Why it's not such a dog's life for pets

Paul Reeve’s new business involves sending our pets to other people’s homes instead of kennels. He is pictured with Sophie, a golden retriever.

12 April 2007 12:01

It's not such a dog's life for pets in Norwich after a graduate set up a business specialising in holiday homes for dogs.

Paul Reeve, 24, runs Norfolk Home Boarding for Dogs, and makes sure when the rest of the family jets off to sunnier climes, their canine companion can enjoy the homely atmosphere of another dog-lover's house.

The company has just catered for its 100th dog - a golden retriever called Sophie - while her owners were abroad.

It works by arranging for dogs to stay with a specially selected carer, someone with experience of looking after their own dog, in a relaxing homely atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of kennels.

Paul said: “Each carer must fulfil our criteria. They must have experience looking after dogs, be at home all of the time, have no other pets and no young children.

“We have a whole host of people keen to do it, from people who work part time or from home, to people who want a pet but work abroad for half the year and can only have one at certain times.

“We interview all of them personally and look around their homes to make sure we match them up with the right dog.”

When a dog owner enquires about the service Paul is quick to assess what sort of carer a dog will need.

He said: “We wouldn't send a labrador puppy to a frail, elderly, lady.

“We would send bigger dogs to people with bigger gardens and perhaps more opportunities for walks nearby, we always have the dog's interests at heart.”

Penny Clay, 59, who lives near Catfield, has been a carer since May 2006. She gets paid £8 a day, or £12.50 if she is looking after two dogs together.

She said: “Paul insists you meet the dog and its owners before it comes to you and the owner provides all the food and things, and a few toys and comfort things to make the dog feel at home. It is so much better than a kennel.”

Norfolk Home Boarding for Dogs operates from Mr Reeve's house in Hellesdon where he lives with his parents Sally and Malcolm.

After suffering an accident while at university, Mr Reeve started working from home and came up with the idea when he returned to Norwich in 2004.

The company charges £14 a day for a single dog and £21 a day for two dogs together.

Ü Contact Norfolk Home Boarding for Dogs on 01603 429172.

Ü Do you have a story about an innovative business in Norwich? Call Katie Cooper on 01603 772326 or e-mail Katie.cooper@archant.co.uk

Email A Friend

News: Latest headlines on Evening News 24