Days Out With Your Dog – Dog Friendly Attractions Close to Dartford

Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

If you are looking for something different to do with your dog then this is for you! This railway is just over an hour car journey away from Dartford and dogs travel for free! The railway runs from Hythe to Dungeness and the trains that run on this line are all miniature diesel and steam locomotives.

Each stop is within walking distance of a beach, with a national nature reserve at the Dungeness stop, so there is loads to explore with your dog and lots of scenic walks to go on to let your dog burn off all of that excess energy.

Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate

Just over an hour away from Dartford and you will find yourself on the coast surrounded by sea, sand and fresh air. If your dog loves the beach this is the place to take them! The majority of the sandy coastline welcomes dogs with just some restrictions in place between 1st May and 30th September, so it’s the perfect place to go for a walk.

There are also loads of dog friendly places to grab some food and drink in the surrounding areas once you have worked up an appetite on your walk. As well as this there are a number of great dog friendly places to stay if you fancied treating your dog to a weekend away.

Hever Castle

Around 40 minutes away from Dartford is Hever Castle with over 125 acres of ground to explore and walk around with your dog, providing they are kept on their lead. They are not allowed in the castle, however there is a special area in the courtyard for your dog to rest while you have a look around.

Dogs are also welcome to sit outside in the Moat Restaurant and Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant where there are dog bowls on offer, which will probably be needed after all of the exploring and walking.

Canoe Wild

This is another one that is a bit different and perfect if you are looking for a bit of an adventure with your dog. Canoe Wild is in Canterbury, around an hour away from Dartford and you are able to hire canoes and kayaks with your dog. You can also take part in one of the guided tours on offer.

There is a picnic area and lovely walks around the picturesque surrounding woodland and countryside, so this is a great place for an all-round day out with your dog.

To view our dog care services, check availability or make an enquiry simply complete our online form via our website.

Well-being Dogs in Schools can Reduce Stress and Assist Positive Mental Health in Students

There is a new kind of pawsome pal in town, the ‘school well-being dog!’ It’s a new concept to many of us but it is an incentive that has been publically recommended by the Education Secretary Damian Hinds, who says that more and more schools seem to be accepting ‘well-being dogs’ into their school communities and that ‘pets can really help!’ But what is a well-being dog, how can it benefit students and how does a school obtain one?

Firstly, it is important to outline the issues that pupils face, as this ultimately sets the foundational needs for a well-being dog to come into the school community. Students feel an increased pressure via social media to appear ‘perfect’ and this can lead to online bullying, where students can feel they have no escape even once they go home from school. This can be extremely difficult for young individuals and lead to adolescent mental health issues such as; self-harming, depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

Bringing a pet into the school is said to increase a sense of well-being and safety for students, which in turn can have a positive effect on their mental health. Students can relate to animals and they have a soothing presence within the school environment. Mental health is an issue that needs to be addressed in schools and the emotional well-being of students needs to be developed, so that they can cope in later life.

Well-being dogs are a low-cost effective solution to assisting young people with feeling safe within the school and improving their mental health. Students can empathise with animals in a way that they can’t always with other humans and this develops their emotional well-being. Having a dog in school can be an uplifting experience and assist individuals in feeling more relaxed, confident and ability to cope with challenging situations.

So how does a school obtain a well-being dog? Well there are large national companies which specialise specifically in rearing well-being dogs from puppies, there are also independent well-being dog handlers, who you can search for locally to your school. A school can seek out contact and commence communications with regards to how often the dog would be in school and which dog would suit the specific school environment. Once a suitable agreement is in place then parents will be contacted to seek written permission for their child to be involved in the well-being dog sessions, parents have the choice to opt out their child at this stage.

Then once all of the permission slips have been received back, the dog can begin coming into schools. Often dogs will start as puppies so that they can get used to their new school environment, simultaneously with the pupils getting used to their new pawfect pal! The dog can sit in the entrance of school and greet everyone as they come into class and then the well-being dog can usually roam around the school freely for a period of time, interacting with students!

