Pet Care in Dartford now provided by Scamps and Champs

Our Scamps and Champs Dartford branch of has just opened and is now ready to provide a range of pet care services in Dartford. Once council approved, they will also be providing dog home boarding. Keep up to date with the branch news via their Facebook page which you can follow HERE.

“I am looking forward to running the branch alongside my soppy staffie Kenny.

I have spent my career to date working in accountancy but my passion has always been for animals and I am now looking to turn to this passion and provide a much needed pet care service to Dartford and the surrounding area.

I have always been an animal lover. From a very young age I have been around animals of all sizes and shapes. Our very first pet was a hamster and from that point there was always a variety of animals around the house including fish, lizards, gerbils, rabbits, cats and dogs. We would often go out with no intention of adding to the household pets, however we would come across a deserving animal and wouldn’t be able to walk away, instead ending up coming home with a new addition.

I am very excited to bring quality pet care to Dartford and the surrounding area so your pets can get the same amount of love and attention in your absence as they would usually get.

As a pet owner I completely understand the dilemma you face when you are unable to be around for your pet. It is very difficult to find someone you can trust to look after your best friend.

We are fully insured, police checked and members of NARPS UK, The National Association for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers, which is the UK’s most respected organisation. We will be offering a number of pet care services including dog walking, pet sitting, cat sitting, dog home boarding, pet visits and dog wedding chaperone services covering Dartford, Crayford, Greenhithe, Gravesend, Bexley, Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Welling, Belvedere, Erith, Swanley and Orpington.

You can be sure that if you chose to use our services your pet will be well looked after by a professional and reliable team with plenty of experience of animals big or small.

We will get to know your pet before offering any service to ensure a stress free and tailored experience.

Your pet will be treated as if they were our own with lots of love. For additional peace of mind we will also provide you with regular updates and photos to keep you updated on your pet.

If you are interested in using any of our services please do get in touch HERE!”

Dog Walking Reigate – it’s a walk in the park!

Reigate must be one of the most dog populated towns in the UK if visiting Priory Park is anything to go by.  As the nights lighten, evening dog walking in Reigate will start to increase. Priory Park is just outside the main town of Reigate and is great for dog walking and you can walk straight into it from Morrison’s Supermarket car park. Once there you can’t help but notice the sense of family, community and Reigate dog lovers!!

This walk starts by the very dog friendly, “pistachios in the park” café , you can’t miss the big glass round building, but more about this later!

This great dog walking in Reigate starts at the front of the café, if you look straight ahead you can see the beacon. This is lit on special occasions, the last one being to commemorate 100 years since the end of WW1 a few months back. Slightly to the left of the beacon you will see a big opening, head to this. Once here you will see a handy dog poo bin if needed. Now go straight up and you will notice the ground becoming sandy, in a while you will be joining the Greensand Way!

At the top of this hill you will see a bench where you  and your dog can take a rest as you will soon be heading up again! From here, with your back to the park, you have 2 options going right, you will see an opening between the trees this is the Greensand Way which can get muddy or you can walk just a few feet more and take a more stable path but both will take you to the top of the park and you will see a monument explaining how some posh folk bequeathed the park to the common folk!

From here keep walking along and to your left you will see fantastic views over towards Gatwick Airport and Sussex beyond to the South Downs and, after a nice walk for a few hundred yards, you will come to a big opening on the right with views over Reigate onto the North Downs way, there are a couple of benches and again some handy poo bins (see how catered they are for the hounds), why not take in the scenery!

From here keep walking straight on and you will see another poo bin, you should bear right here and down the hill. Once at the bottom turn left and after a few yards you will see a set of steep steps down. Put the dog(s) on their leads and head down and cross over down the road opposite. If you look to your right you will see a windmill in the distance, you are heading to that. I would keep the dogs on the lead for now as you head down the road and past some stables * (see below)  and once you have walked past some houses on your right and one on your left, head on.

 You will cross over a stream where your dogs can have a welcome cool off it its hot! After this keep walking you will come to a bit of an opening and there are 3 paths you want to take the one straight up the hill and you will be going along an old drovers way watch out for horses! Keep walking up and then down this path and you will soon see the back of a building which is the Skimmington Castle Pub, probably the most dog friendly pub in the world if you want stop off, but, there will be more about this with Rob and his team in another article!

Walk round the front of this pub and past the front door you will see a path which goes between the pub and a cottage this again is the greensand way. Keep walking up here, it is well covered by trees, a few yards up you may hear a parrot, this is the old nursery, which has been sold now but, the parrot in its cage was still there a couple of weeks ago! It is said that Sir Winston’s Churchill’s parrot resided here on its last years. To your left you will see a walled garden this used to be the country home of the Film Mogul Arthur Rank (remember the big Gong?) Lots of movie stars from time gone by would spend time here. Keep walking and at the end you will see a lovely cottage, turn right here down the greensand way. Once at the bottom put the dogs on leads then head up the drive and cross the road.

