communication is preferred this can also be accommodated as requested.

The house on site is occupied and there is always someone to care for your pets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Can I come and view the facilities?

Yes of course. We welcome you to come and view before you book so you can see exactly where your pet is staying.

Many customers like to choose a specific accommodation for their pet. We welcome you come and view our facilities and meet the team here at Sadberge.

We ask for you to make an appointment so we can dedicate the time to you on a one-to-one basis and discuss your individual requirements. We also ask that only the owners of the pet comes to view, we like to keep disruption of the animals to a minimum and therefore ask that you do not bring the whole family.

Do our pets need to be vaccinated?

Yes, all cats and dogs staying with us need to show evidence that vaccinations are up to date. This is for the safety of your pet and all the pets staying with us. Please read our terms to see what vaccines are required for their stay with us.

If unsure, you are welcome to email your pets vaccinations over to us and we can check them prior to arrival. If there is a lapse in vaccinations, it will take you at least 3 weeks to get your pet back up to date. Bringing your pets vaccination card on arrival to check in with us is as important as taking your passport to the airport.

No vaccinations or a lapse in vaccinations will result in no entry and no refund. No exceptions. Proof must be provided every time as we will not keep this information on file.

My pet is on a special diet/fussy eater. What do we need to provide/what do you provide?

Dogs: We offer a high quality working dry and working wet food which can be fed in isolation or mixed.
Cats: We offer dry Whiskas or Go Cat and Whiskas or Felix as the meat options which can be fed in isolation or mixed.
Smalls Animals: Species specific food is provided including hay and leafy greens. For those who have fussy eaters we have never not managed to get an animal to eat during its stay. It often just takes time and patience so please rest assure that your pets welfare will not be jeopardised due to fussy eating habits.

Please note all specific diets, such as a certain brands, raw or veterinary prescription must be provided by the owners.

Can I bring my pets own home comforts?

Yes, please do. We provide a range of bedding and all feeding equipment however if you want to pack your pet off on their holiday with some specific items from home you are welcome to do so. You may also bring any special treats/toys, although we do provide treats and enrichment as part of their stay.

We do not provide toys due to health and safety reasons but if you bring your own, they will get plenty of use while your pet is with us. While we take every care, we cannot guarantee the safe return of bedding or toys should your pet damage them or they get misplaced in the washing.

What do I need to pack for my pets stay?

Essential: your pet, their up to date vaccination proof. Optional: toys, bedding, food, medication

Can my pets play with other pets?

No, this is for all pet’s safety whilst in our care, we also feel they benefit from personal time with a staff member.

How much exercise is included in the daily rate?

AAll dogs in standard kennels are away from their kennel unit four times a day in a mixture of indoor and outdoor exercise areas. All dogs have two periods, of 20-minute exercise sessions (on or off lead or a combination of the two) included in the daily rates. We also provide two daily enrichments, which could include, but not exclusively; scentwork, toy play, training, scatter feed or fusses and cuddles all included in the daily rate.

We also offer an additional exercise service which is a 20-minute field walk or a 20 minute playpen session (25m x 25m secure grassed area with rocks, a tunnel, logs etc for extra stimulation). This is priced at £7 per session for one dog or £10 for two or three dogs if exercised together. This is on top of what is included in the daily rate and it is advised to be booked in advance so we can staff accordingly to suit customer needs.

When do I need to book?

We will always try our best to accommodate your pet, but we do get very busy with our excellent reputation especially in holiday periods, we have a waiting list, so please book as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment. We take bookings up to a year in advance.
Please see our terms for more details of our cancellation policy.

Can my pets stay together?

Yes, if from the same household only. Cats and dogs must be housed separately. We have various accommodation types to enable up to three larger dogs to stay together.

Please note we will not allow you to house your pets in a smaller accommodation size than what they need, just to allow you to save money. Standards have to be maintained.

Can you pick up and drop off our pets from home?

Yes, of course-area dependant. Please click this link for prices.

Can my dog have a bath while with you?

Yes, we welcome this. Many customers like to have their pooch pampered to end their stay with us. We provide a full grooming service so you can book anything from a shampoo and dry, puppy pamper, nails and ear clean only all the way through to full groom and style.

Please see the grooming tab and Rachael will do her best to accommodate your requirements.

Please note that grooming is bookable by non-residents also therefore appointments fill up fast. Please make your grooming booking at the time of the kennel booking, not on the day of arrival, to avoid disappointment.