One thing is for sure well-being dogs are well and truly perceived as part of the school community and positive interactions between the children and dog are welcomed and encouraged. At Scamps and Champs we think it is a fantastic idea both for the dog’s socialisation and for the emotional support and development of the children. Allowing dogs and children to interact positively will allow children who don’t have any animals at home, to reduce any anxieties they may have and support their confidence development.

To find out more about Scamps and Champs services or to ask us a pet care related question, simply complete our short online enquiry form.

Reigate March 2019 News

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to your Reigate Scamps and Champs March 2019 Newsletter. This month it’s all about introducing you to our new dog walkers and two new pawsome pet clients! 

We are thoroughly enjoying looking after your pets and ensuring they get out for many walks in the fresh air! 

It appears our dog walkers enjoy the experience just as much as your dogs do! 

Introducing Cintia and Dan!

Hi all, I introduced you all to the lovely Dan the other day and I now have the pleasure of introducing Cintia who by the looks of this picture is a match made in heaven! Welcome to the Scamps and Champs Reigate team Cintia its great to have you on board!

“Hello! I am Cintia and I am passionate about animals. My love for them defines who I am today, I am also a local artist, a ceramicist. I come from Argentina, where I grew up surrounded by animals, mainly  dogs and  cats, but I also had hamsters, ducks,  rabbits, tortoises, even a fox I had! Stray dogs followed me everywhere, as I couldn’t resist cuddling, stroking and feeding them whenever possible!

Today I am the lucky owner of Willow, a Jack Russell crossed with Shih Tzu who I love dearly and on a regular basis I look after Bunji, rescued from the streets of Spain, my sister’s dog. I have also come forward for fostering dogs saved from the Asian meat trade! 

I am really loving being part of Scamps & Champs through whom I had the opportunity to meet and look after ‘Danny’! I can’t wait to see what the future brings with this new adventure…Thank you Simon!”

Meet Kim!

“I’m Kim & I’m part of the Scamps and Champs team in Reigate. I have years of experience in the animal industry working in places such as Last Chance Rescue Centre & Orchard Farm Kennels, I am also currently volunteering for the RSPCA Godstone & have grown up with various pets. I have completed courses in Animal Care & Pet Obedience which means I am able to help with some aspects of training such as lead and recall work. I am also currently studying Animal Welfare​.”

We are so pleased to have you on board Kim it is clear how experienced you are and how passionate you are about animals!

Wedding Pet Chaperone Service 2019

Did you know that you can now have your pet present on your wedding day?

Using Scamps and Champs Wedding Chaperone Service, we will ensure you pet is looked after for the entirety of the day!

We tailor each service to suit your individual requirements and we can even ensure that your pet is dressed for the occasion! 

New Pet Client Gallery!

We have two super cute miniture dachshund pups Ruby and Saphie who have started walking with the lovely Kim at Scamps and Champs Reigate! – How gorgeous are they!

Ruby and Saphie

So now we have introduced you to everyone don’t forget to check our service availability or ask us any questions above! 

We look forward to hearing from you soon and to our dedicated team caring for your pets in the future!

All the best

Simon Ellis – Scamps & Champs Reigate

Check out our availability or get in touch to ask us a question via our simple online form and one of the team will get back to you shortly!

Your Pets at your Wedding? – Well I never thought it could be possible!

As we all know for the bride it’s her special day, why shouldn’t your beloved pet be part of this and, the groom would secretly love to have that happen too! It really is possible and after an initial free consultation you will find out just how Scamps and Champs Reigate can help to make this part of your dream day come true. We recognise how important it is that you have your pet included in your wedding and we want to help your day go as perfectly as possible for you. We can ensure that your best friend is chaperoned to your wedding venue and by your side in all of your professional wedding photographs.