You can now head up the sandy path and this will take you to the back of the Golf Club. Walk round the front and you will be afforded some of the best views in Surrey, you can walk round and have a look at the old windmill I told you about earlier which is now used as a church. Basically you can spend some time walking around this heathland but, beware of golfers. I will be talking more about other walks around here another time.

 By now you should think about heading back just retrace your steps above.

At the stables, I mentioned earlier (*) you can go up again if you are feeling fit or take the flatter route to your left. You will have to open the big five bar gate but, remember to close it! You will now be walking between fields with horses in so be aware. At the end of this path is an allotment. Put your dogs on leads again and head over the road back into Priory Park.

 Be aware you are now coming into the back of the park where there is a big pond just in case your dogs are prone to chase ducks! Walk around the paths or over the fields back towards Pistachios café where you started. Once here Gabby and the team will be able to tempt you with all sorts of delights, your hounds can go inside if it’s a wet day or plenty of spaces to sit outside if nice. It is a wonderful café and spot and Gabby is great! I have said I will put a link to her café here https://pistachiosinthepark.org.uk/priory-park/ .

 I hope you enjoy this read and Reigate dog walking. Come back for more dog and pet friendly articles coming soon.

Best wishes Simon and the Team of Reigate Scamps and Champs.

4 Reasons To Hire A Pet Chaperone On Your Wedding Day

Have you got your big day this year? If so, firstly, congratulations! And secondly, being a pet lover have you thought about having your pet at your wedding too? Maybe it crossed your mind, but you didn’t think it was possible. Well we are here to tell you…it is. You CAN have your beloved pet with you on your special day.

This service is increasingly popular for British ceremonies and we are here to tell you more.

So there’s no need to cock your ears at the mention of a ‘pet chaperone’, because we’re going to share four key benefits of booking with Scamps & Champs. Again, we’re taking aim at weddings here, where we throw dogs a bone instead of a bouquet…

1. Your pooch doesn’t miss out!

Yes, the first and most important ability of a pet chaperone is to get your dog ready for a role in the wedding. We can take it to a salon for a makeover, or dress it in an outfit you’ll adore when it’s trotting down the aisle.

Whether that’s a mini tuxedo, a skirt or something more unique, our pet experts know how to prep and calm your dog for their performance. So, not only will you ensure they don’t miss out on your special day; they’ll become a highlight of the occasion!

2. Constant play and entertainment

Dogs are like toddlers – shunt them to the sidelines, and they’re bound to pine for a bit of company. That’s why a pet chaperone is on-hand to wear your canine out when it’s seeking attention.

Weddings can be sleek, formal affairs; the last thing you want is for Fido to cause a fuss through the day. Rest easy, though, because we’re able to bring an arsenal of toys and games with us, stealing away somewhere to give your dog the focus it needs.

3. Complementary travel arrangements

Weddings are a madcap time for getting people in one place, at the hour you’ve chosen, without any issues. If a pet is also due for an appearance, then you shouldn’t be fretting over whether they’ll make it with blankets, biscuits etc. in tow. 

Scamps & Champs will ensure there’s no hitch in the travel plan. Just tell us where to go: we’ll pick the dog up from your house or a neighbour’s, take them to the venue, and bring them back to any pre-agreed location. If necessary, we’ll also facilitate dog boarding to give you a few days’ peace as the newly-married couple.

4. Unlimited contact before the wedding date…

Is there anything we should be aware of? Dietary requirements, allergies, the best way to find the second front-door key? Our pet chaperone will be available via text, email or voice call to learn what your furry pal likes and requires.

Take this opportunity to let us know what the themes, structure, room layout etc. of the wedding will be. The more you give us, the better we can adapt our services!

Phew – it’s exciting to even think of what a pet-friendly ceremony is like, never mind explaining how we go about it… To discover the Scamps & Champs difference for yourself, and land an excellent pet chaperone, contact our team with your ideas. 

Tips to toilet train your new puppy

Getting a new puppy can be such an exciting time.  

Your puppy will normally be around 8 to 12 weeks old when they leave their Mum and litter mates. Puppies should never leave their Mums under the age of 8 weeks. Your puppy will be very curious and excited.

Introduce the pup to his new home gradually so allocate them a small space to start with, like your kitchen for example to help them feel more comfortable.  

A puppy crate can be a safe space for your pup and help tremendously with toilet training.

Put in their favourite toys and blankets.   

Always remove their collar when in the crate for safety reasons. 

Keep the door to the crate open when you are in the house and he can go in and out when he pleases.

Creating a daily routine for your pup straight away will be really beneficial as dogs like routine.  Feeding them and nap/bedtime at the same time each day will make toilet training so much easier for both of you.

