Happydogs Home Boarding is very reasonably priced from around £15 per day (£25 per day for 2 dogs),…read morebut it isn't quite as convenient for Cardiff residents as some other dog boarding options because it's based in Taffs Well. If you have a car, however, it's really not very far outside of the city - just about a 15 minute drive from the centre, when the traffic's good - and they are surrounded by countryside in which they can walk your dog while you're away. What's put me off using this business is the fact that the owner Tracy doesn't board all dogs herself - instead she has built up a small network of experienced dog lovers who are able to take pets into their homes and offer them their usual home comforts. Personally, however, I'd prefer to know exactly who my dog is staying with and get to meet them first, rather than going through an 'agent' who then places my dog in an available home. Also, when you visit the 'Carers' page on the website, the photos look like stock photos rather than pictures of real carers, which doesn't have that personal touch. On the other hand, I do know of two dog owners who have gone through this dog boarding business and their dogs have enjoyed really good breaks, so it definitely seems to deserve a few stars. The carers will happily stick with your dog's normal daily routine as close as possible so there's minimal disruption, and they'll cater for some special needs.

If you come to Cardiff and need somewhere for your pets to stay; either if you come to visit…read moreCardiff and the place you stay does not allow you to have animals stay with them or you're deciding to move to Cardiff and when you do, you'll perhaps need some where for your animals to stay? Then this is the place to go... It is a neat smaller Boarding Centre and it's quite a way out in Cardiff; situated in the area of Pontprennau, not far from the shopping supermarket known as Asda, St Mellon's Road, and Parkwall Road. The do allow; dogs, cats, and small pets such as; rabbits and caged pets. The building is a very neat little place, and it is very friendly place and they take great care of your pets, to perfect perfection... We take my cat there and he always comes back freshly washed and clean and he looks like he's been fully fed. The prices vary due to the size of your pet and then per day for really reasonable prices I'd say they're all nearly all under a £20. I recommend to all pet owners. If you want to email them contact them on: BoaringCentre@AOL.com

The family behind the Boarding Centre near leafy Lisvane have been in the pet business since 1928,…read moreso your animals are in experienced hands if they stay there. Located in a green area on the edge of the city, the centre has plenty of spacious paddocks for exercising the dogs that are boarding there, and those that are sociable get the chance to play with others. I prefer to leave my dog in home boarding elsewhere, because I don't think she's of a sturdy enough disposition to cope with the noise and stresses of kennels! But if you do leave your dog in kennels, this one at leat has good exercise paddocks and an emphasis on socialising the dogs when it's possible. For cats, the centre's indoor chalet accommodation (!) is positioned well away from the kennels so that the feline boarders aren't deafened by their barking neighbourings throughout their stay. Then for smaller pets such as rabbits, there are hutches also positioned well away from the kennels and they supply the food for you as part of the overall rate - although you can take along treats or specialised food for your pet as well. They can also cater for caged pets such as birds, rats, hamsters and chinchillas.

I love going on holiday abroad, but I always worry about leaving my dog in someone else's care…read more She's way too spoilt to be holed up in kennels for a week, so I always opt for home boarding where she can enjoy home comforts, company, and plenty of fuss. I've tried a few different places since I got her, not because I've been unhappy with any of them but simply because some I've used previously have been fully booked when I've called them again, so I've had to find alternatives. Helen's 'home from home' boarding is properly licensed by Cardiff County Council and owners who leave their dog in her care can receive text or email updates about their pet's stay, if they want. Helen doesn't accept dogs with any aggression, so you don't need to worry about your pooch being bullied during their holiday. And she herself loves dogs, so you know they're going to get plenty of attention. It's not the cheapest place to board your dog, of course - the charges are generally £20 per dog per day - but I think it's worth the cost to have peace of mind that your dog is also enjoying a holiday of its own while you're off sunning yourself! Helen seems to genuinely love dogs and when you go to pick your hound up after your holiday they seem happy and balanced, albeit pleased to see their real pack leader back!

Have just picked my three dogs up from Dave and Diana at Cartref - we always use this kennel (since…read more2006) and wouldn't go anywhere else ( we have recently moved to Cwmbran and still return to this kennels). Over the years our dogs have changed but the quality of care they get from the team hasn't. My one dog has medical needs and Diana ensures that the medication is given as directed so there is no impact what so ever. They get the food they like, treats and toys. We call when we are away and get an update so we know we can holiday knowing our pets are in good hands. Until recently we also used the cattery with our elderly cats needs being cared for. We have two Shar Pei's who are not the best with people - the team know this and have invested the time in getting to know them so they are like extended family. We are fortunate to holiday twice a year so knowing the high standard of care that is provided we have already secured our bookings for next year.

I have boarded my dog here since 2010 - Diana, Dave and the staff here are fantastic - my dog is…read moreextremely nervous and also doesn't like men - she had a bad experience at another boarding kennels so didn't put her in for 3 years - I explained this prior to boarding her - this wasn't a problem as long as they know beforehand so that they can be aware - they were fantastic with her - she loves it here and when we go on holidays we never worry as she's extremely well cared for - I would highly recommend these kennels to anybody looking to board their dog/cat.

