FAQs
Explore our Frequently Asked Questions to find all the answers you need
about Crossroads Resort’s premier dog daycare services.
about Crossroads Resort’s premier dog daycare services.
General
Are you licensed?
Yes, we are fully licensed. All activities carried out on our premises have been independently assessed and are regulated by the relevant governing bodies. This helps ensure we maintain high standards of safety, care and professionalism in everything we do.
Are you insured?
Yes, we are fully insured for all the services we offer, so you can have peace of mind knowing your dog is in safe hands while they’re with us.
Are your animal carers first aid trained?
Yes, all our staff are trained in both canine and human emergency first aid. We also have a defibrillator on site, so we’re well prepared should an emergency arise.
Kennels
Can I visit where my dog will be staying?
Yes, of course! You’re more than welcome to arrange a viewing of our kennels before your dog’s stay, so you can have a look around and see where they’ll be staying.
If your dog hasn’t stayed with us before, we also offer a trial day or overnight stay. This gives them a chance to get used to the new surroundings and allows our team to see how they settle in before their longer stay.
What are your office opening hours?
Our office opening hours are:
Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 11:45am and 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Sunday & Bank Holidays: 9:00am – 11:00am
Please note that our latest collection time is 5:00pm Monday to Saturday to allow enough time for a smooth handover before the office closes.
How can I check on my dog during their stay?
You’re always welcome to give us a call or send us an email to see how your dog is getting on during their stay. Our team will be happy to give you an update and answer any questions you might have.
My dog is aggressive. Can they board at Crossroads Kennels?
We understand that some dogs can display aggressive behaviour, and this doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t stay with us. Before accepting a booking, we’ll need to arrange an assessment with one of our on-site trainers to see whether our kennel environment is suitable for your dog.
Depending on their behaviour and individual needs, we may still be able to accommodate them with additional supervision from a trainer. Where this is required, an additional charge of £50 per day will apply. All bookings are accepted at the owner’s discretion, with the safety and wellbeing of our staff and the other dogs in our care being our main priority.
My dog is anxious. Can they board at Crossroads Kennels?
Yes, we regularly care for dogs who are anxious or nervous in new environments, and we understand that every dog is different. All dogs staying with us for the first time are required to complete a trial day and overnight stay. This gives them a chance to experience the kennels before a longer booking and allows our team to see how they settle, including whether they’re comfortable eating, toileting and resting in a new environment.
We encourage you to let us know about any anxieties, behavioural concerns or specific needs your dog may have before their trial. Our experienced team will take these into account and give your dog the time and support they need to settle. The trial also helps us decide whether boarding is the right option for your dog, as we want them to be comfortable during their stay rather than unnecessarily stressed.
My dog requires medication for a health condition. Can this be administered?
Yes, we can administer medication during your dog’s stay. Our staff are trained in the safe storage and administration of medication, and we’ll follow the instructions provided for your dog.
Our medication administration times are between 8:00am and 5:00pm. If your dog requires medication at specific times or with particular intervals between doses, please get in touch before booking so we can discuss their needs and whether we’re able to accommodate their medication schedule.
Will my dog be walked while boarding with you?
Yes, all dogs staying with us are walked twice a day as part of our standard boarding service. Walks take place in our secure exercise paddocks, where there’s a range of equipment and enrichment activities for them to enjoy.
Additional one to one walks with a member of staff can also be booked in advance. These take place in the activity zones at our daycare centre.
Will my dog be staying with other dogs?
No, each dog has their own individual kennel during their stay with us. Dogs from the same household can stay together if you would prefer them to share, but we never house dogs from different households together.
Do I need to provide food for my dog?
You’re welcome to bring your dog’s usual food with them, which we recommend to help keep their diet consistent and avoid any upset stomachs during their stay. Alternatively, we can provide food from the brands we keep on site. If you’d like to know what options are available, just ask a member of our reception team.
Can my dog where equipment during their stay?
The use of prong collars, shock collars, vibration collars and electronic devices attached to collars, harnesses or dogs is not permitted during boarding. Clients must ensure such equipment is removed before arrival. Any prohibited equipment left on a dog will be removed by Crossroads Resort staff and stored securely until collection.
