Small Animal Boarding St Helens
Frequently Asked Questions
The Answers You Need
We understand that your pets are like family, and it’s our top priority to make you feel comfortable with the care we provide them. To make sure all your questions are answered, we’ve included our FAQs below.
What are your opening hours?
We operate strictly by appointment only. This is so that we can ensure your pets accommodation is ready for their arrival and so that we can have all of your pets belongings gathered together for their collection. It also means that you receive our undivided attention whilst you are here.
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Appointments can be made during the following times: Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm. Saturday 4pm - 6pm. Closed on Sundays, bank holidays and special days*
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Special days are days not officially recognised as bank holidays but when we are closed for drop offs or collections: Christmas Eve, New Years Eve (and 28th June due to family reasons)
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We are still able to board over our closed dates, we just do not allow drop offs or collections.
Can I view the accommodation?
Yes! You are welcome to visit our accommodation by appointment only to see where your pet would be staying prior to making a booking. We limit viewings to one viewing per day, this means there is limited disruption to the boarding room and allows our guests to enjoy their holiday in peace.
Because we want to limit the number of people passing through the boarding room you will not be able to view the accommodation when you come to drop off your pet. Drop offs and collections must be made at the door only.
Does my rabbit need to be vaccinated?
Rabbit boarding coming soon...
Your rabbit will need to be vaccinated against myxomatosis, RHD1 and RHD2 on an annual basis in order to board here. Most vets are now using a combined all in one vaccination called Nobivac plus. However, some vets may still be using separate vaccinations called Nobivac which must be used in conjunction with either Eravac or Filavac. If you are unsure whether your rabbit is fully covered you can email is a picture of your vaccination card for us to advise or your vets will be able to tell you which vaccine they have used.
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We must see an up to date vaccination record for your rabbit for them to stay. This can be done via our online booking portal.
What do I need to bring with me?
At Small Animal Boarding St Helens we provide almost everything your pet will need for their stay. We provide pet bedding, hay, bottles, bowls, toys, foraging opportunities and all the fresh food. All you need to remember to bring along with you is your pet's dry food. This could be in the form of pellets for rabbits & guinea pigs, a muesli style food for our smaller furry guests, seed mixes for birds or supplements for reptiles.
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For reptiles, birds and furries excluding rabbits and guinea pigs please remember to bring your pet's accommodation along with you. Such as a hamster cage, vivarium or bird cage.
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If your pet has any special dietary requirements such as an intolerance to certain fresh foods please let us know and we can easily accommodate this.
What happens when I drop my pet off?
When you come to drop off your pet you will be met at the door for the "handover". We will confirm your collection date and time, discuss any special requirements your pet may have and take payment of any outstanding balance. This can be done in cash or bank transfer however we are unable to take card payments. Please keep to your appointment time, your pet's accommodation may not yet be ready if you are early, or we may have had to go out if you are running late.
Unfortunately we cannot allow you into the boarding area to see your pet go into their accommodation. This is because other guests are already enjoying their holiday and it is disruptive to them to have people constantly coming and going. By having only Charlotte & Andrew in the accommodation room the pets in our care stay much more relaxed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but we must put the welfare of our guests above all else. If you wish to see the accommodation you are welcome to book a viewing prior to your pets stay. We only allow one viewing per day so as to limit any stress this may cause.
My pet is on medication. Can you administer this?
Yes! We are happy to adminster any medications that your pet needs whilst they are with us. You must bring the medication in a labelled bottle / box. This should show your pet's name, dosage, how often they need it and any special storage instructions (such as needs refridgerating)
How do I make a booking?
Head to the "Make a booking" tab at the top of this page. Here you will be able to create a login and immediately be able to check our availability for your holiday dates. If we have availability you will need to make a profile for each of your pets. This includes their name, age, gender etc. You will need to add your contact details and also which vets you are registered at. You can then book them in online for your chosen dates. You must add all of this information first otherwise the system will decline the booking.
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The total cost of the stay will be shown to you as well as the cost of a 25% non-refundable and non-transferable deposit. You must send this deposit to the following bank details: Sort code 05 00 05 Account number 03587378 immediately after making the booking. We will accept the booking once this deposit has been received. Without a deposit your booking will NOT be secured and the space can still be taken by other customers.