From collection in the morning, or the night before, to having your pet looking their best by having them expertly groomed, to being a ring bearer your chaperone can take care of everything. If you also need your dog walked, your pets fed and even looked after the night after, don’t worry we will design the package to suit your personal needs and wants. All of our wedding packages are bespoke and can be tailored to your individual requirements. Your cat or dog can be involved in as little or as much of your special day as you like. It is important that we meet your needs and work together to meet the personality and requirements of your pet too. We recognise that a wedding venue is an unfamiliar environment for your furry friend and we therefore want to be there to support them every step of the way.

So if you are getting married this year and thought how can you make this happen? Just think how great it would be to have the lasting memory. Please do get in touch and if you are getting married  in the Surrey, Sussex and Kent areas it will our pleasure to help and support you by enabling you to have your best friend there knowing they are being expertly looked after the whole time.

CLICK HERE to ask us a question or to check availability for the Wedding Pet Chaperone Service!

View Scamps and Champs Reigate webpage to see more about our services.

Top Dog Walking Destinations – Dartford

There are a number of lovely places to go dog walking in Dartford and we’ve got the details on the best places below, to keep both you and your dog happy. Walking your dog in the fresh country air is excellent exercise for both you and your canine companion and really does provide you both with that ‘feel-good’ factor.

Dartford Heath

Dartford Heath has 314 acres, so you won’t be stuck for places to walk and explore with your dog. There is a free car park on Heath lane with multiple sign posted walks from 1km to 5km that take you through both woodlands and open heathland. If your dog loves a splash during your walks there are also 3 ponds. Beware if your dog loves to chase wildlife though, as there are plenty of rabbits, birds and squirrels around.

Darenth Country Park

Another great place to walk your dog in Dartford is Darenth Country Park, with various sign posted trails through both wooded and open land, as well as a free car park. If you enjoy taking your dog for a walk with the kids then there is also a small play area with rocks to scramble over and a balance beam. There is the added benefit of the great views when you reach the top of the slope to make dog walking even more worthwhile.

Beacon Wood Country Park

This is a slightly shorter walk than the expansive Dartford Heath, however it is a great place to visit if you dog loves to explore walking through woodlands. There are a number of pathways through the woodland with some great views as well as exercise equipment along the walks if you wanted a bit of an additional work out while walking your dog. There is also a lake within the woodlands for your dog to play around in during your walk.

Horton Kirby

For those that don’t mind going that little bit further out for a picturesque dog walk, about 4 miles South East of Dartford is Horton Kirby on the river Darent. There is a lovely 3 mile walk along the river with loads for you and your dog to explore. There is a lot of wildlife along the route, so maybe one to avoid if your dog loves to chase anything that moves.

Camer Park

Starting at Camer Park, slightly further South East of Dartford is a beautiful 4.7 mile walk with amazing views. The walk takes you from an area of outstanding natural beauty through rolling landscapes with plenty for your dog to discover.

Swanley Park

A few miles South of Dartford is Swanley Park, which is great if you want to participate in dog walking somewhere that is more family-friendly. This place has something to keep everyone happy, not just your dog. There is a play area, lake with boats to hire, a miniature railway and café, as well as pathways to go dog walking around with your pawsome best-friend.

Check out our full range of services via our Dartford Scamps and Champs website and contact us to ask any questions, to make an enquiry or booking.

You are planning a holiday – but what about the Cat?

Cat, Sitting, Pet, Sitting, Holidays

A question always asked by cat lovers, when they are having to leave their furry loved ones for long periods of time during holidays is, what cat sitting services are available for our beloved feline-friends? It can cause as much of a personal dilemma as which destination to select for your holidays!

When pondering whether a cat sitter or a cattery is best for your cat, it is worth considering the character and needs of your cat. Cats are known for their independence, just one of the qualities that makes them such great pets! Most cats will be perfectly happy being left alone during the day if you go out to work. Cats will normally snooze for around two thirds of their day, therefore they should be fine left to their own devices for periods of time during an average day, as long as you give them plenty of love, food and quality playtime whilst they’re awake.

