We appreciate you may have lots of concerns when leaving your beloved dog with anyone new. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions…

Are you Licensed? We have a 5 STAR rating for our licence with the council. This is the highest rating available. License number 25/00250/ANEST 

Are you Insured? We are fully Insured. We also recommend that you have your pet insurance.

Are you Qualified? I have a canine First Aid Level 2 (VTQ) certificate. I have also been licenced since 2009 for Dog care and home boarding.

How do I know I am leaving my beloved pet with a trustworthy person? I am an established and licensed dog boarder. I have been CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked and Licensed. I can provide character references from Police, Magistrates and Council Licensing officers who have known me for over 20 years. You can confirm my license status by calling Bexley council on 020 3045 3900 or checking the link on their website:- Bexley.govWEBSITE (and clicking on the ‘list of animal licences issued’) I am proud to say we are one of the very few licensed home dog sitters in the whole borough. Licence number is 22/00403/ANEST. We have been awarded 5 STARS standard for our Dog boarding license. This is the top rating possible.  

What is the check in and check out time? We don’t have a set check in and check out times and are quite flexible, however we would like to be kept informed on an arrival time. (Late check out fees may be charged)

How do I know my dog will be happy for a whole two weeks whilst I’m away on holiday? If your dog is staying for a long period we do a ‘trial’ day visit or an overnight stay, prior to your holiday. This will ensure your dog is comfortable in the environment and let your little one get to know us. We can talk about the best way to settle a nervous dog or a dog who’s never stayed away from home before.

How are charges paid?  Charges must be pre-paid at beginning of visit (Late check out fees must be paid on collection of dog) Payments can be made by cash or Paypal. Credit / debit card payments are accepted on paypal  (10% charge will be added for paypal payments unless prior arrangement to pay using ‘friends and family’ option) Charges can be viewed on the Price list page

I have never left my dog before and am worried about their reaction. If you have not been on holiday since you got your dog, it can be a new experience and worrying time for both of you. I offer mini trial stays to help ease you both in to the new situation. We can work together to help your little one settle and feel completely at home at The Chihuahua Hotel.

Will my dog be Socialized? Yes. All our guests have the option to interact with my dog and my family who are all dog lovers (no children) We occasionally attend small dog meets and fun shows, so providing your dogs are social and friendly, (and you are happy for us to do so) we will attend these events. 

I do not want my dog walked, is this a problem? We do have clients who do not wish us to walk their dogs in public spaces. We have a large garden and can provide them with lots of fun and playtime during their stay. Please chat to us at the visit with your concerns and we will be happy to work with your preferences. 

Where will my dog sleep? Your dogs will sleep in crates / cots / pens depending on their preference. They will sleep on their own (unless requested for dogs from same home) for their own safety and comfortable sleep. We provide the most luxurious sleeping arrangements including warm clean snuggly beds and blankets, fresh bottled water and a clean puppy pad for those little emergencies. Dogs will not be allowed to sleep on the bed.

Where will my dog play? We have a fully enclosed garden with secure fencing. They will play off lead here only. On walks, we will always have them on lead. Your tiny companions will have a tailored daily routine, which could involve varied exercises to stimulate them as well as plenty of play sessions to encourage socialisation.

Do you need to see proof of Vaccinations? Yes. We need to check that your dog has been wormed and that all the required vaccinations and health checks have been carried out. Dogs showing signs of illness will be segregated for their own and others protection.

What do I need to provide on checking in? The Chihuahua hotel requires up to date vaccination certificates only. If you wish to bring your dogs favourite toy/blanket and their food bowl, to make their stay a little more ‘homely’ that will be fine.

How many dogs will be staying? We are licensed for 6 Chihuahuas but as we offer a one to one personal service to your dog, we try not to have dogs from different homes. Dogs from other families may be staying at the hotel. (usually only during cross over pick up / drop off periods but occasionally longer) Integration is careful and monitored. We do have some clients who board together, but this is usually as a result of multiple meet ups with both families dogs. Please ask for more details if you are concerned.

How much notice do I need to book? We accept bookings a year in advance. Most clients book as far as 6-8 months in advance, so it’s best to plan early for any special holiday dates you may need.

What will my dogs day be like? We have lots of play sessions throughout the day both inside and outside (weather permitting) . We love walks in the park and use our local parks, Royal London Parks and also enjoy country walks. At The Chihuahua Hotel we will work closely with you to understand the behaviour and characteristics of you dog ensuring they will have tailored routine that will benefit a balance of relaxation, learning, and enjoyment. Hugs, snuggles, love & tummy rubs given in abundance around the clock!

What will my dog eat? We use only premium products here at the Chihuahua hotel. We provide our guests with Lily’s Kitchen organic dry and wet dog food. We also offer a choice of breast of chicken, sirloin steak or white fish as an addition to their kibble meal. We will be happy to feed specialist vet prescribed foods, although we may ask you to provide this.  You may bring your own dog food if you prefer.

What happens if my dog needs regular medication? I have experience with medicating a dog regularly so I have no problem with this. Just leave me clear instructions and I will be happy to follow them exactly.

My dog is older and can’t walk far… will they be ok? For our mature and less able guest we offer light exercise and relaxation. We will provide a quiet and peaceful environment and plenty of pampering. We also have a quiet room, away from the main play area if your more mature dog requires extra peace and quiet.

What about grooming? The Chihuahua hotel are not professional groomers but will provide a basic grooming  service and do have access to a local professional dog groomer who specialises in Chihuahuas. She will come to groom them at the Chihuahua hotel. Appointments can easily be made with prior notice. (extra charges for professional grooming will apply) Complementary baths for our guests who stay longer than 5 days, so that you can pick them up clean, dry and smelling great!

What happens if my dog gets ill or needs a vet? The Chihuahua hotel use a local reputable vet. All vet bills incurred from treating your animal will be the owners responsibility and must be paid in full when collecting your dog. Unless the vet advises the dog to be kept in, we will bring your little one home and care for them as if they were our own. We will contact you and keep you informed at all times. Local Vet on call 24 hours a day, within 10 minute drive of the The Chihuahua Hotel

Are there any rules regarding my dog? Dogs must be socialised with other dogs and people. We do not take aggressive dogs. Dogs must be house trained, unless they are puppies. (who we expect them to make little mistakes!) We cannot take persistent barkers as we live in a residential area.

Check out our latest ‘Chihuahua fun’ on our Chihuahua Hotel facebook group  or our Instagram page