Home from Home Dog Boarding Agency LimitedAvis 

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.

Sitters we so good and so attentive with my dog as the weather was hot very carinhg

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.

Great service yet again.
Staff at the HFH office are always lovely to speak to. Very friendly and professional.
Both my little dogs always stayed with Caroline, when I lost my oldest dog 3 months ago I was worried, because this time my Shih Tzu would be staying on his own. But I needn’t have worried, Caroline was wonderful with him as always. Goes above and beyond for him. When he won’t eat his own food she’ll cook scrambled eggs or chicken for him just so she knows he’s eaten. Always messages us with pics and keeps us updated daily. Best dog carer by far.

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!

From start to finish the booking system was easy to use. All staff were kind, friendly and professional.
Communication was excellent.
The chap we were given to look after our dog was kind and friendly . He sent text messages and photos to reassure us whilst we were away. We were away for 5 nights, our dog settled well and enjoyed his stay with the sitter.

Home from Home found an excellent place for our Labrador to stay while we were away for 6 days. They were helpful and enabled our dog to have a successful time away.. The family she stayed with were welcoming, experienced, full of ideas and full of love. We really liked them; but, more importantly, Echo really liked them

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 :)

Michelle and Will were really nice to deal with and Rudy had a great time and was well looked after. Thanks.

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.

Fantastic worry free holiday for the hoomans and and fun filled couple of weeks for the doggies. Couldn’t ask for anything more. Another lovely stay with their Auntie Jan. 2 thoroughly spoilt and loved little dogs. Thank you ❤️

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.