K9 Kennels

[Gdrunk]

To anyone out there thinking of using K9 Kennels in Kaplica........ Please don't.

This is not a hate campaign by any means but I feel people should know before they decide to use them. I will probably be shot down for this by the usual but this needs to be said. Before I do though, I will say that Suzanne is a lovely woman with a heart of gold, But.......... My 3 dogs came back from there after a 10 day stay in terrible condition. It wasn't noticeable at the moment they were dropped off but upon further inspection Oh My God!!!

They were all covered in fleas and ticks & I mean covered & in a very sorry state. The youngest of the 3 appeared to have been in a fight as she had various cuts and scabs over her head and face plus she has an abscess on the side of her face which to me looked like a puncture wound got infected. The biggest of the 3, has ear mite infestation in both ears and is suffering terribly.

Not only was it an expensive stay which is fine as they came recommended and I was told by the kennels that their place is very clean etc. 1 of our dogs was due soon for flea/tick treatment and Suzanne offered to do it for us whilst away. When she dropped them off she explained that she forgot which dog needed it so didn't bother. I wouldn't mind but she had my number and email so she should have contacted me.

Now we have had to incur further expense for treating our 3 dogs for all their troubles. I am devastated & so is my husband. They are still not themselves since their return over a week ago, still not eating properly.

I just don't want anyone else to go through what we have. I have emailed them but have had no response.

[waddo]

It is now a month since the above was posted and I would like to know if there is anything further either the poster or K9 would care to add.

I ask this as a concerned dog owner who can find no kennel facility in North Cyprus that I would care to trust my dogs to whilst I was away. A Dog or Cat kennels is a specialised facility that requires 24/7 attention, properly trained staff and cleanliness of the highest order. It is not brain surgery but it is hard work. Given that the Turkish Cypriots have now started to deal with the dogs as pets instead of just animals that require little attention I am quite surprised that a fully established and properly run kennels has not been started in Northern Cyprus. When you consider just how much is charged for kennel facilities in the UK there is obviously much money to be made in this venture.

or

Am I totally wrong and there are properly run kennels hidden away, that simply do not advertise their services, for one reason or another???

I had a recent visitor who is a Chief Inspector of the RSPCA and he explained to me just how a kennels should be set up and even run on a daily basis. I would be happy to pass on his knowledge about single occupancy kennel size, exercise area size and total exercise area size, along with the requirements for building materials, disinfection schedules, acceptance of boarding requirements and other information - it was quite an eye opener.

[Gdrunk]

Hi Waddo, I never heard back from them despite several messages left & I am pretty sure they would have seen my posting as a friend of the lady who runs K9 is a member on the forum.
I am very disappointed to have not had a response, apology or explanation as to why my 3 dogs were returned to me in the condition they were in.

I only found them by chance as they had business cards left at Le Jardin. I have since learnt that if you speak to Margaret who runs the Karakoum KAR office she either runs a boarding kennels or has dealings with a very reputable one but I cannot remember which it is.

I am sure the guy from the RSPCA would be very interested in his findings if he were to visit K9..... Something which regrettably I never did as it was a last minute booking we had to make.

As you say, there is a severe shortage of such places here and they are very much needed. If I had the funds, correct training, support & staff I would love to set up such a place but it's not that easy from what I gather here.... Too much red tape, lack of education (locally) and support from the people in charge.

[surfmeetseast]

There are also some very good and reliable house/pet sitters in TRNC. Th=e environment of your home is often a lot nicer for your animals, and they also charge a lot less. Also you have the added peace of mind that your plants are watered etc and of course the security aspects
For this reason they are usually fully booked up and have no need to advertise

[waddo]

Thanks Gdrunk, it just makes me more suspicious when no reply is ever offered. Guess that is one I will stay away from! My friend from the RSPCA comes here on holidays only and would never try to impose the RSPCA beliefs and methods on anyone out here, but he always leaves hurt and wondering just what can be done in general. He has been with them for over 25 years and the look on his face at times tells the whole story - one man against the world I am afraid.

surfmeetseast, thanks for the information but I am looking for a good kennels like these are: http://www.happyvalley.com.cy/ and not helpful people who are set up as pet sitters. I am sure they are all well meaning people but I do want professional care for my dogs and especially when I am paying for it.

I think my only hope is to await the results of the "Peace Talks" and then take them South for professional care. Until then we stay where we are and holidays are just a dream away - but our dogs stay safe and happy all the time.

[waddo]

As a final bit - I took one of my dogs to the vet yesterday for a checkup and antibiotic jab and whilst waiting noticed that there was a poster on the wall about a lost dog. The dog had escaped from the pet sitter - I rest my case in the search for professional kennels.

[Mr Mac]

Waddo, I believe the vet Niazi (Petline) has/is opening kennels. His Veterinary practice is in Catelkoy, but I think he is opening kennels at Alagadi.....might be worth giving him a ring?

[waddo]

Thank you Mr Mac, always worth a look around and see if it is a proper kennels. If I find anything out I will post it here.