Our Frequently Asked Questions

Are you licensed?

Yes, we are fully licensed with Sedgemoor District Council (Rebecca Linnell & Michael Walton M030597) who awarded us five stars for our home boarding and this ensures we meet the full health and safety requirements. Our license is free for anyone to view when they visit. We are also fully insured (policy details available on request).

Are you trained in canine first aid?

Yes, all of our team have attended a canine first aid course here at the hotel by a certified trainer in 2021.

What do I need to provide for my dogs stay?

When your dog stays with us there may be other dog guests staying with us at the same time and there will always be a familiarisation for our guests! Every dog staying at The Country Dog Hotel will be given their own collar tag for the duration of their stay. It is also essential that your dog is well socialised and good with other dogs. On making a reservation with us we will email you our full policies and procedures for your dogs’ holiday with us. We ask that you provide all food needed for your dog’s stay (we always keep them on the same food) and this can be dry or a raw diet, along with their lead, treats and anything else you think will help them feel at home.

However, please don’t worry about their beds as we would hate for them to be damaged by other dog guests. Their bowls are also better off remaining at home as our licence requires us to use our own for hygiene reasons. We do have a variety of slow feeders and raised bowls too.

We do ask that we have all up to date details of your vets and any contact numbers should they be needed in an emergency.

What paperwork will I need to bring?

We ask that all our guests are up to date with their vaccinations and parasite treatment. We will ask to see their vaccination card on, or before, arrival. It is also important that our guests’ vaccinations have been completed at least two weeks before the first date of boarding or in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. We will also take a note of your dogs’ microchip number.

We are also now requesting for your dog to have an up-to-date Kennel Cough vaccine. If your dog does need parasite treatment our on-site vet nurse will be happy to administer this, should you request to purchase this direct from us.

How long can my dog stay for?

Well, if we had it our way indefinitely!! Our guests are welcome to stay for as long as they like although we have a minimum stay of three days (or 4 days over a weekend) apart from the Christmas period when we look after guests for inclusive periods dependent on the year.

How much exercise does my dog get?

We love our walks! There will be at least two walks a day (or bespoke to your dogs needs). We are fortunate enough to have a secure 3-acre enclosure enabling all dogs to enjoy their freedom here as they please. Alongside this we also have a walled garden for some agility if your dog fancies something a little different, as well as our secure gardens. We also offer days out with your dogs and these can include walks in various locations around Somerset. If you have a puppy, we also can adapt their exercise to make sure they are not doing too much whilst their body is still growing. 

Where will my dog be spending its time?

The hotel is set on an 880 acre country estate and the house itself is an 18 room Georgian farmhouse. On the ground floor our guests can enjoy the lobby, the biscuit bakery, the library, the toy room, the snug, the old milking parlour, the lounge and the spa. On the first floor we have designated bedrooms for our guests where they can be sleep by or with a human team member. Our guests can normally be found helping to make homemade dog biscuits by the aga, snoozing in the lounge or playing chase in the toy room.

Where will my dog sleep?

Any sleeping arrangements can be made specific to our individual guests and your requirements. We have dog beds and sofas all over the hotel as well as the option of sleeping alongside one of our team members on a human bed on a dog bed in a bedroom, in the lounge or wherever you feel they’d be most comfortable – the choice is yours!

What times can I drop off and pick up my dog?

Our check in and out times are between 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday. We do not accept any check in or outs on Saturday & Sunday.

What type of chaffeur service do you offer?

We use our new Landrover Defenders / Mercedes to collect our guests. Our vehicles are luxurious and all equipped with air conditioning. We offer this service with guests secured on the seats using dog seatbelts and harnesses next to us, or a crate if a client has this as a certain requirement. We listen to classic FM on route to the hotel and offer various stops for a toilet break and water refresh.

What would happen if there was a medical emergency with my dog whilst they are at our hotel?

It is important that our guests are looked after to the best of our ability therefore nearly all of our team have our Dog First Aid Certificate and training. We would also make contact with you and/or your emergency contact as a matter of urgency and seek veterinary advice immediately. This would either be through your own vet as advised, or, our emergency 24-hour vet depending on the severity. We would advise that your dog has pet insurance to help with any costs that this may incur. Within our team we have a fully experienced and qualified vet nurse as well.

If my dog is on medication can we still make a reservation?

Yes of course but this can depend on the medication required. We have very clear regulations about medication and we are happy to administer most medications as long as we have exact instructions. All medication will be kept in a secure location and only given when required.

Do you accept titre testing?

No we are unable to accept dogs who have been titre tested.

What if my dog does not settle during their stay?

We normally find our guests settle in quickly once they’ve met their new holiday friends and had an explore of the surroundings and smells. Trial stays always help with this. Of course, if we feel they are very anxious we will call you straight away (or the emergency contact). We can also provide dedicated daily WhatsApp updates for guests during their stay for constant daily communication. You can follow your dog’s holiday on our Instagram page with photo and video updates too.

Are you insured?

Yes, we are fully insured to the highest level by a specialist pet care insurance agency. All documents are available to view at our premises.

What payment methods do we accept?

Currently we accept cash and bank transfer. In the near future we hope to take card payments.

What is your cancellation policy and when do I pay?

Bookings for the Country Dog Hotel will be confirmed once a 50% deposit has been received payable up to 24 hours after receiving the invoice. The deposit is deductible from the final balance of boarding). This is a non-refundable deposit. The final 50% balance for any booking is to be paid 14 days before arrival.

If for any reason The Country Dog Hotel has to cancel your booking, you will be given at least 14 days-notice (except in extreme circumstances) and your deposit returned to you.

Do we accept females in season and entire males?

We ask that females are not in or due to be in season during their stay with us. We will not be able to check-in a female who has come into season. Sadly, we are unable to take entire males who are over 10 months of age.

Can we stay in touch with our dogs whilst they are at The Country Dog Hotel?

Of course! On our VIP packages we send daily pictures and videos so you can follow your dogs’ holiday adventures. During the day we are normally out walking our guests and they are always our priority so pupdates usually follow in the evening. You are always welcome to follow our social media platforms for updates too. No matter what, please be in the knowledge that they are safe, happy and very much loved.

WHAT TIME DOES MY DOG GET FED?

We try to accommodate your own routine where possible but we do try to have specific feed times which are based around walks through the day. We do not feed dogs within two hours before or after exercise.

HOW SECURE IS THE HOTEL?

We are fortunate enough to be in a remote area of Somerset and do not put any directions for public view to the hotel. This includes Google maps and signage on roads. We also have multiple team members in the hotel throughout the day so it is never left unattended. Security cameras are also in the process of being installed and locked entry systems.

DO I GET A DISCOUNT IF I DON’T USE YOUR TRANSPORT?

No we don’t offer a discount if you drop off and collect from the hotel as the price is reflective of our complete package that we offer.