Be patient and consistent and never scold your puppy.  

Keep some treats near the back door and always praise and reward when your puppy gets it right.   

Clean up any accidents but don’t acknowledge them.

In the beginning take the puppy outside every hour or so and encourage sniffing and running around.  Take the pup in the garden immediately after waking, after every meal time and before bed.  

Make puppy’s last meal at least three hours before bedtime.

If you see you pup start to sniff and crouch then immediately take them outside.

Give lots of praise and rewards and toilet training will become easy.

Good luck!

If you have a pup and would like it letting out and stimulating while you are out at work, our team can help. We offer puppy visits to help break up their day while you are out at work. This can help with toilet training, socialization and also use up some of their energy so they may sleep better through the night. Get in touch with your local branch HERE to discuss your puppies need further.

Caring for Pets in Cold Weather

With snow on the way, some tips for looking after our fur babies this winter

Dogs cold weather advice

  • Put a dog coat or jumper on them when you go out for a walk, especially if you have a fine coated dog, such as a Greyhound or a Staffie
  • Check their paws and defrost snow – and dry them thoroughly after they’ve been outside as long haired dogs are prone to snow compacting between their toes
  • Clean their paws at the end of your walk as salt and grit from roads and pavements can get between your dog’s paws
  • Dry off wet and muddy dogs after walks
  • Provide them with lots of toys for them to play with indoors and do not force your dog out in the cold weather
  • Make sure your dog has good recall if you’re letting them off the lead when out dog walking so they do not get lost when visibility is reduced in foggy or snowy weather conditions
  • Attach a small light to your dog’s collar so other pedestrians can see them when out on walks in weather which reduces visibility
  • Keep contact details on your pet’s collar and microchip up to date in case they should stray.

Cats cold weather advice

  • Avoid using antifreeze and products containing products. Cats are attracted to the taste of the chemical which is severely dangerous causing many cats to die every year. If this does occur, seek veterinary advice immediately
  • Provide a litter tray for your cat so they do not have to go outside if they choose not to
  • Provide lots of interesting toys for your cat to play with if they are spending more time indoors
  • Dry off your cat if they get wet outside
  • Check their paws and dry them thoroughly after they’ve been outside as long haired cats are prone to snow compacting between their toes
  • Leave somewhere warm and snuggly for them to curl up in if your cat is home alone during the day, especially for older cats
  • Keep your cat indoors in the colder evenings so they are safe from the traffic in conditions with reduced visibility
  • Keep contact details on your cat’s collar and microchip up to date in case they should stray
  • Tap the hood of your car before starting the engine to disturb any sleeping stowaways – cats have a habit of crawling under car bonnets to soak up the warmth from the engine

         Outdoor pets cold weather advice

  • Check your pets water in cold weather the water can freeze leaving your pet with no water to drink
  • Top up bedding extra bedding will help keep your outdoor pet warm
  • Popping a cover over the front of cages through the night, will help to keep some heat in the cage as the temperature drops.
  • Outdoors pets may need more calories in the cold weather to generate energy and keep warm.
  • Consider moving inside in extremely cold weather you may want to move your pets indoors. Perhaps in shed or garage. Or for field kept pets like horses or donkeys, providing a shelter or stable.

Post Christmas Weight Gain – For Pets Too

Gaining a few extra pounds at Christmas is almost a compulsory part of the festivities for us humans, but how many of us include our pets into this tradition…perhaps without even realizing it.

An extra slice of Christmas turkey for me and a slice for Scamp too…

A couple of extra pigs in blankets for me and one for Champ too….

Sound familiar?!

As we love our pets so much its only natural that we want to include them in the Christmas festivities, but how much notice do we pay to the extra pounds they might be gaining?

Overweight pets is a growing concern in the UK, with 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 3 cats now being overweight.

Like us humans, pets become overweight when they consume more calories than their body can use and sadly the food and treats we provide often exceed the amount of calories they can burn off through activity, causing them to gain weight.

Even pets that get lots of exercise can soon become overweight if they are getting too many calories.

Our domestic pets cannot regulate their food intake and exercise like wild animals because they have to rely on us as their owners to provide food and exercise for them.

Unfortunately because we see so many overweight pets out and about or on social media, it is normalising obesity and owners are getting the wrong impression of what a healthy dog, cat or rabbit of the ideal bodyweight, should look like.

How do the below animals look to you? Overweight or normal?

All of the above images are of animals that have some weight to lose. Does that surprise you?

Click the links to check out Royal Canin weight chart for cats, dogs and rabbits. How is your pets weight post xmas?