However, if you’re going to be away for longer than a day you’ll need to make sure that your cat is properly cared for. Cats are home-loving and territorial, so it is most beneficial to try and find a way for your cat to be looked after within their own home when you go away. They’re unlikely to feel stressed if they’re in their usual environment with its familiar scents, sights and sounds. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a cat-friendly acquaintance who’s happy to pop in to feed them, clean their litter tray, provide fresh water and give them some TLC.

If you do not have this option available to you then you can opt for a cat sitter who will pop in and feed your cat and play with them. Services vary and can be tailored to your cat’s individual needs. You can usually expect a cat sitter to come to your house at least twice a day to feed your furry friend, play with them and clean out their litter tray.

Alternatively, if you feel you would prefer around the clock company and care for your cat, then you can book a trustworthy house sitter to come and stay in your home, to care for your cat in their usual day-to-day environment. As well as keeping an eye on your cat, a house sitter will be able to keep your home tidy and most importantly secure, during their stay.

At Scamps and Champs Reigate we are building a team of passionate animal lovers who are all DBS checked and fully insured and our one aim is to make sure that you and your cat are happy and that you feel safe.

To ask us a question, make an enquiry or to check availability please contact us via our main Scamps and Champs website.

Animals in the Workplace – Increases Productivity and Reduces Stress

It is not uncommon for businesses to allow pets into their offices these days, with many companies actually including the perk within their job advertisements to attract potential new employees.

Large companies like Google openly accept pets in the work place, where they are even welcome at business meetings. It is also common for a large number of Dutch companies to allow animals into the work environment too. A decade ago it was virtually unheard of to allow pets into the workplace, so why has this change of heart occurred and what benefits does having animals in the office have for us?

A wide set of studies have proven that when a dog is in the office that human cortisol levels are reduced, demonstrating a reduced level of stress. In addition, tests show that when physically stroking a dog humans have an increased level of the hormone oxytocin, making us feel more relaxed and happy.    

Some people believe pets can be a positive addition in many other ways too! Pets are said to be good for team morale and can boost energy levels on a tough or busy work day. Furthermore, pets can provide a fantastic ‘ice-breaker’ if you are finding it difficult to talk to one of your fellow colleagues.

Animals are universally loved and can therefore provide a mutually beneficial topic of interest. When you have your pet present at work with you, you may find people you have never even spoken to before stop by and want to say hello to your furry-friend, providing you with the perfect opportunity to get to know new people too.

Having your canine companion with you at work can make you feel more at ease and confident, therefore combining that with the improvement in communications once you have your pet with you, clinching ‘that deal’ will be a lot easier!

OK, so dogs are the obvious choice for a puptastic office pal, but don’t be deceived! Lots of people are now taking their feline friends into work now too. After all, cats absolutely love company and lots of attention too! Having a furry cat sitting purring on your lap can be really soothing and relaxing for both of you. Meaning you are productive and focussed in the workplace with your kitty by your side. Puurrrrfect!

So are any other animals acceptable in the work place? Well a hamster might not quite have the same effect as a cat or dog in terms of ‘cuddle-ability’ but if you are looking for a low-maintenance office companion, then a hamster could be the answer for you! Fish have well-known relaxing qualities and could produce a colourful and quiet, soothing addition to the office!

So with so many companies desperate to take on animal lovers – what are you and your pawsome pals waiting for?

Check out Scamps and Champs full range of pet care services, also contact us with any questions or to make an enquiry.

Pet Care in Reigate

Scamps and Champs Pet Care Reigate the first few months

Where does the time go, I am sitting here on a very sunny Sunday afternoon 24/02/2019 in Reigate thinking what a difference a year makes.  

