Sheep Worrying Awareness – Dog Walking Do’s and Don’ts!

With lambing season coming into fruition, it’s that time of year again when we have to take extra care on our dog walks! Particularly in rural areas where the scenery attracts walkers and dog owners, footpaths can pass through farmers’ fields and subsequently sheep fields. As dog owners we can often see open rolling fields and let our dogs off the lead, not realising that just around the next corner or over the tip of the next hill, there are sheep.

It is in a dog’s nature however obedient they are to want to chase other animals, therefore they will naturally want to chase sheep if they are off the lead. No matter how small your dog is sheep will be extremely frightened by being chased and this will cause the sheep to flee in panic. This can subsequently cause the sheep to become injured and in some cases this can be fatal.

If the sheep are carrying lambs then the act of them being chased can cause them to miscarry their young, so although you may not see the harm in sheep running across a field away from your dog, this act can in fact cause significant damage to the sheep and their unborn young.

Sheep worrying is in fact a serious crime as it not only endangers the well-being and in some cases life, of the sheep and their unborn lambs, it can also be an extremely costly act of negligence for the farmers! Some dogs even bite and maul sheep and lambs, as part of a natural hunting instinct, this can cause farmers significant financial burdens in vet bills and medical care.

In addition, if a sheep is chased away by a dog, they can become separated from their lambs and this can then cause the lambs to contract hypothermia and in some cases die from starvation. It is absolutely vital that you keep your dogs on a lead around any livestock and that you follow the basic legislation with regards to walking your dog near sheep. Please find a summary of the legislation below:

“The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, if a dog worries sheep on agricultural land, the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence. The Act considers sheep worrying to include attacking sheep, chasing them in a way that may cause injury, suffering, abortion or loss of produce or being at large (not on a lead or otherwise under close control) in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep.” (National Sheep Association, 2019).

Link to the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 1953 Government Legislation Documentation.

If the legislation is not followed, in some cases farmers have the right to shoot dogs on their land. This is only in extreme cases, but it is simply not a risk that is worth taking, for any dog owner. In short, if there is any risk on your walks of their being sheep, even if they weren’t in the field the previous week, they could be there now! Look out for signs on gates and fences as you enter fields and always keep a look out well ahead of where you are walking. Most importantly, keep your dogs on a lead at all times, no matter how well behaved they are! Or another option is to opt for a different dog walking route through lambing season, somewhere with low risk of their being sheep, such as a beach or forest walk.

Keep both you and your dog safe around any livestock and don’t forget – sheep worrying is a crime!

To enquire about Scamps and Champs pet care services, to check availability or make an enquiry simply contact us via our online form.

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.

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.

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.

Top Five – Valentine’s Safety Tips for Pets

We all know how much you love your pets! Many of us even admit to loving and spending time with our beloved pets more than humans! Therefore, at Scamps and Champs we want to make sure Valentines Day is a special occasion to remember, for all of the right reasons! Ensuring you can snuggle up with the lady or man in your life for the Pawfect Valentines Day!

Pets make the best Valentine’s date as you don’t need to buy them chocolates, they have no use for flowers, and in fact these gifts can be extremely dangerous for them. All they need is your unconditional love and affection. If you can’t keep your paws off each other – we want to make sure that you spend the day together safely. Here are our top five Valentine’s Day safety tops for you and your pets.

1.    Toxic Chocolate – Ensure it’s for your Mouth only

It is well known that chocolate is extremely toxic for dogs, however it is one of the most common gifts on Valentine’s Day and therefore means that there’s lots of chocolaty temptation around for their tongues! Make sure any chocolates are kept up high and out of reach even the fruity flavours. Also make sure that you don’t leave wrappers lying around as they may still have chocolate on them and in addition the foil or plastic can be harmful if consumed. If chocolate is consumed by dogs they can become extremely ill and in severe cases it can be fatal. If your dog consumes chocolate then

2.    Skip the Love Hearts

Sugar free sweets, sweetener and gum contains the toxic ingredient xylitol. If ingested xylitol can cause; vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures and in severe cases liver failure. Therefore, skip the sweets this Valentine’s Day as love hearts, are far from loving for your purr-fect pets!

3.    Restart the Heart

We know you love your pets with all of your heart, therefore jeopardising their safety is just not worth the risk. If your pets consume, chocolate, sweeteners or sweets, this can devastatingly cause them to go into cardiac arrest. Stay smart by learning how to perform CPR on your pets effectively, so that in the event of emergency you can save the life of your pet.

4.    Rose-Worthy

Believe it or not your beautiful Valentine’s Day floral arrangements can be harmful to your pets, the aroma produced by flowers can be an enticing scent for your pet. If they manage to nibble your beautiful bouquet the results can be disastrous, even just small amounts of toxic flowers can cause; vomiting and upset stomachs. Be additionally cautious if your floral arrangements contain lilies as these can be fatal if consumed by cats.