Being overweight can also make it more likely that your pet could suffer from serious health problems and conditions such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Breathing difficulties
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Arthritis, Joint Problems and Injuries
  • Skin Problems
  • Anal Gland Problems
  • Cystitis
  • Incontinence (mainly seen in bitches)
  • Ulcers / pressure sores
  • Fly Strike (Maggot infestation) – This occurs when animals cannot reach their bottoms and clean themselves
  • Irritability
  • Matted Fur
  • Overweight and obese pets usually have shorter lives than fitter pets.
  • Overweight pets also tend to interact less with their families and are less energetic and playful

So if your pet has been part of the festivities, now is a good time to start working off the extra pounds and keep them fit and healthy for longer.

If your pet has some pounds to lose and you would like some help uping the exercise regime, Scamps and Champs can help. Whether its an extra dog walk during the day or spending time with your cat and rabbit using enrichment games and exercise tactics to get them moving a bit more through the day. Get in touch with your local branch HERE and we will be happy to get your pets fit this year.

Scamps and Champs Tameside Rated in Top 3 for 4th Year Running

Kayleigh and her team have been rated top 3 dog walker providers in the Tameside area for the 4th year running.

Following a 50 point inspection, which looks all parts of the business from, customer satisfaction, ratings, reviews, pricing, trading standards and many more, Scamps and Champs Tameside were hand-picked by Three Best Rated  as the “bees knees” for dog walkers and rated them as one of the TOP 3 in the area.

Three Best Rated are an independent company that carries out their own research and inspection of local businesses.

Kayleigh says “I am really pleased with getting this rating again. My team are great and I am really proud of them.

Kayleigh has been a part of Scamps and Champs since 2009 and has consistently provided a reliable and professional service to pet owners around Tameside. The branch has grown considerably and now has plans to extend into Glossop in 2019.

With the growing demand for pet care, Kayleigh is currently recruiting for more team members. If you would like to know more about the opportunities with Kayleigh, you can email her at tameside@scampsandchamps.co.uk

Scamps and Champs Tameside offer pet care to all shapes and sizes and tailor make their services to suit the requirements of you and your pet, from one off pet visits to daily dog walks. Kayleigh and her team will do their upmost to make your pet feel part of the family.

No-Deal Brexit Could Affect Pet Travel

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has advised that should the UK leave the EU next year without a deal, there would be important implications for pet owners wishing to travel overseas with their animals from 30 March 2019.

Pet Owner Overview

Pet owners will still be able to travel to Europe with their pet after the UK leaves the EU, whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations. However, in the event of no deal, they may need to take some additional steps to be able to travel with their pet to the EU.

If pet owners are planning to travel after 29 March 2019 the Government will recommend they contact their vet at least four months in advance to check what they need to do.

Those wishing to travel to the EU on 30 March 2019, for example, should discuss requirements with their vet as soon as possible and by 28 November 2018 at the latest.

The requirements for travel would include making sure that pets are effectively vaccinated against rabies before they travel. This involves having an up-to-date rabies vaccination and a blood test to demonstrate sufficient levels of rabies antibody.

The blood test would need to be carried out a minimum of 30 days after any initial rabies vaccination and a minimum of three months before their travel date. This means that pet owners will need to talk to their vet about health requirements in good time to make sure they are able to travel with their pet.

Watch a video for more details:

Should Children Be Given Training To Avoid Dog Bites?

Over 7,000 children under the age of 18 were hospitalised last year for dog bites, according to the NHS. Now a parliamentary committee has recommended new training to keep families safe around pets.

The Commons Environment Committee found that children under 9 were more likely to be hurt than any other age group, sometimes with life-changing injuries. They also suggest that training should be part of the national curriculum to stop the increase in admissions. 4,110 children were hospitalised in 2005, an 80% increase over the last 12 years.

Other recommendations included awareness courses for owners, similar to speeding remedial courses. They also want an independent review into dog attacks for a new piece of legislation to replace the 1991 Dangerous Dog Act.

Chair of the committee, Neil Parish MP, said the current legislation was a “death sentence” for many family pets and good-natured dogs who are put down purely because of their breed. He also said that “evidence from across the world shows that the government should focus instead on encouraging responsible ownership, improving education and ensuring offenders face robust penalties.”

The Dog Trust has already given advice on how parents should teach their children about dog safety:

  • Don’t go near a dog you don’t know
  • Only pat or play with a dog if they have asked the owner
  • Never leave young children unsupervised with any dog
  • Don’t let them tease their dog or play too roughly with it
  • Don’t go near or disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, ill or injured

But the government says there are no plans to make dog safety part of the national curriculum. The committee also found that schools were unprepared to teach this topic, resulting in patchy results across the UK. Charities say teaching material is readily available, but aren’t being taught consistently.

Some members of the committee argued that responsibility should lie on owners, not children. Tackling reckless and dangerous owners should be the focus point of education rather than in schools. Charities and even police forces should take on owners whose dogs are deemed high risk or who have been involved in previous attacks.

So what do you think? Should children be given training across the board to combat any risk? Or do you think children are ok as is?