Just to say how grateful we are to you and Christine for looking after our wee darling Seumas so well when we were on our holidays.He is his usual wee happy self, which is amazing considering he is such a baby.We have put up the picture of Seumas and his new best friends in pride of place, on our fridge.I am certain Seumas will be going back to the farm for a wee bit more R and R in the future.
Fergus and Anne, Glasgow September 2011
As we can't commit to having our own dog full-time, becoming a host family for Barking mad came along at the right time. Our lives have been enriched by all the dogs we've looked after, big or small, laid-back or mischievous! We cant imagine what life would be like without Barking Mad, quieter maybe, but not half as much fun!Denise and Clive, Paston, Norwich September 2011
“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.