Home from Home Dog Boarding Agency Limited Reviews 

We have been using home from home for a few years now and have found some lovely carers. Vanessa and David always go above board with our dogs Ted and Fudge and they have settled in well with them. Unfortunately we lost our lovely boy Ted a few months ago, as we had already booked to go away before losing him we were a bit concerned about leaving Fudge having never been on his own before and Ted was very much his comfort blanket. We had know reason to be concerned as Vanessa and David were very attentive. Fudge did not settle on his first night so David slept on the sofa with him and on the following nights took Fudges bed into their bedroom with them. They got him out for his walk very early so the hot weather would not affect him and dampened him down during the day to keep him cool. It was so reassuring to know our furry friend was happy and content while we were away. On returning home we could see he was his usual happy self.

Our Pug is a regular home from home boarder, started with a holiday booking and since then more occasions whilst our house was being renovated. Most recently, I needed urgent surgery, so Peri required urgent care as well. We were so relieved that the wonderful Jolanta and Chris were able to meet our needs. They cared for Peri during the recent heatwave and went above and beyond expectations to keep little Peri safe and comfortable. I am so grateful that they did this without burdening me with all the details of how much Peri was suffering in the heat, they just cared for her with total professionalism for which I will always be grateful to them. I am amazed at the high quality of service we consistently receive from home from home. Thank you

Simon took great care of our Labrador in record breaking heat with early morning walks and his own fan.

Home from Home really helped our family out quickly and efficiently for care for our pup upon last minute cancellations. They were very professional and matched us with a sweet lady that cared for our pup above and beyond what we expected!

I have never felt the need to revise a positive review before, but I feel it is important to share my full experience for the benefit of other dog owners.

Firstly, I want to make it absolutely clear that this review is not about our carers, Silvie and Mick. They were warm, kind and welcoming, and I have never blamed them for my dogs becoming unwell. My concerns relate entirely to Home From Home’s management and the way my situation was handled.

Following my dogs’ trial stay, I was genuinely happy with the service I had received. In fact, I wrote Home From Home a very positive review because that was honestly how I felt at the time.

Unfortunately, everything changed afterwards.

Within 24 hrs of returning home, Rosie became seriously unwell with vomiting and severe diarrhoea. Ralph then also became ill and deteriorated to the point that he required admission to an animal hospital. Rosie required repeated veterinary treatment, and Ralph’s laboratory faecal test has since confirmed coccidia, an intestinal parasite. Rosie has also been tested because she developed very similar symptoms. I cannot say where they contracted this parasite, and I am not making that allegation. I am simply stating the sequence of events.

The emotional distress of seeing both of my dogs so unwell has been overwhelming. My veterinary bills have now run into thousands of pounds, and I am incredibly thankful that I had pet insurance.

As soon as my dogs became ill, I contacted Martin (rep) from Home From Home simply to inform them of the situation and asked that it be noted while I decided what I wanted to do.

I made it very clear, on more than one occasion, that I did not want Silvie and Mick contacted for 48 hours because, if I decided to cancel my Christmas booking, I wanted the courtesy and respect of speaking to them personally first.

Despite making that request more than once, Home From Home ignored my wishes and contacted them anyway.

When I later spoke to the Managing Director, Martin Colgrave, I explained that I had specifically asked for the carers not to be contacted straight away. During that conversation, I was told that even if that request had reached him, he would have ignored it because he was “the boss.” I found that attitude dismissive, disrespectful and lacking in regard for me as a client.

What upset me even more was the complete lack of compassion afterwards. Even after I informed Home From Home that Ralph had been admitted to hospital and both of my dogs were under veterinary care, I never received a phone call from head office to ask how either dog was, whether they were recovering, or whether there was anything they could do to help. The response I experienced was simply that it would be “noted.”

To Home From Home’s credit, my Christmas booking deposit was refunded in full after I cancelled the booking.

I also want to make it clear that Silvie and Mick responded with kindness and understanding when I spoke to them personally. They understood why I had lost confidence, and I remain grateful for the way they dealt with me.

Sadly, I cannot say the same about Home From Home’s management.

Trust is everything when you leave beloved family pets in someone else’s care. Dogs can become ill, and I fully accept that nobody can say where an illness or parasite has been contracted. However, professionalism, respect, communication and compassion are entirely within a company’s control.

It was the way I was treated after reporting my concerns—not simply the fact that my dogs became ill—that destroyed my confidence in Home From Home.

This review is based entirely on my own personal experience.

Mike and Robyn gave me update every day on how my dog was doing and being the 1st time ever in 5 years being away from home i was nervous, but Mike and Robyn was excellent in dealing with the heat wave and my dogs needs. I would be happy and relaxed to use this service again.

We’ve used Home from Home multiple times now and we can’t reccomend them enough. The carer we regularly use (Christine) is amazing with our labradors and it gives us great comfort when we go away to know that they will receive the care and attention that they need. Thanks Christine!

Belle had a great time staying with her HFH family! So reassuring she is in good hands whilst we are away.

I have used this company lots of time using different boarders but now I have found a couple both my dog & we like. He has been to them 4 times now arranged through Home from Home who answer the phone promptly & always call back.

Sue and John are a kind, friendly couple who obviously love dogs. My fairly large cross-breed had a lovely break - and so did I :)

Kathy and Roy took great care to make sure our 2 dogs were well cared for and are happy. Their every need was fulfilled; a ‘Home from Home’ for them.

Anna and Jason were fantastic with Isla and Murphy. Lovely updates while away too .

Great carers who really look after W as if their own and who always go the extra mile. However H from H as an organisation could be more flexible re change of dates/ loss of deposit - life happens and it builds loyalty

Amazing service by the admin team and our host was fantastic. Photo updates and messages whilst we was apart. What an amazing service.

Excellent from initial enquiry to our dogs first stay.

We made a booking through HFH for the first time recently for our dog.
The process was extremely well organised. We met with R. and V. before the booking was confirmed. They are very experienced with dogs having been previous owners and our dog took to them quickly on the initial visit. The booking was then confirmed.
Our dog settled into their home very quickly, was clearly much loved and I was given regular updates and photos during her 3 day stay which was really lovely.
Would highly recommend both organisation and dog carers!

HFH take the hard work out of finding the best care. There are on - line platforms that promise the earth (take your money) & deliver very little. HFH standards are high and the care they found for our Boy recently couldn’t have been better.

The registration was thorough which made me feel very comfortable from the onset. Just back from holiday and Paddy was looked after impeccably by his boarders and they too were happy with him.
I wouldn't hesitate to book again and highly recommend Home from Home

Perfect boarder match made for our elderly Westie.