Well, what can you say about Royvon...For a start it has a dog hotel! Literally your pooches…read moreslumber in their very own boutique accommodation! So, if your like me and hate leaving your dog (tears/wailing/performing as puppy waggles off for her holiday!) here really is the place to bring he or she. Established in 1959, Royvon has had many years to establish itself as the industry leader in all aspects of Dog Behaviour Training, and boy does it do that! Their Dog Training Schools offer a wide range of Dog Training services including Residential Dog Training (They will actually train your dog in the Boarding Kennels whilst you are on holiday), Puppy Training Classes, Dog Obedience Training and Targeted Dog Behaviour Training for breed specific obedience or training problems. They are even on offer to just have a chat about your mut. All in all the perfect dog kennels, this place even comes with a 100% recommendation...beat that suckers!

All the poor little dogs here will break your heart. I still can't believe how some people can just…read moreabandon their animals but I know its not always that simple either. At least if the dogs end up here they have the chance of finding a nice new home. I went with my friend to visit the dog she was intending on re-homing and its a really good place. The staff to their very best to make sure you are right for the dog. You might just want the cutest one by they will match you up with the most suitable dogs for you. They had quite a few bull-dogs and staffy types so you may not instantly find the right one for you. Tedi the new dog has been a really good pet to my friend. He's had all his injections and medical check-ups so she didn't have to worry about the expense of that, and he's really lovely. I want one.

It's tough visiting a rescue centre like this. Each pair of puppy-dog eyes staring out at you from…read morebehind the bars seems to be begging you to take them away from the noise and chaos of kennels. These dogs desperately need homes. The RSPCA is severely struggling to find kennel space because there is so much demand for it - and this puts huge pressure on their resources. The staff at this rescue centre are very helpful if you have questions about particular dogs, and are keen to find suitable, well-matched homes so that the dogs are not returned to the rescue centre. I've never actually rehomed from this centre, but I have visited a couple of times hoping to find the right dog (she came along from elsewhere, in the end!). They keep the kennels clean and exercise the dogs as regularly as is possible with the numbers they're dealing with - and take on dog walking volunteers if you have any time to spare. If you do decide to rehome a dog from this centre, you will be asked to pay between about £95 and £120, depending on the age and breed of the dog.

If your dog has behavioural issues, whether it involves anxiety, barking, stress or whatever else,…read moreCardiff Canine Citizens works with dogs and their owners to resolve problems. Caroline Cowan is the dog behaviourist / psychologist behind the company, offering both group training classes working towards the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme (KCGCDS) Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, and one-to-one consultations and training sessions. She's owned many rescue dogs of different breeds and crosses, and currently has several including a Bullmastiff, Rottweiler cross, Skye Terrier cross, and a another mix of Doberman, Dogue de Bordeaux and American Bulldog! She seems to specialise in working with challenging breeds and has even appeared on TV and radio as a behavioural expert. She's well-qualified, and works as a local authority dog warden in addition to her training and behavioural work, which covers Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan. Her private behavioural consultations don't come cheap, however, but you're paying for her many years of experience: within 10 miles of central Cardiff it costs £95 for a two hour session.

Pets Go Walkies is the dog walking and pet sitting business of Kari, set up in 2007, and based in…read moreEast Central Cardiff. Before setting up her business, she took in various pets for friends, family and neighbours when they went on holiday, and volunteered at The Cinnamon Trust which involved walking dogs in Cardiff as well as pet sitting cats. She set up Pets Go Walkies to offer people an alternative to traditional kennels and catteries, which many pets find stressful, and to offer a dog walking service to owners working full days and needing someone to drop in to exercise their pet. Kari is obviously interested in animal behaviour and training, and even has some helpful resources on her website to help pet owners with training and socialisation. She can usually cover the following areas: Splott, Adamsdown, Tremorfa, Pengam Green, Roath, Penylan, Trowbridge, Llanrumney, Rumney, St Mellons, Pentwyn, Llanederyn, Cyncoed, Cathays, Gabalfa, Maindy, Blackweir, Heath, Rhiwbina, Birchgrove, Canton, Victoria Park, Fairwater, Llandaff, Pontcanna, Blackwater, Whitchurch, Grangetown, Riverside, Butetown, Cardiff Bay and Penarth.

Kari started Pets Go Walkies in 2007 and runs it singlehandedly which means you and your pets get a…read moremore personal service. Kari loves animals: 'Growing up I had many pets that I adored. My first was a fish named Flipper who lived for 10 years, which isn't bad for a goldfish. I also grew up with rabbits, 2 tortoises, budgies, hamsters and guinea pigs and we also inherited my grandma's toy poodle, Pim, who was rather misbehaved but lots of fun to be with for an 8 year old.' She's had many pets since then, including cats Monty and Sox. Kari has spent time studying the care of dogs, cats and small pets, pet first aid and dog training techniques as well as dog and cat behaviour. She wants to give your pets a happier time, whether offering dog walking services while you are working late on that project, or pet sitting while you are sunning yourself abroad. 'I knew it would be the best job ever, getting to meet & hang out with dogs & cats & other pets; what could be better?' The women is smitten with small creatures, she really is.