5.    Animals are NOT Gifts

You may think that a cute puppy or kitten would make the most romantic gift of them all! However, it won’t be puppy love if you and your partner separate, or you move into a new home together which does not allow pets and your perfect pet ends up at the animal shelter. Bringing a living animal into your home needs careful consideration and is a life-long commitment that should not be taken lightly. Animals are not a choice that can be picked up and then thrown away, in accordance with your life style. Don’t buy an animal as a gift, take time to think about this life-altering commitment and talk it through with your partner thoroughly. Perhaps plan a date to visit an animal shelter or breeder together instead, once Valentine’s Day is over and spend Valentine’s Day together on a date talking things over.

We hope you have the most purr-fect Valentine’s Day with your pets, remember to stay safe and most of all give your animals the love and affection they deserve on this special day of the year.

Going away to celebrate Valentine’s Day and need your pets to be cared for? Take a look at Scamps and Champs pet care services.

Recent Animal Welfare Act – Improves Home Boarding Services

Home Boarding, Dog, Room, Scamps and Champs

Most of us would prefer to have our dogs with us at all times, however some circumstances such as travelling abroad, means that leaving our furry friends in the capable hands of dog-caring experts is the fairest option. Dog kennels are a viable solution for some owners, however for many of us we require a ‘home-from-home’ environment for our beloved dogs, who we class as one of the family. Our home boarding services match your dog’s personality and requirements to a suitable host family, who have experience of looking after animals and who have opted to be a canine carer specifically for our company, Scamps and Champs. You have the opportunity to meet your carer and the option to approve them, before leaving your dog in their capable hands. We guarantee that your pet will treated with the love, affection and respect that they deserve and that their normal routines, diet and medications, will be catered for. Read more about our home boarding services and check availability via our Scamps and Champs website.

Understanding the Rules

Recent adjustments to Animal Welfare Government Legislation (October 2018) has meant that home boarding services have had to alter, in order to align with the new regulations. The HMRC Department for Environment and Rural Affairs documentation on the ‘Animal Welfare (Licencing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations’ can be viewed in full. Providing guidance for the statutory conditions required when providing home boarding services for dogs.

But what does the new legislation mean for home boarding business and dog owners wanting to use our services? Rest assured the guidance has been formulated to protect your much loved pups and ensure that they are accessing an elite, caring and safe environment, when home boarding with us. Every dog must have their own private room space when home boarding, where they can relax, sleep and retreat to when needed. Here are some additional reassuring facts regarding your dog’s required personal room, to put your mind at rest:

  1. All rooms provided for dogs must be of sufficient height that an adult human can stand comfortably in it.
  2. All rooms must have a secure window to the outside in place that can be opened and closed as necessary. 
  3. All rooms must have a full height, securable door which preferably opens inwards. To ensure full access and security to the room is achieved.
  4. All rooms must have a secure latch device to the room to ensure your dog is safe at all times.

Education is Key

Home boarding carers will only be allowed to look after your dog if they hold at least a Level 2 in an OFQUAL regulated qualification, demonstrating that they have the education, knowledge and skills in one or more of the following areas:

  • City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Dog Walking
  • City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Animal Care
  • City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care
  • BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care

Whilst regulation on this has yet to be finalised it would be assumed that this would mean your home board carer would have pet first aid as part of their qualification, in addition to a licence and experience of working in the animal care industry.

Policies and Procedures

Home boarding carers will need to keep full policy and procedure documentation including; training for all staff members, cleaning regimes, monitoring and ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals and emergency procedures. Full records will need to be kept on; attendance, behaviour monitoring and documentation of familiarisation sessions.

Star Rating

All home boarding businesses will be assessed against welfare standards and given a star risk rating which will help inform you as to whether the home boarding setting is suitable for your dog. If businesses are assessed as a higher risk then they will subsequently receive a low rating, whereas if the business is assessed as a low risk they will receive a high rating. View further details regarding the home boarding star rating system.

You are in Control

Consent is required from you before home board carers can do the following things. Yes that is right, you are in control! You must be completely comfortable and provide written consent before carers can:

  1. Walk your dog off the lead.
  2. Walk your dogs with other dogs from the same household.
  3. Walk your dog outside of the home or garden environments.
  4. Give any medical preventative treatments.
  5. Use a crate.
  6. Feed your dog anywhere except by themselves in their designated private room.
  7. Use enrichment such as toys and scatter feeders.
  8. Allow other dogs to use the outdoor space at the same time as your dog.

Overall it is evident that although the new legislation may initially appear daunting, it is designed to protect the welfare and safety of your beloved dogs. Ultimately providing both home boarding businesses and dog care professionals with the education and knowledge they need to ensure your dog’s safety and welfare during their stay. By providing you with complete control over what you give consent for your dogs to do during their stay, you can rest assured that you pups are provided with a uniquely tailored experience to suit their needs and personality. Finally, with their own personal rooms to enjoy whenever they wish, it ensures your pooches will be fully pampered during their relaxing home boarding holiday.

View full details of Scamps and Champs Home Boarding Services, check for availability and book in with us.

We would love to have your precious pet dog stay with us soon for their very own pup-tastic holiday!