Gloucester Boarding Kennels

We were desperate to find a cat boarding service that offered airport pickup services. As we had to ship our old cat from Winnipeg to Ottawa. Then we found Gloucester kennels. They quickly replied to my booking request I submitted online through their website, and they reassure me that my pet would be picked up from the airport as they have been in the business for a while. Moreover, they were able to accommodate my cat's special food requirements, as he suffers from stage 2 renal dysfunction. For a small fee, they ordered and picked up the required food from the veterinarian. Overall, they were a godsend to us during our relocation process, as it avoided us from having to ferry him in the car for 5 days. After having visited their facilities, let me reassure you that your pet will be extremely comfortable and well taken care of. I definitely recommend this place for your pet boarding needs. Thank you Gloucester Kennels.

I just picked up my dog Malakai from Gloucester Boarding Kennels today and I have to say I was very impressed with the care he and I both recieved. They reassured me that he would be shown his surroundings and then when he felt comfortable would be put out in the yard to play with the other dogs (cardio fetch play) which was very important to me since I just didn't want him to be put in his kennel straight away. I also was able to see daily pictures of him on their Facebook page of him playing with his new friends. I had taken him to the groomers a few days prior and when I picked him up he smelt as good as he did when I dropped him off so I don't know about the review I read about a dog smelling so bad they had to open the car windows. And in reply to another review about kennel cough all dogs should be vaccinated for that if around other dogs even at dog parks. The best part is when we went to pick him up he was glad to see us but was calm and not anxious to leave he even went over to the women for a pet as to say good bye only once I asked if he was ready to leave did he head to the door and jump up to open it believe me if he hadn't of enjoyed his stay he would have ran to the door trying to get out ?. I will definitely be bringing him back next year and would refer this kennel to friends.

I've noticed a lot of reviews that do not truly classify nor encompass the experience well, so I figured I would help those who are wondering and curious about whether this is the right kennel for you. To be forthright and transparent, my parents and I were clients for about 6 years; I was a kennel attendant there for about another 6 years after, and we have been continuing to kennel both our dog and my cat for another 2 years now. Let's begin with strictly my family's client aspect. As a client, we received almost all the time, warm greetings. The place looks well kept, the animals seem happy, and the smell is is fine (I assume people with hypersensitive noses are the ones complaining). Remember it is a kennel, so it won't smell like roses and know we tried. The staff is happy to give tours, and the kennel is frequently busy. The prices are decent. A few small complaints would include a somewhat small parking lot, and some buisness hours which are in inopportune. Now from the kennel attendant aspect. I worked there for about 6 years prior and during my University degree. I acquired a lot of knowledge as to how the kennel is run and operated. It was a difficult job, but it was the reason I pursued a job in veterinary medicine. Now to get to the information everyone is interested in and to debunk any myths or misconceptions. (Following is based on my personal work experience, but I do not work there now) I and the staff were always happy to give tours. No we were not allowed to have clients in the back for liability purposes. We had nothing to hide, but if a client got bit, we were on the hook. Furthermore we cleaned everything daily, should a client slip and fall in the back, again liability purposes. Furthermore, it disrupts the dogs enormously. They get used to seeing the staff. If everyone went to the back on a regular basis, the more timid dogs would not enjoy there time, so for their sake, we limit that. Next, the animals are treated very well. They get let out on average 4 times per day (not including any exercise options). They get fed as many times as requested by the client (which can be a lot considering me and my cat). Medication is taken care of (for a price). In the summer there are kiddie pools, and there are toys in the yard all the time. To address cleanliness concerns, like I expressed prior, we cleaned daily. If a dog was particularly smelly, we would give them a bath before they went home. The fact is, that regardless of your dog's training, they could either be good or bad in kennels. For example, my family german shepherd is RCMP trained and perfect in the house (albeit a nut case outside). She is not clean when in the kennel. Other dogs can be well adapted to a kennel, but not good at home. So saying your dog is house trained really isn't accurate at a kennel. To further add, the MAJORITY of dogs take the kennel atmosphere very well. Some are more timid, and we try to accommodate them as much as possible (ie more quiet zones). The next topic is injuries. It is very rare a dog gets injured. Of this rarity, the most common scenarios are nose scrapes, hotspots or allergies. If your dog is a digger or kennel shy, he/she may try to dig under the fence and scrape their nose on the chainlink as a result. We have taken all precautions to prevent this, but some still do injure themselves which can result in gashes. Like I mentioned, rare. As for hotspots (patches of lost fur), this can be due to allergies, or spilling their water bowl consistently. The last scenario is diarrhea. This could be a result of your pet being timid or food related (if you do not bring your own food in). We do our best to take care of such scenarios and the staff has been trained to do so. As for the cats, since we have neglected them until now, the kennels include heat lamps and a window (which we open in the summer). The areas are nice and to be honest, the cats don't generally move much, so they rarely use the full space given. To summarize, I recommend as a current client and former worker.

My dog stayed at this kennel for almost 2 weeks back in Febuary. I picked him up and brought him home and I noticed he was filthy with spots on paws from rashes/hair loss. Possibly fungus.. He was also very aggressive for at least a week after I got back. Lets just say I wont be going back.

Best place to bring your dogs! I always know when my animals are here they are being not only cared for properly but the staff go above and beyond to make sure they feel at home! They also take non stop pictures, I feel like I'm always with them when we leave for 10 days! In my opinion this is the best kennel in Ottawa! Keep up the good work!!!:)!

On two separate occasions over the years with 2 different small dogs we had very poor service and true neglect of both dogs. in one case we dropped our small old poodle off. She had medication for female incontinence but with the meds she was fine. She was a picky eater so we left some people food for her as well. When i picked her up she was filthy and shaking and they told me she constantly wet herself and her pen. They had just tossed her blanket. When i arrived they gave me the dog and she was obviously distressed and i ask where her bag was. What bag they said? They had to go searching. All the meds and the food were still in the bag, they had not cared for her nor given her, her meds. I was appalled and would never recommend this kennel!!!

I have been bringing my dog(s) to this kennel since 1989! I have used their services for stays of days and sometimes weeks as my job relied on travel. I know when my dog is there I have no worries...always well cared for and always happy. Professional facility with owners who know dogs so well. Highly recommend.

Picked my dog up from the May long weekend 2022 after the big storm. They take such good care of my dog and he really loves it there! Came back home happy and exhausted. Another five stars! Thanks so much again.