What extra enrichment can my dog do during their stay?
We offer a range of additional enrichment activities, including social sessions, individual or paired exercise and hydrotherapy. We understand that every dog is different, so our team can help you choose activities that suit your dog’s personality, needs and preferences. If you’d like to add any extra enrichment to their boarding stay, just speak to a member of our team.
Please note that social activities and pool based sessions are subject to a prior assessment in line with the requirements of our daycare and hydrotherapy departments.
Will my dog socialise with other dogs during their stay?
As part of our standard boarding service, dogs from different households are exercised separately and won’t be mixed together.
If you’d like your dog to take part in group activities during their stay, we can arrange this through our daycare centre. These sessions are subject to a prior assessment to make sure group activities are suitable for your dog.
Can you board puppies?
Yes, we welcome puppies from 9 months old for short stays of up to 7 days. For longer stays, dogs must be at least 12 months old.
All puppies must be fully vaccinated and complete a trial day and overnight stay before their booking. We know that younger dogs are still learning and getting used to new experiences, so their trial stay gives us a chance to see how they cope with the kennel environment and whether boarding is the right fit for them at their age.
Daycare
What is doggy daycare?
Doggy daycare gives your dog somewhere safe and enjoyable to spend the day while you’re at work or busy with other commitments.
At Crossroads, dogs have the opportunity to socialise, play and exercise in a supervised environment with our experienced team. Throughout the day, we provide a mix of activities, enrichment and rest periods to make sure dogs have plenty to do without becoming overwhelmed or overtired. It’s a great way for dogs who enjoy the company of others to have a change of scenery, burn off some energy and enjoy their day while you’re away.
Can all dogs join Crossroads Daycare?
Not all dogs are suited to a daycare environment, so we have an assessment process in place to make sure it’s the right fit for each dog.
Before booking an assessment, we’ll ask you to complete a pre-screening form so we can learn more about your dog’s behaviour, personality and previous experiences. This helps us decide whether an assessment session would be appropriate. If invited for an assessment, your dog will spend time with one of our on-site trainers, who will assess their suitability for daycare and how they interact with other dogs. This also helps us make sure they’re placed with dogs of similar temperaments and play styles.
Can I see the facilities and meet the team before my dog attends?
Yes, of course! You’re more than welcome to arrange a viewing of our daycare facilities and meet the team before booking your dog’s assessment.
This gives you a chance to have a look around, see where your dog will be spending their day and ask any questions you might have. It’s also a good opportunity for us to learn a little more about your dog and their individual needs.
Will my dog be supervised?
Yes, all dogs attending our daycare are supervised at all times by our experienced team. We keep a close eye on group interactions, playtime and rest periods to make sure every dog is safe, comfortable and enjoying their day with us.
Do I need to provide toys for my dog?
No, there’s no need to bring toys from home. We provide a range of toys and enrichment activities throughout the day to keep the dogs entertained and engaged. If you’d prefer to bring a favourite toy from home, you’re welcome to do so. However, these will only be given to your dog when they’re separated from the group.
Can my dog where equipment during the day?
The use of prong collars, shock collars, vibration collars and electronic devices attached to collars, harnesses or dogs is not permitted during boarding. Clients must ensure such equipment is removed before arrival. Any prohibited equipment left on a dog will be removed by Crossroads Resort staff and stored securely until collection.
Can puppies attend daycare?
Our daycare is open to dogs aged 12 months and over. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept puppies under this age.
For younger dogs, we do offer puppy training classes and boarding options (from 9 months old), so there are still ways for your puppy to enjoy and benefit from our facilities.
My dog requires medication for a health condition. Can this be administered?
Yes, we can administer medication while your dog is attending daycare. Our staff are trained in the safe storage and administration of medication, and we’ll follow the instructions provided for your dog.
Medication can be administered between 8:00am and 5:00pm. If your dog requires medication at specific times or with particular intervals between doses, please get in touch beforehand so we can discuss their needs and whether we’re able to accommodate their medication schedule.
Do I need to provide food for my dog?