This time last year the beast from the east was on its way and I was facing the toughest decision of my life in knowing I was going to have to put my beloved Charlie dog to sleep, we said goodbye to him on the 28th February 2018. This was after a terrible 2 years in which I lost my very dear friend John to cancer he was only 39. I then lost my other springer spaniel Jakey, then, a  few months later , in the May of 2017 I lost my dear dad and in July 2018 I also lost my brother. All of these sudden and massive life changing events!

Well a year on with the sun shining, I am a few months into setting up Scamps and Champs pet care Reigate and it’s been a rollercoaster of a learning curve and we haven’t even scratched the surface! The main focus has been on building my team and I think we have found a really great nucleus and a couple have been introduced on Facebook namely Jennie who is providing our pet care service in Dorking and surrounding areas.

Jennie is a zoology graduate and has animal experience that most of us could only dream of. Having spent time in Africa as part of her degree. I also have Tracy who lives in Lower Kingswood and is providing pet care in Reigate and Redhill at the moment but as soon as we get business over “her side of the M25” I am sure she will be happy to cover that. Tracy’s love of animals is obvious to see and she grew up around dogs with her dad breeding spaniels so she has experience of training and handling the most excitable of hounds!

The latest recruits are Kimberley who lives in Reigate who has already stepped in to cover some of our clients’ requirements and has a huge amount of pet care experience with her previous work with animal shelters and has a fantastic knack of stopping those dogs from pulling!

I also have Andrew who for a main job is a magician (https://www.andrewkellymagic.com/) but he will make sure your pets don’t disappear! He grew up with all sorts of pets too many to mention but his kind loving nature is there for all to see. There are some very recent recruits too and I will introduce these as soon as I can!

For your peace of mind, all of our pet care team in Reigate are fully insured and policed checked.

I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my family especially my long suffering wife Caroline and my daughter Jessica and of course not forgetting our new dog Bonnie who is now 9 months, talking of time flying.

And with that I want to enjoy some of the nice weather so with my daughter in her bike gear and my wife in her running gear I will be catching them up with Bonnie for a walk to Reigate Heath to wear ourselves out! Might even stop for a drink at the famous extremely dog friendly Skimmington Castle!

If after you’ve enjoyed the sunshine, would like to discuss your pets care please contact me at reigate@scampsandchamps.co.uk or via our online form which you can find HERE

Promoting Excellence in the Pet Industry

Pet, Industry, Federation, Member, 2019,

We have some exciting news here at Scamps and Champs, we have become members of a professional accredited body! We are now proud to announce that Scamps and Champs are members of the Pet Industry Federation! 

So who are the Pet Industry Federation?

The Pet Industry Federation is a professional organisation that are leaders within pet industry. Offering companies specialist support and training in the following areas; dog  grooming, pet retail, kennel and cattery management and assistance with pet trade events. 

The Pet Industry Federation are the top pet-industry specialists in the United Kingdom and therefore we are extremely proud to let you all know about our new membership.

Now that Scamps and Champs are members of the Pet Industry Federation, this means that as pet care providers we must abide by pet industry sector charters and demonstrate excellent practice.

In short, we must demonstrate a hallmark of quality within everything we do!

So what does this mean for Scamps and Champs?

As a new member we agree as a business to abide by the following pet industry charter:

1. Strive to improve industry standards

2. Promote responsible pet ownership

3. Strive to ensure customer satisfaction at all times

4. Always provide customers with clear and current information about products and services in a polite and professional manner

5. Ensure all staff are appropriately trained to carry out their job role and that they have a comprehensive understanding of company products, services and procedures

6. Minimise the environmental impact of the business wherever possible

7. Promote best practice in animal welfare by observing the Five Welfare Needs: Diet; Accommodation; Wellness; Sociability; Behaviour

8. Maintain the working environment to ensure it is fit for purpose

9. Abide by all current legislation relative to the business

10. Not bring the pet industry, the Pet Industry Federation or divisional association into disrepute

So basically you can look forward to recieving our usual high-level of professional pet care services, just with the secured knowledge that we are working to pet industry leader standards and that we now have access to additional specialist training and support. 

