What folks have to say...
"Big thank you to Heather who has given us complete peace of mind when Snoop has been in the care of Barking Mad. If it were not for your fantastic service I probably would not have a holiday."
Posted by: Jeanette Flynn on 21st May, 2013
"It was nothing short of fantastic to see how happy our dogs were thanks to your service (and Nikki and Don, their hosts). Eddie is such a sensitive soul (he's a rescue greyhound) and to see him in such good shape after being away from us is brilliant. The emails and pictures we received while we were away were just what we needed, too!"
Posted by: Debbie Harris on 21st May, 2013
"Dennis and Daisy had a fantastic holiday in Dorset. Their host family took them on some lovely adventures and looked after them so well Im sure they were sorry to leave. If anyone is considering leaving their beloved pet in the hands of Barking Mad, do not hesitate, they will be in safe hands ."
Posted by: Christine Hicks on 21st May, 2013
"Thank you Sue for looking after Annie so well. Annie is an adorable dog who has only been with us since November and we were very concerned about where to give her a holiday so that we could know that she was being loved and looked after the same as she was with us.
Thank you for the post card and the update about her and we will be so pleased for her to stay with you again in September."
Posted by: Kathy & Mike Allan on 21st May, 2013
"Our Staffie, Frisket is 13 years old and has been to stay with Kevin and Maureen several times. This time we were really worried about leaving him, but he was well looked after and Jane was genuinely concerned to hear how he gets on in the future. It may be a little more expensive than kennels, but well worth it"
Posted by: Caroline Durrant on 21st May, 2013
“We always had dogs around the house but, since my husband passed away a couple of years ago and our old collie then had to be put down I didn't feel able to take on a dog full time, but I missed having a dog around the house and for walks. I love getting one of my regular boarders to stay or a new dog for me to get to know. They're all so different but rewarding in their own way, they get me out of the house dog walking in all weathers and keep me company in the evenings. I know that there's no pressure to take any dog that I'm not comfortable with or not convenient. I miss them all when they go away and I'm happy I've given them a loving holiday and a safe home. BM deliver the dog and all their belongings and I know all about them before they arrive so all I have to do is enjoy their company and look after them without any worry.” Mary, Herefordshire October 2011
Our Hosts
It takes a special kind of person to become a host family with Barking Mad.
Our very own host families are extremely special people indeed. They have been selected carefully and interviewed in depth at home to ensure they fit the bill. We get to know them really well and have worked with many of them for a great deal of time.
Who they are - It goes without saying, all of our hosts, without exception, are absolutely dotty about dogs. Some are actively retired people who’ve had dogs all of their lives but now enjoy the freedom and flexibility of caring for dogs on holiday. Others are younger, often with a family at home, where the addition of a visiting dog is great fun for all. We can’t begin to tell you about those hosts who have resident dogs and the adventures they all get up to.
How it works - We’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to. We think it’s important that our hosts concentrate on looking after visiting dogs and that they are not exposed to, or distracted by a constant flow of potential customers and dogs coming and going. Our hosts are also protected from the awkwardness of dealing with money, insurance and paperwork, so that the enjoyment of looking after visiting dogs remains their focus.
Barking Mad is able to provide all the benefits of dog ownership but without the full time emotional and financial commitments attached to owning a dog of your own. Whatever your circumstances, if you’re a dog lover, interested in providing a loving home, then we really would like to hear from you.
Our fantastic host families are the heart of our business and we simply couldn’t do what we do without them.