We recommend feeding your dog their usual meals at home before and after daycare. However, if your dog needs to be fed during the day, we’re happy to accommodate this.
We just ask that you bring their usual food with them, and we’ll make sure they’re fed separately from the group so they can enjoy their meal without any distractions from other dogs.
Does my dog need to be spayed/neutered?
No, your dog doesn’t need to be spayed or neutered to attend our daycare. We assess each dog individually to make sure they’re suited to the daycare environment, regardless of whether they’re neutered.
However, female dogs cannot attend daycare while they are in season.
We also monitor behaviour closely, and if we notice any hormonal behaviours that could affect your dog or others in the group, we may need to temporarily suspend or withdraw their daycare place. This decision will be made by our team with the safety and wellbeing of all dogs in mind.
Hydrotherapy
What are the benefits of hydrotherapy for my dog?
Hydrotherapy can benefit dogs of all ages, whether they’re recovering from an injury, managing a long term condition or simply looking to improve their fitness. Exercising in water allows dogs to work their muscles while reducing the strain on their joints.
Some of the main benefits include:
Low-impact exercise: The buoyancy of water supports your dog’s weight, allowing them to exercise with less pressure on their joints. This can be particularly helpful for dogs recovering from surgery or injury.
Pain relief and mobility: Hydrotherapy can help dogs with conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia by supporting movement and improving joint mobility.
Muscle strength: Swimming helps build and maintain muscle strength, which is important for rehabilitation, fitness and older dogs experiencing muscle loss.
Improved fitness: Hydrotherapy provides a full-body workout that can help improve stamina, cardiovascular fitness and weight management.
Range of movement: Exercising in water can encourage movement and flexibility, particularly in dogs experiencing stiffness or reduced mobility.
Confidence and wellbeing: For dogs who enjoy water, hydrotherapy can also provide mental stimulation and an enjoyable form of exercise.
Every dog is different, and hydrotherapy isn’t suitable for every condition. Our hydrotherapy team can discuss your dog’s individual needs and help determine whether it’s appropriate for them. Veterinary consent may also be required before starting sessions.
Do I need a vet to refer me?
Yes, we require a veterinary consent form to be completed and signed by your vet before your dog can begin hydrotherapy sessions with us. This helps us understand your dog’s medical history and any health conditions we need to be aware of, so we can plan their sessions safely and appropriately.
You can download the consent form from our Hydrotherapy page. If you have any questions or need help with the process, just get in touch with our team.
Will my insurance pay for sessions?
Many pet insurance policies cover hydrotherapy, but this will depend on your provider and the level of cover you have.
We recommend checking with your insurance company before booking to confirm whether your dog’s sessions will be covered and if there are any specific requirements for making a claim.
Our team can provide the relevant documentation to help you with your insurance claim if needed.
Can my dog do fun swim sessions?
Yes, we offer fun swim sessions as well as water confidence sessions with our hydrotherapists. Whether your dog already loves swimming or needs a little help building their confidence in the water, our team can tailor sessions to suit their experience and ability.
My dog has multiple health issues - is hydrotherapy still a good idea?
Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for dogs with a range of health conditions, but it isn’t suitable for every dog.
If your dog has multiple health issues, we’d recommend getting in touch with our hydrotherapy team before booking. We can discuss their medical history and individual needs to help determine whether hydrotherapy may be appropriate for them.
We’ll also need veterinary consent before starting any sessions to make sure hydrotherapy is a safe and suitable option for your dog.
Are the hydrotherapists trained?
Yes, both of our hydrotherapists are fully trained and qualified, so you can feel confident that your dog is receiving professional care throughout their sessions.
How clean is the hydrotherapy pool?
Our hydrotherapy pool is carefully maintained and regularly tested to make sure the water is clean and safe for every dog using it. We have a filtration system that continuously circulates and cleans the water, completing a full cycle every two hours.
Our team also carries out checks three times a day, monitoring the water’s pH levels, chlorine levels and temperature to make sure everything stays within the correct range.
In addition, we carry out monthly water quality testing, with results submitted for external verification to ensure we’re meeting the required standards.
Can I swim with my dog?