We are very excited about our new membership with the nationally accredited Pet Industry Federation and we hope that you will be too!

Check out Scamps and Champs full range of pet care services, check availability and contact us via our online form.

Are You in Breach of Rule 57 of the Highway Code?

Whilst millions of us in the United Kingdom drive with our canine companions in the car with us every day, can we all be sure that we are doing so safely? Recent research suggests that a large proportion of dog owners are unaware of the correct safety procedures required for transporting their four-legged friends in the car, suggesting that many of us are breaking Rule 57 of the Highway Code and therefore could face fines of up to £5,000 for careless driving with an unrestrained pet. So what is Rule 57 and what does it mean for pet owners?

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that all animals when travelling in a vehicle on the road need to be suitably restrained so that they cannot cause any distraction to drivers, injure you or be injured themselves should you need to perform an emergency stop. Therefore, if your dog is not suitably and safely restrained within your vehicle, they potentially could cause a triple threat to drivers, other road users and themselves. 

Whilst Rule 57 does not state outright the methods of restraint, it is suggested that however well-behaved your dog is when loose in the car, that if unrestrained it could still potentially cause one or more of the potential threats above. Therefore, if you do not use one of the following safety methods for your pet in the car then it is assumed you are in breach of Rule 57 of the Highway Code. So what methods are suitable and which pets would these be suitable for? Scamps and Champs cover the main methods of vehicle restraint for pets below in our helpful four-step guide.

1.Existing Seatbelts 

Existing seatbelts for us humans can also be useful for our pets. They are already there and don’t cost you a penny – so why not use them? Seatbelts can be used to securely fasten cat boxes, small animal carriers and dog crates firmly in place on the back seat of the car. Whilst you can carry animals in the front of the car physically, it is not recommended as they can cause distraction to the driver and potentially come to severe harm should there be an accident.

2. Pet Seatbelts

Pet seatbelts can be purchased from veterinary practices, retail pet stores and online. They are readily available from multiple sellers on stores such as www.amazon.co.uk and www.ebay.co.uk. In addition, if you have an existing safety method in place and you are willing to wait a few weeks for your product to arrive, pet seatbelts can be purchased via these websites from sellers based within the product’s manufacturing country. So if cost is an issue for you there is an option available for everyone, as a quality product can be purchased for as little as £1 including postage and will be delivered directly to your home from China, for example, providing premium pet safety at a bargain cost. So there is no excuse not to have your pets safely secured and to travel in accordance with the Highway Code.

3. Harnesses

You can purchase harnesses for most animals, however this option would be most suitable for your dogs. Harnesses are widely available in stores and online, at a variety of prices and in a variety of styles. The important thing is to ensure that you purchase the correct size for your dog, or this can be a safety issue for your beloved pet in itself. It is recommended that you use a harness and not a pet seatbelt attached to a collar, as if an emergency stop were to occur you need your pet’s body to remain secure. If the full impact of an emergency stop was to occur with your pet attached via its collar then this could cause significant and even fatal damage to your pet’s neck and therefore this isn’t viewed as an acceptable method of restraint.

4. Crates or Animal Carriers

Smaller animals are best to be transported in a crate or animal carrier, as they provide less room for movement and also block the visual elements of the road, which can be extremely frightening for small animals. In addition, the more secure exterior provides additional safety for your animals in the event of an accident and can be additionally secured to the car seat with your existing seatbelts in order to minimise movement.

So you have been suitably informed on Rule 57 of the highway code and the suitable methods of safety restraints for animals, including cost effective options available to everyone, you can all enjoy traveling with your pets safely! Happy travelling pet-lovers!

For further safety advice for your pets and for a full range of our Scamps and Champs services, please go to our main website. Please contact us to check availability or to ask any questions you may have.