No, owners aren’t able to join their dogs in the hydrotherapy pool. All sessions are carried out by our qualified hydrotherapists, who are trained in canine anatomy, movement and safe handling in the water.
This allows our team to closely monitor your dog throughout their session and make sure the exercises are appropriate for their individual needs and abilities.
What if my pet doesn’t like water?
Not all dogs are naturally confident around water, and that’s absolutely fine. Our hydrotherapists are experienced in working with nervous or hesitant dogs and will take things at a pace they’re comfortable with.
During their first session, we’ll focus on gently introducing your dog to the pool and building their confidence without putting them under unnecessary pressure.
Some dogs take longer than others to feel comfortable in the water, so we’ll always work at your dog’s pace and assess how they’re coping throughout their sessions.
Training
Do you offer group classes or 121 training sessions?
Yes, we offer both group classes and one to one training sessions, depending on what you and your dog need.
Our group classes are a great way to work on training around other dogs in a structured environment, while our one to one sessions allow us to focus on specific training goals or behavioural concerns.
If you’re unsure which option would be best for your dog, our training team will be happy to advise.
What breeds do you train?
We work with dogs of all breeds and sizes, tailoring our training to suit each dog’s individual needs, temperament and abilities.
Is my dog too old for training?
Not at all! Dogs can learn new skills at any age, so it’s never too late to start training.
Whether you’re looking to work on basic obedience, improve existing skills or address particular behaviours, our trainers can adapt sessions to suit your dog’s age, abilities and individual needs.
If you’re unsure where to start, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss the options with you.
How long does it typically take to see results from dog training?
Every dog is different, so there’s no set timeframe for seeing results from training. Progress depends on a number of factors, including your dog’s temperament, what you’re working on and how consistently training is practised.
Training isn’t always a straightforward process, and it’s normal to have good days and more challenging ones along the way. Your involvement is also a big part of your dog’s progress. Practising what you’ve learned between sessions helps build consistency and gives your dog the best chance of success.
We always encourage owners to recognise the smaller improvements along the way, as these are often just as important as reaching the bigger goals.
How do I prepare for dog training classes?
There’s no need to do anything complicated before attending a training class, but there are a few things we’d recommend bringing along to help you and your dog get the most out of your session.
Suitable equipment: Bring a well fitting collar or harness and a standard lead. If you’re unsure what equipment is suitable for your dog, feel free to ask us before your class.
Plenty of treats: Bring a good supply of small, tasty treats that your dog enjoys. We’d recommend bringing something particularly rewarding to help keep their attention when working around distractions.
A favourite toy: If your dog enjoys playing with toys, bringing one along can be another great way to reward them during training.
Water: Bring some fresh water and a bowl so your dog can have a drink when needed.
Most importantly, come ready to learn and be patient with your dog. Training takes practice, and there’s no expectation for your dog to get everything right straight away!
When can you start training a puppy?
Puppies can join our group puppy classes from 12 weeks old, provided they’ve had their required vaccinations. If your puppy hasn’t completed their vaccinations yet, you’re still welcome to get in touch. We offer one to one puppy training sessions where we can help you get started with early training and discuss safe ways to socialise your puppy before they’re ready to join a group class.
There’s plenty you can work on with your puppy from the moment they come home, so you don’t need to wait until they’re old enough for classes to start training.
Most importantly, come ready to learn and be patient with your dog. Training takes practice, and there’s no expectation for your dog to get everything right straight away!
Can my dog toilet on the premises?
Yes, your dog is welcome to go to the toilet in our designated training areas. We just ask that you clean up after them to help keep the facilities tidy for everyone. If your dog toilets on the artificial grass, we provide disinfectant products and ask that you use these to clean the area afterwards.
What is the appropriate age to start training my dog?
You can start training your dog as soon as you bring them home! Puppies can begin learning from around 8 weeks old, and early training is a great way to build good habits, establish routines and develop a strong relationship with your puppy. For younger puppies, we’d recommend keeping training sessions short, positive and enjoyable, focusing on simple skills and everyday behaviours.
As your dog grows, you can gradually build on these foundations and introduce more advanced training. And remember, it’s never too late to start training, even with an older dog!